Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode, Anne and l look ahead to the NFL Playoffs, talk about the Hoosiers advancing in the college football playoffs, and give you all a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card if you win our group in the ESPN Pigskin Bracket Challenge.
CLICK PLAYER ABOVE TO LISTEN TO OUR NFL PLAYOFF PREVIEW
ENTER OUR ESPN GROUP TO MAKE YOUR PICKS FOR THE NFL BRACKET CHALLENGE. THE GROUP NAME IS TORG STORIES NFL PLAYOFF CHALLENGE. SEE LINK BELOW:
Click here to make your NFL Playoff Picks and join our Torg Stories 2026 NFL Playoff Challenge. The winner of the group will win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
Personally, I’m excited that the Panthers are division champs and headed for the playoffs. As for Anne, her alma mater–the Indiana Hoosiers!–are in the final four of the college football playoffs. Anne, you say you’re jumping on the bandwagon?
Let’s start with this. When you look at the final NFL Standings, what are your…
Biggest surprises of being good: Seahawks 14-3 #1 seed with Sam Darnold. Broncos 14-3 with second year QB Bo Nix
Biggest disappointments: Bengals going 6-11 is pretty bad. Raiders going 3-14 with Pete Carroll. Commanders were bad 5-12 after a good year. Lions missing the playoffs.
Something you really missed when it came to your preseason expectations? I thought the Chiefs would continue to be good, and they missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record.
Anything you nailed by being really right? I was early all in on the Pats to win the division and they did. My bet on the Panthers to win the division was just a flyer on being a fan. I thought Rogers would be much better than he was for the Jets and that they could make the playoffs.
Panthers lose to Tampa Bay Buccaneers but still make the playoffs.
Panthers botched a flea flicker 1st and 10 on the Tampa twenty down 16-7.
My basketball camp stick with what’s working
Haven’t heard a more detailed explanation of what was supposed to happen
Falcons needed to beat the Saints.
Alford with a big interception late.
Canales said his phone was blowing up after the game, including a short call with team owner David Tepper, who made the playoffs for the first time since he purchased the Panthers in 2018. (from ESPN)
Let’s pick first round playoff games against the spread. What should our bet be? We decided our bet was that the loser of the first round picks had to supply the $50 Amazon Gift Card for the bracket challenge contest.
Rams at Panthers Sat at 4:30 with the Rams favored by 10.5 points.
Anne Rams, Bill Panthers
Packers at Bears Sat 8PM with Packers favored by 1.5 points.
Anne Bears, Bill Packers
Bills at Jaguars Sun at 1PM with Bills favored by 1.5.
Anne Bills, Bill Bills
San Francisco at Philly at 4:30 on Sunday with Eagles favored by 3.5.
Anne Eagles, Bill San Francisco
Chargers at Pats Sun 8PM with Pats favored by 3.5 pts.
Anne and Bill Pats
Texans at Pittsburgh Monday night 8:15 with Texans favored by 3.5 pts.
Anne and Bill Steelers
We invite everyone to compete in the ESPN Pigskin Bracket Challenge with us. Anne and I will go over our brackets now. Click here to join our group.
NFL Week 3 Chaos: Eagles’ Wild Finish, Fever Upset Aces and Torg Game Ball Winners
Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! On this episode, we’re looking at Sunday’s NFL Week 3 Games, Looking Ahead to Week 4, and Finishing Up with the WNBA Final Four. Anne, I asked you to come up with some headlines from yesterday’s games. Give me your first one!
NFL Headlines from Sunday, Sept 21, 2025:Â
1. Eagles vs. Rams: Philly Special Teams Steal a W
A wild comeback game in Philadelphia ended with a special teams touchdown that you’ll have to see to believe. The Eagles were down 26-7 in the third quarter before scoring 26 unanswered points to seal the victory.
Key Stats: Jalen Hurts had 226 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. A.J. Brown led all receivers with 109 yards and a touchdown.
Play of the Game: With the Eagles up 27-26 and time expiring, Rams kicker Joshua Karty attempted a game-winning 44-yard field goal. But Eagles DT Jordan Davis broke through the line, blocked the kick, and then rumbled 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired to secure the 33-26 win.
What the win meant: The Eagles move to 3-0 on the season and look like a true NFC powerhouse. For the Rams, this loss stings and drops them to 2-1, but the late-game drama shouldn’t overshadow the fact they held a commanding lead for much of the game.
2. Bears vs. Cowboys: Caleb Williams is D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S
The young Bears QB put on a show against a tough Dallas defense, cementing his status as a top-tier quarterback and giving Chicago fans plenty to be excited about.
Key Stats: Caleb Williams had a career-high 142.6 passer rating, throwing for multiple touchdowns to a variety of receivers. Rookie WR Luther Burden III had 101 receiving yards on just three catches, including a 65-yard touchdown. The Bears defense also forced four turnovers.
Play of the Game: A 65-yard flea-flicker touchdown from Caleb Williams to rookie WR Luther Burden III in the third quarter, which stretched the lead and showcased the explosive potential of the Chicago offense.
What the win meant: This was a statement win for the Bears, who are now 2-1 and looking like a legitimate playoff contender. For the Cowboys, it’s a significant setback, dropping them to 1-2 and raising questions about their offensive consistency.
3. Jets vs. Buccaneers: New York’s Heartbreak Hotel
The Jets’ quest for their first win came agonizingly close, with a blocked field goal for a touchdown, before a last-second field goal spoiled the party and sent them to 0-3.
Key Stats: The Buccaneers are now 3-0. Baker Mayfield orchestrated a final drive to get into field goal range. Jets pass rusher Will McDonald IV had a blocked field goal touchdown.
Play of the Game: The Jets’ Will McDonald IV blocked a 43-yard Buccaneers field goal attempt with just under two minutes left in the game and returned it for a 50-yard touchdown, giving the Jets a shocking 27-26 lead.
What the win meant: The Buccaneers continue their undefeated season, but not without some serious scares. For the Jets, this loss is a huge blow to their morale and playoff hopes. Being 0-3 makes their path to a winning record incredibly difficult.
4. Packers vs. Browns: A Kick to the Gut for Green Bay
In a defensive battle, the Packers and Browns exchanged blows, with the game coming down to a final field goal attempt that was met with a brutal twist.
Key Stats: The Browns’ defense blocked a potential game-winning field goal from the Packers with 27 seconds left. The Packers’ running back Josh Jacobs extended his franchise record to 10 straight games with a touchdown. The Browns’ kicker Andre Szmyt hit a 55-yard walk-off field goal.
Play of the Game: After the blocked field goal, Browns kicker Andre Szmyt calmly nailed a 55-yard field goal as time expired to give the Browns a stunning 13-10 victory.
What the win meant: A massive upset for the Browns, who move to 2-1. This is a tough pill for the Packers to swallow, as they drop to 2-1 after looking like one of the league’s most dominant teams through two weeks.
5. Seahawks vs. Saints: Seattle’s Special Teams Are More Than Just Hot Coffee
The Seahawks put on a clinic in all three phases of the game, with their special teams unit delivering two of the most explosive plays of the day.
Key Stats: The Seahawks’ offense scored on their first seven possessions. Punter Michael Dickson’s first punt came in the fourth quarter. The Saints were held to just 13 points, with their star RB Alvin Kamara only managing 42 rushing yards.
Play of the Game: Rookie Tory Horton’s 95-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, which was not only the longest punt return in Seahawks history, but also helped set the tone for the 44-13 blowout.
What the win meant: The Seahawks are now 2-1 and look like a formidable force in the NFC. For the Saints, this is a painful loss, as they drop to 0-3 and are now in a deep hole to start the season.
NFL Categories Segment: Anne and I pick from a list of categories and share our selection:
Game balls:Â
Rogers passes Favre for all time TD passes.Â
Coach Dan Quinn takes the hit, cracks his skin on his nose, bleeds, and pops up to keep coaching.Â
Eagles Davis blocks game winning field goal attempt and returns for a TD.Â
A’ja Wilson becomes WNBA first 4 time MVP winner.Â
Play of the day:Â
Browns block game winning field goal try by Packers. Â
I’m in…
Dynamic kickoff. Working great!Â
I’m out…
On the Eagles. Mostly the tush push.Â
Best uniforms this week… (or helmets)Â
Panthers black matte helmets. Stripe across the top. Panther graphic in turquoise. (helmets often silver)Â
Old school center hiking it on Patriots helmet. Red uniforms. Patriots in the end zone looked like Red Sox font. Reminded me of the 1985 Bears Super Bowl!Â
Bucs looking like TN. Orange, also the stripe in the top, orange on white.Â
What were they thinking?Â
Colts timeout. Titans timeout. Titans delay of game. MIssed Titans field goal.Â
The Packers quarterback Love INT for Packers w 3 mins to go up 10-3.Â
Holy Cow AwardÂ
Herbert gets away from a potential sack, runs to his left and throws with right hand side arm for a 20-yard touchdown as he’s hit.Â
What were they thinking…
How many fumbles for Pats? 5 turnovers. Don’t get the last 4th and 2 on a screen pass.Â
Anne, before we do Colts Corner, I have a new announcement:
“For all our show notes and information on upcoming episodes, visit TheTorg.com. If you’re a brand or business that believes in what we do, we’d love to partner with you to help share your story.”
Colts Corner:
Is this the best start for the Colts in a long time?
The Colts beat the Titans 41-20, improving to 3-0 for the first time since 2009, a season when Peyton Manning led them to the AFC Championship. This is a huge statement win for the team, especially against an AFC South rival.
How much credit does Jonathan Taylor deserve for this 3-0 start?
Jonathan Taylor was the star of the show, running for 102 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. This performance helped him break a 38-year-old franchise record for rushing yards through the first three games of a season, previously held by Eric Dickerson.
We learned that Daniel Jones is off to a fantastic start with the Colts.
Through three games, he has an impressive 111.7 passer rating, has completed over 71% of his passes for over 800 yards, and has thrown three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He’s also been tough under pressure and has made big plays, like his 29-yard cross-body throw against the Titans.
What should we expect in Week 4 against the Rams?
The Colts’ next game is a tough road test against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. With the Rams coming off a devastating comeback loss to the Eagles, they’ll be fired up and looking to prove they’re still a contender.
The Blocked Kick Segment:
Three different games featured a blocked field goal on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Here is the list, ranked from most important to least important in terms of its impact on the final outcome of the game.
1. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Significance: This block was the most important because it directly resulted in a game-winning, walk-off touchdown. After mounting a furious comeback, the Eagles were clinging to a one-point lead as the Rams’ kicker lined up for a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal. Eagles DT Jordan Davis broke through the line, blocked the kick, and then returned it 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired to secure the 33-26 victory. This was the Eagles’ second blocked field goal of the game.
2. Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns
Significance: This block was critical because it prevented the Packers from winning and set up the Browns for their own game-winning kick. With 27 seconds left and the score tied, Packers kicker Brandon McManus lined up for a go-ahead 43-yard field goal. Browns DT Shelby Harris blocked the kick, which allowed the Browns to take over possession and drive into position for a walk-off 55-yard field goal to win the game.
3. New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Significance: The Jets’ blocked field goal was significant because it capped a stunning fourth-quarter comeback and gave them a late lead. With the Jets down by seven points with less than two minutes to play, their special teams unit blocked a Buccaneers field goal attempt and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to take a one-point lead. However, the Jets’ defense couldn’t hold on, and the Buccaneers drove down the field to win the game with a last-second field goal.
Next Week’s Biggest Games:
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
Why it’s a big game: This is a potential AFC Championship preview and a battle of two of the league’s best quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. The Ravens are coming off a big win and are a favorite to win the AFC, and the Chiefs will be looking to re-assert their dominance after a tough Week 3 loss.
2. Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why it’s a big game: This is a battle of two undefeated NFC powerhouses. Both teams had a dramatic, down-to-the-wire win in Week 3, and the winner will get a leg up in the race for the top spot in the conference. The game has a lot of star power and is a rematch of their exciting Week 3 game from last season.
3. Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams
Why it’s a big game: This is a fascinating matchup of two teams with a lot to prove. The Colts are surprisingly 3-0 and will look to validate their hot start against a strong NFC opponent. Meanwhile, the Rams are looking to rebound from a devastating and improbable loss to the Eagles and prove they can still be a top contender.
Bill’s Bets From Week 3 and How He Did:Â
1-0. Bills in survivor pool to beat Dolphins. Vikings losing to the Falcons last week put me out of one of my two pools.Â
1-1. Rogers 200 passing yards and 2 TDs was +124. Rogers didn’t get the passing yards.Â
2-1. Colts moneyline to beat the Titans and Daniel Jones to go 175 yards passing with a 50% profit boost was +126. Win!Â
2-2. Raiders moneyline to beat the Commanders was +134. Raiders lose.Â
2-3. Rams +100 to win with 1:48 to go. Lose on blocked kick.Â
3-3 win. Fever to be at least within 8 and Mitchell to score 15 was -102. Mitchell 34 points.Â
3-4. Lose. Lynx to beat Mercury and Collier to score 25 was +209. Collier had 18.
3-5. Lose. Cowboys moneyline to beat Bears. +150
4-5. Win. Chargers moneyline to beat Broncos +118Â
4-6. Cardinals moneyline less than 2 mins to go. -138.Â
4-7. Loss. Chiefs moneyline, Mahomes 2 TD passes and 200 yards. +210. Mahomes only had one TD pass.Â
Indiana Fever 89, Las Vegas Aces 73
Why the Fever won: The Fever’s offense was incredibly efficient, shooting 50% from the field compared to the Aces’ 40.8%. Indiana also had a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Aces 28-19 to extend their lead and take control of the game.
Key individual performances: Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell was unstoppable, scoring a playoff-career-high 34 points on 52.2% shooting. For the Aces, the newly-crowned four-time MVP A’ja Wilson was held to just 16 points and shot a terrible 27.3% from the field.
What to watch for in Game 2: The Aces must find a way to contain Kelsey Mitchell and get A’ja Wilson more involved and efficient on offense. The Fever, meanwhile, will need to prove their upset was no fluke and that they can continue their hot shooting.
Minnesota Lynx 82, Phoenix Mercury 69
Why the Lynx won: Despite trailing at halftime, the Lynx used a strong defensive effort in the second half, holding the Mercury to just 22 total points. Minnesota’s dominant fourth quarter, where they outscored Phoenix 23-10, sealed the victory.
Key individual performances: Lynx guard Courtney Williams was instrumental in the win, scoring a game-high 23 points and adding five steals on the night. For the Mercury, leading scorer Satou Sabally was held to just 10 points.
What to watch for in Game 2: Phoenix needs to find its offensive rhythm again after a brutal second half. The Mercury dominated the paint early on but struggled after halftime, so they must make adjustments to find ways to score against the suffocating Lynx defense.
Anne, we’ve got our new announcement:
“For all our show notes and information on upcoming episodes, visit TheTorg.com. If you’re a brand or business that believes in what we do, we’d love to partner with you to help share your story.”
We talk the highs and lows of sports, the NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 10 on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast.
Some of my lows in sports:
Loss to Wabash as the coach at North Miami in the sectional semi final when I was at North Miami.
A loss to Winamac when I coached at North Miami.
Back to back threes against top ranked Illinois Wesleyan as a player in the first half and didn’t get to play in the second half. Lots of really dark days walking to the ONU cafeteria after not playing for Olivet.
Dad camera man yelling at me across the court as I coached a travel league game. Lots of travel ball coaching lows.
High Moments in Sports:
Shot by Jason Yocum to win for North Miami at Culver Military at the buzzer.
2003 boys state championship as an assistant coach at Vance High School
Bailey Taft three on a baseline out of bounds play with a few seconds to go to coaching at Greenwood to beat Decatur Central.
Come from behind win for Watauga over North Wilkes, whose only regular season loss was to us and then they lost in the state championship.
Another come from behind win for Watauga 50-38 over Myers Park to advance to the NC final four.
Question for discussion: Rebecca asks the owners how much money they really need? Some of the impacts of money on games:
The length of the NBA season, the games, and the best of 7 playoff games.
The NFL (for example the Colts) August 9th first preseason to the last week of January playing once a week, something like 20 weeks before the playoffs. Super Bowl Feb 8th adding another 4 weeks. (25-ish weeks)
NBA: Pacers October 8 preseason to April 13 last game. (26-ish weeks) with NBA Finals starting June 8 lasting through the 22nd. (8 more weeks) So two months longer.
Could the NBA close the gap popularity wise playing 50 games and shortening the playoffs? How much money does anyone really need?
Hope the W can avoid thinking they need to have all best of 7 series and 82 games.
Is there still a David to Goliath in sports?
For me in basketball, the conference winners who receive automatic bids in NCAA give us that a little bit.
Do I care how much more difficult it is for App State to compete with North Carolina in football and basketball?
Regional over National Conferences.
8 classes in NC basketball.
I was emotionally touched a couple of times in this episode of Ted Lasso. I want to try and analyze the writing and acting. How do shows and film move us emotionally? To help, what moved me in this episode:
Jaimie’s gift to Roy at the Uncle’s Day Party. Realization of best friends. The thoughtfulness of the gift.
Rebecca’s story to the owners about Rupert sneaking in, how much the teams means to the fans.
Ms. Bowen tells Roy he looks unstuck.
Jamie wears Sam’s number for international play.
Nate’s dad tells him he’s brilliant.
Akufo’s argument about phones and cars mine for AI. Where are the flaws in that?
Notes for Ted lasso Season 3, Episode 10: International Break
Richmond 10 game winning streak. Sam.
Nate resigns. International break.
Ted comes in after win and they announce international teams. Coach says we all contain multitudes. What multitudes?
Dani Rojas morphs into a different player. Sam is stiffed. “I am not your bro.”
What do you think of Nathan resigning?
Higgins comes in. Edwin Akufu back in town. Is this Super League a thing? College football? David’s could cease to exist all together. Rupert is “The Devil” on Rebecca’s phone.
Jade is going to Poland for a few days. Nate ends up going to his parents house.
Can I make a list of best scenes?
Keeley has her funding pulled at KJPR.
How did you like Dani as a hard butt? crushes Van Damme’s chips in the bag.
Beard calls Nate the Wonder Turd. Where are you at with Karma? Beard would say, Hey Annie Baby!!!
Why did we get this moment with Sam and Rebecca with her saying she thinks he’s wonderful?
Rupert waiting in Rebecca’s office for her. Akufo
Love the Uncle’s Day Party! Phoebe invites Roy’s best friend Jamie to the party. Where is Phoebe’s dad? Emotional scene because it’s perfect and thoughtful. Phoebe gives Roy a tie dyed shirt.
Akufu books a bunch of fake reservations. Brings a food blogger from the NY Times. Akufu can do a lot of voices. He paid off the Nigerian government to keep Sam off the team. LOL: Francis does the pull his hand shake. Slug bugs… Hurts Donut.
What is a Chicago style hot dog?
Nate can’t sleep and goes to his parents’ house. Nate’s mom just wants him to eat.
Rebecca and Higgins. What happened to the kids in Willy Wonka?
Keeley drinking in the pub. Has a little talk with Mae. The Midas shits. Shit helps things grow, Love. It’s hard though, being the boss?
Once you make it to the top of the mountain, what’s left for you but lighting? (what does that mean?)
Team watches international play. Dani kicks a ball into Van Damme’s nose on purpose. Rebecca: we get the matchbook, we get the toy soldier. Touching: Rebecca does her little girl puffing herself up thing. Women working in a men’s workplace. Finally imagines them as little boys.
Keeley buys a snow globe for Barbara.
Ms. Leann Bowen the teacher. She says Roy looks different. He looks lighter. Less stuck. Emotional moment. I don’t mind cleaning up a mess. I just hope that mess didn’t cause too much damage. Roy thinks of Keeley.
Barbara says she likes clothes that tell the truth. Juicy.
Top 5 or 10 scene of the whole show? Rebecca speech at the Akufo meeting.
“Never talk business on an empty stomach.” Chicago style hot dogs as enjoyed by the likes of Scottie Pippen, MJ, and Obama: Place hot dog in steamed bun. Pile on toppings in this order: mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt. The tomato wedges should be nestled between hot dog and top of bun on one side. Place pickle between hot dog and bottom of bun on the other side.
Montage of Nate looking through his childhood things.
Akufo kicks out the Russian. Pull the door joke.
Nate plays the violin and it’s the background. Beautiful song. He’s really playing the violin and it was his childhood violin. Nick’s insta: OK so this ep of #TedLasso is special for lots of reasons… but mostly because it’s my *incredible* wife playing the piano to Arvo Pärt’s ‘Spiegel im Spiegel’ with me on my old violin from home! The piece was Jason’s idea: literally translates as ‘mirror in mirror’
Rebecca: how much more money do you really need. Football isn’t just a game. Jamie wears Sam’s number. Christmas morning the next. Tells a story about Rupert from when he was different. Just because we own these teams doesn’t mean they belong to us. Have I lost access to that part of myself? Akufo loses it, as he has been doing.
Nate and his dad have a talk. He believes Nate is a genius. You’re brilliant son. Actor has tears in his eyes. I just want my son to be happy. What makes Nate happy? What should Nate do?
Rupert leans in to kiss Rebecca.
Roy goes to see Keeley. He has written her a tiny letter. “I was stuck. Stuck in my own shit.” I’m so sorry. I love you. Golden Star song plays.
Rebecca comes to see Keeley. You Keeley Jones are a bloody marvel. My money, my choice. Rebecca will fund Keeley. Keeley has slept with Roy.
Nate gets in and does the locker room. He leaves an apology note for Will.
Barbara comes back! “Done did me no good” songs plays.
Team is back together in the locker room.
Top moments in sports history.
Roy is going to tie dye shirts. Trent wears a Dolly Parton shirt and has a rainbow mug.
David Hockney.
Rebecca spits on Ted. Make a stand, before you fall. play football.
We had snow on Thursday. Late March snow! This weekend we Torgs went to Wilmington, North Carolina to watch Kate Sears play in the Carolinas Classic All Start game that features North Carolina versus South Carolina. We stayed at a Holiday Inn on Wrightsville Beach that we recommend. I went from scraping the car of ice to getting a little sunburn that afternoon at the beach. Wilmington made a good impression on us. My daughter Charlotte drove down from college to spend the night with us and go to the game. Then she came all the way back to Boone for a night. Charlotte, my daughter Izzy, and I got a workout in at App State before she headed back to college.
My men’s NCAA Bracket took big hits with St. John’s, who I picked to win it all, and North Carolina, who I picked to go to the Final Four, both losing. In the women’s bracket I picked UConn to beat South Carolina in the final. Next weekend, we’ve got the Watauga Women’s Basketball team banquet!
Thank you so much for checking out the podcast and the content on the site!
Best,
Torg
Podcast Notes:
Introduction to be read to open the podcast:
Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! This week we’re doing iconic sports venues, I’m going to talk about our trip to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, and we’re doing Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 3 in which the Zava starts playing with Richmond. Anne, I added a new feature to podcast. I wrote everyone a letter. Do you think anyone will visit the Torg.com to check it out?
Anne and Bill Life Snapshots:
Anne, give us a snapshot of life for you in LA:
Bill Snapshot:
Went to Wilmington, NC: what the beach is like, the hotel, the game, Charlotte came
Really bad Kentucky Fried Chicken stop on the way home.
NCAA tournament time: Men’s bracket: SJU and NC lose.
Women’s bracket: UConn over South Carolina was my pick.
Banquet is next week. Our sports banquets.
In the show Ted Lasso, the football team is Richmond. They are the Greyhounds, and their home pitch is the Dog Track. I thought that was a pretty good name. It made me want to ask you, what comes to mind when you think of iconic sports venues, either the name and/or the venue itself.
Madison Square Garden
Augusta National
Fenway Park
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Wimbleton (Southwest London)
Wrigley Field
Cameron Indoor
Lambeau Field
Boston Garden
Yankee Stadium
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 3 titled “4-5-1”
Lots of storylines loaded up in this episode:
Zava comes to the team. Lots of time passes and there’s a winning streak. Richmond–with Lasso, Rebecca and Zava–seem to be on a collision course with Nate the Great and Rupert. Zava doesn’t seem like Rodman anymore. Now I’m thinking James Hardin, Kawhi, Kyrie, Jimmy Butler. Who are the greats who probably live within the team with very different rules?
Jamie struggles with all of the attention Zava is getting. Roy offers to train him. Anne, anything worth getting up for at 4am? When have you been that motivated, sports or other?
We continue with the Collin story of being secretly gay and the last shot of the episode is Trent Crimm, the writer, seeing Collin kiss his boyfriend. What’s Trent to do here? Where is this headed?
Rebecca sees her mom’s psychic who has a vision of a green matchbook and Rebecca having a family. At the end, Sam hands her a green matchbook. What do you make of that?
Ted finds out that his ex-wife is now dating their marriage counselor.
Collin in bed. “Your body is temple.” “I know who Zava is.” boyfriend is off to Dubai. “I am a strong and capable man.” Runs into the trash cans. Restarted the intro.
Coaches, who do they sit? Who gets moved out of the front? Jamie or Dani? One of the tricky parts of coaching. Starters. What spot? They do all time favorite Julie Andrews characters. Love lists. Not our wheelhouse Anne.
Jaimie comes in. Special treatment with big locker and comfy chair. Full house to watch practice. Zava not showing.
Shandy still involved. Higgins has a name ready in case he ever DJ’d: damage control. Higgins:
Zava meeting Ted: I am an empty vessel, filled with gold. I am your rock. Mold me. Nose to nose with Higgins.
Zava wears a white tee shirt with a sun on it. Fancy looking only members only jacket. Zava worked as a kit man at 11. Breath with me. Everyone joins. Zava can exhale for a very long time. “We are now one.” There is no me. There is no you. There is only “the we.” and “the us.”
Zava goes in the coaches’ office. Trent is there is his orange tee shirt. He moves the players around on the white board, bunches everyone on defense and himself on offense.
Rebecca goes to visit the psychic Tish. Awkward white Russian joke and then Tish made two.
Tish, the psychic, says to embrace the flaws and imperfections and in doing so create something stronger. They place their hands on the bowl. Psychic sees a green matchbook. She sees a vision of Rebecca upside down and she’s drenched. What do you think Rebecca’s reasoning for seeing a psychic would be? “You will have a family. You’re going to be a mother.” Hits Rebecca hard and she calls her cruel.
Ted asks Roy for the Wordle word. He gives him the wrong one.
Jamie comes in to talk to Ted about Zava. Beard calls him ironic. Jamie corrects him and says he’s being hypocritical. Do you want to take on Zava? (Durant, Hardin, Kyrie, Kawhi,
Pregame speech: Collin out for Zava. He keeps rolling with, “I am a strong and capable man.” All the while Zava meditating. Reminds me of the character that prays in Hoosiers. “I am ready.” We say that in our visualization.
Ted calls. Gets a Trump impression from Dr. Jacob. Pretty good impression. Ted finds out Jacob is around the house. (I did check Charlotte’s team’s score as I went in to talk to team vs. Lake Norman).
Ted faces panic attack. Zava scores off the opening pass back.
32.23 field.
Richmond climbs in the standings, from something like 17 to 9th. Brings new wave zen approach to the team. Ted checks out what Jacob is doing.
Rebecca is checking out matchbooks in her house. What is going on?
Jamie hasn’t scored.
In professional sports, is it only winning or is there a line? Actually, there really isn’t a problem with this winning and the team seems on board.
36:04. good image.
Looks like West Ham with Nate the Great and Rupert are on a collision course with Coach Lasso, Zava, and Rebecca.
Zava has muscles.
Sam opens his restaurant. It brings a lot of the main characters together. Sassy comes. Ted kind of wallowing in it. Jane arrives. Jamie wallowing in it too.
Roy offers to train Jamie. Starts the next morning at 4AM.
Anne went to the Pacers at Clippers game this week at Intuit in LA and we use Ted Lasso Season 2, Episode 11 to talk about cars we’d pick to start our fleet, name our favorite TV couples, and discuss if we’re any good at goodbyes. (hint: not really)
If money is no issue, what couple of automobiles do you want?
77 Trans Am with the eagle on it.
70 Chevelle
Carolina Blue G Wagon
Ford Raptor truck
Escalade / Mercedes van
Favorite TV couples?
Alex Keaten and Ellen Reed. Fox’s real wife Tracy Pollan. Bill Vera and the Beater’s song. Billy Vera and The Beaters “At this Moment.” What did you think I would do at this moment?
Seinfeld and Elaine count?
Jim and Pam
Maddie and David on Moonlighting
Notes and Discussion Questions for Ted Lasso “Midnight Train to Royston” from Season 2, Episode 11:
Crowd chanting. Sam scores a hat trick. At least Nate looked happy for him. Rebecca texts him congratulations. Collin drives a lime green Lambo. Anne, if money was no object, what are a couple autos you would pick?
Keeley has an interview and photoshoot with Vanity Fair. Ted comes in to Rebecca’s office. Dr. Sharon is leaving. Ted is collecting cash. Higgins comes in. Edwin Akufo owns Ghana tech firm. Inherits 1.2 billion pounds. He’s coming for a visit.
Nate and Beard in the office. Will the kit man brings in Nate’s suit. Roy comes in and asks if his eyebrows are crazy. Ted comes in coaches office. Nate has a new tactic, a false nine. Nate says here we go again. His idea and Coach Lasso gets all the credit. The forest is a socialist community.
Out on the pitch, the team is working on a goodbye dance for Dr. Sharon. Beard says, “The team is not NSYNCH.” The album, No Strings Attached. Edwin Akufu’s helicopter arrives. He has people who shake hands for him. Weighted blanket. “Chop it up with Ms. Welton,” Ted says. I said that in a team meeting the other day! Dramatic pause by Beard. “That was it!”
Rebecca, Ted, Keeley, Higgins, meet with Akufu in Rebecca’s office. He wants to buy Sam. Edwin wants Sam to play in Africa. “A sad white man is still a white man.” Sam comes in. Edwin is willing to shake Sam’s head. Higgins wrote a play about a footballer who eats at a museum.
Nate was waiting in Keeley’s office. He wants help picking out a suit.
Roy goes to pick up Phoebe from school but school is out. She draws breasts for some reason. There’s an art fundraiser. Reminds me of the Buckley fundraiser. He offers to help the teacher set up the art.
Rebecca comes in and tells Ted she had an affair with Sam. Limbo, Ted says, great party game but terrible relationship status. Ted says Sam and Rebecca are already one of his favorite TV couples. Anne, what are your favorite TV couples. Ted tells Rebecca to listen to her gut and on her way down to her gut to check in with her heart. Ted reminds Rebecca a year ago she told him she hired him so that he would fail. They agree to meet again next year. Third season!
At the clothing store with Nate and Keeley. Keeley does a Roy Kent impression. Nate has on a plaid suit. The seller is concerned the crotch is too loose. They check it out intensely.
Ted thinks he’s running into Sharon’s office but she has left and Higgins has returned to his office. He says he knows everyone’s birthday: Liam Neeson, Tina Turner, Chuck Norris, Sharon Stone, and Osama Bin Laden. Ted is angry about the letters. Higgins, “Don’t let-her get away with it Ted.” Ted comes running back in. Love it when this happens. Anne, how are you at goodbyes? Let’s try to remember some.
Edwin and Sam at the museum. Edwin bought the piece. Edwin wants to make things better. Banksy is there.
Nate settles on an all black suit. Nate asks, Do you ever want to be the boss? She is straightening his tie. She pumps him up about fighting hard for there dreams. Go for it, she says and Nate leans in for a kiss. At least he is very apologetic. Why does he need to spit there?
Roy is still talking to the teacher. Roy asks why the other classes pictures are shit? The best teachers are the toughest ones. Who were your best teachers? She asks if he’s married. Roy says no. How about Karen the teacher’s sweater? What is on there? Looked like popsicles.
Ted waits outside Sharon’s apartment. Ted is really mad and talks about being abandoned. Is a bunch of cash a good gift? His wife left him… His dad left him… Ted agrees to read the stupid letter. LOL, he corrects her spelling. Funny to moved by a scene where I don’t know what the letter said. Friendship is a theme of Ted Lasso. She is going to Royston. Her train leaves at midnight. She asks him if he wants to go get a drink.
Edwin and Sam are out to eat eating South African food. Sam is the fourth person to know that Edwin is buying a team. He wants to build up the African club. Take all the time you need. You have 72 hours.
Roy arrives for the photoshoot. It’s at Keely’s house. Keeley is really nervous. Roy comes over and gives her a pump up speech. Reminds me of when she pumped him up before going on to be a pundit. They kiss. We get a montage of the photoshoot. Cut to Sharon and Ted in the pub. Cut to Sam walking through town. Roy and Keeley are told to look at each other. She says Nate tried to kiss her. Thank you for telling me. He was talking to Phoebe’s teacher for three hours. She tells him that Jamie told her he still loves her. Roy looks ready to cry.
Roy and Sharon play pinball. Favorite arcade games? Putting your name on a machine. The boys come up, You’re the shrink for the team, eh? The big guy is afraid of snakes. Anne, what are you afraid of? Ted left and wrote her a letter. (goodbye or the glass could be the pic)
Sam arrives home and Rebecca is on his doorstep. She says she hopes he doesn’t go.
Ted gets back to his apartment, which is seeming less like a premiere league coach’s apartment. Trent Crimm texts him that an article is running in the paper about the panic attack. Nate was his source. Ted decides not to comment.
Trent sends a bunch of short texts. I prefer one long text. That’s the end of the episode. I think that’s Radiohead at the end.
Thanks for checking out this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast!
