Everybody makes mistakes. All of us in the sports community, no matter how knowledgeable, have had statements or opinions blow up in our face. Whether fueled by personal bias, swept up in the heat of the moment or just being plain wrong. We’ve laid out some hot takes we wish we could take back. The important thing though, is that we admit it, and make out amends. That’s what this page is for. Here is where all members of the Talent Alone staff will own up to our mistakes, and post our official apology letters to those who we doubted. If you have some sports takes that aged like spoiled milk and want to make amends, feel free to reach out. This is a safe space. Hit us up on social media or send us an email. If the apology seems warranted you can officially clear your conscience.
* For full effect we recommend reading these apology letters in the voice of Morgan Freeman or Abe Lincoln
09-16-2023
Dear Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes,and the Detroit Lions,
I hope this letter finds you well, and does not interrupt Dan Campbell while he double fists cold brew and gnaws at knee caps. I’m writing to apologize for doubting your draft strategy. I thought you not only reached, but passed on better options in the 2023 NFL draft. With pick twelve of the first round you selected Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs. I was dumbfounded. What year were you drafting in? A RB so early in round one not named Bijan didn’t make sense. I felt the pick would’ve been better used to improve your poor defense. Especially in your secondary that gave up the third most yards to opposing QBs. However, you somehow had the foresight to know that Alabama defensive back, Brian Branch, would fall into your lap at pick fourteen of the second round. Meanwhile, Gibbs averaged 6 yds a carry and showed his dynamic potential in your season opening victory. While the pick seemed a reach, you knew his skill set would be needed. This was proven as we watched lead back, David Montgomery, average an unimpressive 3.5 yds on his 26 carries.
You returned to the podium during round one and selected Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at eighteen instead of former Georgia Bulldog, Nolan Smith. I still question that choice, but I did not find it as egregious as what you would do next. Early in day two of the draft, with the third pick of round two, you selected tight end Sam Laporta out of the University of Iowa. You passed over Notre Dame standout Michael Mayer. The man who in three years as a member of the Fighting Irish, set school tight end records in yards and touchdowns, scoring 18 times. On top of that, Mayer was considered the best blocking TE of his class. Despite all that, you made Laporta the second player at his position off the board. The former Hawkeye was labeled a blocking liability, and despite being considered predominantly a receiving TE, scored just 5 touchdowns in his 4 year college career. During your week one win over the defending champions Laporta began his journey to put my foot in my mouth. While he didn’t set Arrowhead Stadium on fire, he did have most active rookie tight end debut. He hauled in all 5 of his targets and picked up two first downs. While only asked to pass block five times, he posted an impressive 80.4 PFF grade while doing so, and has quickly found a role in your offense. While the sample size is small, it appears I may have been wrong to judge you so harshly.
Sincerely, Mike Regan of Talent Alone
P.S. Tell the Sun God I said hi.
