NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - In this edition of FFF: We take a look at the NFL going from 17 to 18 regular season games, the World Cup field is set, and it’s award season for New Orleans restaurants.
FOOTBALL
First off, let’s get it out there, I absolutely despise preseason games. I don’t like attending them, covering them, previewing the contest. So the less, the better.
One way to have less preseason games, would be more regular season games. In 2021, the NFL went from 16 to 17 regular season games.
I’m now all-in on the idea of two preseason games, and 18 regular season games. Three preseason games is still too many, two works.
Eighteen games means more money for players, owners with ticket sales and TV deals.
Plus, the league is at nine international games right now. In the future, 16 international games, with each team playing one, would be easier to accomplish with 18 games.
Two bye weeks I’m good with also. Let’s start the season a week earlier, and end a week later.
It’s a win-win for all, who’s with me?!
FÚTBOL
The field is set for World Cup 2026. On Tuesday, the final six countries qualified through playoff matches.
Welcome to the biggest tournament on the planet: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden, Türkiye, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iraq.
That’s 48 countries battling for the biggest prize in soccer. Of course, are eyes will be on the Americans.
Their group consist of Paraguay, Türkiye, and Australia. Yes, they will probably advance out of this group, but how far after that is up for debate.
USA lost to Belgium and Portugal by a combined score of, 7-2, in two friendlies this past week. Yeah, not good showings.
But, the Stars and Stripes are in the tourney, so this “summer of soccer” will be a memorable one win or lose.
FOOD
The James Beard award finalists were announced this week, and of course New Orleans got some love.
E.J. Lagasse of Emeril’s is in that number for the Emerging Chef category. Emeril’s recently was awarded two stars by Michelin.
Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski’s Link Restaurant Group was nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur. They own restaurants such as Pêche, Herbsaint, and Cochon Butcher.
Ana Castro of Acamaya and Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA have been named Finalists for Best Chef in the South.
I’m trying out Emeril’s in May. Acamaya and Dakar NOLA are on my lists to hit ASAP.
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