September 4, 2025: The Canary Test

There’s an old saying: “canaries in the coal mine.”

Miners once carried caged canaries deep underground because the birds reacted quickly to toxic gases like carbon monoxide. If the canary collapsed, it signaled danger.

Even after electronic detectors came along, workers still trusted the birds because they responded instantly. Over time, the expression became shorthand for any early-warning system, when small things point to bigger problems.

Tonight was the NFL opener featuring my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, they lost. And while they showed flashes of great play, a shaky defense and dropped passes were troubling signs.

Are these early “tells” for the rest of the season? An omen of what’s to come?

I hope the canaries stand strong.