Pardon My Take: Jon Gruden In Studio, NFL Week 11 Picks And Preview, Eagles Beat Commanders + Fyre Fest Of The Week

Hosts: Big Cat, PFT Commenter, and Hank
Special Guest: Jon Gruden

Introduction

The episode kicks off with the usual banter between Big Cat and PFT Commenter, setting a lighthearted and humorous tone. They briefly touch on a humorous McDonald's meal deal before transitioning into the main content.

Special Guest: Jon Gruden

At [02:41], Big Cat introduces Jon Gruden as their newest coworker in the studio. Gruden, a Super Bowl champion and renowned NFL coach, shares his excitement about joining the podcast:

Jon Gruden [106:22]: "I'm excited about it. I know I got a long way to go and a lot to prove, but with your help. Yeah, I know I can."

Gruden expresses his enthusiasm for being part of the "Pardon My Take" team and looks forward to contributing his extensive NFL experience.

NFL Week 11 Picks and Preview

The hosts dive into their NFL Week 11 picks and previews, discussing various matchups with detailed analysis and lively debate.

Key Games Discussed

1. Bills vs. Chiefs

   • Pat Mahomes is highlighted for his consistent excellence.
   • Jon Gruden [130:33]: "Patrick Mahomes is an underdog. The one thing that makes me bullish on the Bills here."

2. Eagles vs. Commanders

   • An in-depth analysis of the Commanders' aggressive coaching decisions under Dan Quinn.
   • PFT Commenter [05:24]: "Feel like the haters might be right."

3. Ravens vs. Steelers

   • A tight contest with discussions on the Ravens' offensive prowess and Steelers' pass rushing capabilities.
   • Memes [30:21]: "This is a pervert stat. It's the what if NFL standings have been released."

4. Bears vs. Packers

   • Criticism of the Bears' offensive strategies and praise for the Packers' performance.
   • Jon Gruden [38:59]: "There's a butterfly effect."

5. Raiders vs. Dolphins

   • Conversation about the Raiders' offensive strategies and Dolphins' quarterback choices.
   • Jon Gruden [47:03]: "I love what Cliff Kingsbury has done."

6. Colts vs. Jets

   • Focus on defensive struggles and quarterback performance for the Jets.
   • Jon Gruden [52:49]: "The quarterbacks they've played have not been great."

7. Seahawks vs. Niners

   • Analysis of both teams' strengths, with Gruden praising the 49ers' quarterback Brock Purdy.
   • Jon Gruden [116:07]: "They are a legit team, and it feels like they have everything clicking."

Notable Quotes

• Jon Gruden [110:05]: "Now they change coaches every year or two and they change offense and defensive coordinators like they change shirts."
• Big Cat [13:11]: "Jake Elliot has enough in his history. He's given the benefit of a doubt."
• Memes [30:44]: "This is the week fight fans have been waiting for."

Eagles Beat Commanders: In-Depth Breakdown

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Eagles' victory over the Commanders. The hosts discuss quarterback Jaden Daniels' performance, highlighting his struggles as a rookie:

PFT Commenter [11:10]: "Jaden Daniels is just a rookie and that's something that you have seen a lot when he has played good defenses."

They also commend the Eagles' defensive line and overall team performance:

Memes [08:09]: "Eagles defense line. And their linebackers played outstanding."

Fantasy Football Picks and Analysis

The hosts share their fantasy football picks, often interspersed with humor and self-deprecation regarding their own performance:

• Jon Gruden [125:02]: "He is a unique talent. And he needs support from his coach and the blue chip leaders on the team."
• Hank [151:43]: "I'm going through stages of cope right now."

Fyre Fest Of The Week

A recurring segment where the hosts highlight notable events, controversies, or memorable moments from the week.

Interview with Jon Gruden

A substantial segment features an interview with Jon Gruden, delving into his coaching philosophy, experiences, and observations on the current NFL landscape.

Highlights from the Interview

• Coaching Philosophy:

  Jon Gruden [120:34]: "You have to have mental toughness, and I think you have to have a real bond..."

• Future of NFL Coaching:

  Jon Gruden [121:12]: "You know, that's a great point. You got to have people who can keep the system alive if your coordinator leaves."

• Player Development:

  Jon Gruden [125:02]: "Watching that game last week, that was the best single game played this year by a quarterback, in my opinion."

• Chargers' Transformation:

  Jon Gruden [136:07]: "They have an excellent offensive line. They got a one, two punch in the backfield that's unbelievable."

• Personal Anecdotes: Gruden shares stories from his coaching days, including experiences with legendary players like Brett Favre.

Jon Gruden [133:02]: "But Gruden, you know, some of these offenses that are really doing it the old fashioned National Football League way. I think those are the teams you're going to be talking about here in December."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with casual discussions about personal lives, midlife crises, and lighthearted interactions among the hosts. They wrap up with final thoughts on upcoming games and future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jon Gruden on Coaching Consistency [110:05]:

  "Now they change coaches every year or two and they change offense and defensive coordinators like they change shirts."

• Big Cat on Eagles' Kicker [13:11]:

  "Jake Elliot has enough in his history."

• Jon Gruden on Resiliency and Team Bonding [122:04]:

  "You have to have mental toughness, and I think you have to have a real bond..."

• Jon Gruden on Chargers' Defense [136:07]:

  "They have an excellent offensive line. They got a one, two punch in the backfield that's unbelievable."

• Gruden on Legacy [123:48]:

  Big Cat: "I don't believe in the word legacy. I just think that's another word for ego."

  Jon Gruden: "Legacy doesn't mean nothing to me. I'm just passing through. I'm gonna die and it's gonna be over."

• Interview Segment with Jon Gruden [143:14]:

  Jon Gruden: "You know, I think the great teams, the teams that come out of it are the teams that love the misery. And we used to talk about that. Don't you love that? We're all beat up, we're tired, we're a ten point underdog. We got to go on the road. Our dog just shit in our yard."

Final Thoughts

"Pardon My Take" successfully blends insightful sports analysis with humor and engaging conversations. The inclusion of Jon Gruden adds depth and expertise, making the episode both entertaining and informative for listeners, whether they're long-time fans or new to the podcast.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and the dynamic interactions among the hosts and their special guest, Jon Gruden.