The game: Panthers at Patriots
The beer: Von Trapp Schwarz Schwarzbier
The result: Win, 42–13
The record: 2–2
The headline: “I’m gonna make them pay.” – Dead Meadow, “The Queen of All Returns”

The commentary: On the subject of jobs, I think Marcus Jones’s as punt returner is pretty secure—put him in drag to make the song choice even more perfect.

(Also on the subject of jobs, I got laid off for the second time since 2020. Thanks again, Trump! You did that!)

I wasn’t as uptight after each team’s opening drive because I met friends for lunch in New Hampshire, followed by another Magic Mobile performance (“The Wizard” was left out of this set but Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day” made the cut, minus every offensive stanza). Returning to the brewpub afterward I couldn’t help but notice the good guys were already up eight early in the second quarter and in complete control—thus, the NFL+ replay that evening felt like an old-school win. I loved it.

Rhamondre Stevenson check: nine rushes, thirty-eight yards, zero fumbles. We should have traded him after the Dolphins game.

Up next: Pats! Bills! Tonight, live! Monday morning, replay! Cheers!