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Why now is the time to watch or re-watch Star Wars Rebels

Dave Filoni was one of the executive producers of Star Wars Rebels, which now seems more relevant than ever given current Star Wars content. The fan favorite show quickly made it’s way into the hearts of Star Wars fans, taking place 14 years after Star Wars, Episode III, Revenge of the Sith and 5 years before Star Wars, Episode, IV, A New Hope, at a time when the Empire had full grasp of the galaxy.

With a very original trilogy feel to it, Rebels (as it is known to the fan base) also has a newer feel to it which gave it great balance along with new characters. Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger, Ashoka Tano, and Grand Admiral Thrawn who were the main focus of the show. Keep that in mind.

The show did not overshadow the original trilogy characters, instead it created a more layered story to the entire Star Wars arc. Even roughly 15 years after Rebels aired, current Star Wars content is circling back to the show and it’s characters.

STAR WARS REBELS – “Steps into Shadow” – Led by a more powerful Ezra, a rebel mission goes awry, and Kanan returns to help the Ghost crew. Grand Admiral Thrawn emerges as a new threat. This episode of “Star Wars Rebels” airs Saturday, September 24 (8:30 – 9:30 P.M. EDT) on Disney XD. (Lucasfilm via Getty Images)
GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN

Now, let’s circle back to Ashoka Tano and Grand Admiral Thrawn (Thrawn.) With Andor and Obi-Wan Kenobi set to be released this year and possibly The Mandalorian Season 3, it seems likely Ashoka, will be released some time in 2023.

We know from Season 2 of The Mandalorian, Ashoka has set out to find, you got it none other than Thrawn. What is unknown at this time is if some of the other crew (Ezra, Wren, Kanan Jarrus, Chopper, Zeb Orrelios) of the Ghost will be making an appearance.

Given the way Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau have brought the likes of Boba Fett and Luke Skywalker back it would not surprise anyone to see other beloved characters brought back as well. A side note Dave Filoni, voiced Chopper (a droid) on Rebels.

BURBANK, CA – MARCH 28: Producer / Director Dave Filoni attends the “Star Wars Rebels” season 2 finale at The Walt Disney Studios on March 28, 2016 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

The fact that both Ashoka and Thrawn are directly from Rebels lends to the thought there very could be other’s from the show making an appearance as well. Which would bring more joy to Star Wars fans as well as continue to layer the overall Star Wars story.

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Improved special teams and more consistent play from the blue line has the Columbus Blue Jackets playing well

Just like that the Columbus Blue Jackets are winning hockey games again. The team started the season in solid shape, and then youth proved to be a downfall of sorts. Having a rough December and January the Blue Jackets looked like a team that was rebuilding. When the All Star break came around it was almost like the team and coaching hit the reset button. A 7-1 record in February has given hope again.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 23: Andrew Peeke #2 of the Columbus Blue Jackets checks Zach Sanford #13 of the Ottawa Senators into the boards during the second period of a game at Nationwide Arena on January 23, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Two things jump out in the Blue Jackets turnaround, special teams play and the defensive unit (blue line.) Ranking 24th on the power play does not seem all the great. In actuality it is not. However, the power play has improved as it is creating better scoring chances by getting the puck down low.

The Blue Jackets penalty kill ranks 12th. That is pretty good. This unit has been lights out in wins against the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. In fact the penalty kill allowed zero shots on goal vs Florida.

Speaking of the Columbus Blue Jackets blue line, they seem to have benefited most from the All Star break. The very young defensive crop has had a rough time cutting it’s teeth. That is until after the All Star weekend. Now the unit is rotating to the spot of the puck and forming a wall in front of the Blue Jacket goalies.

For a team that is supposed to be in a rebuild/reload the Blue Jackets are in position to make one of the NHL’s wild card spots for the playoffs. Yes, there is still a lot of hockey to play. The fact they even in this position is promising.

The Blue Jackets are sure to at the very least have one lottery draft pick from the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the Seth Jones trade. If they miss the playoffs there is a chance (all be it slim) the Blue Jackets could have two lottery draft picks.

NEWARK, NJ – JANUARY 06: Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen looks on during the second period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on January 6, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

All and all Brad Larsen has done a very good, very solid job with the team who is fun to watch.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets must extend Patrik Lanie

There have been players like this in Columbus before. Rick Nash, Sergei Fedorov and a few others. For the Blue Jackets organization there has never been a player on the same level as Patrik Laine. While he was unhappy in Winnipeg, Laine is said to be happy these days in Columbus his numbers dictate that is true. A pending restricted free agent (RFA) at the conclusion of this season, the Blue Jackets would be wise in entering contract negotiations now.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 23: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck during the first period of a game against the Ottawa Senators at Nationwide Arena on January 23, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

While Patrik Laine did miss several weeks due to an injury upon returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup, Laine did not and has not missed a beat. In 29 games played, Laine has 16 goals, 15 assists and 31 points.

Blue Jackets captain Boon Jenner has played in all 48 games this season and has 20 goals, 17 assists and 37 points. In 19 fewer games played Laine has only six fewer points than the team leader Jenner.

It is simple, the Columbus Blue Jackets are a much better team when Patrik Laine’s skates hit the ice. Laine is a feared sniper who can carry a teams offense. When the team signed defensemen Zach Werenski to a massive extension this past summer it began to show that they are willing to sign young talent and keep them.

When the team allowed Artemi Panarin to walk as a free agent, fans were outraged, disappointed and frustrated that yet another star player was leaving Columbus. With plenty of salary cap space, the Blue Jackets must and I mean must sign Laine to a contract extension of 8-10 years as he has not entered his prime years yet.

There is no fair trade value in the NHL, the Blue Jackets would not be able to trade Patrik Laine and get a player back with the same caliber offensive skill set. The organization would be wise to build the offense around Laine. Blue Jackets fans need to keep in mind next season there is a high likelihood Kent Johnson will be in the starting lineup. Johnson projects as a top line center. Having Johnson feed the puck to Laine could be a lethal  combination for the Blue Jackets top line.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 27: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck as Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers defends during the first period of a game at Nationwide Arena on January 27, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen recently went on a nation radio show and said the team wants to keep Laine long-term. In my opinion Kekalainen would not say that if he did not think a deal could be made.

The bottom line is that by keeping Patrik Laine, the Blue Jackets rebuild will not take as long. By trading him it would set the rebuild back.

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Detroit Lions remembering fullback (FB) Cory Schlesinger

Fullback is not a glamourous position by any means. The fullback gets charged with blocking, be it for the running backs or on a passing down. They get to carry the ball minimally. In today’s pass happy NFL the fullback position has nearly gone extinct.  But the good fullbacks they get remembered. In 1995 the Detroit Lions drafted a fullback out of the University of Nebraska in the sixth round, Cory Schlesinger who would become a Lions legend.

DETROIT – SEPTEMBER 10: Cory Schlesinger #30 of the Detroit Lions during a game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 10, 2006 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Seattle won the game 9-6. (Photo By Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Cory Schlesinger, is still remembered fondly by Detroit Lions fan’s as a player who laid devastating blocks for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. Schlesinger was also a special teams standout recording 118 tackles for the unit during his career.

Detroit Lions fans still get a charge out of how many face masks Schlesinger is said to have broken with his all-out style of play. The number of broken steel cages is said to be around the 200 mark.

Cory Schlesinger, was a Lions fan favorite. He also had the love and respect of his teammates and coaching staff. Being a student of the game has helped Schlesinger in all aspects of his life.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Former Detroit Lions legend, Jeff Chadwick holds a Legends Camp, where former NFL players come and instruct children in the finer points of the game. The former NFL players offer a lot of insight as they go through drills with the children.

For a student of the game like Cory Schlesinger, children can learn a lot from Cory and other former NFL players. The camp prepares young athletes for the next phase of football, where ever they fall.

The Legends Camp is action packed and is a great way for children to bond not only with fellow peers and people they may not know, but also former NFL players who  take time out of their own busy schedule to help children reach full potential on the football field, which they can carry with them in their own lives.

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Detroit Red Wings rookie, Moritz Seider’s impact is being felt

Sometimes a rookie comes along and is so good he lifts his team to a new level. It does not happen often, but when it does it is news worthy. For the Detroit Red Wings rookie defensemen Moritz (Mo) Seider is that rookie. Seider’s play has overshadowed fellow rookie teammate Lucas Raymond who is having his own fantastic rookie season.

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 30: Moritz Seider #53 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)

When Red Wings General Manager, Steve Yzerman strolled to the podium in 2019 and announced Moritz Seider as the teams first round draft pick (6th overall) it left the NHL experts calling the draft scrambling. No one saw Seider to Detroit coming.

Flash forward a few seasons and Seider is enjoying a nearly unbelievable rookie season. To illustrate just one small aspect that shines the light on how good Mo Seider has been February 9th’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers was exclamation point to how good Seider is and has been.

The February 9th game caught the eye of the NHL world, fans and media alike. To be clear all fans be it Red Wings or other teams and all media. You see in that game Mo Seider killed an entire two minute penalty by himself. Yes, you read that correctly.

Before the season even kicked off, the Red Wings had every intention of allowing Seider a roster spot. Since day one Mo Seider has gotten better and better. While still at the tender age of 20, and looking like a star in the making, Seider may be on his way to cementing a spot on the Red Wings blue line for years to come.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 27: Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) reads the play during the Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on October 27, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What is scary is the Detroit coach’s, teammates and national media believe Moritz Seider can get even better. This is what Yzerman and the Red Wings scouting department saw in the young defensemen when they drafted him. While it shocked many at the time, it looks golden now.

This is Steve Yzerman, a GM who fearlessly goes off the beaten track and finds absolute gems. What seems like a head scratcher at the time turns up roses for Yzerman both in his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning and now with the Detroit Red Wings.

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Detroit Lions remembering wide receiver, Jeff Chadwick

Never underestimate the heart of a warrior. Jeff Chadwick who grew up in Michigan and was a high school track star attended Grand Valley State University. Chadwick was not drafted by an NFL team. Undeterred and clinging to his football dream, the Detroit Lions gave Chadwick a tryout. The rest as they say is history.

LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 1986: Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions runs upfield against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 1986. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images)

Joining the Detroit Lions wide receiver room in 1983, that already boasted NFL established players, Leonard Thompson, Mark Nichols, Freddie Scott and Robbie Martin. Jeff Chadwick would need to earn playing time. In the NFL nothing is just given to a player.

Little by little, game by game Chadwick saw his playing time increase. He became a reliable deep ball threat. Chadwick would also run across the middle of the field. In fact in his rookie season Chadwick amassed 40 receptions for 617 yards and four touchdowns.

1986 was statistically Jeff Chadwick’s best with the Lions, he had 53 receptions and 995 yards, Chadwick would go on to play for the Seattle Seahawks and  Los Angeles Rams, in a very solid NFL career.

Now days, Jeff Chadwick runs a football camp in Clare Michigan. Chadwick enlisted help from other former NFL players (many of which are former teammates) to help instruct and show children proper technique’s at all the different positions.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 7: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on December 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

It is a valuable lesson for children. It has a larger impact due to former NFL players who played at the most elite level of football. Less than one percent of the population plays in the NFL.

Yet, with former NFL players getting down and dirty and sweating along with the children going through the same drills it allows the children to gain a lifetime of memories and allows them to dream about perhaps playing in the NFL one day.

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Detroit Lions remembering quarterback, Eric Hipple

When NFL teams draft a player they usually do so because they believe the player can help them for years. That rang true for the Detroit Lions in the 1980 NFL Draft, when the franchise selected quarterback Eric Hipple out of Utah State University in the fourth round. Hipple would play his entire 10 year career with the Lions.

Football: Detroit Lions QB Eric Hipple (17) in action vs Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium.
Anaheim, CA 10/19/1986
CREDIT: Andy Hayt (Photo by Andy Hayt /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X33891 TK1 R4 F13 )

In the beginning Eric Hipple found trying to become a starting NFL quarterback tough sledding. When then Detroit Lions starting quarterback Gary Danielson sustained  an injury the third string Hipple got the call.

Eric Hipple did not enjoy instant success, he had to work at it. Through hard work and dedication Hipple became a solid NFL signal caller. In 1985, Eric Hipple enjoyed his best season as a Lions throwing 17 touchdowns.

Through it all Eric Hipple knows how hard work and dedication pay off. Hipple also understands how beneficial it is to listen to coach’s even when you do not always agree with them.

Eric Hipple’s former teammate Jeff Chadwick holds a summer football camp for children. This summer (July 13-14) children can learn from former NFL players.

Hipple will be attending the camp and instructing children what it takes to be a starting quarterback. The children will be put through a series of drills one on one in group settings.

As a player who had to fight to become a starting quarterback at the most elite level (NFL) Eric Hipple is a wealth of knowledge that can help children take the next step in their dream of taking a snap and throwing the ball downfield.

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Detroit Lions remembering OT/OG Scott Conover

Less than one percent of the American population get to experience being an NFL player. In the 1991 NFL draft, round 5 (118th overall) the Detroit Lions would make Scott Conover one of the less than one percent. His journey from the University of Purdue to Detroit was in and of itself curious and at the same time fascinating. While at Purdue Conover played mostly defensive end and then was switched to offensive guard.

Detroit Lions tackle Scott Conover warms up before the Lions 58-37 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1995 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on December 30, 1995 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Crisp/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions drafted Scott Conover to help the teams offensive line, keep in mind when he was drafted Conover had just one year experience playing guard. Now he would be expected to do it on the most elite level of football, the NFL.

In the 1994 Lions season Scott Conover scored a receiving touchdown. Conover played six NFL seasons before retiring. He now spends a portion of his time helping with youth football camps.

NOV 3 1987; Mike Harden puts a hit on Lions Jeff Chadwick before gaining any more yardage in the 3rd quarter.; (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Fellow Detroit Lions alum Jeff Chadwick, whom Conover did not have as a teammate yet know each other through various Lions events has a great youth football camp (July 13-14, 2022) is one of the youth camps that Conover attends with the intention of helping young athletes gain more knowledge of the ins and outs of football.

From small tips and pointers to large tips and pointers. Children of all ages gain a lot of useful information from Scott Conover. Conover is known at the camps to get down and dirty. He hits the pads and runs through the drills in hopes of showing children you never take it easy at any practice. Not to mention that it is a blessing and a gift to make the final cut and be on a team.

Children can learn a lot from a former NFL player who played defense in college and switched to offense at the tail end of his college career.

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Detroit Lions remembering OT, Lomas Brown

Selected in the first round (5th overall) in the 1985 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, left tackle (LT) Lomas Brown became a mainstay in the Lions offensive line. Brown is another former Lions player who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is one of the best offensive linemen in Detroit Lions history.

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 15: Lomas Brown #75 of the Detroit Lions during a NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 15, 1992 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Lomas Brown played in six Pro Bowl games,  1990 ,1991, 1992, 1993 ,1994, 1995. Brown was first team All Pro in 1995 and was second team All Pro in 1991 and 1994. Yes, Brown blocked for Barry Sanders who ran all over the place which actually made Brown and the rest of the offensive line’s a bit more difficult as they had to maintain blocks not knowing where Sanders was running.

Lomas Brown played on four playoff teams while with the Lions. Offensive linemen generally do not get the credit or recognition they deserve they are usually pointed out after a penalty. Yet the ball does not move one inch without the players up front.

Lomas Brown would go on to win a Super Bowl as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. Brown remained true to the Lions even going so far as to say ‘We never got to the Super Bowl with the Lions, But we still bleed Honolulu Blue and Silver.”

Now a days Lomas Brown can be heard as the color analyst for WJR’s Lions radio coverage.

With all that he gave to the game and all the accolades that have come his way, wouldn’t it be nice if children had the opportunity to learn from one of the best offensive linemen to ever strap it up?

LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 1986: Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions runs upfield against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 1986. (Photo by Bernstein Associates/Getty Images)

For the low cost of $89 children can. Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Jeff Chadwick has an outstanding football camp. Where they will receive one on one coaching in a group setting from Lomas Brown, Chadwick and others who have played at the most elite level.

This is a golden opportunity to improve skills in young people who one day could be the next great NFL player.

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Detroit Lions remembering kicker, Eddie Murray

Sometimes a player is special. So special they go unnoticed until they show why or how they are special. For the Detroit Lions kicker Eddie Murray was that special player. “Steady” Eddie, that was his nickname. When Murray would enter the game be it a field goal or extra point the Lions were coming away with points. Eddie Murray ranks second all-time in Lions kicking history. He should be in the Hall of Fame.

WASHINGTON, DC: Eddie Murray of the Detroit Lions circa 1983 attempts a field goal against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. (Photo by Owen Shaw/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions selected kicker Eddie Murray in the seventh round (166th overall) in the 1980 draft. Murray is easily one of if not the best seventh round draft pick in Lions history.

In his 12 NFL seasons kicking for the Detroit Lions, Murray was very consistent. He was loved by Lions fans and still beloved to this day. Having a career kicking percentage of 75.7 is more than enough to have Murray in conversation for the Hall of Fame. Even though the Hall of Fame has an unfair bias against offensive linemen and kickers.

All was not rosy for Eddie Murray he did miss the game winning field goal in the 1983 Divisional Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, that was not completely on Murray. The old Candlestick Park in San Francisco had swirling winds many of games played there be it the 49ers or Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants.

The ball was snapped, Murray approached the ball which was well on it’s was to going through the uprights and they a wind gust pushed the ball to the side. Lions fans were not upset or angry at Murray, but the wind gust that stinking wind gust.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 18: Wide receiver Jeff Chadwick #89 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sideline during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium on August 18, 1984 in Orchard Park, New York. The Lions defeated the Bills 17-12. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Eddie Murray is a Detroit Lions legend. He will be at former Lions teammate Jeff Chadwick‘s Legends Camp. Instructing children the proper way to kicking the ball, from lining the kick up to the follow through with the leg.

As a player who should have a bust in Canton Ohio, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that would be a remarkable gift to be able to learn from a special player and a child would always remember they learned from one of the best to ever do it.