Pardon My Take: Coach Ron Rivera In Studio, The Bengals May Be Dead, Week 10 Picks And Preview + Fire Fest Of The Week

In this episode of "Pardon My Take," Big Cat and PFT Commenter delve into the current NFL landscape, offering insightful analysis, engaging discussions, and a special interview with Coach Ron Rivera. The episode is structured into several key segments, each highlighting different aspects of the sports world.

1. The Bengals May Be Dead

Bengals' Playoff Prospects and Recent Performances

Big Cat and Dale kick off the discussion by analyzing the Cincinnati Bengals' prospects for making the playoffs. Reflecting on the team's recent performances, especially their close losses to the Baltimore Ravens, the hosts express skepticism about the Bengals' chances.

• Big Cat (04:17): "Joe Burrow against the Ravens this year has 800 yards and nine touchdowns in one pick. And they just... the Ravens are... you can't make mistakes against the Ravens."

• Dale (05:33): "So game one against the Ravens, they lost 41 to 38. Tonight they lost 35 to 34. That's what it's like when another team has your number."

The conversation highlights the Ravens' robust defense and their ability to capitalize on the Bengals' errors, limiting Cincinnati's ability to secure crucial wins. Despite acknowledging Joe Burrow's prowess, the hosts remain doubtful about the Bengals' ability to rebound sufficiently to secure a playoff spot.

2. NFL Week 10 Picks and Preview

Game Predictions and Strategic Insights

Transitioning to Week 10, Big Cat and Dale offer their predictions for upcoming NFL games, discussing team dynamics, player performances, and strategic considerations.

• Big Cat (21:54): "Anthony Richardson opens everything up. You got to be worried about him running as well."

• Dale (26:29): "I'm going to be betting on the Lions because I'm a sucker, and I'm maybe the most public person in terms of, like, just finding these sucker lines and going for them."

The hosts examine various matchups, including the Bills vs. Colts and Patriots vs. Bears, providing nuanced takes on each game's potential outcomes. They also touch upon the impact of injuries and player form on the week's results, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports betting.

3. Interview with Coach Ron Rivera

Coaching Philosophy and Game Management

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with NFL coach Ron Rivera. Discussing his transition from coaching to commentary, Rivera shares his experiences and insights into effective game management.

• Coach Ron Rivera (88:55): "I want to reach out. I think I need a mentor... [John] Madden was expecting your call."

Rivera recounts a pivotal moment in his career where mentoring from John Madden influenced his approach to high-pressure decisions, such as fourth-down calls and timeouts. He emphasizes the balance between analytics and the intangible aspects of coaching, like player psychology and momentum.

• Big Cat (94:05): "That's awesome. I love hearing the stories of the evolution of coaches and how they get to these points because that's like coaching more than anything is like you always have to be adapting and learning and that's what the best coaches do."

Rivera also touches on the challenges faced during his tenure with different franchises, highlighting the importance of focusing on the present while building for the future.

4. Fire Fest Of The Week

Humorous Segments and Host Banter

In the lighter segments, the hosts engage in playful banter and humorous challenges, maintaining the show's entertaining flair. Discussions range from personal anecdotes about diet and fitness to amusing interactions about game predictions.

• Hank (136:54): "I think most people agree with me. So my mom's been on my ass. I haven't got a physical in five years since, like, before I joined Barstool. So I purposely... I'm going to get a physical three weeks from the day I scheduled it so I could get three weeks of trying to lose weight before I go to the physical."

This segment showcases the hosts' chemistry and their ability to blend sports analysis with relatable, everyday topics, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

Conclusion

This episode of "Pardon My Take" offers a comprehensive look at the NFL's current state, enriched by Coach Ron Rivera's expert insights. Through a blend of serious analysis and lighthearted banter, Big Cat and PFT Commenter provide listeners with valuable perspectives on team performances, game predictions, and the intricacies of coaching at the highest level.

Notable Quote:

• Coach Ron Rivera (93:33): "Momentum has taken over."

This encapsulates Rivera's belief in the non-measurable aspects of the game, such as player confidence and fan impact, underscoring the complex interplay between analytics and human factors in sports.

Whether you're a die-hard NFL fan or casually following the season, this episode delivers engaging content that balances deep analysis with entertaining discussions, making it a must-listen for the week's football enthusiasts.