Disasters can strike at any time, and businesses need to be prepared in order to minimize the impact of these events on their operations. Whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, or a man-made disaster like a cyberattack or data breach, having a solid disaster recovery plan in place is essential for businesses of all sizes.
Here are some key strategies for businesses to stay prepared in the face of a disaster:
1. Identify Risks: The first step in creating a disaster recovery plan is to identify the potential risks that your business faces. This could include natural disasters, such as floods, fires, or earthquakes, as well as man-made disasters like cyberattacks or data breaches. By understanding the risks, you can better prepare for them and develop a plan to mitigate their impact.
2. Create a Plan: Once you have identified the risks, it’s important to create a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. This should outline the steps that your business will take in the event of a disaster, including how you will communicate with employees, customers, and suppliers, how you will secure your data and systems, and how you will continue to operate during and after the disaster.
3. Backup Data: One of the most important aspects of a disaster recovery plan is backing up your data. This includes both on-site and off-site backups, so that you can quickly restore your data in the event of a disaster. Regularly backing up your data and testing your backups is essential to ensure that you can quickly recover from a disaster.
4. Secure Your Systems: In addition to backing up your data, it’s important to secure your systems to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches. This includes implementing strong passwords, regularly updating software and security patches, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices.
5. Test Your Plan: Once you have created a disaster recovery plan, it’s important to regularly test it to ensure that it will work in the event of a disaster. This could include running simulations of various disaster scenarios, testing your backups, and conducting drills with employees to ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
By following these strategies, businesses can stay prepared in the face of a disaster and minimize the impact on their operations. Being proactive and having a solid disaster recovery plan in place can give businesses the confidence that they can quickly recover from a disaster and continue to serve their customers.
Disasters can strike at any time, whether it be a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, or a man-made disaster like a cyber attack or a fire. It is crucial for businesses to have a disaster recovery plan in place to ensure they can quickly recover and resume operations in the event of a disaster. However, many businesses neglect disaster recovery planning, thinking that it is an unnecessary expense or that it won’t happen to them. But the risks of neglecting disaster recovery can be costly, both financially and in terms of reputation.
One of the biggest risks of neglecting disaster recovery is the financial cost. Disasters can cause significant damage to a business, including loss of data, equipment, and facilities. Without a disaster recovery plan in place, businesses may struggle to recover from the disaster and could face huge financial losses. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, and of those that do, 25% fail within one year. This highlights the importance of having a solid disaster recovery plan in place to protect your business from financial ruin.
Another risk of neglecting disaster recovery is the damage to a business’s reputation. Customers and clients expect businesses to be able to quickly recover from a disaster and continue providing products and services. If a business is unable to do so due to a lack of disaster recovery planning, it can damage their reputation and lead to a loss of customers and revenue. In today’s digital age, news travels fast, and a business that is seen as unprepared for a disaster can suffer long-term damage to their reputation.
In addition to the financial and reputational risks, neglecting disaster recovery can also lead to legal and regulatory issues. Depending on the industry, businesses may be required to have a disaster recovery plan in place to comply with regulations and laws. Failure to do so can result in fines and legal action, further adding to the costs of neglecting disaster recovery.
Overall, the risks of neglecting disaster recovery are too great to ignore. Businesses that fail to have a solid disaster recovery plan in place are putting themselves at risk of financial losses, reputational damage, and legal issues. Investing in disaster recovery planning is essential for protecting your business and ensuring its survival in the face of a disaster. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to prepare for the unexpected.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Local and state road crews have prepared for the winter storm since last week. Multiple agencies across the state are responsible for getting enough trucks and supplies to our region to make the roads passable.
For example, what’s normally a dump truck at Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones’ office has been transformed into a chat rock spreader for the duration of this winter storm. As soon as bridges ice over in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, the spreaders will go to work.
“Chat rock essentially is putting sandpaper on the bridges. It allows you to create more friction, so even if there is a little bit of ice. It allows you to drive more safely on the ice,” Reynaldo Guerra, chief of infrastructure at Precinct 4 said. “It doesn’t necessarily affect the melting temperature of the ice, but if you create conditions where the vehicle can drive over the bridges, bridges will warm up a little bit.”
Meanwhile, City of Houston crews sprayed a brine solution on major roads in the Medical Center, Galleria, and other major roads in city limits. And they will continue to attack major city streets as the conditions are expected to worsen.
At the state level, the Texas Department of Transportation announced that trucks and equipment from other regions have made their way to Houston to assist on our highways.
ABC13 also found crews with the Harris County Toll Road Authority staged with brine trucks under the Beltway.
“We’ve bought much more material. We usually buy,” Guerra, said adding that they have 30 tons of chat rock on hand. “We have a host of equipment, but you don’t see any snowplows, but we do have front-end loaders and backhoes. We are committed and very resourceful here, so if we need to clear any snow, we’ll be ready to clear some snow as well.”
Even with all the work, the simple reality is our region isn’t used to snow and sleet. For the general public, only one piece of advice matters.
“We really encourage you to stay home,” Guerra said.
TxDOT and City of Houston Prepare Roads for Snow, Urging Public to Stay Home Ahead of Winter Storm
As winter weather approaches, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the City of Houston are working diligently to prepare roads for potential snow and ice. With a winter storm on the horizon, officials are urging the public to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
TxDOT crews have been treating roadways with brine and sand to help prevent icing, but slick conditions are still possible. The City of Houston’s Public Works department is also on standby to address any road hazards that may arise.
It is crucial that residents heed the warnings and stay off the roads if possible. Driving in inclement weather increases the risk of accidents and delays emergency response times. By staying home, you can help keep yourself and others safe during this winter storm.
Remember to check local news outlets and weather updates for the latest information on road conditions and closures. And if you must venture out, drive cautiously and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Let’s all do our part to stay safe and help prevent accidents on the roads. Stay home, stay warm, and stay safe during this winter storm.
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TxDOT, City of Houston, snow preparedness, winter storm, stay home, road conditions, public safety, weather advisory, Houston weather updates
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As the weather begins to roll in, one concern for many is keeping the power on for the millions of people who live across our area.
Utility companies across the area told ABC13 that crews have been working around the clock to prepare for the winter storm, saying they’re ready for whatever could come through.
CenterPoint Energy brought in additional resources from other states to prepare for this storm.
Representatives say it’s been a logistical challenge, but the forecast is one thing in their favor. They say less ice is expected, which should help prevent potential outages.
They told ABC13 they are concerned about drivers who could crash into power poles.
After mass power outages during Hurricane Beryl a few months ago, CenterPoint told ABC13 they had a call for change. They said they focused on more tree trimming and adding more and sturdier poles.
Eyewitness News said they feel confident with the improvements made.
Representatives with CenterPoint are doubling down on their readiness for anything and their ability to handle this winter storm.
“I mean, we have 3,000 workers here between our own crews and folks that work for CenterPoint locally. As well as 1,200 additional assistance folks from across the country. So, we feel scaled really well to meet the challenge,” Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Keith Stephens said.
Entergy Texas and Texas New Mexico Power also tell us they have line workers across the area standing by for the potential impacts this winter storm could have on you at home.
For updates on this story, follow Daniela Hurtado on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Houston power outages: Utility companies assure residents that crews are prepared for the January 2025 winter storm hitting southeast Texas.
As the winter storm makes its way towards Houston and surrounding areas, utility companies are working diligently to ensure that power outages are kept to a minimum. With crews on standby and prepared to tackle any issues that may arise, residents can rest assured that efforts are being made to keep the lights on during this potentially severe weather event.
Stay tuned for updates and be sure to report any outages to your local utility company. Stay safe, stay warm, and stay informed during this winter storm. #HoustonPowerOutages #WinterStorm2025 #StaySafeTexas
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Houston power outages, utility companies, crews prepared, January 2025 winter storm, southeast Texas, power outage update, Houston utility companies, severe weather preparedness.
In a couple of weeks, director Leigh Whannell will unleash his version of Wolf Man onto the world, and he’s already prepared for the backlash the movie might get when it comes to how his lycanthrope will be received by fans. Starring Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth, Wolf Man follows in the footsteps of Whannell’s 2020 hit The Invisible Man by reimagining an old classic, this time in a much more confined setting.
Sitting down with SFX magazine recently, Whannell spoke about Wolf Man – which sees a family terrorized by a werewolf whilst trapped inside a remote cabin in the woods – and what fans can expect from his version of the mythical creature. He mentioned that though his werewolf is “100% practical” with absolutely no CGI involved, the design does stray from what people are used to. The result, he said, is something folks might not take too kindly to.
I think you have to bring a new approach. Maybe there are some people that won’t like it because they love the traditional wolf too much, but that was the approach I wanted.
Leigh Whannell, the director of ‘Wolf Man’ says he was inspired by 1986’s ‘The Fly’ for the new werewolf transformations.
Based on the latest trailer for Wolf Man (seen below), the film also differs from the original 1941 classic in that there doesn’t appear to be any Romani fortunetellers, latent pentagrams, or walking sticks adorned with a silver wolf’s head. Instead, it seems to take its cues from another iconic movie, An American Werewolf in London, at least when it comes to Abbott’s painful transformation, which makes it seem as if Whannell is leaning into the body horror aspect of his movie.
What About That Halloween Horror Nights Reveal?
Perhaps one of the reasons Whannell is so prepared for how his werewolf will be received is because of a hiccup last year during Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, which saw someone take the stage in full make-up, and, well, the internet had a field day with that one. “I see people in Walmart that look more like Wolfman than this,” came one comment at the time.
During the reveal, fans saw what resembled an elderly man with scraggly hair and clubbed hands, complete with sharp teeth and tattered clothing, wandering about trying to look menacing. Unfortunately, people found the design more humorous than frightening, but to clarify, Whannell said that’s not what the creature looks like in the film.
“Things slipped through the cracks, and it was like, ‘Oh, they’re doing this promotion for Wolf Man at a theme park, but it doesn’t look right. We shouldn’t be putting that out in the world, because people are going to think that’s what our wolf looks like.’ My only response is to say, ‘Look, that doesn’t represent what we’re doing.’ All I can do is wait for the movie to come out. Then hopefully people will be like, ‘Oh, I see what they were doing.’”
It should be noted that the particular design seen in Orlando does briefly appear in the trailer, albeit with a much more menacing look within the confines of the final cut. You can see for yourself how it all comes together when Wolf Man hits theaters on Jan. 17 from Universal Pictures.
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Wolf Man is a reboot of the classic Universal Monsters movie The Wolfman. Christopher Abbott stars in the lead role and is helmed by The Invisible Man director Leigh Whannell. The film follows the same premise as the original and the 2010 reboot, focusing on a man who becomes a werewolf after falling victim to an ancient curse.
Release Date
January 17, 2025
Main Genre
Horror
Director Leigh Whannell’s latest film, “Wolf Man,” is set to hit theaters next month, and he’s already bracing himself for the inevitable backlash from fans of the classic monster movie. Whannell, who is best known for his work on horror films like “Upgrade” and “The Invisible Man,” is no stranger to criticism, but he’s confident that his unique take on the iconic werewolf tale will win over even the most skeptical viewers.
In a recent interview, Whannell spoke candidly about the pressure of taking on such a beloved character and the challenges of putting his own spin on the story. “I know that there are going to be people who hate what I’ve done with ‘Wolf Man,’ and that’s okay,” Whannell said. “I have a lot of respect for the original film and the mythology surrounding the werewolf, but I also wanted to bring something fresh and modern to the table.”
Whannell’s version of “Wolf Man” promises to be a thrilling and suspenseful take on the classic monster tale, with a focus on the psychological and emotional struggles of the main character as he grapples with his monstrous transformation. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including acclaimed actor Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role.
Despite the potential backlash, Whannell is confident that his vision for “Wolf Man” will resonate with audiences and bring a new level of depth and complexity to the story. “I understand that not everyone will love what I’ve done, and that’s okay,” Whannell said. “But I hope that fans of the genre will appreciate the risks we’ve taken and the fresh perspective we’ve brought to this classic character.”
“Wolf Man” is set to hit theaters on October 31st, just in time for Halloween. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or just looking for a fresh take on the werewolf mythos, Whannell’s latest project is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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wolf man, director, leigh whannell, prepared, hate, horror movie, thriller, film industry, new release, upcoming movie, hollywood, directorial debut, monster movie, werewolf, film director
As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose track of important tasks and responsibilities. One way to stay organized and prepared is by using 1 quart containers. These containers are the perfect size for storing a variety of items, from food to office supplies, and can help keep your space clutter-free and easy to navigate.
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Much has rightly been made of the fact that Ohio State recorded zero sacks against Oregon the first time the two teams met in October. Often forgotten by Buckeye fans is that the Ducks also recorded zero sacks in Autzen Stadium that night.
The thing is, both Ohio State’s offensive tackle situation and Oregon’s edge-rushing situation will look much different than on Oct. 12. Donovan Jackson has since slid out from left guard to left tackle for the Buckeyes while star defensive end Jordan Burch, out with an injury in the first meeting, returns to the Ducks’ defensive front.
“He has the power to throw tackles into the quarterback,” Jackson told Eleven Warriors on Monday. “His speed to power is very good. Also, he has the finesse. He’s able to use his hands well. So, he’s a very challenging rusher. Obviously, one of those rushers who is going to be making a lot of money in a couple of months. So, you’ve got to be on your stuff when you come to him. You’ve got to know how to attack him, but he doesn’t make it easy on you.”
In just nine games this season, Burch has collected 30 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and six pass breakups. The former South Carolina edge defender stands 6-6, 290, outsizing the vast majority of defensive ends across the country. That size, in combination with his athleticism, makes him a handful for offensive tackles.
“Super powerful guy, really fast off the ball,” right tackle Josh Fryar said. “He’s 6-6, 295, and he runs super fast. He’s going to be a great matchup to go against, and I think it’s going to be a battle.”
Fryar and Jackson do have experience facing high-end defensive ends and have handled them well in the second half of the season. Star Michigan DE Josaiah Stewart, Indiana DE Mikhail Kamara and Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr. all went without sacks when they played the Buckeyes.
Allowing zero sacks to Oregon the first time out is impressive in and of itself, but it becomes even more so when considering how Ohio State quarterback Will Howard diced up the Ducks through the air. He went 28-of-35 (80%) for 326 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score. It will be important for the Scarlet and Gray that he sees similar production in the CFP quarterfinals, and that starts with keeping the Kansas State transfer upright.
Jackson got a baptism by fire at the offensive tackle position facing Penn State’s Abdul Carter in his first game at his new spot for the Buckeyes, allowing two sacks, but he found success run blocking in that contest and has been a steady left tackle since.
“He’s a football player, so as you game plan, as you go through and prep, what do you need to use that week to attack those guys as they’re attacking you in protection? And then for him, it’s the same deal with any kid – he’s played a lot of football,” offensive line coach Justin Frye said. “But it’s a new position, so every week, every rep, the more that he gets it, the better it gets.”
More than the murderer’s row of opponents he’s faced in Carter, Kamara, Stewart and Pearce et al, Jackson credits Ohio State defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau for his development.
“I feel like what helped me was going to Jack and JT every day in practice,” Jackson said. “I told them, ‘Don’t go easy on me.’ I pulled those guys after practice. I pulled all the other edge rushers after practice to help me out, just trying to be able to see the nuances of edge rushing. Trying to see when their shoulders face me, if they’re going up field, if they’re looking inside to try to swipe inside. Trying to see everything so when I do it in a game, I can do it at a high level.”
Burch won’t be the only threat Jackson and Fryar face. Oregon’s sack leader is actually Burch’s defensive end running mate in Matayo Uiagalelei, with 37 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 2024. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon will take up some intention on the interior with five sacks as part of 8.5 tackles for loss.
Rather than focus on the prestige and statistics of the players they’re preparing to face, Ohio State’s aim is to drill down on the actual pass rush moves they’ll see from Burch, Uiagalelei and company.
“This is a great matchup,” Frye said. “They’re physical up front, they’re big. Schematically, they do some really good things. So, we try to keep it like nameless, faceless opponents. What is that guy doing? How are they attacking you? What technique and fundamentals can you use? But yes, (Burch) and their entire front. They’re a really good front, they’re a really good front seven.”
Burch also holds Ohio State’s offensive tackles in high regard.
“He’s physical,” Burch told Eleven Warriors of Jackson. “Pretty good guy. He’s a great athlete and I know he’s gonna have a great game, so just going out there and giving my best, we’ll get that matchup and have fun a little bit out there. Just ready to play him.”
“Super powerful guy, really fast off the ball. He’s 6-6, 295, and he runs super fast.”– Josh Fryar on Jordan Burch
The tumult the Buckeyes’ offensive line has faced can be traced back to their first flight with the Ducks. Left tackle Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury that game, then backup tackle Zen Michalski went down after a rough outing against Nebraska the following week. That prompted Jackson’s move to tackle as Carson Hinzman filled in at left guard.
That arrangement worked well until center and Rimington Trophy winner Seth McLaughlin tore his Achilles ahead of the Indiana game, ending his season. Hinzman moved to center and Austin Siereveld took his place at left guard. Then, after inconsistencies against the Hoosiers and full-blown struggles against Michigan, Ohio State started rolling at offensive guard with Luke Montgomery, Siereveld and Tegra Tshabola in the first round of the College Football Playoff against Tennessee.
“We’ve had so many different line mashups and mixes that I’ve lost count,” Jackson said. “It’s just Coach Frye still believing in every single one of us. Like, ‘Hey, I don’t know where you’re going to be this week, but I need you to execute for me.’”
As they’ve done on multiple occasions this year, the front five bounced back with a strong outing facing Pearce and the Volunteers. Ohio State rushed the ball at a clip of 4.7 yards per carry, its best mark since before McLaughlin’s injury, and didn’t surrender a sack.
“I think we handled it decently well in responding as a unit,” Fryar said. “It’s just correcting the mistakes that we did in that game, and moving forward with it and just having a good plan for us as a unit to move forward and play this game.”
Paying off all that adversity with a national championship is the end goal for Ohio State’s offensive line, particularly Jackson and Fryar, who are seniors. But it starts with containing the Ducks’ edge threats.
“It would mean everything,” Fryar said. “But first we’ve got to face the Rose Bowl. We’ve got to beat Oregon.”
Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, both offensive linemen for Ohio State, are gearing up for their first matchup against Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch and other edge threats on the Ducks’ defense. With Burch’s speed and agility, along with the rest of Oregon’s talented pass rushers, Jackson and Fryar know they have their work cut out for them.
Both Jackson and Fryar have been putting in extra work in practice to prepare for the challenge of facing Burch and the rest of the Ducks’ defense. They have been studying film, working on their technique, and communicating effectively with their teammates to ensure they are ready for whatever Oregon throws at them.
As they head into their first matchup against Burch and the Ducks, Jackson and Fryar are confident in their abilities and are looking forward to the challenge. They know that this game will be a true test of their skills and are ready to show what they’re made of on the field.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting matchup between Ohio State’s offensive line and Oregon’s defensive front. It’s sure to be a battle worth watching.
Wrexham AFC and Huddersfield Town are ready to meet Ryan Hardie’s £2m buyout at Plymouth Argyle this January, sources have exclusively revealed to Football League World on the eve of the transfer window.
Hardie has been with Argyle since 2020 and has been a consistent figure for the club in their rise from League Two to the Championship.
However, he appears to have options to leave Plymouth this coming January, with League One duo, Wrexham and Huddersfield, willing to pay £2m for his services.
Wrexham and Huddersfield eye Hardie
League One pair prepared to pay £2m
Sources have told FLW that Hardie has a £2m buyout in his Plymouth contract, a fee that both Wrexham and Huddersfield would be willing to pay in January.
The 27-year-old has played 229 times for Plymouth across his time at Home Park, scoring 64 goals.
That figure included 12 goals in 40 Championship appearances last season, as Plymouth retained their Championship status in their first year back in the division.
Hardie has played 19 times during the first-half of the 2024/25 campaign, 12 of which have come in the starting line-up under Wayne Rooney. He’s scored once and assisted twice for the Pilgrims, who are rooted to the foot of the Championship table.
Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth exit could impact any deal
There’s little denying that Hardie, who has scored 34 goals and assisted 15 times in 131 League One outings, would be a strong addition for Wrexham or Huddersfield as they chase promotion into the Championship under Phil Parkinson and Michael Duff respectively.
However, Hardie is playing for Plymouth and started Rooney’s final game in-charge of the club – a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United on December 29th.
Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher have been two names already touted as possible successors, via The Telegraph, with that pair previously managing Plymouth and playing their own roles in the rise from League Two alongside Hardie.
Plymouth Argyle are on the hunt for a new head coach following the departure of Wayne Rooney.
Wrexham AFC and Huddersfield Town are reportedly ready to splash the cash in order to secure the services of highly-rated striker Ryan Hardie. The two clubs are said to be prepared to pay a fee of £2 million to bring the talented forward to their respective teams.
Hardie, who currently plays for Scottish side Plymouth Argyle, has been in impressive form this season, scoring goals regularly and catching the eye of several clubs in England. Wrexham and Huddersfield are now leading the race to sign him, with both clubs willing to meet the £2 million asking price set by Plymouth Argyle.
The 24-year-old striker has shown great potential and could be a valuable addition to either team. Wrexham are keen to bolster their attacking options as they look to push for promotion, while Huddersfield are looking to add depth to their squad as they aim to improve on their current position in the Championship.
It remains to be seen where Hardie will end up, but one thing is for sure – both Wrexham and Huddersfield are willing to pay big money to secure his signature. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing transfer saga.
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Wrexham AFC, Huddersfield Town, Ryan Hardie, transfer news, football transfer, £2m transfer, player transfer, soccer news, player news, sports news
Robert Kraft has often trusted his instinct to make key decisions as the Patriots owner. The most famous of course, is him giving up a first-round pick to the New York Jets to land Bill Belichick as head coach in 2000. Eyebrows were raised over the decision to let go of draft capital for an unproven coach. Six Super Bowls later, Kraft was more than vindicated in his choice.
When Belichick and the Pats parted ways in January this year, Kraft was swift to appoint former linebacker Jerod Mayo as his replacement. Despite his inexperience, the appointment made sense. Kraft had signed Jerod Mayo to the Patriots in 2008. There, he trained under Bill Belichick, played alongside Tom Brady, and won a Super Bowl (XLIX) with them during an eight-year career. After his retirement, he worked as a linebacker coach and ran the team’s defense in the last two seasons. Kraft also explained why he went with Mayo and it was again based on his trusted instinct.
“What I’ve learned in my businesses, and my career, I go with my instinct. I try to see things that other people don’t see and have the courage to live up to my convictions. I’m always thinking what’s the right thing for the long term,” Kraft said. The task to replace Belichick was always going to be hard and so it proved with the Pats sitting with a 3-12 record after Week 15. So, is Kraft’s faith in Mayo wavering?
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According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini that might be the case. Mayo’s position has come under scrutiny and with reports of former Titans coach Mike Vrabel eyeing the role, uncertainty looms over the current HC’s predicament. Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Boxing Day Russinisuggested that confidence in Mayo may not be that high.
“I can tell you that the Kraft family they were ready for the bumps and bruises here. They knew that a first-time head coach is going to go through it, they are learning on the job in a really tough market. But you have to wonder if this has been good enough and I can tell you the tone in that building went from ‘yeah we’re going to probably be safe’ whereas I can tell you people in that building do not feel that strongly about it anymore,” she said.
Coming from a 4-13 record in Belichick’s final season, very few expected Mayo to perform miracles. But nobody would have expected things to look this bad after 15 games. They haven’t won a game in over a month, since their November 10 victory over the Chicago Bears and are on a five-game losing run. This season was always going to be transitional, but whether Kraft believes Mayo is the man to rebuild the Patriots for the future is what will decide his fate. Russini thinks the Pats owner might have a rethink once the season is over.
“I believe going to come down to the last games here with (Robert) Kraft really making a decision, ‘Do I pull the band-aid and just own it,’ and say, ‘we believed in him, we thought maybe he had the pieces of what a great coach would be, but it’s not going to be able to work. We don’t have the time and patience for it, we don’t want to waste the years of a great young quarterback,’and then find someone that can come in.”
The focus and priority have been to develop rookie quarterback Drake Maye this season, whom the team picked third overall in the draft this year. The QB has impressed in New England and has been one of the rare bright spots for the team with 2,159 yards and 14 TDs. Maye’s success on the gridiron invariably ties to the Patriots’ hopes and Mayo’s future. While he has looked good, is there a chance that the team feels Mayo isn’t getting the best out of the QB?
Notably, in November it was reported by NFL insider Albert Breer that the Patriots were seeking outside help on how to handle Maye. “They have done some research over the last few weeks on how to handle a young quarterback,” Breer reported. This signifies that the Patriots are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure Maye’s development at the highest level. They are also keen to avoid the situation they experienced with Mac Jones from 2021 through 2023 after a good rookie season. Mayo will sit uneasily until the end of the season.
Early in the season, the Pats suffered some blowout losses. In their week 3 matchup against the NY Jets, they got thrashed by 3-24. Against the Texans in week 6, they lost 21-41. Still, there is a belief that Mayo should be given time to oversee the development of the team and that he retains the confidence of Kraft.
When Kraft appointed him in January, he said he had the vision of Mayo taking over Belichick five years ago. “Look, Jerod learned a lot from Bill,” Kraft said during an interview with Taylor Rooks on Amazon’s pregame show. “They are each special individuals. I’ve gotten to know Jerod over the last 12, 15 years. You know, I picked him five years ago to be our next head coach.”
Mayo has had a lot to deal with in his first season in New England, but he hasn’t done much to help his chances. He has been under fire for the questionable decisions in crunch situations, such as the one seen in the narrow loss to the Bills recently. The Pats were down two scores and had their offense near midfield with a little more than eight minutes remaining. Surprisingly or perhaps unsurprisingly, Mayo made the call to punt.
His side needed two scores to pull off a stunning comeback against the Bills. But they didn’t even get two possessions thanks to Mayo’s to punt on fourth-and-5. The Pats lost 21-24.
Diana Russini also touched on whether Mayo will be given at least one more year by Kraft adding, “Maybe we just give them one more year, yeah. But as we know Colin, how many times do we see owners do this? Usually, if you’re playing with it, if you’re toying with it, you should make the move. Because you always come back the next year and you’ll end up firing the guy, anyway. If Robert Kraft is having doubts, then this could be another opening we see available.”
Amid all these rumors, another Patriots legend is gearing up to come back to the franchise. But that would only happen if Jerod Mayo gets fired.
Will Mike Vrabel replace Jerod Mayo at the Patriots?
The Bill Belichick era at the Patriots gave many superstars in the league. Mike Vrabel was another linebacker who won 3 Super Bowls, but he moved to the Chiefs the year Mayo arrived there. However, the rumor is that he wants to become the Patriots head coach. On the December 27 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Connor Campbell said, “Word on the street is that Vrabel wants to coach at one place. That is very real. Allegedly, Vrabel is very interested in being the head coach of the New England Patriots.”
He also quoted Dan Orlovsky, who had claimed one week ago that Vrabel had already spoken to some but did not want to disclose. That’s big news. Mike Vrabel is a much more experienced coach than Mayo and has seen success as well.
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After a stint as a defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans, he took over as the HC at the Titans. Under his tutelage, the Titans had four winning seasons, many AFC South crowns, and an AFC Championship game appearance during his six seasons there. He is one of the hottest free agents on the market and may tempt Kraft into making a move.
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As the New England Patriots continue their search for a new head coach, team owner Robert Kraft is facing a tough decision regarding the future of current defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo. With rumors swirling that former Patriots linebacker and current Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is interested in the job, Kraft must weigh his options carefully.
Mayo, who has been with the Patriots organization since 2019, has been instrumental in the team’s success on defense. However, with Vrabel’s proven track record as a head coach and his ties to the Patriots organization, Kraft may be tempted to make a change.
One player who could be affected by this decision is quarterback Drake Maye, who has reportedly formed a strong bond with Mayo during his time with the team. If Mayo were to leave, it could have a significant impact on Maye’s development and future with the Patriots.
As Kraft weighs his options, he must consider the long-term success of the team and the potential impact on key players like Maye. With Vrabel waiting in the wings, the pressure is on for Kraft to make the right decision for the future of the Patriots organization.
Be prepared for strong thunderstorms in southwest Mississippi Saturday morning
Published 6:39 am Saturday, December 28, 2024
The National Weather Service issued a report at 6:35 a.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 7:15 a.m. The alert is for West Feliciana, East Feliciana and Wilkinson counties.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 6:34 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm capable of producing funnel clouds near Woodville, or 13 miles north of Jackson, moving north at 10 mph,” according to the NWS. “If a funnel cloud briefly touches down, minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
The alert is for Centreville and Woodville.
The NWS comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel clouds. This type of funnel cloud is harmless, but on rare occasions they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50 mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted move indoors or to safe harbor and report your sighting to the National Weather Service.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and drive with care:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Source: The National Weather Service
Attention residents of southwest Mississippi: Be prepared for strong thunderstorms on Saturday morning! The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for our area, with the possibility of heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.
Make sure you have a plan in place in case of power outages, and secure any outdoor furniture or decorations that could be blown away by the wind. Stay tuned to local news and weather updates for the latest information on the storm, and be prepared to take shelter if necessary.
Stay safe and stay informed, and let’s all weather the storm together. #MississippiWeather #StaySafe #Thunderstorms
