Issue #226: Acuity Perspective

By Derrick Ernst

November 09, 2025

Leonardo da Vinci

A quick note before we dive into today’s newsletter, because I tend to lean on the lighter side on Sunday’s, we’re going to keep our Common Characteristics series to Thursday’s. Yes, this means it will be dragged out a little longer, but at least I’ll be able to give it the space and time it deserves. No sense in doing a series if I can’t give it my all! We’ll continue with RB’s on Thursday.

I’ve started to listen to audio books on my drives to and from work. I figured the 45 minutes in the car could be better spent than listening to the radio or a podcast without much meaning. One of the first books I’ve listened to was Walter Isaacson’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci. It’s hands down the most detailed and descriptive book I’ve ever “read.” There were parts of the book that were a bit drawn out but my conclusion is that da Vinci was one of the most irreplaceable minds of all-time. While he’s best know for his artistic abilities, I was quick to learn that that was a fraction of the person he actually was.

One of the things he popularized in his paintings was the technique of “acuity perspective.” This refers to things in the background being blurred while things in the foreground being clear. This blurred to clear dynamic helps create perspective and calls attention to observers to focus on what’s in the forefront. When I was listening to this, it reminded me a lot of what fantasy is and how it evolves. Fantasy is a gamble and we begin each season with expectations that X player will do Y things. When they don’t, you change course and lean into what’s a bit more clear. This also speaks to what I’ve said before about opinions in that you should feel free to change them as more information becomes available. Some will say that’s cheating, I say it’s fair game as long as you hold yourself accountable to your earlier beliefs. This also means that you shouldn’t hold onto predetermined beliefs too hard. You may miss out in doing so.

Awards

Speaking of acuity perspective, our ability to predict increasingly gets better the closer we get to the finish line. Here we are, about midway through the season and it’s only right to give my prediction skills the ‘ol college try who it comes to the NFL’s slew of awards. This is year three of me doing so and we’re batting right around .500 over the first two years. Not too bad if you ask me. That won’t mean anything if we can’t keep up with that mark this season. Here’s go nothing.

• MVP: Matthew Stafford, LAR

• Offensive POTY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA

• Defensive POTY: Nik Bonitto, DEN

• Offensive ROTY: Jaxson Dart, NYG

• Defensive ROTY: Carson Schwesinger, CLE

• Coach of the Year: Sean McVay, LAR

• Comeback POTY: Daniel Jones, IND

• Super Bowl Champ: Baltimore Ravens

I feel a bit obligated to stick to my guns with the Ravens going all the way. If they do, it would be quite the payout based on today’s odds (via Fanduel Sportsbook):

Veteran’s Day

I’d guess I’m not the only one who think the NFL’s Salute to Service gear is extremely cool. There’s something about that army green that just pops. The American flag patch is icing on the cake.

Source: USA Today

I’ve expressed this before and I’ll gladly say it again, those who risk their life for the betterment of others is my definition of a hero. I will never miss an opportunity, nor be sorry for dedicating space, to honor our veterans and with Veteran’s Day on Tuesday, there’s no better time to do so. In close, THANK YOU for doing what 99.99% aren’t brave enough to do. Your service and sacrifice means everything. We’re the home of the free because of you. God bless.