NFL Cover Zero: Blocked Kicks, Throwback Uniforms, and Thriving Backup QBs!

Podcast: KSR (iHeartPodcasts/Sports Talk 790)

Episode Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Billy

Episode Overview

In this lively, wide-ranging episode, the KSR team—Matt Jones (calling in from South Africa), Drew Franklin, and producer Billy—recap a wild week in the NFL. Standout topics include games drastically altered by blocked kicks, the resurrection of throwback uniforms, and the surprising early success of backup quarterbacks. The hosts weave together sharp NFL analysis, personal stories (Matt’s South African misadventures), and their distinct Kentucky-centric humor. The show also pays tribute to a recently deceased friend of the show, Manny Robertson.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Matt’s South African Adventure & Tribute to Manny Robertson

• [03:04] The hosts address their episode hiatus following the passing of Manny Robertson, a close personal friend and avid show listener. Drew receives heartfelt condolences from Matt, who notes: “He was a great one, he’s listening somewhere, prayers to the Robertson family.”
• [05:01] Matt shares hilarious and awkward details from his South African trip, where he’s the lone man in a fellowship group of 10 women. He also relates the culture shock of discussing NFL football with South Africans unfamiliar with the sport.
• Phone Mishap Story [07:05 – 12:18]: Matt tells an epic story about losing his phone to a Coke Zero spill off the coast of Robben Island after giving up his ferry seat to a formidable South African woman:

  "I put my Coke Zero in my coat pocket, not realizing my phone was in there. The next bump we hit, the Coke flips over, pours onto my phone, shorts it out...So I tell people: I spilled Coke on my phone on the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned." – Matt, [09:43]

2. NFL Game Breakdowns

Eagles vs Rams (Game of the Week)

• [12:50] Eagles mount a massive comeback to beat the Rams 33-26 after trailing 26-7.
  • Jordan Davis blocks two field goals in the 4th quarter.
  • Jalen Hurts ends a 10-quarter TD pass drought with 3 TDs late.
• Quote:

  “Two blocked field goals by the largest man on the field...the last run back was one of the most epic plays I’ve seen.” – Matt, [13:14] “Jalen Hurts didn’t even smile...he might be a stone cold killer.” – Drew, [14:50]

• Notable: Drew highlights the devastating gambling loss from the block return: “That’ll be one of the worst beats we ever see in the NFL.” [14:34]

Packers vs Browns

• [19:49] Browns snap an 8-game losing streak with a 13-10 win, scoring 13 points in the final 4 minutes, capped by a 55-yard Austin Schmidt field goal.
• Quote:

  “Packers...how in the heck do they only have 10 points?” – Matt, [20:56]

Chicago Bears vs Cowboys

• [29:30] Bears notch their first win of 2025. Rookie QB Caleb Williams throws 4 TDs (3 to Luther Burden III).
• Quote:

  “This is the best they’ve looked in probably three years...Caleb Williams looked like what we’d hoped.” – Matt, [29:55] “If you’re losing to the Chicago Bears, a winless team, Week 3 at home, it’s going to be a long year.” – Drew, [31:39]

Chargers vs Broncos

• [32:07] Chargers move to 3-0 behind another game-winning drive and a “dicker the kicker” winner. Broncos QB Bo Nix struggles in a clear sophomore slump.
• Quote:

  “I had high expectations...but 3-0, having beaten the Chiefs in week 1, that’s a surprise.” – Matt, [32:31]

Steelers vs Patriots

• [34:29] Steelers force five turnovers, beat the Patriots 21-14. Aaron Rodgers passes Brett Favre for 4th-most passing TDs all time.
• Billy’s humorously retro recap style becomes a running joke.
• Quote:

  “I don’t know who I hated more in this game...I cannot stand Patriots fans...but how can you like someone [Bill Simmons] and want their teams to lose every single game?” – Drew, [36:08]

Buccaneers vs Jets

• [38:48] Bucs go 3-0 after another game-winning Baker Mayfield drive. Emeka Egbuka shines as OROY candidate. The Bucs wear “creamsicle” throwback uniforms.
• Quote:

  “Baker Mayfield has turned me into a believer.” – Billy, [39:21]
  “Maker Playfield! He’s earned it.” – Matt, [39:50]

49ers vs Cardinals

• [44:15] 49ers and backup Mac Jones edge Cardinals 16-15 on a last-second field goal.
• Insight: Matt reiterates his prediction—Niners will finish 14-3 but are a “bad” team in disguise:

  “They’re going to be 14-3 and not good. I cannot wait to bet against them in the first round of the playoffs.” – Matt, [45:53]

Colts vs Titans

• [49:33] Colts trounce the Titans 41-20. Jonathan Taylor scores three times.
• Titans’ coaching and operation errors are hilariously savaged.
• Quote:

  “At the end you’re getting to the point that you’re hate-watching them. I like when that happens.” – Drew, [50:17]
  “Mark Stoops looks like Nick Saban compared to Brian Callahan!” – Matt, [51:38]

Backup QB Successes & Other Games

• [58:45] Vikings’ Carson Wentz shines in a rout of the Bengals, highlighted by Isaiah Rogers’ four-turnover first half:

  “First time anybody’s ever done that [defensive TD and two forced fumbles]...that’s insane.” – Matt, [59:05]

• Raiders vs Commanders:
  • Chris Myers calls a rare non-bottom-feeder game, to Drew’s delight, [61:51].
• Panthers vs Falcons:
  • Panthers post a shocking 30-0 win, in memory of Manny Robertson, a show favorite and superfan.

3. Uniforms & Nostalgia

• Throwback uniforms (“creamsicle” Bucs; “Pat Patriot” for New England) are debated:

  “It’s funny how after time, things that used to be terrible become things you have nostalgia for.” – Matt, [42:30]

• Other best throwbacks: Oilers/Titans, old Seahawks, old Rams/Eagles.

4. NFL Culture & Gambling

• NFL’s U.S.-centric culture is highlighted through Matt’s South African interactions, with humorous confusion over the rules.
• Recurring theme: NFL as a culture of heartbreak—particularly for gamblers, fans of certain teams, or those on the losing end of improbable finishes.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Jalen Hurts:
  "He didn't even smile... the sideline's going crazy, but he was just stone cold." – Drew, [14:50]
• On Eagles kicker drama:
  "That'll be one of the worst [gambling] beats we ever see in the NFL." – Drew, [14:08]
• On phone mishap in South Africa:
  "I spilled Coke on it on the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned..." – Matt, [09:43]
• On Baker Mayfield:
  "He's almost better at the end than he is during the game... it's becoming like Reggie Miller." – Matt, [40:43]
• On Colts-Titans coaching debacle:
  "Double timeout, followed by delay of game... that should be one of those you get fired at that moment." – Matt, [51:53]

Fun Anecdotes & Off-Field Hijinks

• Matt’s encounter with baboons in Simon’s Town, South Africa:

  "They can mimic human behavior... they'll open your backpack, find the best stuff, and take it!" – [24:38]

• A souvenir shopping debacle involving a suspiciously shaped hyena sculpture leads to embarrassment at a hotel:

  "He pulls that out of your bag and goes, 'I don't think this is your passport.'" – Matt, [57:29]

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Tribute to Manny Robertson, intro to South Africa stories | 03:04 | | Matt’s phone mishap on Robben Island | 07:05–12:18| | Eagles-Rams review, Hurts comeback & blocked kicks | 12:50–16:57| | Packers-Browns, Browns' 13-10 comeback | 19:49–22:01| | Bears’ first win & Cowboys woes | 29:30–32:07| | Chargers-Broncos, Bo Nix's struggles | 32:07–34:29| | Steelers-Patriots, Aaron Rodgers milestone | 34:29–38:22| | Bucs-Jets, Baker Mayfield's thriller, uniform nostalgia | 38:48–44:02| | 49ers-Cardinals, Mac Jones & “bad good team” theory | 44:15–46:16| | Colts-Titans, coaching chaos & Taylor’s huge day | 49:33–54:20| | Cincy-Minnesota, Wentz’s revival & defensive heroics | 58:45–61:08| | Commanders-Raiders, Chris Myers gets a real game | 61:08–63:48| | Panthers-Falcons, Michael Penix struggles, Manny tribute | 67:16–68:36| | Seahawks-Saints, New Orleans collapse | 69:16–71:13| | Closing, Table Mountain banter, Matt’s abseiling adventure | 71:13–END |

Tone & Style

• The show balances sharp NFL insight with irreverent, Kentucky-friendly humor and authentic personal storytelling.
• The hosts’ chemistry, willingness to rib each other, and regional quirks (UK basketball references, hate-watching NFL teams) keep the show accessible and unique.

For New Listeners

This episode is a great introduction to the KSR crew's blend of in-depth (and often quirky) NFL coverage and relatable personal anecdotes. Whether you’re here for league analysis, fantasy/gambling chat, or just outlandish Matt Jones stories, this is an engaging listen for any NFL or sports radio fan.

Most Memorable Line

“They’re going to be 14-3 and not good. I cannot wait to bet against them in the first round of the playoffs. You will remember that is the COVID NFL Cover Zero moment of the week.”
—Matt Jones on the 49ers, [45:53]

Subscribe and tune in every Mon-Fri for more NFL, life, and Kentucky talk with Matt, Drew, and the KSR crew—next week (maybe) from atop Table Mountain!