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Taylor Lewan
What's up, boys? I hope you are having an incredible day. Just a reminder that we drop every Tuesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and if you're an Amazon prime member, you can listen to our podcast ad free on Amazon Music.
Will Compton
Hey, what's going on there, pal?
Taylor Lewan
We saw you at the hockey game on. Do I know you guys?
Clay Matthews
I'm Ryan.
Taylor Lewan
Whitney. I got a drink named after me. Not a big deal. Pink Whitney. That's what I thought. See you fellas. I invented the thing, you pigeon. Pink Whitney. For legendary moments.
Clay Matthews
Greetings from Daytona, where year after year, greatness is the destination. The Daytona 500, February 16, 2025. Secure your seats now@daytona500.com Ladies and gentlemen.
Will Compton
Welcome to the last episode of the Locker Room. On Monday, we did a breakdown of the AFC and the NFC Championship games. Now it's all about the. The big game, baby. As always. Not as always. We're missing Delaney Walker. People are saying it's a Di Die DEI thing. It's not. He had to go to California. He will be back next year. But we have Clay Matthews back with us. We have Will Compton. As always, myself. We're breaking down Kansas City or we're breaking down Philadelphia. And we are talking about fun little picks as well. Coin tosses, Gatorade, everything. Everything we can get our hands on. We're having a good time with it. This is the locker room. My name is Tara Lawan. Let's have a hell of a.
Taylor Lewan
Welcome to the locker room. We are presented by Fireball Whiskey. So many things make football great. But you know what the best thing is? Kicking the living shit out of your rival. And there's absolutely no better feeling as an athlete or Fran. And Fireball Whiskey is here to give you the spark to ignite that rivalry all season long. Grab your football buddy, buy around and reignite that rivalry flame. Fellas, before we kick off, we do have our season records in. I ended up winning 46%.
Will Compton
I like the way he said it. I.
Taylor Lewan
Because ultimately, it's like, I went 164 and 193. Like, you're betting you still, like, lost.
Will Compton
Yeah, you still lost. However, in the spirit of competition, the spirit of friends, you beat our ass. Like, you should take a little pride in that.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah. But I'm here for the people. I'm not here to beat you and Delaney. Like, to me, that's like. That's standard. I'm here to give the people winners. And I was. I failed to do that.
Will Compton
Let me ask you this. If you're the champion. Why is Clay wearing a crown right now?
Taylor Lewan
Clay is. Now, if we go to Clay's rig. So Taylor second, 43%, 135 and 182 silver, baby. Delaney, last place, 42%, 136 and 186. But Clay Matthews, who's now. This is the second show in a row. Clay is 2 020, 100%.
Clay Matthews
I told you. I told you it was going to be the Chiefs and the Eagles. You wanted Buffalo. You let your emotion get in the way of destiny.
Taylor Lewan
Sometimes you gotta bet with your heart, though. Sometimes you just gotta roll with your heart. Just know that it's just you and who you're locking arm in arm with. And who gives a fuck what the world's saying now? The world was right. But yeah, I like dining the foxhole with the boys.
Clay Matthews
Okay, that's respectable.
Will Compton
Going bankrupt, three things are true. Death, taxes and fade. Will Compton when he goes against the Chiefs.
Taylor Lewan
Oh, appreciate that. Appreciate that.
Will Compton
Absolutely.
Clay Matthews
Queen right there.
Will Compton
The queen don't sleep in the queen. She got the most chess moves.
Taylor Lewan
I do wish Delaney was here. And by the way, Delaney is out in Cali right now. There's the fire stuff going on, so he had to go out there and help his family. So we hope everything's okay. I know we had a nice little zinger joke. That was a funny joke. But just shout to Delaney because he's going through some stuff right now.
Will Compton
Yeah, shout out Delaney. We love Delaney. Listen, I'm a team player. I'm a team guy. Can I take this off for the show or do we need to. Should I keep.
Taylor Lewan
Okay, I think you should take it off.
Will Compton
Okay.
Taylor Lewan
Just a good visual for everybody.
Will Compton
We got enough. Okay.
Taylor Lewan
We got what we needed.
Will Compton
Oh, we needed things to celebrate, though.
Taylor Lewan
Two linebackers up here wearing crowns.
Will Compton
It's a beautiful time for both of you. Now, don't get it twisted. We were on the gridiron. You boys get hemmed up by yours truly. But I'm stoked for you guys in.
Clay Matthews
This studio on that te gang. I don't even have to worry about it. I let that guard turn his head.
Will Compton
If post flip, brother, I would bring that thing. I'd hand you to my guard.
Clay Matthews
Silver platter.
Will Compton
Go and take care of him. Lay him down.
Clay Matthews
Ain't worried about him at this point.
Will Compton
Who, me?
Clay Matthews
20, 20.
Will Compton
20, 20 me. 20, 20 me.
Clay Matthews
Well, hold on, I'll let you have.
Will Compton
There's first. Those first five weeks in 2020. Your boy was on.
Clay Matthews
Yeah, see, I was on. I was on the couch in 2020, so.
Will Compton
And I was on the couch starting in week six when I tore me 2021. Listen, Sherm could have ran me through a wall that year.
Clay Matthews
It was 2021.
Will Compton
21 was my. My big comeback.
Clay Matthews
Yeah. How'd it go?
Will Compton
Chandler Jones had five sacks in week one.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
You remember that?
Clay Matthews
Yeah, I do, actually.
Will Compton
Yeah. Do you feel bad for me or you're like, oh, yeah.
Clay Matthews
No, I actually was like, as an 11 year vet who had since retired, I go, this guy's coming off a major knee injury and you're playing against one of the lankiest, longest, unorthodox pass rushers.
Will Compton
Yeah. I hated the thing is too, is like, my friends would be like, hey, man, if you were healthy, like, you would have got him. Don't worry about that.
Clay Matthews
They give you.
Will Compton
They give you like a pat on the ass. If you go back to like 2016. We play the Patriots in New England and Chandler Jones is there the first, third down, he bull rushes me. Strip sack, mumble for a for.
Taylor Lewan
So he just had your numbers.
Will Compton
Chandler Jones? Yeah. Has kind of like. Of all the players, it was him and trail Suggs that I always had like the most difficult. Difficult with. It was always like, Chandler Jones would get really long.
Taylor Lewan
Sia didn't mention you.
Clay Matthews
That's okay. We actually, we never played each other.
Will Compton
I had that one.
Taylor Lewan
Sierra didn't mention you.
Will Compton
I had that one little situation with the field goal, and honestly, I think that was enough. If we ever did go against each other, that would be in the back of my head mentally. So you had the edge. You had the edge.
Clay Matthews
Wait, whoa. I just want to. What about Suggs? You know, that's kind of my era. Pass rusher. What did he do so well?
Will Compton
I played Suggs my rookie year in Baltimore.
Clay Matthews
Yeah.
Will Compton
And first off, you could set a glass of water on that ass. Like, that dude had a drunk on him. And he did. He looked like a velociraptor. He looked like he was just different. Yeah, he played well against me, but when he got older, I was like, very like, you know, like, I'm twitchy, but I was also like, sporadic in a lot of ways. So I'd get out of my set really fast.
Clay Matthews
Okay.
Will Compton
And being the savvy vet he was, he'd lull me to sleep a little bit, go a little slow, then all of a sudden, quick inside move. Like he would take chances. That was the thing I hated the most, was like, if a. If a defensive lineman, like played the run, I would feel so great about the game because now I'm gonna play action, he's gonna run fit, I'm gonna get a good. He would jump in and out. And so we had a game a couple years later, and it was like he was on the back nine and I was like, oh, I'll be all right. And he kind of just got me for like a sack. And it was like petty, but it was like one of those things where like I kind of did to myself. But the fact that he got me not once but twice, I was like, oh, yeah, I guess.
Clay Matthews
I love these stories. I appreciate you sharing that.
Taylor Lewan
Was that thing you fucking.
Clay Matthews
No, I do. I really do enjoy it as a proud these guys.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
Did you ever do the lull to sleep thing? Were you always 100%? No.
Clay Matthews
I think, you know, like you had said, once you get a little savvy, you start, you know, picking and choosing. Especially if a guy, you know, you're young, it's no different. Like when you, you know, first coming to the league and it's like a, you know, run right, run left, whatever it is, I'm setting the edge and you're just, just hitting each other head to head and eventually you slip inside or you, you, you hop outside real quick. You know, the noises go with it too, but I mean, yeah, I, I early in my career was just straight on, you know, like two rams hitting each other or pass rush, just full speed bull rush. And then you just, you start getting that moxie, that, that savvy, you know, when you, when you talk to a pastor. So they just start, you know, moving.
Will Compton
Them hips a little bit. But also like, if you're, if you do that inside move like once, even if you get caught on it back, your mind in the back of off its alignment's mind's like, I can't fire off the ball as fast. I have to be ready for this. So now you're like kind of playing. You're like in this game of chess for 63 snaps.
Taylor Lewan
Was that Suggs sac where he LilJ. Was that the year they beat us like 28 nothing?
Will Compton
No. So that we gave up 11 sacks in that game. And that was like, we got destroyed.
Taylor Lewan
It was 28 nothing. 11 sacks.
Will Compton
Yeah.
Clay Matthews
Wow.
Will Compton
That was a game too. You know, like everyone kind of gets when you get in those situations, like a CYA kind of thing. Like, I was kind of like being that guy. I was like, we got to be better. But like, boys, come on.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah. When it gets bad and it was.
Will Compton
It was bad, it's one of those things. I said it, like, I think, like, in the locker room, like, guys, we got to be better. And then I'd be like, I didn't give up any, but we gotta be better. And I caught myself after that being like, yeah, what are you doing? Like, you just. It was your own insecurity of being like. Because, you know, especially with me on the Titans, it was like, anytime the offensive line played well, it was like, oh, Lawan's a dog. But anytime the offensive line played bad, it was like, this guy Lawan is a bag of dicks. We gotta get him out of here.
Taylor Lewan
Just imagine Taylor's a quarterback.
Will Compton
Oh, I mean, Blaine Gabbard, like, hey.
Taylor Lewan
Guys, we gotta play better. Like, I feel pretty good out there.
Will Compton
Yeah.
Clay Matthews
I know.
Taylor Lewan
You guys see the line that's blocking for me.
Clay Matthews
I know this isn't a talking point, but, I mean, you saw Cam Newton's hot take. Cause I feel like you're siding with him with these comments.
Will Compton
No, because that. Actually, I thought about that before I said this. I don't like cam steak at all. I don't like cam steak at all. I think the ultimate team sport, like, I would have moments of, like, insecurity and comments, but the core of me is team guy. And I think it's just crazy for Kim to be like, I'd give up an MVP or I would not give up an MVP for a Super bowl, because it's like, everybody eats that. Like, you're not just. Not just you, it's 52 other guys that are, like, also getting a ring, also being a part of that. And that's like the ultimate team goal.
Clay Matthews
Yeah.
Will Compton
That's the best part about football.
Clay Matthews
Yeah.
Will Compton
Is everybody working together.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah. Like, my take on it, like, I disagree with the take because ultimately, like, if you strip away the. The acronym mvp, like, you're still Cam Newton. Like, you still accomplish all the things that you've accomplished on the field, but ultimately, that team goal of having a Super bowl, being a Super bowl champion is like, that trumps everything. I mean, I get like, you know, it's like, if I'm sitting there going back and forth with him, he could almost talk down in a way. Like. Yeah, but you've never been in a position to be an NFL mvp, to know or to understand. But it's like, bro, you're still Cam Newton. Newton as a whole, like, you're still arguably the best dual threat quarterback of all time, and that's going to be known. It's not like that's just going to go. Or that's. That wouldn't go away just because your name isn't next to MVP in the year 2000. Whatever it was.
Will Compton
Right?
Taylor Lewan
But you'd be a Super bowl champion. Like, it's. People keep referring to the photo when he didn't dive on that football, too. It's like, that's. That is where his answer lies. Let me ask you something, Clay. Would you give up your 2016 Pro Bowl? Would you give it to me for a Super Bowl?
Clay Matthews
No. See, first of all, y'all were cherry picking stats. When you put that on X the other day, I couldn't even respond to it. I had so many.
Will Compton
So you do.
Clay Matthews
Look, so I had so much ammunition ready to fire.
Will Compton
Cause I sent him his parlay. I was like, you're more than welcome to post this on X if you'd like. I text him too.
Taylor Lewan
I was like, hey, you're lucky. You know, I wasn't privy to these stats. Or I had 12 tackles to you. What'd you have? How many did you have? Four. How many did you have?
Clay Matthews
2016. That's like comparing to.
Taylor Lewan
How many did you have?
Clay Matthews
Taylor's 20, 21 year or your 2020 year?
Will Compton
But you were an all Pro. You as an all pro year.
Clay Matthews
16. You Pro bowl year, though, you picked the wrong stats. Well, so how can I even come at you when you. You're just misinformed. You're spreading misinformation. I need community.
Taylor Lewan
But how many tackles did you have in that. In that wild card game? Was it four?
Clay Matthews
Oh, I had one and a half sacks, a force fumble, and like four tackles. What do you want from me? We won the game. This is it. This is what Cam Newton's talking about. You're over here like, oh, I have more tackles. We won the game.
Taylor Lewan
Flip. Good.
Will Compton
Flip.
Clay Matthews
Flip.
Taylor Lewan
Now, would you.
Will Compton
But you still got him. You still got him on the ropes.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, but hang on. You didn't answer the question. Would you give up your Pro bowl in 2016 to win the Super Bowl?
Clay Matthews
Well, I know you.
Taylor Lewan
Would you give up your six Pro Bowls to win six?
Clay Matthews
I know you can't relate to this, but I'm going to take this in 2010. I. We want Green Bay packers won the Super Bowl.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Clay Matthews
I lost to Troy Palomalu by two votes for defensive mvp. Is Cam saying this because he didn't win the super bowl and he has the MVP as opposed to the other way around? Because right now I'm sitting here going, hell no. I would never change that super bowl. And because the individual accolade. Amazing you did. You achieved so much on an individual level. You covered your ass. You took care of business. But from a Super bowl standpoint, the memories made the reunion. I was just talking with Taylor about the Packers. Put me in the hall of Fame this year, went back with all the boys, all the stories we shared. I think it's bigger than just an accolade or a trophy you put on the wall. So.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
Yeah. Because you're in a similar boat, your name holds weight for the rest of time in the packers organization. So that. Not have the defensive player of the year. That's like an argument with your boys, like, yo, I got defensive player of the year. It's like, super bowl champion sounds so much better than MVP or whatever anyone. The Heisman, like, he's had.
Taylor Lewan
He's got his job as a competitor, like Auburn National. Yeah, they were. He's got to help.
Will Compton
He's done it. Yeah, he's. He's an absolute stud. But I didn't like that take. I didn't like it because that's not like. That's, like, at the core of football. Football is the ultimate team sport, and that's what you want, is all the boys to succeed. You want to be the best on that team, of course, and you want to have that argument forever. But you also want the state champion, you want the national championship, you want the Super Bowl. You get those three things. You ever won a state championship?
Clay Matthews
No.
Will Compton
That's crazy. I did.
Taylor Lewan
I know I didn't win it. You didn't get it.
Will Compton
15, 0 nose tackle, but I would. No tackles, one sack force fumble and a fumble recovery. In that game, played the nose head up, bowled that center all day. Higley. Did he beat the shit out of Higley High School?
Taylor Lewan
Oh, I'm with you guys, though. Like, I would give my 12 tackles to you. If we could win the super bowl that year, I would help you out.
Clay Matthews
Yeah.
Taylor Lewan
To make your Pro bowl seem more legitimate.
Clay Matthews
Bro. I gotta. I gotta give these guys. I went on. I tried to find a picture of us, like, in the same frame. I saw our fullback, Aaron Ripkowski, just running you over.
Will Compton
Hey, hang on.
Taylor Lewan
Time out. Time out. How'd that go down in the stat sheet, though? Solo tackle just.
Clay Matthews
You got a face just smushed into the.
Taylor Lewan
I was on my back, and I remember getting up. I was like, hey, good hit, Good hit, good hit.
Clay Matthews
Hey.
Will Compton
Hey.
Taylor Lewan
They ran like, a simple, simple counter open.
Will Compton
Yeah.
Taylor Lewan
Jon Gruden ran it. Whenever I came to the Raiders, he Was like doing a little highlight reel and showed that play where I was like laughing. I was like, he did truck.
Clay Matthews
I almost. On Sunday.
Will Compton
Yeah. To me, never like playing defense at a high level. It's like, that's a tackle.
Clay Matthews
It is a tackle. It is a tackle. But this is not here for it.
Taylor Lewan
You talk about impact.
Clay Matthews
I almost had an 8 by 10 printed out, mailed to rip in in Texas, had him sign it and send it back here. But I got busy with third grade math.
Taylor Lewan
You could have still done that.
Clay Matthews
Well, I don't have a whole crew behind me like this. I'm just. I'm just a guest.
Taylor Lewan
That would be.
Will Compton
That would be ultimate to bring that around the chair. My birthday's also going undefeated in your first show.
Clay Matthews
We'll get it done.
Taylor Lewan
My birthday's on September 19th.
Clay Matthews
I got you.
Taylor Lewan
You want to put that in the calendar? If you want to take your phone out right now, put that in your calendar reminder.
Will Compton
Every year, who was a fullback for the Raiders or for the Titans? Because you had a situation. You and fullbacks. Yeah, you and fullbacks have had a bit of a couple of interactions. There's a nice photo. We played when we played during the.
Taylor Lewan
I formation, ran a play action pass week, and we were in cover one and the fullbacks running a wheel out of the backfield, like through the line of scrimmage. And I was on him. I was on him like white on rice, hand up everything. He catches the ball and basically has like a Moss moment on me. I think it was on. You got moss that week. And right in front of the. Right on the sideline of the team I just played for.
Will Compton
And it was.
Taylor Lewan
And everybody.
Will Compton
We celebrated extra loud on that play. I mean, it was a great play by, like, he crushed it.
Taylor Lewan
Oh, for sure.
Will Compton
Yeah. But it was also like, oh, he got compared other guys. Let's fucking go. Kind of bumping him as he gets out of there. It was awesome. How was that one of your greatest moments? So after that game the year before, Will play for the Titans. After that game, Wesley Woodard was like, we're getting jerseys for. Will everyone bring your jersey? So Will, you had like 20, 25 jerseys?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah. Like, have this photo to where I'm sitting here with all the jerseys that the boys gave. It was. It was. It was.
Will Compton
Was that a top moment?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, yeah.
Will Compton
100% ultimate.
Taylor Lewan
I end up. So I'm out there so long after the game, like, dapping up, doing the jersey exchanges, catching up, doing all the stuff that we were doing. And I'm the last guy to walk into the locker room for the Raiders after we just lost. And it was my. What week was that? Third, fourth week?
Will Compton
Yeah, something like that.
Taylor Lewan
And I'm just walking in. And I'm just walking in. You just see Coach Gruden, he's standing there and all, all the team standing there ready to like, you know, we just lost.
Will Compton
And he has a pile full of powerful jerseys.
Taylor Lewan
And you just hear Coach Gruden say, is that the last one? All right, shut the doors. And I'm just kind of standing there.
Will Compton
Afterwards celebrating with our win.
Taylor Lewan
Bisacci is giving me shit the next day.
Will Compton
I bet it was a really bad look. Bad team look for you.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, good to see you. Make the meeting. Comp. You got any jerseys with you? You just kind of sit down. The special teams meeting? No, sir.
Will Compton
God.
Taylor Lewan
Should we get to some fun?
Will Compton
We'll get to some fun, dude.
Taylor Lewan
Game of the week. The only game of the week.
Will Compton
The only game of the week.
Taylor Lewan
The big game. Chiefs favored by 1 1/2 against the Eagles. The over under on that game is 49 and a half. Claire, are you the only one going Chiefs here?
Will Compton
No, he's not the only one going Chiefs.
Taylor Lewan
You're going Chiefs.
Will Compton
I've said. Well, I said on Monday, I'm going Chiefs.
Taylor Lewan
It's been a long week.
Will Compton
It's been a long week. There's no doubt about it. There's no doubt about it. It's been a long week. We broke this whole entire. We broke the AFC NFC down on Monday with Baldinger. You were going Eagles. I'm going Chiefs. Where do you stand?
Clay Matthews
I'm going. I'm going Chiefs.
Will Compton
It's.
Clay Matthews
I mean, you want my, you want my take on it right now? This is. I got to unload right here. But the same reason why I bet the Chiefs last week versus Buffalo is the same reason why I'm betting them this week. You just don't bet against the king. And I know every season is different and I'm going to get into the X's and O's here in a minute. They're just, they're going to win. It's destiny. It's what's going to happen.
Taylor Lewan
Dynasties, dynasties build and dynasties fall after Roman Empire. I'm telling you, I like the outfit that the Eagles have. What you laughing at, Sharon? The outfit that the Eagles have. Their offensive line. Saquon Barkley. It's his birthday. He's 30 yards behind the all season rushing record. Dude had three touchdowns last week. I think Goddard's going To have a big game the way that their defense is playing with Jalen Carter and you got the backers, Zach Bond, the running hit guys, you got the coverage guys on the back end. Quinon, Mitchell, reed Blankenship, Cooper, DeJean. My moment, and we've talked about it and I figured it out. I figured out the specific moment and scenario I want. Eagles have the ball on their own 45. There's a minute 25, it's fourth and four or five to where the question is there, do you go for it to try to ice the Chiefs or do you punt it away, try to pin them inside the 10 with a minute 20 on the clock, Patrick Mahomes has two touchdowns. I want that moment so badly because if they do three. Pete, listen, am I going to say it's Rick, Yes. But am I able to zoom out and see the perspective of what the Chiefs have done over the last decade, however long they've been together? It's going to be. It would be amazing to be like Mahomes has got it with that much time on the clock. They're down by four. They have to get a touchdown to win the game. If he does that, I feel like that's peak. Every fan would love to see that situation. Or do the Eagles, that number one defense, do they stand up and take down the dynasty? And that's what I'm, I'm leaning on the Eagles.
Will Compton
So Eagles up by four.
Taylor Lewan
Eagles up by four, fourth and four.
Will Compton
Or five in the middle of the field, right around the 50 yard line.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, their own 45 yard line.
Will Compton
Do you take a delay a game, then punt it or do you go for it?
Taylor Lewan
Right, you're going to sit there and decide, do you want to give Mahomes the ball with a minute change on the clock, with two timeouts, they do have to score. Or do you go for it, try to ice them out?
Will Compton
That answer is extremely clear to me. You got to go for it. You got to die with the ball in your hand.
Taylor Lewan
See, I'm trying to figure out the exact down and distance to where you ultimately punt the ball.
Will Compton
It's got to be fourth.
Taylor Lewan
And because I want to see Mahomes with the ball in his hand with that scenario, I can promise you, because that's peak.
Will Compton
This Chiefs dynasty, I can promise you, you do not want that scenario because I got a fun little stat.
Taylor Lewan
I want it for.
Will Compton
I want it for dismantle that scenario for you.
Taylor Lewan
But what I'm saying is I just want it for football. Like if he's going for the three peat. I want him to do it. What he's known and all the stats you're going to pull up, what he's known for doing. I want to, I just, I want to see that. Not that they have to prove that. I'm just saying, like, that's what I'm rooting for with these two teams in the super bowl, with these big. With this monumental moment hanging in the balance. That's just what I want to see. Even if he does it again, am I going to say it's Rick? Yes. But am I going to sit there and know that we are witnessing the greatest run from a team of all time? That answer is yes. And I would love to just see that scenario unfold to where whether he does it or not, it's going to be insane to see something like that.
Will Compton
That's a crystal ball that I would love to see. Yeah, I would love to see that. Because you, if it's any other team, you punt it away and you're like, let our defense, who's number one in points per game, number one statistically, pretty much across the board. Let's let them bow.
Taylor Lewan
Right?
Will Compton
But then again, and to your point too, about the Eagles being stacked, like, if you look at every single position group, like the Eagles probably edge them out in every category except for what, tight end? Quarterback. Quarterback. But the difference is the quarterback spectrum. Holmes. And the head coach for the Chiefs is Andy Reid, for sure. The winningest coach in Eagles history. The winningest coach in Kansas City history. The guy who has a limitless playbook. He's like, he's. What's his name? Takes a limitless pill every single day.
Clay Matthews
When he's just Bradley Cooper.
Will Compton
Bradley Cooper. And he's just seeing the field in a different way. Like that's, that's, that's who he's going against against. So a minute, like, let me ask you a hypothetical and whether There's. Fourth quarter 18. We'll see. The Chiefs right now are down by four. There's a minute 25. There's two timeouts and they're on the 25 yard line. Where does your brain go to that they're they going to get it done or they're not going to get it?
Clay Matthews
Yeah, they're going to get it done.
Will Compton
Yeah, it's my homes.
Clay Matthews
And the Chiefs, they're going to get it done.
Will Compton
You think they get it done, right?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
So Eagles. Jalen hurts. And no disrespect to Jalen, hurts. Like, I feel like he's got stats that people, people love him. I probably don't respect him as much as I probably should respect him from throwing the ball standpoint, but at the same situation, and it's the Eagles with the ball in their hand, they're down by four. Do you think they're pulling that off?
Taylor Lewan
I think it's very. I think that's a possibility. Yeah. Like if you're sitting there looking at Jalen hurts and Patrick Mahomes, you're going to be like, yeah, Patrick Mahomes is like Tom Brady. You're going to assume that they're going to do it because of stats and everything else. But Jaylah, that offense has the ability to still win the game.
Clay Matthews
How much time left you think they have the ability because Saquon has run the ball? Because their offensive line, you know, dictates that run game, provides the protection for Hertz to make those throws. You think he can put the team on his back and drive him down the field to win?
Taylor Lewan
I mean, Jalen is a proven winner throughout his.
Clay Matthews
He is a proven winner.
Will Compton
He makes. Has the defense make their mistakes. He takes what the defense gives them. He is very smart with the football. He does a great job of using his legs. But like we're talking about the clutch factor, the clutch gene in these crunch time situations. I don't know. The stats on Jalen hurts. I don't. But it's, it's tough to you. There's no, no arguing Patrick Mahomes.
Taylor Lewan
No, I'm with you. I agree that there's no. Yeah, it's like the two quarterbacks here. There's no arguing who's had the career, who's the better quarterback, all that stuff. I'm just saying, like, yeah, Jalen, I still think he, like, if it comes down to that situation, it's going to come down to that offensive line holding up against the creativity of somebody like Spags and how they hold up because the Chiefs are able to step on your throat and expose you in ways and get free runners and blitzes in these situations. And to where in my mind, I'm thinking the Eagles do pick it up because they have such an elite offensive line. They have continuity there. They've played together. They know everything inside and out to where they do pick it up. It's just Jalen dishing the ball around and I think he's capable of dishing the ball around very well.
Will Compton
He's got weapons on the outside, so I have this stat by Trey Wingo.
Taylor Lewan
Garrett came up to me, oh, I saw this video. Incredible.
Will Compton
Incredible. So you did see this video?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah. Yeah.
Will Compton
All right, I'll motor through it anyway. But somebody sent this to Garrett. Garrett showed it to me right before the show. So Trey Wingo is on this podcast. Since 2001, there's been 125 drives in the NFL postseason. It's fourth quarter, one minute to play. The team on offense is trailing by seven points or fewer. So in this small little sample size, you're able to see what is the clutch factor of the quarterback at the helm to allow their team to either tie the game or win the game. In the most clutch situations, 40% of the time, the team on the offense gets the points that they need, so that's less than 50%. Tom Brady, pretty good. He was 5 for 11. 46%. Drew Brees, 3. 3 of 6. He was 50%. Both great stats. There's only one player in NFL history that is perfect, and that's Patrick Mahomes. In that situation, he's seven for seven. That is.
Clay Matthews
That's.
Will Compton
And that's why you take the Chiefs.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, I'm taking the Eagles.
Will Compton
I can't sway you. I can't sway you at all.
Taylor Lewan
No, no, no, no, no. I mean, I want the Chiefs to lose.
Will Compton
Yeah.
Taylor Lewan
I want the Chiefs to lose, and that's what they're gonna do. I would not mind.
Will Compton
I say it every single time.
Taylor Lewan
My love for football. Would still enjoy watching, you know, the Chiefs do, you know, win this game, but I want him to lose.
Clay Matthews
All this praise of Mahomes. Jalen Hurts has scored two and three touchdowns, respectively, again, last two games against the Chiefs running. Could be a big game for Hurts back there.
Taylor Lewan
Touchdown for Jalen Hurts.
Will Compton
You're talking about a juicy parlay coming off the tongue there, huh?
Clay Matthews
Oh, should I. Should I hold off on that stuff?
Will Compton
No, I like it. I like we. I mean, we've already made our picks. Do we. Where we go? Yeah. Ballsy. Big game. Picks is next.
Clay Matthews
You know, I just. I'm just saying. Just as far as, you know, we're. We're putting Mahomes up on this pedestal. I just want to give Hertz his. You know, his flowers right here. And it could be. Could be a big day. That's all I'm saying.
Taylor Lewan
And again, even if it does break down a little bit, Jalen does have the ability to beat you with his feet.
Will Compton
Yeah. Yes.
Taylor Lewan
I'm not saying that to sway every. To sway anything. It's just like, we can't sit here and be like, all right, if there's whatever the time left on the clock, like, it's just not going to get done with Jalen. Like, I think he's got the capabilities to do it. It just really comes down to the trenches and then who's just making those plays in crunch time. But our next thing. Should we get our. The fun picks? The coin toss.
Will Compton
Yeah, let's get some of those Gatorades. Yes, absolutely.
Taylor Lewan
The little prop bets brought to us by, you already know Fireball Whiskey Fireball is the perfect shot for game day. And whether you're buying those sneaky little shooters before going into the stadium or going big with the fireball keg for your tailgate, whether it's a pregame shot in the tailgate lot or a celebratory touchdown shot at the bar, no matter what, it's guaranteed to ignite your game day. We'll kick it off, we'll start it with the top of the game. And that is the coin toss.
Will Compton
Yeah, coin toss. So Mitch's stats here says heads hit last year, all time record. Tails, 30. Heads, 28. I saw a stat that was actually 29. 29. Like a true 50. 50. So it's coin flip, boys. It's coin flip is what? The other day, right, I saw a.
Taylor Lewan
Stat where it's true. 50. 50.
Will Compton
Oh, no. Ye of the 50. However many super Bowls, it's literally cut right down the middle. Tails. Never fails. I think Randy Moss had a quote about that. Playing the game, you always go tails. I'm gonna go tails in this one.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, I'm tails. I'm all over tails.
Will Compton
You like tails?
Clay Matthews
I'll ride with the boys. Tails.
Will Compton
Okay, we got a triple A stat. The tails.
Taylor Lewan
You're gonna say the winner thing that.
Clay Matthews
I was telling you about.
Taylor Lewan
The winner of the coin toss has only won the super bowl twice in the last 10 years. Those two times have both been the Chiefs. Chiefs or Mitch is. He's a big Chiefs fan, just FYI.
Will Compton
Big Chiefs fan.
Taylor Lewan
You want us to read that last stat?
Will Compton
That would be a fun in game bet. Like, you watch a coin toss, Chiefs win the coin toss. Like, oh, okay, Chiefs. Chiefs don't win the coin toss. Chiefs. It seems like, right? It seems like no matter what, it's Chiefs based on that stat.
Taylor Lewan
So in your brain, when the Chiefs win, what color is that Gatorade gonna be?
Will Compton
I like green. I think green is an interesting color. I never really see green before, but in the. In the national championship, Ohio State, when they poured that Gatorade over Ryan Day, it was green. So it got me thinking. Got me juiced up, like, hey, how many times has the college national championship matched up with the NFL? And it's not that much. However, I think this time I'm taking green plus 220.
Clay Matthews
I'm going purple. I'm jumping in here and I'll tell you why. I got the stats of the Gatorade color from the 2015 Broncos all the way until last year's Kansas City Chiefs. And can you tell me the color of the last two Super bowl victories for the Chiefs these past two years? What color?
Will Compton
It was orange.
Taylor Lewan
Purple.
Clay Matthews
It's purple. Three. Pete, it's going to be purple. And right now, the odds plus 210.
Taylor Lewan
Hey, they hold three peat. Yeah, you could be cooking with something there.
Clay Matthews
Okay. Hey, just a little. Just a little, you know, trivia segment that I'm now including in this within the. Since the 2015 Denver Broncos all the way until this past year's super bowl winner, what was the only team. What team was the team that did not dump Gatorade on their coach?
Taylor Lewan
Patriots.
Clay Matthews
That's correct. 2016.
Taylor Lewan
Shout out, Mitch. Shout out, Mitch.
Will Compton
Mitch is whispering it in the back. Patriots. Bill Belichick wasn't having that, huh?
Clay Matthews
No. But I'm going purple.
Will Compton
Were you when you won the super bowl, were you a guy that was holding the Gatorade?
Clay Matthews
No, I didn't appreciate. I think we talked about this. It just went too fast. I don't know. I don't even think I touched the trophy because we were going to do it the next year.
Taylor Lewan
Did you ever go back to the Super Bowl, Clay?
Clay Matthews
No. We got close. Did you ever get past the divisional round?
Taylor Lewan
No, in my head, it's like if we weren't.
Will Compton
If we weren't. This has some sort of.
Taylor Lewan
In my head, if we were never winning the Super Bowl, I didn't want to win any of the games in the playoffs.
Will Compton
That's crazy.
Clay Matthews
What.
Will Compton
What's your record in the playoffs?
Taylor Lewan
O and.
Will Compton
Okay. That's all. I was just making sure. I thought there might have been one.
Clay Matthews
What were your stats in the playoffs, though?
Taylor Lewan
I did have 12 tackles against the Green Bay packers in 2016.
Clay Matthews
I had 11 sacks in 15 games. Good old.
Taylor Lewan
Oh, are we talking about a game or are we talking about the entire season? No, rattle off my sacks in the entire season.
Clay Matthews
15 games is my. Is a new. Is another season of playoff games that I played and I had 11 sacks, which is good enough for pro ball, pro playoff honors. Packers all time leading postseason sack artist.
Will Compton
Artist.
Clay Matthews
Yeah, because, you know, put a spin on it.
Taylor Lewan
Did you ever get back to the super bowl, though, after you guys won?
Clay Matthews
No, but I. But the next. When's your super bowl again? Or when's your birthday again? I'll bring that super bowl ring in so you can see it. Count the diamonds.
Taylor Lewan
September 19th. Put on your phone yet?
Will Compton
No, put in your phone.
Clay Matthews
All right, after the show.
Will Compton
After the show.
Taylor Lewan
Do you have my name in your phone yet?
Clay Matthews
I got Taylor and yours. Yours is like plus 615.
Taylor Lewan
No, I know that's cap because it's 573.
Will Compton
Oh, this is fun. I'm enjoying this. MVP. I got bats from home.
Taylor Lewan
My Gatorade is yellow.
Will Compton
Okay.
Taylor Lewan
I'm going yellow.
Will Compton
Why are you going yellow?
Taylor Lewan
When the Eagles won the super bowl last, their color was yellow. So I'm going yellow because I see you.
Will Compton
Yeah, you're standing on it. You're standing on it. I'm obviously at the Chiefs to win. I'm going Patrick Mahomes. Like, there's not a world we live in where they don't give Patrick Mahomes the mvp. Even if he doesn't even play well. Even if it's Travis Kelsey, it's Pat Mahomes.
Clay Matthews
I've got Mahomes. And if the Eagles do win, which they won't, it would be Saquon.
Will Compton
I agree with that, too.
Taylor Lewan
I got Saquon. Saquon running backs have only won seven times.
Clay Matthews
That's how they're going to win.
Will Compton
That's the only way they can win.
Taylor Lewan
And it's his birthday. He's going to get the record. I mean, that's a massive record. Terrell Davis. Terrell Davis had 1 and 2 before going into that championship game last week for Saquon.
Clay Matthews
Terrell, you know, there's that whole issue, fair.
Taylor Lewan
You're saying Saquon will have more games. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Clay Matthews
I mean, not that. Listen, I'm not going to hold it against. I'm just curious, you know, a lot of the old heads like to hold that, you know, as like.
Taylor Lewan
Oh, yeah.
Clay Matthews
Fifteen games.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, yeah.
Clay Matthews
Just curious.
Taylor Lewan
No, that's. That. That's fair. That's fair. But still, that would. It's going to be. That would be a historic weekend for Saquon. Which I think it will be. Which I think it will be.
Will Compton
Who will the Super Bowl MVP think first? Most likely. God.
Clay Matthews
Yeah.
Will Compton
Most likely. God.
Clay Matthews
Between Mahomes and Hertz. Yeah. They always thank God first, right?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Will Compton
Good deal.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
That's a fun. That's a fun prop, Ed.
Taylor Lewan
I mean, Will the opening kickoff be a touchback?
Will Compton
Yes. Yes.
Taylor Lewan
Minus 280 is yes. Plus 205 is no.
Will Compton
I think. I think so. I still don't understand these kickoff rules. They're so hard. There's like a area you have to catch it in. There's a whole bunch of different things. If it goes back, it's like, why not end up on the 30? End up on the 30 right away, put yourself in a better position.
Taylor Lewan
I'll just go against the grain and say no.
Clay Matthews
It's a touchback.
Will Compton
Gotta be touched back.
Taylor Lewan
Probably be touched back.
Will Compton
Gotta be touched back.
Taylor Lewan
Probably touchback. Probably touchback.
Will Compton
Time of opening drive, 1140 or more left in the first quarter. 1139 or less in the first quarter. I think it depends on who gets the ball first. I agree.
Clay Matthews
I'm gonna abstain from this one. I think, you know, the Eagles get the ball. They run it churning up clock. It's gonna be 11:39 or less. Chiefs get it. If they go, you know, three and out or even drive down the field, there's 1140 or more, I'm going to.
Taylor Lewan
Say it's going to be. It's going to be a quick first series, quick opening drive.
Clay Matthews
Three.
Will Compton
Now, I like that.
Taylor Lewan
Either three and out. Yeah, Yeah.
Will Compton
I like it because the Chiefs, they pass the ball quite a bit, clock stops quite a bit during the situations, and their first 15 plays are elite. You know, we sit in the team meeting before and, like, these are our top 15. I don't think there's a. There's a better team that has a top 15. And the Eagles, their first drive in the last game is like, what, one play? So they have the explo. The. The ability to be explosive and get the ball and have chunk plays as well.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
And there's always the room for the three and outs. So that's. I like. I like it being more than 1140.
Taylor Lewan
Left on the clock and you're going less.
Will Compton
He's abstaining.
Clay Matthews
Abstaining. I have to have something.
Taylor Lewan
You gotta have something. You can say. Look, I'm not gonna.
Clay Matthews
I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say 11:39 or less. I'll go less. All right.
Taylor Lewan
Taylor, you want to hit the Bet the boys?
Will Compton
Yeah, Bet the boys segment. The matchup for the Super Super Bowl 59 is set. The clock is ticking to get your picks in. I've already locked in a few prop bets of my favorite and only sportsbook. I use my partner's DraftKings sportsbook right now. New customers get 200 in bonus bets instantly after betting just $5. Fade or follow your favorite barstool personality picks in the barstool betting group on the DraftKings sportsbook app. Check out special Super Bowl 59 markets exclusively on DraftKings. Use code LOCKER at signup. That's LOCKER. L O C K E R. The crown is yours. So we're not doing touchdown parlays. Correct? This is. We can just do any parlay we want?
Taylor Lewan
Yes. Create a same game parlay.
Will Compton
Create a same game parlay. And we're just going to do just the three of us. Just three picks or do we want to get juicy?
Taylor Lewan
Yours, mine, Clays. You know Clay has one. He's got. Look at how he's ripping his phone right now.
Will Compton
Rumor has it's a little more conservative.
Clay Matthews
It's conservative but with big payout. Okay, so it's contradictory, but how many legs? Well, I got, I got. I got three bets, okay? I got two bank builders for the boys out there who want to win because like I told Taylor, America loves winners. And I got some long shots right here. I got a two pick parlay.
Taylor Lewan
Okay?
Clay Matthews
Two touchdowns for Jalen Hurts, two touchdowns for Patrick Mahomes. Plus 12,000 would have hit last week if we're chasing the dragon here. Mahomes has been scrambling quite a bit, putting the team on his back lately. There's going to be a lot of pressure from the Eagles, D line, Eagles defense and Hertz, was it three touchdown, three rushing touchdowns last week. And, and let me just.
Taylor Lewan
So you're saying there's going to be four rushing touchdowns between these two quarterbacks?
Clay Matthews
Chiefs have allowed the most scrambles out of any team in the NFL. And we talked about Jalen Hurts two and three rushing touchdowns the last two games versus the Chiefs. I'm just saying it could.
Will Compton
I don't hate it. I mean the way he says it too, it's like it's so confident.
Taylor Lewan
I know. The way he talks about it. I think it's an L though.
Will Compton
You think it's an L though?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah. And think about it. Two rushing touchdowns each quarterback.
Will Compton
Yeah. Yeah.
Clay Matthews
Who. Yeah, it happened last week.
Will Compton
Who?
Clay Matthews
The same. Two quarterbacks?
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, but against each other. Same game.
Clay Matthews
All the more reason to go for that MVP trophy.
Will Compton
That's plus 12,000.
Clay Matthews
Plus 12.
Taylor Lewan
Now is that your long shot? Where's your bank? Where's your little.
Clay Matthews
All right, my little bank builders right here.
Taylor Lewan
1, 800 gambler. 1, 800 gambler.
Clay Matthews
Not guarantee a little five pick parlay. Plus 120.
Taylor Lewan
Plus 125.
Clay Matthews
Bank builders, bro. Bank builders. Hey. Dallas Goddard, receiving yards 25. He's gonna get 50. Kareem Hunt rushing ours 25. He's going to have way, way more than that. Travis Kelsey receptions four plus. Kelsey's got 19 touchdowns in his last 16 playoff games. Just something to think about. Jalen Hurts 25 plus rushing yards and three plus receptions for DeVonta Smith. Easy money right there. A plus 1,000. My other five pick 10 plus. Jalen Hurts rushing attempts. Dallas Goddard over 52 and a half receiving yards. Travis Kelsey, 50 plus receiving yards. Travis Kelce, six plus receptions. Xavier Worthy rushing yards over six and a half.
Taylor Lewan
I actually like that one. I like that one.
Clay Matthews
He's just bank builders, you know what I'm saying?
Will Compton
Stacking chips.
Taylor Lewan
I like that bank builder right there.
Will Compton
I like it.
Taylor Lewan
I got a three legger plus 1200.
Will Compton
Okay, so we all went conservative this week.
Taylor Lewan
Well, it's funny. That's. That's a.
Will Compton
That's.
Taylor Lewan
I feel like I've grown.
Will Compton
Yeah. Progress.
Taylor Lewan
That's a lot of progress. Three, three, three picks right here. Eagles money line over Goddard, 60 plus receiving yards and Saquon Barkley two plus.
Will Compton
If the Omen isn't, what is. His receiving yards is 25. He said he'll get 50.
Clay Matthews
Yeah, but he's right at that 55.
Will Compton
I think he's over 60 is where we hit 86.
Taylor Lewan
But I threw. I went 60. Because that's where you get in plus odds with. With Goddard.
Will Compton
That's how you gotta jump in there.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
Yeah. It's crazy.
Clay Matthews
Yeah.
Will Compton
All right. I don't like it because that right there's an Eagles.
Taylor Lewan
That's an Eagles parlay. It's the Eagles parlay. Obviously, we got to have the money line hit.
Will Compton
I also went conservative of a three pick, three leg plus 1,000. Chiefs minus one and a half. Lock that up. That's nice and easy. Saquon Barkley two touchdown score. He's done it so many times. Why not? And then finally the over of 48 and a half points.
Clay Matthews
What are those odds again?
Will Compton
Plus 1,000.
Clay Matthews
Plus 1,000.
Will Compton
You kind of like that, didn't you?
Clay Matthews
Might have to get in on that. Yeah, especially with the Chiefs.
Taylor Lewan
That one got Clay going.
Will Compton
He did. He thought about it.
Taylor Lewan
He's like, man, because you got Chiefs in there and you got Saquon, because.
Will Compton
You know Saquon's gonna get his. Yeah, they're gonna get in the red zone a couple times. He's gonna. He's gonna punch it in there. He might have Three. But I'm feeling more conservative so I'm going two, you know.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah, yeah. I feel.
Will Compton
You feel me. I see the vision and then the over. Like, like, I mean there's going to be points scored in this game. Two great defenses. However, like we got, we got. We're about to watch greatness. I really think we're going to watch a hell of a Super Bowl. Yeah, a hell of a Super Bowl. Praying that we end up in that fourth and five and six situation. And I'm also hoping to see if Mahomes can go eight for eight and like less than a minute, fourth quarter, down by four situation. Because that would be top football. Peak football.
Taylor Lewan
Yeah.
Will Compton
Six to midnight.
Taylor Lewan
Probably overruffing the passer call on the drive.
Will Compton
Maybe. Could be.
Taylor Lewan
Probably.
Will Compton
There's petitions going on all this. There's such a microscope on these refs. I think they're. Let the boys play. Let's hope do business is. Business is being done.
Taylor Lewan
Let's hope it's going to be a juicy one.
Will Compton
Fun show.
Taylor Lewan
Fun show.
Will Compton
Clean it out.
Clay Matthews
I had fun. I had fun these last several weeks. I appreciate you guys inviting me on. This has been a real eye opening experience. I love what you got going on here. I hope you have me back in the future. And I know you probably will say no just because I challenge your crown, but Taylor, I think we got something.
Will Compton
Yeah, we got something beautiful.
Clay Matthews
Just text me.
Will Compton
Yeah, I got you.
Clay Matthews
Yeah, you got me. Literally in your phone.
Will Compton
Yeah, done. We'll lock you in. And I know that the fans. Oh, yeah, the fans are fired up on Claymax.
Taylor Lewan
Hey, we got you a little something right by your chair. Some confetti.
Clay Matthews
I don't want this to go on my face.
Will Compton
And this is the bottom. This is the bottom. This is the bottom.
Clay Matthews
All right.
Will Compton
From California.
Clay Matthews
He's never shot something this wildfire. Seems like.
Taylor Lewan
Sorry, sorry. I was just. I was just making sure I was.
Will Compton
Boys, hey, great show. Great season. Thank you so much for walking to the locker room. We love you. Big hugs, tiny kisses.
Clay Matthews
Oh, that hurt you bro. My string.
Taylor Lewan
Hey, he's got twisted.
Will Compton
Yeah. Oh, shit. Oh, yeah, yeah, my fault, my fault.
Clay Matthews
Oh, you bite in the ear. Hey.
Taylor Lewan
Damn, that shit does have some. That's my bad. Can I get. He's like, hey, can we get a dap? Just a dap. Just a bro dap. Just a bro dap. That's on me. That's on me. That's on me.
Clay Matthews
If the cameras weren't rolling, that's on me.
Taylor Lewan
I know you were built like that.
Clay Matthews
I'm like Trump. I'm like Trump right now. I'm Trump, right? Fight.
Taylor Lewan
That hurt my ear. Did that hurt my ear.
Clay Matthews
That really hurt you?
Taylor Lewan
Let me see. Let me see. I think you guys hang on.
Clay Matthews
Let me know this guy.
Bussin' With The Boys: Episode "Clay Matthews CONFIDENT Chiefs Handle Eagles; Will Compton Still Hopeful Eagles Upset Chiefs"
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Introduction
In this electrifying episode of "Bussin' With The Boys," hosts Taylor Lewan and Will Compton are joined by NFL stalwart Clay Matthews to dissect the highly anticipated Super Bowl 59 clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The conversation is a blend of expert analysis, personal anecdotes, and spirited banter, providing listeners with deep insights into the strategies, player performances, and underlying dynamics that could sway the championship outcome.
Super Bowl 59 Analysis: Chiefs vs. Eagles
Team Breakdowns and Predictions
The episode kicks off with Taylor Lewan setting the stage for the Super Bowl showdown, emphasizing the high stakes and electrifying atmosphere surrounding the game (00:46). As the trio delves into team strategies, Clay Matthews exudes unwavering confidence in the Chiefs' ability to triumph:
Clay Matthews (16:36): "You just don't bet against the king. And I know every season is different and I'm going to get into the X's and O's here in a minute. They're just going to win. It's destiny. It's what's going to happen."
In contrast, Taylor Lewan showcases a measured optimism towards the Eagles, highlighting their robust offensive line and dynamic quarterback play:
Taylor Lewan (17:00): "I like the outfit that the Eagles have. Saquon Barkley... their defensive line is top-notch."
Will Compton adds his perspective, emphasizing Patrick Mahomes' leadership and clutch performance:
Will Compton (19:12): "This Chiefs dynasty, I can promise you, you do not want that scenario because I got a fun little stat. Patrick Mahomes... he do not give Patrick Mahomes the MVP."
Key Players and Stats
A significant portion of the discussion centers around pivotal players who could tilt the balance. Clay Matthews lauds Patrick Mahomes' flawless postseason record in clutch situations:
Clay Matthews (22:48): "There's only one player in NFL history that is perfect, and that's Patrick Mahomes. In that situation, he's seven for seven. That is."
Conversely, Taylor Lewan underscores Jalen Hurts' versatility and proven track record as a winner:
Taylor Lewan (21:17): "Jalen is a proven winner throughout his career. He has the ability to dish the ball around very well."
The conversation also touches on Saquon Barkley's impact, with Matthews projecting a historic weekend for the running back:
Taylor Lewan (30:54): "It's going to be a historic weekend for Saquon. Which I think it will be."
Strategy Discussions
The trio engages in a deep dive into strategic decisions that could define the game's outcome. Taylor Lewan presents a hypothetical fourth-quarter scenario to analyze coaching decisions:
Taylor Lewan (17:38): "The Eagles have the ball on their own 45, minute 25, fourth and four or five. Do you go for it or punt to pin them inside the 10 with a minute 20 on the clock?"
Will Compton advocates for aggressive play, emphasizing the importance of seizing control:
Will Compton (19:05): "You got to go for it. You got to die with the ball in your hand."
Meanwhile, Taylor explores the Eagles' offensive line's ability to support Jalen Hurts, potentially neutralizing Mahomes' threats:
Taylor Lewan (21:32): "It really comes down to the trenches and then who's just making those plays in crunch time."
Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes from their NFL careers, providing context to their analytical viewpoints. Clay Matthews reminisces about facing formidable opponents like Chandler Jones:
Clay Matthews (06:02): "Chandler Jones had five sacks in week one. Yeah, I do, I actually was like, this guy's coming off a major knee injury and you're playing against one of the lankiest, longest, unorthodox pass rushers."
Taylor Lewan recounts memorable moments from his time with the Raiders, highlighting the camaraderie and competitive spirit:
Taylor Lewan (15:10): "I ended up... So I'm out there so long after the game, like, dapping up, doing the jersey exchanges, catching up, doing all the stuff that we were doing."
Prop Bets and Game Predictions
A highlight of the episode is the engaging segment where the hosts make various prop bets and predictions about the game's outcomes and player performances.
Coin Toss Predictions
Analyzing historical data, the hosts predict the outcome of the coin toss, favoring tails based on Chiefs' past performances:
Taylor Lewan (26:03): "I'm tails. I'm all over tails."
Gatorade Color Predictions
Predicting the post-game Gatorade dump, Clay Matthews opts for purple, aligning with the Chiefs' recent Super Bowl wins:
Clay Matthews (27:30): "I'm going purple. I'm jumping in here... it's purple. Three."
Taylor Lewan counters with yellow, representing the Eagles' vibrant colors:
Taylor Lewan (29:53): "My Gatorade is yellow."
Player Performance Bets
The hosts share their picks for player performances, adding an extra layer of excitement:
Clay Matthews: Projects two touchdowns each for Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, aiming for high-risk, high-reward bets:
Clay Matthews (34:02): "Two touchdowns for Jalen Hurts, two touchdowns for Patrick Mahomes... plus 12,000 would have hit last week if we're chasing the dragon here."
Taylor Lewan: Focuses on Saquon Barkley's rushing prowess, especially around his birthday:
Taylor Lewan (30:12): "Saquon Barkley... he's going to get the record. I mean, that's a massive record."
Will Compton: Chooses a conservative three-pick parlay, combining Chiefs' money line with individual player performance:
Will Compton (37:14): "Chiefs minus one and a half. Lock that up. That's nice and easy. Saquon Barkley two touchdown score... and then finally the over of 48 and a half points."
Fun Segment: Banter and Interaction
The episode is infused with light-hearted moments and playful interactions, particularly towards the end. A memorable exchange occurs when Clay Matthews attempts to claim a crown, leading to a mock altercation:
Clay Matthews (39:34): "I'm Trump, right? Fight."
Taylor Lewan (39:58): "That hurt my ear."
These humorous exchanges showcase the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere among the hosts, adding an entertaining dimension to the informative content.
Conclusion
As the episode draws to a close, Clay Matthews expresses his appreciation for being part of "Bussin' With The Boys," highlighting the enriching experience:
Clay Matthews (38:39): "I had fun these last several weeks. I love what you got going on here. I hope you have me back in the future."
The hosts collectively reflect on the anticipation surrounding Super Bowl 59, hoping for a game that lives up to its high expectations with strategic plays and standout performances. Their blend of expert analysis, personal insights, and infectious enthusiasm makes this episode a must-listen for NFL fans eager to gain a deeper understanding of the championship battle and enjoy the dynamic personalities behind the commentary.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Clay Matthews (16:36):
"You just don't bet against the king... they're just going to win. It's destiny. It's what's going to happen."
Will Compton (19:12):
"Patrick Mahomes... He do not give Patrick Mahomes the MVP."
Taylor Lewan (21:17):
"Jalen is a proven winner throughout his career. He has the ability to dish the ball around very well."
Clay Matthews (22:48):
"There's only one player in NFL history that is perfect, and that's Patrick Mahomes. In that situation, he's seven for seven. That is."
Taylor Lewan (30:54):
"It's going to be a historic weekend for Saquon. Which I think it will be."
Clay Matthews (34:02):
"Two touchdowns for Jalen Hurts, two touchdowns for Patrick Mahomes... plus 12,000 would have hit last week if we're chasing the dragon here."
Clay Matthews (39:34):
"I'm Trump, right? Fight."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened while preserving the rich content, insightful analysis, and entertaining dynamics of the conversation.