Dozen Team Preview: The Grinders

CoachDay
Feb 27
2 min read

A few weeks ago, before our action-packed Dozen Trivia season began, I previewed what was to come, highlighting each team’s potential. Now, we’ve officially seen the introduction of the newest Dozen squad and 16th team...The Grinders. Before they begin their hopeful climb to the top of the Dozen league tonight against the defending champion Ziti, let’s dive into who exactly are The Grinders?

Meet The Grinders

Formed as what many are calling a potential superteam, Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden steps in as team captain. Alongside him are known 24-hour straight ball-watcher Liam Blutman and dating show veteran Jake Malasek. If you're a little confused about this trio, don’t worry, I’ve got a short bio and breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses.

Jon Gruden – The Coach, The Captain, The Legend

We just have to assume that ANYTHING football-related will be on point for Gruden. Also, with the uncertainty surrounding the Booze Ponies, he was once a coveted free agent rumored to be joining them.

Weaknesses? It’s Gruden. He has none. Moving on.

Liam Blutman – The Certified Sports Machine

Already with multiple Dozen appearances under his belt, Liam will be VERY strong in college sports, tennis, and hockey. The guy is a walking stat sheet. Now that he’s finally a full-time member, the possibilities are endless.

Weaknesses? Anything that isn’t sports could be real trouble for Blutman. The man might not even have time to consume anything else, to be honest.

Jake Malasek – The Right-Hand Man

Handpicked by Gruden to not only join the team but also be his right-hand man, Malasek is a Virginia grad, so we know this Cavalier has brains. Also, let’s not forget...hell of a goalie. The Yak Gauntlet will surely miss his presence.

Strengths & Weaknesses? We know dating shows are a BIG weakness for the guy. As for strengths, he may need to step up as the team’s pop culture expert; whether he has it now or needs to study up remains to be seen as the season rolls on.

Season Outlook

With three players who have little to no Dozen experience, it’s tough to predict their season outlook. On paper, they do have the balance needed to be successful, but...as we’ve seen when the lights come on, it’s very different than sitting on the sidelines.

Their biggest advantage? Having a dark horse Captain/Coach of the Year candidate in Gruden. The man has won a Super Bowl...surely, he can lead a trivia team, right?