We’re behind the ball

This one was uttered by James Hamblin on the CNN show Reliable Sources.  It’s a mashup of “behind the curve” (something or someone not quite able to keep up), and “behind the eight ball” (in a difficult situation or at a disadvantage).  Either way I think Mr. Hamblin is right!  “Behind” is found in both idioms, creating the mental hiccup.  “On the ball” (alert or aware) might also be in the mix, but I doubt that the speaker was thinking that way, given the context.  A big thanks to John Polk from @ClichesGoneWild for posting this one! @jameshamblin @ReliableSources