Why NFL Preseason Matters + Bezos’ Historic First Sports Deal
The Pulse Newsletter: Your Guide to NFL Preseason & Weekend Sports
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Why We Watch: How to Actually Enjoy NFL Preseason Games
Football is back on TV! But wait—these games don’t count toward records or stats. So why watch? Because the preseason is secretly useful if you know how to watch. Think of it like a "behind-the-scenes" look at how teams really work.
Important: The preseason isn’t about who wins. It’s about gathering clues for the real season.
Three Expert Ways to Watch (Like a Pro)
1. Watch Like a Scout — Ted Nguyen’s Method
Ted watches for skills that transfer to real games, not flashy highlights.
What to look for:
- Young Quarterbacks: Can they run the offense before the snap? Do they throw on rhythm (not just scrambling)?
- Growth Over Time: One good game ≠ superstar. Check if they’ve been consistent in practice too.
- Example: Carson Beck looked great in the Hall of Fame game, but beat reporters say he’s been up-and-down at practice. Context matters!
2. Watch for Fantasy Football Gold — Jake Ciely’s Method
Jake ignores the scoreboard. He watches who plays, where, and with whom.
Your checklist:
- Snap counts: How many plays does a player get?
- Formations: Are they lined up wide? In the slot? In the backfield?
- Starting units: Are they playing with the starters or backups?
- Scheme changes: New offensive coordinator? New system? Watch how players fit.
3. Watch for the Rookies — Dave Helman’s Method
Simple rule: Rookies play a lot in preseason. Veterans barely play.
Why this works:
- Rookies need reps to learn.
- Some will be stars very soon.
- You’re basically getting a sneak peek at next year’s breakout players.
Real-Life Example: De’Zhaun Stribling (49ers WR)
| Why He Matters | The Evidence |
|---|---|
| Drafted early | Pick #33 overall (April 2026) |
| Elite traits | 6’2", 207 lbs, 4.36 speed (that’s fast) |
| Camp superstar | Dominated training camp practices |
| Preseason proof | 7 catches on 8 targets, 63 yards vs. starting Titans corners |
| Consistency | Great in camp → Great in game = Real deal |
Fantasy Alert: High targets + limited snaps + playmaking + strong offseason = Preseason riser. Draft him!
News to Know
RIP Skip Bertman — College Baseball Legend
- Who: LSU baseball coach (1984–2001) → LSU Athletic Director
- Legacy: 5 national titles, 41 players made MLB
- Impact: Turned college baseball into a major sport
- Bonus: As AD, oversaw 2 BCS football titles (Saban & Miles)
- Read the full story & watch his famous "bent nickel" speech
Quick Hits: Around the Sports World
- NFL: Falcons rookie James Pearce Jr. suspended 8 games (felony arrest)
- WNBA: Caitlin Clark (29 pts) vs. Paige Bueckers (29 pts) — instant classic
- MLB: CJ Abrams (Nationals All-Star) moving from SS → 2B (he’s not thrilled)
- MLB: Shohei Ohtani threw a bullpen Friday — could pitch again this season!
- Golf: Scottie Scheffler shoots 61 (6 birdies in first 7 holes!) — leads FedEx St. Jude
- CFB: Ohio State doing "Senior Day" in Week 1 (not vs. Michigan) — unusual!
- Soccer: Jeff Bezos buys minority stake in Liverpool — first pro sports investment
- Flag Football: USA’s 14-year unbeaten streak ENDS — lost to American Samoa (QB: Taulia Tagovailoa, Tua’s brother)
- NFL: Seahawks sign Terrion Arnold (released by Lions after arrest) — coach explains why
- NBA: Dennis Schröder traded to Hornets (12th team in 14 years ) — Cavs clear cap space for Peyton Watson
Weekend Watch Guide
| Game/Show | Time (ET) | Channel | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Fever Pitch: Rise of the Premier League" | Anytime | Paramount+ | How English soccer went from "slum sport" → global juggernaut |
| Brewers @ Dodgers | 7:15 PM | Fox | Jacob Misiorowski (must-watch pitcher) vs. Dodgers’ shaky bullpen |
| Lynx @ Aces | 8:00 PM | CBS | WNBA title favorites, primetime Saturday — elite basketball |
Pulse Picks — Staff Favorites
- Leadership lessons: 11 pro athletes share the #1 trait for great leaders
- Trivia time: Test your sports IQ with this week’s quiz
- Film nerd corner: Always for Pleasure (1978 doc on NOLA culture) → led to 5-disc Criterion collection binge
- Wild true crime: Ex-NFL super agent accused of orchestrating a murder decades ago
- Free NYC fun: Larry O’Brien Trophy (NBA title) on display at Museum of Natural History
- Kit rankings: MLS Archive Collection reviewed — justice for Austin FC?
- Music: New Phoebe Bridgers album — four words: listen to it
- College chaos: Jayden Daniels / LSU / NIL / jersey number mess — all your FAQs answered
- Board games: GenCon 2026 highlights — 5 games Wirecutter is excited to test
Yesterday’s most-clicked: The Field of Dreams game fan experience
Summary
- Preseason football ≠ meaningless. Watch for: QB operation, snap counts/formations, rookie reps, consistency (camp → game).
- De’Zhaun Stribling (49ers) = preseason standout with real fantasy value.
- Skip Bertman (LSU legend) passes at 88 — transformed college baseball & LSU athletics.
- Weekend viewing: Premier League doc, Misiorowski vs. Dodgers, Lynx-Aces WNBA showdown.
- Pulse Picks cover leadership, trivia, film, true crime, free NYC trophy viewing, kits, music, college drama, board games.
FAQ
1. Do preseason games count for anything?
No — they don’t affect standings, stats, or playoff seeding. But they reveal how players/coaches think, who’s earning roles, and which rookies are ready.
2. Why do experts say "watch rookies" in preseason?
Veterans barely play (injury risk). Rookies need live reps to learn. You’re seeing their first real NFL snaps — some will be stars by October.
3. What’s a "vanilla scheme"?
Basic, standard plays — no trickery, no complex game-planning. Teams hide their real stuff. So ignore the scheme, watch the player skills.
4. How can preseason help my fantasy team?
Track snap counts with starters, formation usage, and target shares. A rookie getting 1st-team reps in Week 2? That’s a huge signal.
5. Who was Skip Bertman and why does he matter?
He built LSU baseball into a 5-time national champ, sent 41 players to MLB, then as AD hired Nick Saban & Les Miles (2 football titles). He created modern college baseball’s popularity.
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Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow with more sports insight.