Tag: lifestyle

NFL Week 4 and the WNBA Playoffs: Colts Fumble, Chiefs Statement Win and the Indiana Fever are One Win Away From the WNBA Finals

This week on TORG Stories: We break down the biggest NFL headlines, from the Chiefs getting back on track to the Ravens’ recent struggles and the Bears’ dominant defensive play. Plus, a deep dive into the WNBA playoffs with the Fever forcing a Game 5 and Boston’s historic night.

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Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! We’re recording on Sept 29, 2025. This episode is titled, “NFL Week 4 and WNBA Playoffs: Colts Fumble, Chiefs Statement Win, & the Indiana Fever are One Win Away From the WNBA Finals.” 

Bill Torg’s NFL Headlines from Sunday, Sept 28, 2025:  

The Ravens are in Trouble and the Chiefs are Righting the Ship: 

  1. Ravens lose 37-20 to the Chiefs. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has injured his hamstring. 5 starters went out with injuries. The Chiefs quarterback Mahomes had 4 TDs and no interceptions. 
  2. Giants upset the Chargers 21-18 and got their first win. Jaxson Dart got his first start at quarterback. He rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown. 
  3. Eagles won the battle of the unbeatens by defeating the Buccaneers 31-25.  Baker Mayfield finally was unable to deliver a game tying or winning score in the last minute. 
  4. Bears Block Party: We get another game decided by a blocked kick as Bears beat the Raiders. 
  5. Steelers go to 3-1 with a 24-21 win over the Vikings in Dublin. The Steelers almost gave it away. Weird not go for it on 4th and inches with less than two minutes to go. Rogers went 18-22 with a TD and no interceptions. Carson Wentz quarterbacked for the Vikings and went for 350 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs. 

Colts Corner: Week 4 Recap & The Road Ahead

1. The Big Picture: 

  • Unbeaten Streak Snapped: Colts Fall to Rams 27-20 After Avalanche of Mistakes
  • Current Record: 3-1 (Still a great start, and still tied for 1st in the AFC South)
  • The Vibe: The Colts proved they can hang with an NFC contender like the Rams, but they ultimately beat themselves with a flurry of critical, self-inflicted errors.

2. The Heartbreak Moments (The Unforced Errors)

  • The Unfathomable Fumble: Rookie WR Adonai Mitchell caught a deep ball and was on his way to a 76-yard go-ahead touchdown, but he inexplicably dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line, resulting in a touchback and a massive 7-point swing. (This is the most critical talking point.)
  • The Costly Penalty: A Jonathan Taylor 53-yard touchdown run, which would have put the Colts back in the lead late in the 4th quarter, was nullified by a holding penalty (also on Mitchell).
  • Turnovers: QB Daniel Jones threw his first two interceptions of the season, coming on the team’s first and final drives. Overall, the Colts committed 3 turnovers and were flagged for 11 penalties.

3. Offensive Standouts (Who Played Well)

  • Jonathan Taylor (RB): Continues to be productive, rushing for 76 yards (on 17 carries). Mention the momentum-changing 53-yard run that was called back.
  • Pace Setter: The Colts’ offense found success in the second and third quarters, using play-action and the run game to briefly take the lead in the fourth quarter.
  • Daniel Jones (QB): Despite the turnovers, he was efficient, passing for 262 yards and leading two fourth-quarter scoring drives (a TD to Pittman Jr. and a field goal).
  • Tyler Warren (TE/FB): Scored his first NFL touchdown on a 2-yard rush.

4. Defensive & Special Teams Notes

  • Defensive Effort: They held a potent Rams offense to 3 points in the third quarter and forced two key turnovers (Kam Curl’s two interceptions).
  • Special Teams Boost: Anthony Gould had a good kickoff return of 38 yards, helping set up an early field goal.

5. The Road Ahead (Upcoming Schedule)

  • Next Game: Sunday, October 5th vs. the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here are some of the biggest shifts in the NFL standings:

AFC Standings Shifts

  • AFC West Race Tightens: The Kansas City Chiefs moved to 2-2 after dominating the Ravens, while the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers suffered their first loss.
    • Detail: The Chargers lost to the Giants (21-18) and are now 3-1, immediately putting the Chiefs back in the division conversation, as the Chiefs’ statement win (37-20 over Baltimore) provided a much-needed morale and point differential boost.
  • AFC North Turmoil: The Pittsburgh Steelers moved into the early division lead at 3-1, while the Baltimore Ravens plummeted.
    • Detail: The Ravens dropped to 1-3 after a blowout loss to the Chiefs (37-20) and are now dealing with multiple injuries, including to QB Lamar Jackson. This has created a significant gap in the division, with the Steelers now holding a strong position.
  • AFC South Shakes Up: The Indianapolis Colts lost their undefeated status, while the Jacksonville Jaguars moved into a tie for the division lead.
    • Detail: The Colts’ first loss (27-20 to the Rams) dropped them to 3-1, while the Jaguars’ upset win over the 49ers (26-21) boosted their record to 3-1, setting up a tight race in the AFC South.

NFC Standings Shifts

  • The Undefeated Club Shrinks Dramatically: The number of remaining undefeated teams was slashed from six to just two.
    • Detail: The Buffalo Bills (4-0) and Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) are the only teams remaining perfect. The Chargers (3-1), Colts (3-1), San Francisco 49ers (3-1), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) all suffered their first loss on Sunday.
  • NFC West Regroup: The Los Angeles Rams delivered a statement victory to keep pace with the rest of the conference, while the San Francisco 49ers took their first loss.
    • Detail: The Rams moved to 3-1 by beating the Colts, while the 49ers lost at home to the Jaguars (26-21), keeping the division standings from getting out of hand early.
  • NFC South Still Contested: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered their first loss, but the other teams in the South remain tightly grouped.
    • Detail: The Buccaneers dropped to 3-1 after losing to the Eagles. However, the rest of the division still trails: the Falcons won (2-2), and the Saints remain winless (0-4).

Five Games to Watch Next Week: 

  1. San Francisco 49ers (3-1) at Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
    • Detail: This NFC West rivalry matchup is a “loser-leaves-town” scenario for the division lead after both teams suffered their first loss in Week 4, immediately turning this Thursday night game into a high-stakes, must-win affair.
  2. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)
    • Detail: The Chiefs’ offense is trying to prove their Week 4 breakout (37 points vs. Ravens) was real against an elite Jaguars defense that leads the NFL in forced turnovers (12) and just gave the 49ers their first loss.
  3. New England Patriots (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (4-0)
    • Detail: It’s the only matchup featuring a currently undefeated team (Bills) and a Patriots team under Mike Vrabel that just posted a statement win (42-13 over Carolina) and has explosive special teams highlights to its credit.
  4. Houston Texans (1-3) at Baltimore Ravens (1-3)
    • Detail: A critical AFC Wild Card eliminator, where the Ravens are in panic mode after falling to 1-3 and likely being without QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring), giving C.J. Stroud’s Texans a chance to deliver a crippling blow to Baltimore’s season.
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
    • Detail: This is a crucial interconference battle between two NFC teams that suddenly need a win to separate themselves from the 3-1 middle tier of the conference and keep pace in the Wild Card race.

Torg’s novel Love on the Big Screen

Love on the Big Screen novel cover by Bill Torgerson. A man and woman in silhouette stand in a spotlight; the man holds a boombox over his head, referencing classic 80s movie romance. The title is in vibrant pink and blue text.
$2.99 Kindle and $9.99 paperback click here

Love on the Big Screen is about a college freshman basketball player whose understanding of love was shaped by late 80s romantic comedies such as Say Anything, Sixteen Candles, and The Breakfast Club. It’s now available on Amazon for $2.99 as a Kindle book and $9.99 in paperback. Click here to link to Amazon and check out the book. 

Torg Game Ball Awards for Sept 29, 2025

  1. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs)
    • Reason He Deserves the Game Ball: Mahomes put the Chiefs’ offense back on track with a vintage 4-touchdown, 0-interception performance (124.8 passer rating) in a must-win game that sent a decisive message to the rest of the AFC.
  2. Marcus Jones (CB/PR, New England Patriots)
    • Reason He Deserves the Game Ball: Jones single-handedly flipped the momentum and kick-started the Patriots’ dominant victory with an 87-yard punt return touchdown and a 61-yard return, providing a historic outburst of special teams scoring.
  3. Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams)
    • Reason He Deserves the Game Ball: Nacua was utterly uncoverable, posting a career-high 13 receptions for 170 yards and the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter to set up the Rams’ comeback victory over the Colts
  4. Lexie Hull of the Indiana Fever: Bad shooting game in their win over the Aces but had 4 steals and 7 rebounds in a gritty and hustling performance. She drew the most offensive fouls in the WNBA this season. 
  5. Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever: 24 points, 14 rebs, and 5 assists. 

Anne, did you choose some more NFL Categories to share?

  1. I learned…
  • You still lose a timeout on your second challenge if you win it. The Aces staff somehow lost count of their timeouts. 
  1. Statistical pick ups from the broadcast: 
  • Steph White 4-0 in the red leather jacket. 
  • Fever has had 18 players appear in games this year. 

Ravens, Browns, Panthers, Giants, and Texans are 1-3. 

Where are we at with the WNBA Playoffs?

  1. The First Finals Spot Has Been Clinched.
    • The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Minnesota Lynx (the No. 1 seed) 3-1 to advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021.
    • Individual Highlight: Alyssa Thomas delivered a near triple-double in the clinching Game 4 with 23 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, while DeWanna Bonner hit two crucial three-pointers in the final minutes to seal the comeback win.
  2. The Indiana Fever Have Forced a Decisive Game 5.
    • The Fever beat the Las Vegas Aces 90-83 in Game 4 to tie the best-of-five series at 2-2, setting up a winner-take-all Game 5 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
    • Individual Highlight: Aliyah Boston had a career playoff performance with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, becoming just the second player in Fever franchise history (alongside Tamika Catchings) to record a 20/10/5 game in the postseason.
  3. The #1 Seed Lynx Faced Unprecedented Playoff Chaos.
    • The Minnesota Lynx were eliminated in Game 4 while missing both their star player, Napheesa Collier (ankle injury suffered in Game 3), and Head Coach Cheryl Reeve, who was suspended by the league.
    • Discussion Questions on the Reeve Suspension:
      • The Right Call? Was the WNBA justified in issuing a one-game suspension for Reeve’s on-court confrontation and comments, or was the punishment too severe given the high stakes and her stated concern over player safety (Collier’s injury)?
      • The Real Problem: Reeve publicly called for a “change of leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating.” Do you agree that officiating inconsistency is the WNBA’s biggest structural problem right now, especially as the league continues its rapid growth?
      • The Precedent: This is believed to be the first time a coach has been suspended for a WNBA playoff game. Does this harsh penalty set the right standard for coach conduct, or will it simply discourage coaches from speaking out about league issues?

Torg Weekend Betting Results:

  1. Steelers moneyline over Vikings +124. Steelers hang on to win 24-21. WIN 1-0. 
  2. Chargers over Giants in my survivor pool. LOSS. 1-1. 
  3. Chargers live moneyline vs. Giants +104. LOSS 1-2. 
  4. Josh Allen for the Bills under 220.5 passing yards vs Saints. Just thought they’d run it a lot and blow them out. Allen 209 yards. WIN. 2-2. 
  5. Eagles moneyline with Hurts anytime touchdown scorer +146. No Hurts TD. LOSS. 2-3. 
  6. Panthers moneyline over Pats +210. Blown out. 42-13. LOSS 2-4. 
  7. Fever moneyline over Aces +158. Fever force game five! Win! 3-5. 
  8. Colts moneyline boosted 50% over Rams +234. LOSS. 3-6
  9. Ravens -2.5 and Jackson 25 yards rushing. Lamar gets yards but injured. LOSS. 3-7. 
  10. Niners -3.5 live bet with 3-0 lead -106. Loss 3-8. 
  11. Bears moneyline over Raiders +108. Blocked kick to win. WIN. 4-8. 
  12. Mercury moneyline with Thomas to get 10 points and 8 assists +106. WIN 5-8. 
  13. Mercury moneyline when they fell down 10-1 to open the game. +116. WIN 6-8. 
  14. Quarterbacks for Cowboys and Packers to each get a TD pass and 200 yards passing. +164. WIN 7-8. 

Thanks for checking out the Torg Stories Podcast! 

Boone and LA Restaurant Recs, Report from London, and a Ted Lasso Tour of Amsterdam

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! In this episode, Anne is back from London. We’re getting ready to see her at the Outer Banks. We talk solo vacationing, and we get what amounts to a travel program on Amsterdam from the television series Ted Lasso. Anne, give us a story from London.

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On this episode, I give Boone, NC restaurant recommendations and Anne gives LA, we get a report from London, and there’s what amounts to a tour of Amsterdam from the television show Ted Lasso.

Notes for Discussion of Season 3, Episode 6: “Sunflowers“

  • The episode gets its name from the Vincent van Gogh’s series of sunflower paintings.
One of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings
  • Anne, I wish I had been keeping track of a list of my favorite episodes. This one ranks way up there for me.

What are the reasons this might be one of my more favorite episodes?

  1. It works like a sitcom version of a travel guide or video with a sports, culture, and history slant. Better than something like White Lotus because it gives the history on purpose.
  2. The characters adventures really move the plot and evolve their characters at a quick pace.
  3. The Roy and Jaimie scenes are sweet and funny. The Chicago Bulls, Tex Winter triangle offense, and invent Total Football couldn’t be more in my wheelhouse.
  4. The amount of things you could stop to look up is incredible: the jazz club, the jazz musician, the BBQ sauce that Ted is handed in the restaurant

  • The team gets hammered in an exhibition match in Amsterdam. The season has taken a turn for the terrible. The team needs a shift in mojo. Coach Lasso decides there’s no curfew for the night.
  • Roy says Jamie doesn’t get to miss training. They get off the bus and start running.
  • Higgins invites kit man Will to go to the Red Light District with him. Nice bit of mystery about what they are going to do.
  • Roy and Jaimie jog through narrow brick streets with boats on a canal. Jamie knows so much about Amsterdam.
  • Rebecca out walking by herself. A man yells at her and she falls into the water. “Space cake”? The guy throws his phone into the water.
  • Beard and Ted getting ready to go out. Yankee Doodle Burger Barn. How do you decide where to eat when you are somewhere?

Let’s say I’m coming to LA. Where would you tell the Torgs to go eat?

What places do I reccomend to people coming to Boone, NC?

  1. Booneshine
  2. Town Tavern in Banner Elk
  3. Black Cat Burrito
  4. Stickboy Kitchen
  5. Boone Saloon
  6. The Local on Howard Street

Haven’t tried: Dan’l Boone Inn, Fizz Ed, South End Brewing Company, Horton Rooftop

  • Team in the lobby trying to figure out where they will go. Collin excuses himself. Boat tour. Train to Paris. See a tulip. Go to a party with a DJ. Museum culture. Team movie night. William is the kit man. A Dutch DJ named Martin Garrix is mentioned as the Dutch player’s cousin.
  • Rebecca in the boat. Sees kid’s stuff. He leaves tea for her. Guess it’s good tea.
  • Beard downs a psychedelic. Ted decides not to.
  • Collin slips out. Trent follows. Wearing leopard skin boats?
  • The boat man kisses Rebecca’s bleeding ankle after he puts a band aid on it out of force of habit. LOL: Rebecca says all that military training. He’s pretty forward.
  • Ted just wants to stay in? He gives Beard a chance to go and he jumps at it.
  • Trent runs into Collin at a gay bar. Collin freaks out. Trent tells Collin he already knew. (Did you know Trent was gay at this point?)
  • Ted drinks most of his tea and goes out alone. Anne style! Anne, compare and contrast going to London alone and joining us in the Outer Banks.
  • Worked in a way to get Rebecca to sing, which I appreciate. Some Kenny Rogers!
  • Roy didn’t know how to ride a bike. Anne, how are your bike riding skills?
  • Going out alone: Ted, Beard, Rebecca, Collin, and Trent.
  • Higgins on the jazz outing with Will: One pilgrim alone is merely a zealot, but two pilgrims together, that’s a pilgrimage. Jazz Cafe Alto is real. Click here for website. Anne, is this a shot at what Ted is doing and your solo vacations.
  • Collin and Trent Crimm talk. Dr. Sharon helped Collin realize he has an ache. We can’t fix every ache inside of us.
  • Museum night. Van Gogh works.

One doesn’t expect to get from life, what one has learned it cannot give, rather one begins to see that life is a kind of sowing time, and the harvest is not yet here. – often attributed to Van Gogh

  • I really liked the farm painting. When you know you’re doing what you’re meant to do, you have to try. (we’ve already heard this from Ted’s son. You have to try.)
  • Stroopwafel sounds good! Waffles with a syrupy filling?
  • Ted goes to Yankee Doodle Burger Barn. (fictional restaurant) “Table for one.” Darts evoke Ted’s father.
  • Gezellig. The man on the boat keeps saying it. The gezellig Dutch culture can remind us all to be more present with friends and ourselves. Funny moment of dumping water on the wet clothes.
  • Bulls on. Ted used to watch the Bulls with his dad. Pyramid ain’t nothing but a triangle. Chance the Rapper. Going deep on this. Nate as a waiter. Arthur Bryant BBQ from Kansas City.
  • I appreciate not having all of the allusions explained to me.
  • Everything goes black for Ted and he talks with a voice who says it is The True Spirit of Adventure. A lesson on triangles. Ted starts writing.
  • Higgins yells, “Let’s Get Lost.” It’s a Chet Baker song first appeared in a 1943 film. Montage: Higgins playing bass, big pillow fight, Ted working, Collin in the club, Rebecca dancing in the boat house, Roy and Jaime found a windmill. Ted continues to move the ketchup and mustard bottles around. Majerus book, My Life on a Napkin.
  • Boat man says, “Did we? Oh yes we did.”
  • Whoa, Beard’s outfit!
  • Ted comes up with Total Football, invented in Holland in the 70s.
  • Rebecca: My phone is at the bottom of a canal.
  • Rebecca sings, Don’t Worry, About a Thing.

Questions for discussion:

  1. Why so much Van Gogh? You have to try. The pursuit of something beautiful. Ted is meant to coach, according to this episode.
  2. Why say the psychedelic was a dud? What are we to believe happened with Ted in this episode?