Nightcap - Hour 1: Tee Higgins talk, Rodgers historically bad, Bowers breaks rookie TE record

Summary

Club Shay Shay Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Nightcap - Hour 1: Tee Higgins talk, Rodgers historically bad, Bowers breaks rookie TE record
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts, The Volume, and Shay Shay Media
Release Date: January 1, 2025

---

Overview

In this engaging episode of Club Shay Shay, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe hosts former NFL star Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson to delve into a variety of pressing topics in the world of football. From player contracts and quarterback performances to rookie records and coaching strategies, Sharpe and Ochocinco provide deep insights, backed by their extensive experience and candid conversations.

---

1. Tee Higgins' Free Agency Market

Discussion Highlights: Shannon Sharpe initiates the conversation by addressing the free agent market, specifically focusing on Tee Higgins. He cites an article predicting Higgins’ market value to exceed $30 million annually.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Sharpe [02:38]: "I just read an article today that T. Higgins market is going to be somewhere a little bit, a little north of 30 million a year on the free agent market."

Analysis: Ochocinco Johnson agrees, emphasizing the importance of a player's first contract in shaping their career trajectory. They discuss the dynamics of negotiating contracts, the influence of performance incentives, and the potential financial outcomes for players choosing between staying with their current teams or exploring free agency.

---

2. Aaron Rodgers' Performance Against the Bills

Discussion Highlights: Sharpe critiques Aaron Rodgers' recent performance, labeling it one of the worst in NFL history with a quarterback rating (QBR) of 1.2 during the Bills' dominant 40-14 victory.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Sharpe [19:05]: "Aaron Rodgers had a 1.2 QBR today versus the Bills. It was one of the 20 worst games by a quarterback in NFL history."

Analysis: The conversation delves into Rodgers' struggles, including low passing yards and multiple turnovers. Sharpe argues that Rodgers' poor performance is indicative of deeper issues within the team's strategy and player utilization, rather than external factors like vaccination status.

---

3. Brian Flores as Raiders' Head Coach Candidate

Discussion Highlights: Sharpe and Ochocinco evaluate Brian Flores' potential candidacy for the Raiders' head coaching position. They compare Flores' defensive prowess and leadership qualities, referencing his tenure with teams like the Vikings and his impact as a linebackers coach.

Notable Quote:

Chad Ochocinco Johnson [10:38]: "I think he (Brian Flores) would be a good fit. I don't like the fact that they're firing or getting rid of AP when AP hasn't had a chance."

Analysis: They discuss Flores' coaching philosophy, his ability to adapt, and the importance of having a strong quarterback to support his defensive strategies. Sharpe emphasizes that Flores should maintain his unique coaching identity rather than mimicking figures like Bill Belichick.

---

4. Brock Bowers Breaks Rookie Tight End Record

Discussion Highlights: The spotlight shifts to rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who has set NFL records for the most receiving yards and receptions by a rookie tight end in a single season. Underlining his performance against the Saints, Sharpe and Ochocinco commend Bowers' physicality and hands-on playing style.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Sharpe [34:32]: "Rookie tight end Brock Bowers led the Raiders in receiving with seven catches, 77 yards and set several records."

Analysis: Ochocinco praises Bowers' consistency and his ability to integrate seamlessly into the Raiders' offense. They also discuss his potential to surpass existing records held by veterans like Zach Ertz, highlighting Bowers' significant role in the team's offensive strategy.

---

5. Challenges with the New York Jets' Quarterback Situation

Discussion Highlights: A significant portion of the episode focuses on the New York Jets' tumultuous quarterback situation. Sharpe criticizes Aaron Rodgers for his underperformance and discusses the team's lack of a stable quarterback, pondering potential replacements like Tyrod Taylor or Garrett Wilson.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Sharpe [20:44]: "Are you telling me you can't find somebody out there that can go 5 and 11? I mean, 5 and 12, that can go 6 and 10, that can go 7 and 7 and what, 9 and 8."

Analysis: Sharpe argues that the Jets' offensive struggles are compounded by poor quarterback play and inadequate support from the coaching staff. Ochocinco echoes these sentiments, noting that without a competent quarterback, the team's prospects remain bleak regardless of surrounding talent.

---

6. Comparison of Coaching Styles and Past Coaches

Discussion Highlights: The hosts compare current coaching candidates to legendary figures like Mike Shanahan and Bill Belichick, stressing the importance of maintaining one's unique coaching style. They caution against coaches trying to emulate others, which can lead to mismatches in team dynamics and performance.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Sharpe [12:18]: "They try to be Coach Belichick. And I think that is the one mistake all the coaches under that tree has made. They try to be Coach Belichick."

Analysis: Sharpe advocates for authenticity in coaching, suggesting that coaches like Brian Flores should leverage their strengths rather than imitate others. This approach, they argue, fosters a more cohesive and effective team environment.

---

7. Future Outlook and Team Strategies

Discussion Highlights: Looking ahead, Sharpe and Ochocinco discuss the strategic moves teams should consider, such as investing in high-potential players and ensuring a balanced offensive and defensive lineup. They emphasize the importance of cap space management and intelligent player acquisitions.

Notable Quote:

Shannon Sharpe [13:48]: "Raiders got the second most cap money to spend."

Analysis: They highlight the Raiders' financial flexibility as a strategic advantage, allowing them to bolster their roster with key players like Christian Wilkins and Brock Bowers. The hosts also touch upon the necessity of securing a solid quarterback to maximize the team's offensive potential.

---

Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, blending player performance evaluations with strategic insights into team management and coaching philosophies. Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco Johnson provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today's football landscape, making it a must-listen for avid sports fans seeking in-depth commentary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Shannon Sharpe [02:38]: "T. Higgins market is going to be somewhere a little bit, a little north of 30 million a year on the free agent market."
• Shannon Sharpe [19:05]: "Aaron Rodgers had a 1.2 QBR today versus the Bills. It was one of the 20 worst games by a quarterback in NFL history."
• Chad Ochocinco Johnson [10:38]: "I think he (Brian Flores) would be a good fit."
• Shannon Sharpe [34:32]: "Rookie tight end Brock Bowers led the Raiders in receiving with seven catches, 77 yards and set several records."
• Shannon Sharpe [20:44]: "Are you telling me you can't find somebody out there that can go 5 and 11?"
• Shannon Sharpe [12:18]: "They try to be Coach Belichick."

---

Note: Timestamps correspond to the audio segments discussed and illustrate key moments within the conversation.

Transcript

[Chase Freedom]

As we gather together during this holiday season, let me share a gift that keeps on giving. Chase Freedom With Chase Freedom Unlimited, you'll not only experience the joy of 1.5% unlimited cash back, but also the freedom to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Discover the magic and learn [e-mail] and let this season be filled with love, laughter and the delight of extra cash in your pocket.

[JPMorgan Chase]

Cards issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank NA.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Member FDIC.

[Michael Lewis]

Hey there, it's Michael Lewis, author of Going Infinite Moneyball, the Blind side and Liars Poker. On the latest season of my podcast, against the Rules, I'm exploring what it means to be a sports fan in America and what the rise of sports betting is doing to our teams, our states and ourselves. Join me and listen to against the rules on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search against the Rules. Listen Listen to Against the rules on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The Volume the Emirates NBA cup is here. You can win big getting in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook, an official sports betting partner of the NBA. All 30 teams split into six groups every Tuesday and Friday, playing for the right to advance into a single elimination in season tournament culminating in in the NBA Cup Championship in Las Vegas. First time. Here's something special for you. New Draft King customers bet $5 to get 150 in bonus bets. If your bet wins, score big with DraftKings Sportsbook. Every point counts. Download the Draft King Sportsbook app. Use code money moves. That's code money move for new customers to get 150 in bonus bet. If your bet wins when you bet just five bucks only on DraftKings, the crown is yours.

[Gambling Helpline]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or in West Virginia, visit 1-800GAMBLER.net In New York, call 8778-Hopeny or text hopeny467-369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age varies by jurisdiction. Boyd in Ontario, one no sweat bet per new customer issued as one bonus bet based on amount of initial losing bet. Sets expire 168 hours after issuance. See dkng.com promos for deposit, wagering and eligibility restrictions, terms and responsible gaming resources.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Thank you guys for joining us again, y'all Know me. I'm your favorite uncle. Shannon Sharp. That guy. Liberty City legend. Bingo's ring of fame. Artery Provo of the All Pro. That's Chad Ochocinko Johnson. I just read an article today that T. Higgins market is going to be somewhere a little bit, a little north of 30 million a year. On the free agent market?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yes, sir.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Now, look, that's his choice. I think he's saying all the right things. And you don't want to come because you know Ocho, if he goes, oh, he's selfish. Why he's selfish. Mike Brown made all that money. He ain't paid but a handful of people since he owned the team.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You got to talk to him. I can't say it no more. I mean, can you please tell the people in the chat? I'm sure we, I'm. Listen, I know we have a lot of Bangle fans in the chat right now. I know we do. Can you please tell them the importance of your first contract as a player after you put all the work in to get to this point? And I, I know, I know he means well. I know he does. I, I would love to see him stay. But you, you got to say something because I didn't say it. I don't think people listen to me because they've been arguing me down, you know, my, my fans, you know, that I love there, they've been arguing me down based on what I said. Maybe if they hear from you. I, I, I don't know.

[Shannon Sharpe]

First contract, especially T. Higgins, was a, a second round pick. If I'm not mistaken, your first contract is what solidifies everything. Now that gives you, if you want to down the road, oo if you want to take a little less money or you want to give them a little haircut. Now look, when I say give you a haircut, I ain't getting no damn ball head. Now I ain't getting no Kojak. That's what he used to call the ball here when I was growing up. Oh, hey, the old man going to. Hey, hey, Green. Give me that Kojak. That means that middle ball head. Nah, I ain't getting no, I ain't getting no ball. Now if you say, okay, I'm gonna stay, I could go get 30, 31 million as a free agent. Now you're gonna give me 28, 29. So when I project it out, that's about okay. I'm gonna lose 10 million. I can, you know what, Ocho? With a couple, with, you know, with a couple of incentives here and there, I Do a couple of appearances. I can make that up. But when you tell me on the free agent market, I can get five years, 160 million with 80 million guaranteed, and what y'all can only get to is 120 million? Oh, hell, no. 20 when you start. Once you get past 20, 30 million. Right. I can't even hear nothing y'all saying.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, listen, y'all. Because here's the thing, Ocho. Yeah. If the networks were to go to the NFL and say y'all cut us a deal, what you think they're gonna say, Ocho? No, they're not getting no deal from the NFL, is not giving. Because I don't think y'all understand. Chad, stay with me right here. Do y'all realize that even though, like, ESPN has paid 2.2 billion and Fox has paid 2 billion, and all these networks, do you realize even on playing the 2 billion, the 1.8, the other 2.2 billion, that in order for ESPN to show video clips, they gotta pay for that, too? Oh, yeah. 11 minutes of video clips is about $2 million. Let that sink in. Chat. Listen to me. 11 minutes worth of video clips. How many video clips do you think ESPN show in a day?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

How many you think they show in a week? Same for Fox, same for cbs. Same for NBC. Same for Amazon. Think about that. So I just paid. Hold on. It's like, Ocho, yes, sir. I go pay $200,000 for a car. You mean to tell me I got to play for the umbrella to come in the car, too? You can't give me that as a discount. God dang.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, I mean, listen, listen, I. I just. I don't understand. And I. I think about the nature of the business. When it comes time to get paid for one, the teams aren't going to come to you with your best interest in heart or in mind. They're gonna lowball. They're gonna lowball. Of course they're gonna lowball you. You know, I. I understand. I know the game that they're going to play, as much as I love the game of football, but I understand the bidding war.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's almost like, Ocho, this reminds you of, like in the. In Pennsylvania. Montana.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Marino, Namath, Kelly, all of them from that little pocket. So many, you know. What's old boy name? Rebus.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Aliquippa. Tony Dorsett. Aliquippa. I mean, that. That little smaller Pennsylvania, a lot of hall of Famers came out of there, but this is. I mean, within 120 miles of each Other, it'll be interesting. They probably, you know, Chase and Jefferson, they probably know each other before.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You know why they know each other.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know what I'm saying?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Whatever, whatever. Whatever parts of Louisiana, they didn't just start getting good.

[Guest Speaker]

They've been good.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, they've been good way back then.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

So obviously.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You know, you know players in different counties, in different cities that are playing well. So I'm sure they know each other, especially the seven on seven stuff when they were coming up was big. And I'm sure they crossed paths, you know, in those type of areas of environments.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Chase is going to win, gonna win the triple crown. Jetta is having an outstanding season. He's over 100 catches. Malik neighbors, he's on pace. Well, the only thing is that he's got Brian Brock Bowers, who needs nine catches to set the single season record for tight ends. He has eight, four more catches than Malik neighbors. He has 108 neighbors.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That is a lot too, man. That's a lot like this. I. Brock Bowers was the real deal at Georgia. He was a real deal. I didn't know what he would be in the NFL. We've. We've seen many players, we've seen many players dominate, you know, at the college level and they get to fail and absolutely disappear.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Brock Bowers is. Everything is advertised, boy. Everything is advertised.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know why I thought he.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yes, sir.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know why I thought he would be good, Ocho? Because he's not a finesse tight end.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

He's an old school, put his hand in the dirt tight end. That's tremendous. Run after the catch. He has great body control. He got great hands, can catch the ball in traffic. He's good. Run after the catch. Now, is he Gronk, is he Mark Bavaro or some of these big George Kittle? No, no, no, no, no. He's not that. Now, I'm not saying he's that, but he's a decent. And what I tell guys all the time, are you more of an asset in the passing game than you are a liability in the run game? Because if you are, you can play. You can be special in this league. Because that's all I'm asking. And that's what I told about some Mike. I'm gonna be more of an asset than I am a liability now. Now, if you want me to try to hold up against Reggie and straight hand and Bruce, it ain't happening. So I'm gonna go ahead and tell you right now, go ahead and put somebody else in There. And when it comes to passing down, let me go and get my little passes and I'll come on out, but they ain't gonna just wear me out all day long. I'm gonna get me a couple of wins, man. And so that's the way you gotta approach it. But four leading receivers, all within 120 miles of each other. Chase, Justin Jefferson, C.D. lamb, Brian Thomas Jr. And Malik neighbors for good measure. There's been speculation that the Raiders co owner Tom Brady really like Brian Flores as a potential head coaching candidate. Flores has done damage some amazing things with the bikes. Remember he. He was the defensive coordinator when they won the super bowl against the Rams, right, in Atlanta. And then he got the head coaching job at. At Miami. Okay. He was a linebackers coach. When did he become the dc? He was. He was never to dc okay, so he was the linebackers coach. They got the job. Okay, Because Patricia was the D.C. okay. You like that? You like Brian Flores to the vice?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Now, listen, I think Brian Flores and what he was able to do with the Vikings defense, obviously the personnel and the. The talent and skill level may be a little different, a little bit more upside when it comes to the Vikings defense, but I think it would be good. I think. I think he'd be a good fit. I don't like the fact that they're firing or getting rid of AP when AP hasn't had a chance because he'd been going through a goddamn quarterback carousel and goddamn merry around the quarterback. So it's hard to be able to. Again, I say it all the time. You can't compete unless you got a quarterback.

[Guest Speaker]

You can't.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No. 0, 0 chance.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He hasn't had a chance or opportunity.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And who. Who did he have? Who do you have? Oo he had Jimmy Gardner, muu. Aiden OConnell.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Remember there. No disrespect to them. No disrespect to them. But, you know, we talk about tier two, tier three quarterback.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What I'm supposed to do with that?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

None you can't do. It's unfortunate.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You give me chicken poo and say, make me some chicken salad, and I needed to be yummy. Nice. Yeah, you're right. I mean, I like Ryan Flores. I think he. I think he's done a great job of rehabilitating himself because all the things that were coming out weren't favorable. You hear TUA say things. You hear Ryan Fitzpatrick say things. There are some other people that have come out and said some things. But look, at the end of the day, Brian, if I would tell. All I would say is, this be you. You're not Coach Belichick. And I think that is the one mistake all the coaches under that tree has made. They try to be Coach Belich.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That way of coaching wouldn't work in this area anyway.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Huh? If you look at. Look at the guys that come out of Mike Shanahan. I mean, Kyle Shanahan. Street. Yeah. Sean McVeigh is Sean McVeigh. Matt LaFleur is Matt LaFleur. Kevin O'Connell is Kevin O'Connell. Mike McDaniels. Mike McDaniel. Don't nobody try to be like him. I don't know why, when that's not your personality, when they look up there and they hear you sounding like Coach Belichick. But they're like you, Brian Flores, you, Matt Patricia, you Josh McDaniel. You, Bill O'Brien. You, Charlie Weiss, you, Romeo Cornell. You're not him. Why try to be him? So that would be my advice to him. I hope he gets another opportunity. Normally, the second time around, where you.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Go is very important, but you have some pieces you. You get to work with over there. Jack Jones, Max Crosby. Then you got some other young Bulls. Yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You got Christian Wilkins.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You got Brock Bowers. You got to get a quarterback. He got to get a quarterback. And they got a lot of. Never got. How much cap space did the Raiders have? Raiders got a lot of cap space. Now they're gonna have a little dead cap space on there with Devonte Adams dealing him. They're gonna have a little dead cap space. But, Ocho, that's it. They got money.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I mean, listen, you don't want to spend anything.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Raiders got the second most cap money to spend.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You don't just want to spend on anything. You want to spend on the right thing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I just, you know, I thought Jamal Adams should have, should have. Should have stayed at the Jets. I don't know. Maybe it was. Is his contract. He wanted to get paid sometime, bro. The grass ain't always greener. And, And. And. And it's. It's really difficult. It's. It's rare. It's really, really rare, Ocho, that you can build up something here and then go somewhere else and it be the same difficult. And I remember having a conversation with a very. A very. A great player. And he called me, he said, tell me what you think I should do. I said. I said, I'm gonna be honest with you. I say, where you're thinking about going, they're never gonna love you like you, like they do where you are. I said never. I don't care what you do. You're beloved where you are. You're just gonna be another piece. He stayed and. And I don't think enough guys realize that. Yeah, I mean, I get it. Ocho like free agency and they won't pay you, but when you request things.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I mean, what's fair is fair based on where he was at the time. Being a safety, you gotta hit it when the stove is hot. And the stove was hot for him.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right? And let's think about it, because think about, had he not did what he did and he had gotten hurt, then he wouldn't have got that money. Jets are reportedly set to interview Ron Rivera and Rex Ryan for the head coaching vacancy at the Jets. Ocho, who would be the better fit? I'm biased, so don't ask me.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You don't like Rex going back.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right? No, but I'm saying I know Rex. Sexy Rexy, who's on the staff in Baltimore. His dad came and worked me out when I was at. At the Bronco, not the Broncos, when I was in Savannah State. Ocho, buddy, his dad, rest his soul, came and worked me out. He said, son, I watched the tape. He says, right, we're going to take a bunch of receivers. He said, we're gonna put all the ass in the bag, and the best ones are gonna play. Not what. He told me he drafted all those receivers, and I remember him telling me, he's like. He said, I effed up. He said, we took a bunch of receivers, but none of them was you. They took Fred Barbnett. They took. Yeah, I think Calvin Williams, Mike Bellamy. They took, like, four receivers, Ocho.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

None of them made motivating. And it's. Oh, yeah, that is motivating in itself.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Who you like best? You like Ron Rivera? You like.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I don't think Ron has a. The right personality is not the right word to use. He just doesn't fit the New York atmosphere, the New York meter. I mean, the New York.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Rex has been there, done that. He knows. He knows. Yeah, he definitely know. He definitely knows how to talk to the media. He. He has. The personality doesn't fit.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He just doesn't fit. I mean, good. Good coach. He just doesn't fit in that atmosphere. I don't think that's what they need.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So you like. You like Ron. I mean, you like. Especially like Rick.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Rex is a defensive mind as well, too, right? Mistaken. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes, we definitely have that defense playing well. But let me ask you this. What are you doing who? Who are you bringing in as offensive coordinator and what are you doing?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

See, that's the scary part. So it doesn't matter. You switch coaches. If you don't have nobody at the helm that can be able to get the ball and deliver that thing, it ain't no point. It ain't no point. You're signing. You're signing yourself up for suicide, basically because you're not going to be able to compete when you don't have a quarterback.

[JPMorgan Chase]

From the Delta Sky Club. Welcome back, Ms. Klein, to the JetBridge. Delta Air Lines relies on 5G solutions from T Mobile for business to power operations and serve customers faster. Together, we're putting 5G into the hands of ground staff so they can better assist on the go travelers with real time information throughout the airport. This is elevating customer experience. This is Delta Airlines with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com now.

[Michael Lewis]

Hey there, it's Michael Lewis, author of Going Infinite Moneyball, the Blind side and Liars Poker. On every season of my podcast, against the Rules, I take a broad look at various characters in American life. The referee, the coach, the expert. My next season is all about fans and what the rise of sports betting is doing to them, to the teams, and even to my family. I'm heading to Las Vegas and New Jersey and beyond to understand America's newest form of legalized gambling. Listen to against the rules on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Ocho, check this out. The Bills defeated the Jets 40 to 14 at one point. The score was 40 to 8. Aaron Rodgers had a 1.2 QBR today versus the Bills. It was one of the 20 worst games by a quarterback in NFL history. It was the worst game since Davis Mills in 2021. The Bills forced three turnovers, notched the safety, sacked Aaron Rodgers four times. Rogers had a a forgettable game with season lows and passing yards. 112. Quarterback rating 44. Aaron Rodgers benched himself in the fourth quarter, essentially saying, you know what? Oo this is what he said. I mean it was 33 to nothing. We're sitting there and I said, at some point you probably go to Tyrod, huh? Yeah, probably should have went to Tyrod about five games ago, huh? Oh, you know what? Hey Bills, I need y'all to give me your vaccination status because that probably that probably why y'all won.

[Guest Speaker]

Hey, so I can ask you a question on a chat. Can I ask you a question? Hey, chat, listen, listen to me.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, sure. I would love you to ask me a question.

[Guest Speaker]

Then Anthony Richardson said he was fired and coming out the game and Aaron Ron was saying, you know what? I'm going to bench myself. I guess. What, maybe based on my play, when there's nothing wrong with it. There any different? I'm just curious. I'm here, Chad. I'm curious on your thoughts. I just want to, I don't get it. I never heard of a player actually mentioning himself unless he's saying he bent himself. Unless they actually did it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, no, that's not what he said. He said he went to the code, basically went to the coach and said, we're sitting there. And I said, at some point, you.

[Guest Speaker]

Can'T give up on your team team in the middle of a game. No matter how bad you Glenn, you still got to keep fighting to the end. You have to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I'm serious. I'm just trying to figure out, I mean, but I, if I, I, I hope they, they probably, they look, I mean he, he done begged enough for a job. Oh, if they draft the quarterback, I would mentor him. You know, that's not a conversation for me. I mean he's begging to stay there. He know he's playing bad and y'all getting people have given him every excuse. And, and when you say that he's played bad, you're talking about his vaccination status. That ain't got nothing to do with him playing bad. That ain't got nothing to do. And that was four years ago. Ain't even nobody talking about COVID He keeps bringing that up to try to what he's trying to do. He's playing the shell game with Jocho. I'm playing, let's talk about COVID So you try to say something with the right hand is what you're playing bad with. He trying to distract. That's why he keeps bringing it up. Don't nobody, don't nobody bring up that he misled people and you know, immunization and he talking about, you know, if he vaccinated, he immunized. Nobody brings that up. We're talking about your play in 2024 has been abysmal. Right? There's no way around it. He's played bad. He's still a four time league mvp. He's still a Super bowl champ. He still has thrown 499 touchdowns. He's done all of that. And I say that. But he's played bad in 2024. There's no way around it. Chat. There's no Way around it, Jet fans, even the most die hard, staunchest supporters of Aaron Rodgers can honestly can't.

[Guest Speaker]

Look, season was abysmal. It's been bad. It's been really bad. Does he get an opportunity to redeem himself next year? That's the question.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't believe he redeemed himself in New York. That's just. That's just me, right? I think. I mean, Woody Johnson. If the reports are to be believed that Woody Johnson tried to bench him earlier in the season, I don't know why you would bench him and then have him back now. That's just my fault. Owners have done things that made me scratch my head before, but all I know is this. They fired the coach. They demoted the offensive coordinator. We realized.

[Guest Speaker]

Like I said, you know, players get coaches fired.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No, but, Ocho, the thing is, this is what you have to understand. When you bring a guy like that in, you basically turn. You turn the organization over to it. Tampa did that, but Tampa did that for Brady. Broncos did that for Manning. The problem that you have to be careful with is that people, sometimes they have power, they'll abuse that privilege. It'll tell you a lot. Give a person. If you want to know what a person. People say, well, give him money. Give a person power.

[Guest Speaker]

That'll tell you exactly who a person is. That's telling.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And Aaron Rodgers has 499 career touchdowns. Suddenly, 500 don't look like a certain thing. It's going to be interesting to see. Does he play? Does he start next week? Does he play next week? It's being reported that Garrett Wilson will reportedly request a trade if Rogers comes back as quarterback. I remember having a conversation with you this off season when they were in training camp, and he kept talking to Rogers. I said, ocho, that's not a good sign. You say, oh, oh, it's just the preseason. I said, ocho, I'm telling you, right? He keep talking, and I don't blame him. Y'all keep telling me. All I know is that when I.

[Guest Speaker]

Have a quarterback, he's not been being utilized the right way, but I know what he can do. I know what he can do. There's nothing. There's nothing wrong with him. There's nothing wrong with him. But the quarterback has been abysmal. And we've seen Aaron Rodgers before be able to facilitate the ball and be able to dish it and deliver it to multiple players at a time, because he did it for a very long time in Green Bay. Maybe he just. Not the same quarterback we're used to seeing. Because there's no reason. Garrett Wilson, to be upset. There's no reason Garrett Wilson, with his talent, with his skill level and what he can contribute to that offense, there's no reason for this. In his time, his young. He's not even in his prime yet. It's being wasted in New York. It's being wasted.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It is. And that's. Look, guys, y'all, Ocho's has a little. Is a different way. I just call it. Like I said, I don't have anything personal against anybody. I don't think I'm better than anybody. I don't care what somebody else is doing. I just look at and say, okay, the guy's playing good. The guy's not playing good. And let me try to explain to you why he's not playing good or why he is playing good. And so that's why I just don't look at touchdowns, interception, sack, blah, blah, blah. I'm trying to look at how it came. I'm trying to look at how it came to be. That's why we were able to look at the play and say, oh, that interception that y'all blaming on Russ. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. That wasn't Russ. That was Pickens. He quit on the route. And so once he quit on the route, the safety said, why the hell am I gonna get wide where there's not a threat? Wide. The danger is screaming up the seam. Here, let me just cheat this here. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Russ. I appreciate that. And everybody like Russ. How could you throw that? Had to say, had Pickens not quit on that route and he stayed wide, that means Reed would have had to stay wide, and that means Frymouth would have got over the top of it because he picked it. You have to understand, everything ties together. Ocho, we're talking about from a standpoint of running routes, we know how things tie together. Front side, we got a. Maybe the front side, we got a dagger, hoping that safety get nosy, that we got the post on the backside.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That's what they did with the Dino.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The Broncos ran the Dino to B. Marvin Mills Jr. Safety is already outside, so I'm gonna get him a little further now. I'm gonna head back to the post. Safety ain't paying attention on the backside. Now, I'm. I'm. I'm past you. So in offense, things tie together. It's. It's almost like, you know, rice and gravy. You know, something, you know, cornbread and this or potatoes and that. They Go together. And so you trying to see, okay, this went together. But guys, at some point in time, even, even, even our favorite players, they're not what they once were and they can't do it. And that's the one thing is that you learn is that you can't do it consistently. You could have a game or two, but Aaron Rodgers to throw 300, 250. Eric Rodgers, turn, hold on. How many interceptions the man got? He probably got three seasons in 20 years in which he's had double digit interceptions. Rogers was throwing 45 touchdowns with six picks. 40 touchdowns with four picks routinely. Yeah, I'm not sure he has 100.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That's when I told you the other.

[Guest Speaker]

Night, I saw the graphic come up, I saw the graphic come up and I'm looking, I thought, I'm like, man, what in the hell?

[Shannon Sharpe]

If he does, he might not have but 102, he has the greatest touchdown to interception ratio in NFL history. So he has 499 touchdowns, 113 picks, which is crazy.

[Guest Speaker]

And that's why he's afforded opportunities, huh? That's why he's giving grace to the quarterback. Because of that what people understand it and you know they gonna use that as a crutch over and over and over. He's gonna get another opportunity to play. If I don't know if it's going to be New York, I don't know if it's going to be in New York. Knowing Aaron Rodgers and the way he is and the way he operates.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He.

[Guest Speaker]

Gonna want to come back. He gonna want to come back.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But here's the thing. Ocho as. Yeah Ocho as you get older, you don't get to make the decisions. Yeah but think about it. Tom Brady didn't get to write his ending. Peyton Manning didn't get to write his ending. Montana didn't get to write his ending. Emmett Smith didn't get to write his ending. There are not very many guys because.

[Guest Speaker]

Once you get old, you don't get the right problem. Aaron Rodgers might not be able to write the ending right was that they can't close the page on that chapter because they don't have nobody to open the new book who.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah they do. Why wouldn't you go back to Sam Darnold?

[Guest Speaker]

I like. You know what I like did it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You see Ocho, it's a lot sometimes, sometimes even in a relationship, the individual, the female or the male can be paralyzed because they're so afraid that somebody might not out there. What am I going to do? Yeah, I Know he don't pay for. I know he beat on me. I know she cheat on me. I know this. But am I going to be able to find somebody else?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yes, sir.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You get paralyzed by that because you overthink said situation. I refuse to be in a situation like that. I refuse to. I am not going to let you hold me hostage.

[Guest Speaker]

Come on.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't see it right now. Something on the other side. Right, because the jets cannot see. Well, who is the quarterback right now that we can definitively say. Are you saying that there's somebody out there that can be worse? I mean, are you telling me. You mean to tell me you can't find somebody out there that can go 5 and 11? I mean, 5 and 12, that can go 6 and 10, that can go 7 and 7 and what, 9 and 8. Yeah, there. Yeah, that. You. You got to be kidding me. They're not no quarterback chat. Tell me if I'm wrong. Do y'all believe that there's another. There's not another quarterback out there that can do what Rogers did this year. Now, if you tell me you gonna give me 20, 20, 20, 21, Roger. But that guy. Oh, that guy. You would be in the playoffs. But he's not that guy anymore. Carolina had Sam Darnold and they had Baker Mayfield. I don't know if y'all know, but Baker Mayfield got like four or five games where he throwing four touchdowns this year. Now, he threw five today with over 300 yards. Sam Darnold threw three today. He's thrown 35 touchdowns, which is the third most for a Viking. So clearly these guys can play given the right set of circumstances. Now, look, they were devoid of talent. They didn't have this level of talent in Carolina. So you have to take. Look, I'm not saying that it's all Carolina fault, but Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, you look at what they got in Tampa. Now, even though Chris Godwin has gone down, they still have quality receivers and they have a nice running game. You look at what they. Obviously look at what Sam Darnold's throwing to them. He got Aaron Jones in his backfield. He got Hawkinson, who's been a Pro bowl player. He's got Jetta, he's got Addison, he's got Naylor. I mean, look, he's got guys that he can throw the ball to. But it just goes to show you, I don't care without talent around you. Now, you got some guys now, guys like a Mahomes or guys like. Some guys can elevate Like Brady, they used to elevate, could elevate, you know, not if you're in the league you're good. But everybody is not going to be a Jetta, everybody's not going to be Randy Moss to so forth and so on. But what a great quarterback like a Mahomes, he can elevate those guys play. When you're not that level of player you need guys to elevate your play and that's what the great skill position players around you are able to do. Baker Mayfield has been better since he got to Tampa that even when he was in Cleveland because he got more talent around him. Sam Darnold was never going to be this good in the jets and at Carolina because he didn't have this level of talent around it. And so if you go out and sign a Sam Darnold, look at what you have. Do you have the roster that's equipped to help continue to elevate him? Because if you don't, he's not Mahomes, he's not Burrow, he's not Lamar, he's not Josh Allen, that's not what he is. And I'm not finna sit here and tell you because he's having and he's having an outstanding year. I give credit where credit's due, right? But I don't look at him as a guy that's a multiplier. No matter who you put out there, Ocho, he's gonna make him times two. That's not what, that's Lamar. That's reserved for the top four or five quarterbacks in the league.

[Guest Speaker]

That's not year one quarterbacks are elites that regardless of what you put around they always gonna get the job done or we get the job done. Then you have your tier two quarterbacks, your tier two quarterbacks, sometimes they need a little help. Now they're good, but they're not great. Now you put some, you put some.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Good receivers around them, yes, but they can have a game where they, they can have a game or two where they are great but more times you need to have that hedge around them to support them. Brock Myers record setting day pushing the Raiders to a win versus the Saints the Raiders posted back to back wins for the first time this season with a 25:10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers led the Raiders in receiving with seven catches, 77 yards and set several records. Bowers set an NFL record for the most receiving yards by rookie tight end in a single season and the most reception by rookie In a single season. Hello. The most reception by rookie in a single season in this. Oh, in the second quarter, right? Is that what you're saying? Yeah, exact. Okay. In the second quarter. Okay. Bowers also set a rated single season record for the most receiving yards by a rookie and the most receptions. I mean, the. What's the record? The most reception by tight end is Jason Whitten. 116.

[Guest Speaker]

116. They were dealing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because he has. What, what does he have now? 108, because I think Malik neighbors has like 106. He's right there on him about Zach Ertz. Okay, Zach Ertz has 116. Brock Bowers has how many? 108 now. So he's nine catches away from breaking the record. Hey, all I know, I'm throwing in the ball. I'm throwing in the ball every day, everybody. Yeah. Oh, I forgot. Pastor T gonna get some votes too. Cause when he covered Jamar Chase had throw on what, six, seven targets. He had three catches for 27 yards against sir Tan. And when. When Sir Tan wasn't on him. What you call Joey Joe Burrow hunted him well. Hey. Oh, you on guard? Somebody else. Jamar, get ready.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So Sir Tan is gonna get some. He's gonna get some bows. He good man.

[Guest Speaker]

Size to be that big.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Guest Speaker]

They told him, hey, listen. To be that fluid. Great hips, great technique. He can play off. He can play, man. He's really good. And always in position to make a play. Always in position to make a play.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I like him.

[Guest Speaker]

I like him a lot.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The volume.

[JPMorgan Chase]

From hobby farmers to weekend gardeners and everyone in between, tractor supply trusts 5G solutions from T Mobile for business to make shopping more personal. Together, we're connecting over 2,200 stores with 5G business, Internet and powering AI so team members can match shoppers with products faster.

[Chase Freedom]

You're all set.

[JPMorgan Chase]

This is enriching customer experience. This is Tractor Supply with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com now.

[Michael Lewis]

Hey there, it's Michael Lewis, author of Going Infinite Moneyball, the Blind side and Liars Poker. On the latest season of my podcast, against the Rules, I'm exploring what it means to be a sports fan in America and what the rise of sports betting is doing to our teams, our states and ourselves. Join me and listen to against the Rules on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search against the rules. Listen to against the rules on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.