There’s a game tonight? THERE’S A GAME TONIGHT!

You may thank God/disaster preparations for this blessing. Washington & Tampa got moved to Wednesday because there might be a tropical storm hitting the Bay on Thursday night, and that was projected to quintuple the number of people expected to contract MRSA via attending the game. It’s “safety first” for 2016’s NFL.

Normally, I’d get out of the way on a weekday game night. But this is preseason Week 4, and two relatively bland teams. It might be beneath our veritable Scotchnaut. I concocted this Thread just in case.

NFL Notes: Bridgewater edition

• official word is still a dislocated knee and fully torn ACL
• the Vikings are hopeful he might return; common sense says he’s done for the year
• ESPN has a half-sad, half-redemption story on how many first-round QBs Shaun Hill has had to fill in for during his career.
  • Historical fact: He was with the Vikings when Mike Tice was head coach.
• Peter King, not surprisingly, has thoughts.
  • the interesting portion is how Zimmer turned to Bill Parcells for advice, and Parcells referenced Phil Simms’ injury and turning to Jeff Hostetler.

NFL Notes: non-Bridgewater edition

• Colin Kaepernick is listed as the 49ers starter for Week 4 in San Diego, their “Salute to the Military” night. I see no problems with that.
  • As if the welcome from the crowd won’t be enough, Chip probably wants Marmalard to yell at him during the first quarter, so he’ll quit of his own volition.
• the Cowboys are going to kick the tires on former Browns & Rams QB Austin Davis.
• Barkevious Mingo is “excited” to be with the Patriots. Of course he is – he’s going to see more wins this season than he’s seen in his previous three combined.
• Antonio Brown restructured his deal. His deal is now worth more money, as it advances 2017 money to this year. He’s expected to get even more money next year when he signs an extension. Money is good.

Finally, I think ESPN is out of ideas. They have separate stories on both the evolution of Tom Brady’s coiffure

and Aaron Rodgers’ annual preseason facial hair.

The stache is back.

Check out @AaronRodgers12's #PackersCamp looks through the years 📸: https://t.co/5JYJuNw5lN pic.twitter.com/3CBVhZvN01

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 30, 2016

End of summer means back-to-school sales. Rather than perusing the usual Target & Big 5 flyers, let’s check in with those fine folks at The Whisky Exchange to see what they are promoting:

Talisker’s Distillers Edition is finished in amoroso casks, similar in style to sweet oloroso sherry. This 2003 vintage has sweetness and fruitiness backing up the distillery’s maritime character.

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Gorgeous combination of sea spray and brine, oyster shells and pink peppercorns, along with chewy malt, orange peel and plenty of fruit to tame the pepper and smoke. Classic Talisker fire but softer and sweeter.

Palate: Seville orange marmalade, then freshly ground black pepper, along with woodsmoke, clove and coriander seed. The aromatic smokiness builds, kept in check with the sweet, juicy notes of orange, grapefruit and lemon. Good fruity undercurrent to the savoury, peppery kick.

Finish: Like the dying embers of a fire, with a sprinkling of aromatic citrus.

Comment: A delightful combination of classic Talisker smoke and pepper, lifted with heady citrus notes.

Okay, but what about something in a Lowland for my delicate palate?

This is the second batch of Auchentoshan’s Virgin Oak. Aged in new North American oak casks, this triple-distilled Lowland whisky is rich, spicy and complex.

PRODUCER’S NOTES:

To the eye: Deep sienna orange

To the nose: Cinnamon and nutmeg, toasted vanilla and candied orange.

To the tongue: Spiced apple, smooth chocolate caramel, maple candy and a velvety mouthfeel.

To the end: Warm with spiced orange and brown sugar.

Evaluation?

Tonight’s sports:

• NFL: Washington @ Tampa Bay – 8:00 – NFLN
• MLB: Pirates at Cubs – 8:00 – ESPN
• US Open: Second Round – 6:00 – ESPN2

I dare you to find something interesting to talk about during tonight’s game.

YOU HAVE BEEN DARED!