Every-Thing Sports

Where does your city fit when it comes to the psychology of the fan base?

Eagles fans, we have a category for you. Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Saturday, I replied to a tweet from Bomani Jones. He quoted a tweet from Yahoo Sports about the Toronto Raptors pregame video. The video was basically a thumb to the nose at previous Raptors players, while serving as homage to Kawhi Leonard. That being said, the idea of the psychology of sports cities has always been debated as a fascinating topic. So here’s my attempt at explaining this topic.

First up, you have “The Bluebloods.” These cities think because of their history, they are superior to all other sports cities. This big brother complex often leads to foolish statements by fans of these cities. They also suffer from team colored glasses and believe it’s their right to be seen as a constant contender. I’m looking at you New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Tuscaloosa, Columbus, and Chicago.

Next, you have the Cinderellas. These cities have only recently won a title, only have one title, or could have won a title long ago. Either way, these cities were longshots that overcame the odds to win, but don’t have a rich winning history. They often display little brother complex and can get quite snippy with the Bluebloods. New Orleans, Tampa, Cleveland, Miami and Clemson, will you please stand and be acknowledged.

There’s always the loud mouth has-been or never-was uncle in every family who all too often proclaims his greatness on some minor scale of life. Whether it was recalling a fabled performance in an obscure high school game long ago, or touting his letterman jacket, showing off his ancient relic trophies, or talking about the time he almost (fill in the blank),  this uncle’s feats are rotary dial phone old. So Dallas, Green Bay, Atlanta, Lincoln, Notre Dame, Austin, and Lexington, will you guys please come get your pagers, flip phones and VHS tapes.

Last but not least, there are the babies. These are your aunt’s kids who are the youngest cousins that are privileged and get away with anything. They are spoiled because of the tech boom their dad took advantage of and are now the new “it kids.” It’s hit or miss whether you like them or not. They have either taken their privilege and made the most of it, or they have squandered the opportunities afforded to them. A couple of them are cool, but some are brats who have too much and like to show off. Will Oakland, Houston, and Philly please respond to our DMs or we’ll be forced to release the screenshot of that text where you called your mom and dad those ugly names.

Of course most of you will disagree with where your city is on this list. Heck, some of you will wonder why your city isn’t on this list. Some of you may even feel like some of these cities can fall into a couple categories. Guess what? You’re ALL right! I’m not here to ague or debate. I just want to spark a discussion. If you ever have a bone to pick with me, I’m an easy man to find on Twitter.

 

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The Texans host the Steelers at NRG this Sunday. Composite Getty Image.

What: Texans vs. Steelers

When: 10/1 12pm CST kickoff

Where: Houston, TX NRG Stadium

TV/Radio: KHOU-TV, KILT-Radio

Betting Lines: Steelers -2.5 (-120), O/U 42 (-110) *As of this writing

The Watt Brother Bowl takes place on Sunday. I'm calling it that because the Texans are honoring their all-time great J.J. while they're playing his younger brother and current hell raising edge rusher for the Steelers T.J. The Steelers have won four of the last five matchups vs. the Texans by an average score of 28-17. The biggest difference is that the Steelers have a second year starter at quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and the Texans have a rookie in C.J. Stroud. When you look at the two quarterbacks, both organizations have full faith in each guy. Both teams have tried to build a defense to help their young signal callers. Both are still trying to surround their franchise guys with weapons.

When the Steelers have the ball: Here's a game where Will Anderson Jr can make headway as a proven EDGE. Stacking consistent performances together and helping your team win games by making winning plays. It helps that Pickett has tiny hands. This was a knock on him during draft season last year. Hand size for a quarterback impacts grip. That can not only impact accuracy, but it could make it easier to strip the ball from him.

While he doesn't have the weapons to torch this defense, Pickett does hand the ball off to Najee Harris who's more than capable. Averaging only 67 yards rushing as a team can't be taken lightly. Denzel Perryman is expected to miss the game Sunday, so hopefully that won't help jumpstart the Steelers' run game. The Texans defense will have to key in on the run, given that they average giving up 117 a game on the ground. Those aforementioned weapons may not be scary, but the injuries to the defensive backs has hurt. Tavierre Thomas is expected to miss the game recovering from hand surgery. Jimmie Ward coming back last week showed what happens when they have a top safety back there, especially when the pass rush is turning up. Hopefully, the Texans can capitalize again this week, with safety Jalen Pitre expected to return to action.

When the Texans have the ball: Good luck stopping Tank Dell and Stroud! These guys have already established themselves as a formidable duo three games into their careers. A great way to get that connection going is to pound the rock. The Steelers are giving up over 150 yards on the ground per game so far this season. That's also a good way to keep T.J. at bay while J.J. watches. With Laremy Tunsil and Josh Jones both expected to miss the game, here are the offensive line starters: Austin Deculus, Kendrick Green, Jarrett Patterson, Shaq Mason, and George Fant.

Making the younger Watt brother slow down a bit instead of going balls to the wall after Stroud because a run could be coming will help the pass game tremendously. Stroud will have to continue to make quick decisions, but even quicker this game. I wouldn't be surprised to see his first pick of his career here, given the pressure he's most likely to be under. Especially when your offensive line starters were mostly all backups to begin this season.

Outcome: I failed to place a money line bet on the Texans last week because the game started and the live bet wasn't as profitable. I wanted to take a chance on them given their recent record against the Jags. Looking at their last five vs. the Steelers, one would say why make that bet this week? It's because I believe in Stroud more than I believe in Pickett. While T.J. Watt is a different kind of monster, Will Anderson Jr is on his way to becoming something special. Texans win/cover, and hit the over, but barely: Texans 24, Steelers 20.

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