Nick Caley talks about his relationship with CJ Stroud + Contract talks for CJ - Payne & Pendergast

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[00:00]
A
Las Vegas was built for stars and on August 22, two of boxing's biggest take center stage. Raleigh Romero never follows the script.
[00:08]
B
This is my game.
[00:09]
A
Teofimo Lopez has never needed one.
[00:11]
C
This guy's got a big mouth.
[00:12]
A
For years they've had plenty to say.
[00:13]
C
All you do is talk.
[00:14]
A
But with world championship gold on the line, can they back it?
[00:18]
B
Tio, I'm here.
[00:19]
A
I'm going all in. It's time to put up or shut up. Raleigh Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez August 22nd. I'll shut you up. Watch on Dazn and Dazn on Prime Video Nerds.
[00:31]
D
Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast. Personal finance can feel like a pop quiz you didn't study for. This podcast is your study guide. On NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast, you'll hear from trusted journalists who explain the why behind major financial decisions. You'll get research backed insights and clear pros and cons. Whether you're planning a big purchase or just want to grow your wealth, make your next financial move with confidence. Follow NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast on your favorite podcast app. Presented by T Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today.
[01:12]
E
Live from the West Point Lincoln and
[01:14]
F
West Point Lincoln of Sugarland Studios, here's Pain and Pendergast. Hi Pain and Pendergast with you. CJ Stroud has been a big talking point here in Houston in the off season and yesterday on ESPN they did a big segment on CJ Stroud. Here was Dan Graziano of ESPN talking about the Texans quarterback.
[01:35]
B
Houston gives out big veteran contract extensions as soon as they possibly can. Will Anderson Jr. Got one this offseason, is drafted one pick after C.J. stroud. The fact that Stroud doesn't have one yet is a sign that the Texans want to see more. And that's fair enough. They got to the playoffs last year with what they felt was a championship caliber defense. They knew when they took the field in New England that if they won that game, they were going to get a shot to beat Jarrett Stidham the next week to go to the Super Bowl. And C.J. stroud laid an egg. So what does that tell you about him? The Texans? For them it meant we need to see more before we talk about extending him. Now he has never had a run game. They have changed the offensive line on him over and over and over again. There are reasons that CJ Stroud has not been always in the best position to succeed. Most of those reasons have been cleared up. They should have a better running game. The offensive line has continuity for the first time. Tank Dell coming back. The wide receiver room could be a lot deeper and the defense should still be great. A lot of pressure on CJ Stroud to deliver this.
[02:34]
E
The. I figured this yesterday when we were sitting in the studio and I saw on ESPN that they were doing that big piece on ESPN around CJ Stroud. That. Yep. Yesterday my social media feed, I saw from, you know, big accounts and other people that I, that I couldn't avoid, that people I follow. All of a sudden it was as if the Patriots game had happened yesterday. And I like the exact same takes and everything based almost completely on Patriots game. If they were doing their any kind of due diligence, they might include the Steelers game into it because that was really bad, but that some of it was like just red hot. This is. I can't believe this is the guy. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Everything that Graziano said right there is true. I would. I disagree a little bit and that he just said so clearly that, well, they need, you know, the, that playoff performance is what is scaring them off of, you know, giving him the contract or whatever. I think there's more to it than just, just that. I think the process and everything leading up to that playoff game is, is probably the. The thing that they wanted to see. If it was different, how is CJ Adapting to his second year in the system and how is he operating and running the offense? Which obviously includes. That includes the performance in the Patriots game. But I think it's, it's more nuanced than just, oh, that one game is the game that made.
[03:59]
F
Definitely is. It definitely is. If here's the thing, if it weren't, then that means that he was going to get a contract extension going into the playoffs last year.
[04:09]
E
Right.
[04:09]
F
And it was still very much up in the air.
[04:11]
E
Right? Yeah, exactly. I think that if he had had now if the Texans had gone and won the super bowl, you kind of more chance than not they're probably going to have an extension because the formula works or whatever, but that we don't have to live in that hypothetical world because it certainly did not happen.
[04:26]
F
Sam Darnold has not gotten a bump in pay since winning the super bowl
[04:30]
E
for the Seattle State. Sean. That's a very good point, Sean.
[04:33]
F
Certain teams may look at it differently
[04:34]
E
that, that's a really good point. Yeah. So I think that it was kind of a shock to me, and it was something that you and I were talking about right up until two weeks ago. The. The CJ Stroud contract extension dynamic. Actually, we hadn't been talking about it much at all until Nick Casario and CJ Stroud both said on the first day of training camp that there had been some talks.
[04:54]
F
Yeah.
[04:55]
E
And then we talked about it for a couple of days, and then we kind of forgot about it.
[04:57]
C
And.
[04:57]
E
And I just don't. I think the biggest thing, and this is credit to CJ and unlike Kyler Murray going into his fourth year or Baker Mayfield right now, CJ really has not added any fuel to the fire. And I don't sense that it's something that is bothering him or anything. If there is no extension, I don't think it's going to be any kind of an issue in the locker room or with David Mulligetta or anywhere else along the way.
[05:23]
F
Like, it.
[05:24]
E
It's. If it happens, it happens. But it doesn't seem like either side feels like it's a pressing issue.
[05:29]
F
Nope. Here's Nick Kaylee. Yesterday, he was. He was on Adam Schefter's podcast. And here's his assessment of where things are at with C.J.
[05:38]
C
yeah, I'm really proud of him. I mean, he's been. Since he left, he's been working. You can tell he's worked his ass off all offseason. His process has been excellent. Just, you know, the intentionality, the detail, the leadership, the urgency. Year two in the system. I've always had a great relationship, CJ and I, but I feel like we more time on task going into year two, we've had a chance to just dive into deeper conversations. You come up for air after that season, and now it's like, okay, look, here's the things we did well. Here's the things maybe we didn't do well. I'm never going to do anything ultimately that doesn't fit our offense and the players we have. We're going to tailor it around our players and who we have players over plays mentality. But then with CJ having comfort and confidence in those things, I always want to customize that throughout through the lens of having, you know, having him have confidence.
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[07:51]
C
What we're doing so we've had that dialogue and it's been great. We've had a chance to, to really try some different wrinkles and compliments and add, you know, some volume to the offense this offseason. And he's been there every step of the way. His consistency, his ability to move throughout the day, just being the same guy and taking it to the field. I've been really pleased and proud with
[08:10]
E
what he's done that I didn't realize Sean McVay had worked so much with CJ Stroud in the off season.
[08:17]
F
It's crazy how much they sound alike.
[08:20]
E
No, and I think that's something that I would say with d'. Amico. D' Amico said something about CJ yesterday or a couple days ago where I'd seen one of our listeners comment that, man, that seems like that sounds like the first really genuine praise that d' Amico has given cj. That's what the listener said. I, I think it's been like that with d' Ameco during this training camp. I do think, yeah, there were times last season where, I mean, at times d' Ameco just flat out said, we need more from CJ and some of the praise that he would give him. It felt like he was holding back a little bit and he wasn't being critical necessarily all the time. I think it's been more, you know, full forced praise. And it's, and it's born out in the way it looks out there. It looks way more like CJ is in full command of the offense. And it wasn't, it wasn't that way last year. And part of it, the part of it is just simply that with what they want the quarterback to do in this system, it's a lot and it's really hard to. It's kind of like you just took a typing class for a couple weeks now. You know, go out and type 140 words.
[09:21]
F
Yeah, yeah.
[09:22]
E
It's just, it, it takes time. It takes. Muscle memory, takes reps. How about the.
[09:26]
F
How about the news? Just shifting gears here real quick. Cause we teased it. How about the news of our good friend Ross Tucker yesterday? Yeah, Ross Tucker, if you missed it. And Ross will be back with us this season as well on Tuesdays at 7 o'. Clock. He'll be back with us. I'm fairly certain it'll be at its usual time. Tuesdays at 7 o'. Clock. He's our Odyssey NFL Insider, but he's Also part of CBS's Sunday NFL announced teams, and he'd done a few Texans games the last few years. Normally a Texans Titans game. I feel like every Texans Titans game included Ross Tucker. And in the rotation, he was down, I think on about like the, maybe the fifth, fifth or sixth team. Well, with the ripple effect from the Tony Romo leave of absence, we know that JJ Watt got bumped up to the first team with Jim Nance. Ross Tucker is getting bumped all the way up to the second team with Iron Eagle. Yeah, he's filling JJ's shoes.
[10:19]
E
And this is where, you know, like with JJ, JJ is a big, big, big, big star. And when he enters broadcasting, okay, it just, you figure, okay, that's. It makes sense that they put him in a pretty lofty perch right off the bat with Ross Tucker. Talk about a hardscrabble.
[10:35]
F
He's a grinder man.
[10:36]
E
Yeah, he was a journeyman in the NFL. Yeah, he just started podcasting when nobody else was podcasting. He's, he's picked himself up from the. His bootstraps.
[10:46]
F
He has.
[10:48]
E
With a hardscrabble upbringing from somewhere near Scranton Penns.
[10:51]
B
Right, right.
[10:52]
F
And Princeton.
[10:54]
E
Well, by football terms, you know what?
[10:57]
F
Yeah, yeah, sorry. Yeah, that's Cornell guy. Yeah.
[11:00]
E
No, you play football at Princeton. It's not like, oh, welcome, welcome. Right into the NFL. Here you go.
[11:06]
F
This is a huge.
[11:07]
E
You and Jason Garrett, you know that, right?
[11:10]
F
You. You know how I feel about Ian Eagle. I think Ian Eagle's excellent. He, he and Kevin Harlan are my 2 favorite play by play guys on Sundays. And I loved JJ and Ian Eagle together. I thought they were an excellent pairing. I think JJ would be great with Jim Nance, and I think Jim Nance has got to be ecstatic to be getting J.J. watt for however long this is going to be.
[11:29]
E
He's going to be happy to get somebody with a pulse. Yes.
[11:32]
F
That puts in the work.
[11:32]
E
At least a pulse that doesn't have a high bac that can make it
[11:35]
F
to the him without getting pulled over. Yeah.
[11:37]
E
So never once thought JJ was drunk when he was on air?
[11:40]
F
No.
[11:41]
E
And I don't know that Romo ever was, but I know every time I watch him, he sounds like he might drunk. Yeah.
[11:46]
F
Yeah, he might be. This is a huge save for my love of Ian Eagle. I think he and Ross are going to be great. I think that'll be a really good pairing. This is like a addition by subtraction.
[11:56]
E
I know. Well, I've heard Ross with Kevin Harlan a lot on the radio. Yeah. And they're very, like, so similar vibes there. And I think that'll. They'll fit right in.
[12:05]
F
I do, too.
[12:07]
H
Romo.
[12:07]
F
Romo's cooked, right?
[12:09]
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I would imagine so. I think that this is the classic boy. CBS executive executives are happy to have this out.
[12:15]
F
He's got a morals clause. He's done.
[12:17]
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People have been. I can't imagine you're a CBS exec that goes and talks to other insiders or whatever when you're at your Eyes Wide Shut parties and stuff in the off season.
[12:25]
F
Right, right.
[12:26]
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Where somebody isn't like, dude, what the hell are you guys going to do about Romo? And they're like, well, I don't know. He's fine. But like, no, seriously, man, what the hell's going on?
[12:33]
F
Yeah.
[12:34]
E
Like, people in the. It's one thing to get lambasted by people in the media and everything, but industry insiders have known that's a train wreck for the last few years. So this is. This might be a really easy out. Somebody might. Somebody at cbs, their job might have been saved by Tony Romo getting into that pickle in Wisconsin.
[12:52]
F
That's a $70 million pullover on the side of the road.
[12:55]
E
Yeah.
[12:55]
F
If he loses his. He's got four years left on his deal.
[12:58]
E
Yeah.
[12:59]
F
Of nearly a total of $70 million.
[13:01]
E
There might be some executive at CBS who just like, fully stood up on the table and said, we need to give Romo this money. And he was about to get fired at some point because of it. He was like, oh, boy.
[13:11]
F
I think I just got sends a
[13:13]
E
fruit basket to that cop to the Wisconsin pd.
[13:17]
F
All right, let's get to headlines. Coming up next, Astros lose last night. We'll talk about that. We've got some football headlines we'll get to as well. Hey look girl.
[13:26]
I
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[13:53]
A
We heard Las Vegas was built for stars. And on August 22, two of boxing's biggest take center stage. Raleigh Romero never follows the script.
[14:03]
B
This is my game.
[14:04]
A
Teofimo Lopez has never needed one.
[14:06]
C
This guy's got a big mouth.
[14:07]
A
For years they've had plenty to say.
[14:08]
E
All you do is talk.
[14:09]
A
But with world championship gold on the line, can they back it?
[14:13]
B
Teo, I'm here.
[14:14]
A
I'm going all in. It's time to put up or shut up. Raleigh Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez Aug. 22 I'll shut you up. Watch on Dazn and Dazn on Prime
[14:24]
D
Video Nerds Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast. Ever Google a money question and end up 12 tabs deep with 12 different answers? This podcast is your shortcut back to clarity. NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast breaks down financial decisions with a team of trusted journalists. They explain the why behind decisions like investing, home buying and choosing credit cards. With clear research backed insights. No jargon, no misinformation. Make your next financial move with confidence. Follow NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast on your favorite podcast app. Presented by T Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today.
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H
Yeah.
[15:29]
G
So anyways, this has been a refreshing break brought to you by Snapple. Real tea, real juice with snaps and only refres crushing.

Summary6 min read

Payne & Pendergast — August 12, 2026

Episode Focus:
Nick Caley talks about his relationship with CJ Stroud + Contract talks for CJ
Podcast Hosts: Seth Payne & Sean Pendergast
Main Theme:
A deep dive into the current state of C.J. Stroud’s contract situation, his standing within the Texans organization, recent national coverage and criticism, and exclusive insights from Texans Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley on Stroud’s growth and their working relationship.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the mounting contract conversation around Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. After a fresh flood of national scrutiny (and social media takes) following last season's playoff disappointment, hosts Payne & Pendergast analyze where Stroud and the franchise stand. The show features notable quotes from ESPN’s Dan Graziano and, more significantly, Texans Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley’s remarks about Stroud’s leadership and maturity. The hosts also discuss shifts in national NFL broadcasting teams, but the main focus remains on the Texans and their young star quarterback.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ESPN National Spotlight & Playoff Narrative

[01:13 – 03:59]

ESPN’s Dan Graziano highlights the Texans’ tendency for early contract extensions (Will Anderson Jr. example) and questions why Stroud hasn’t yet received one, attributing some of the hesitation to his poor playoff performance vs. the Patriots.
- Notable Quote — Dan Graziano (ESPN):
  
  “C.J. Stroud laid an egg. ... For them it meant we need to see more before we talk about extending him.” [01:54]
- Graziano also notes roster improvements—better run game, offensive line continuity, Tank Dell’s return, and a deepened WR room—upping pressure on Stroud to deliver.
Seth and Sean push back on the "single bad game" narrative:
- Sean:
  
  “Everything that Graziano said right there is true. I would. I disagree a little bit in that he just said so clearly that, well, they need, you know, that playoff performance is what is scaring them off… I think it’s more nuanced.” [02:40]
- “It’s not just the Patriots game,” Seth adds; it’s about “how is CJ adapting to his second year in the system and how is he operating and running the offense?” [03:21]
If it was purely about one game, extension talks would have been earlier or more urgent.

2. Stroud’s Attitude & Locker Room Stability

[04:26 – 05:23]

Unlike other young QBs (Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield), Stroud is praised for ignoring contract drama and not inviting distractions.
- Sean:
  
  “CJ really has not added any fuel to the fire. And I don't sense that it's something that is bothering him or anything. If there is no extension, I don’t think it’s going to be any kind of an issue in the locker room...” [04:57]
Both hosts agree the contract is “not a pressing issue,” and neither side appears anxious.

3. Nick Caley’s Relationship with CJ Stroud

[05:28 – 08:09; 07:51 – segment ends]

The centerpiece is Caley’s appearance (played from Adam Schefter's podcast), where he gives an in-depth assessment of Stroud’s approach and year-two evolution.
- Nick Caley:
  
  “Since he left, he’s been working. You can tell he’s worked his ass off all offseason. His process has been excellent … the intentionality, the detail, the leadership, the urgency.” [05:38]
  
  “More time on task going into year two, we’ve had a chance to just dive into deeper conversations… I'm never going to do anything ultimately that doesn't fit our offense and the players we have. ... But then with CJ having comfort and confidence in those things, I always want to customize that throughout through the lens of having him have confidence.” [05:55]
  
  “He’s been there every step of the way. His consistency, his ability to move throughout the day, just being the same guy and taking it to the field. … I've been really pleased and proud...” [07:51]
Hosts joke about Caley’s energy and liken his speaking style to Sean McVay’s “intense, detail-focused positivity.” [08:09]

4. Growth & Command in Year Two

[08:09 – 09:21]

Both hosts echo that increased confidence from DeMeco Ryans (HC) and the offensive staff is evident, with Stroud now showing clear command of the offense.
- Sean:
  
  “It looks way more like CJ is in full command of the offense. And it wasn’t … that way last year.” [08:34]
Year one is compared to “taking a typing class for a couple weeks and now go type 140 words a minute”—emphasizing the leap required for young QBs in complex NFL systems. [09:21]

5. Non-Texans Segments & Notable Tangents

(included for listener context, skip if focused solely on Texans Conversation)

Discussion on Ross Tucker’s rise within NFL broadcasting:
- Now paired with Ian Eagle on CBS, replacing JJ Watt who moves alongside Jim Nance as Romo exits.
- Good-natured jokes about Tucker’s path (from “hardscrabble” beginnings near Scranton and Princeton).
- Seth: “He’s a grinder, man.” [10:34]
- Commentary on Tony Romo’s contract, possible CBS exit, and the sports media world.
Note: Segment from [09:26 – 13:26] shifts away from Texans’ topics to broadcasting and is more lighthearted and anecdotal.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Dan Graziano (ESPN):
“[CJ] laid an egg [vs the Patriots]. So what does that tell you about him? For [the Texans] it meant we need to see more before we talk about extending him.” [01:54]
Sean Pendergast:
“Everything that Graziano said is true… I disagree a little bit. … I think the process leading up to that playoff game is probably the thing they wanted to see more of.” [02:40]
On CJ’s professional attitude:
“CJ has not added any fuel to the fire. I don’t sense that it’s something that is bothering him or anything … if there is no extension, I don’t think it will be an issue in the locker room.” [04:57]
Nick Caley (on Stroud):
“His process has been excellent. … the leadership, the urgency. Year two in the system, we’ve had a chance to dive into deeper conversations…” [05:38]

“He’s been there every step of the way. His consistency, his ability to move throughout the day, just being the same guy and taking it to the field. I’ve been really pleased and proud.” [07:51]
Sean, on progress and complexity for young QBs:
“Part of it is just … with what they want the quarterback to do in this system, it’s a lot. … it takes time. It takes muscle memory, takes reps.” [09:21]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:13] – Opening of segment, national ESPN coverage of Stroud
[01:35] – Dan Graziano’s quote and analysis on Stroud’s contract
[02:34] – Hosts dissect ESPN narrative vs. more nuanced reality
[04:26] – Stroud’s calm approach to extension talks and locker room dynamic
[05:28] – Nick Caley discusses Stroud’s growth and their relationship
[07:51] – Caley: “He’s been there every step of the way…”
[08:09] – Host reactions to Caley’s comments, comparison to Sean McVay
[08:20] – Discussion of command and praise from coaching staff
[09:26] – Brief tangent: Ross Tucker, CBS NFL broadcast changes

Tone & Language

Candid, conversational, slightly irreverent, blending insider analysis with accessible, relatable banter.
Coaches’ quotes and hosts’ discussion keep a respectful, supportive note about Stroud’s maturity, with direct language about organizational decisions and league-wide narrative.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed the episode, you’ll come away understanding that:

The contract extension for C.J. Stroud remains a hot-button topic locally and nationally, especially after his playoff struggles last year.
ESPN’s take—focusing on one bad game—is an oversimplification, according to the hosts, who believe the Texans are watching Stroud’s full process in year two before making any long-term moves.
Stroud is earning high marks for work ethic and locker room presence, not letting contract “noise” become a distraction—qualities praised directly by OC Nick Caley.
Positive changes are being seen in the offense; both Caley and the coaching staff note Stroud’s leadership and increased command in his second season.
The team’s overall vibe is patient, measured, and optimistic about Stroud’s trajectory, even as external pressure builds.

Loading summary

Transcript98 lines

[00:00]
A
Las Vegas was built for stars and on August 22, two of boxing's biggest take center stage. Raleigh Romero never follows the script.
[00:08]
B
This is my game.
[00:09]
A
Teofimo Lopez has never needed one.
[00:11]
C
This guy's got a big mouth.
[00:12]
A
For years they've had plenty to say.
[00:13]
C
All you do is talk.
[00:14]
A
But with world championship gold on the line, can they back it?
[00:18]
B
Tio, I'm here.
[00:19]
A
I'm going all in. It's time to put up or shut up. Raleigh Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez August 22nd. I'll shut you up. Watch on Dazn and Dazn on Prime Video Nerds.
[00:31]
D
Today's episode is sponsored by NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast. Personal finance can feel like a pop quiz you didn't study for. This podcast is your study guide. On NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast, you'll hear from trusted journalists who explain the why behind major financial decisions. You'll get research backed insights and clear pros and cons. Whether you're planning a big purchase or just want to grow your wealth, make your next financial move with confidence. Follow NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast on your favorite podcast app. Presented by T Mobile, the official wireless partner of Odyssey Sports. With an awesome network and great savings, there's never been a better time to join T Mobile. Visit your neighborhood store to make the switch today.
[01:12]
E
Live from the West Point Lincoln and
[01:14]
F
West Point Lincoln of Sugarland Studios, here's Pain and Pendergast. Hi Pain and Pendergast with you. CJ Stroud has been a big talking point here in Houston in the off season and yesterday on ESPN they did a big segment on CJ Stroud. Here was Dan Graziano of ESPN talking about the Texans quarterback.
[01:35]
B
Houston gives out big veteran contract extensions as soon as they possibly can. Will Anderson Jr. Got one this offseason, is drafted one pick after C.J. stroud. The fact that Stroud doesn't have one yet is a sign that the Texans want to see more. And that's fair enough. They got to the playoffs last year with what they felt was a championship caliber defense. They knew when they took the field in New England that if they won that game, they were going to get a shot to beat Jarrett Stidham the next week to go to the Super Bowl. And C.J. stroud laid an egg. So what does that tell you about him? The Texans? For them it meant we need to see more before we talk about extending him. Now he has never had a run game. They have changed the offensive line on him over and over and over again. There are reasons that CJ Stroud has not been always in the best position to succeed. Most of those reasons have been cleared up. They should have a better running game. The offensive line has continuity for the first time. Tank Dell coming back. The wide receiver room could be a lot deeper and the defense should still be great. A lot of pressure on CJ Stroud to deliver this.
[02:34]
E
The. I figured this yesterday when we were sitting in the studio and I saw on ESPN that they were doing that big piece on ESPN around CJ Stroud. That. Yep. Yesterday my social media feed, I saw from, you know, big accounts and other people that I, that I couldn't avoid, that people I follow. All of a sudden it was as if the Patriots game had happened yesterday. And I like the exact same takes and everything based almost completely on Patriots game. If they were doing their any kind of due diligence, they might include the Steelers game into it because that was really bad, but that some of it was like just red hot. This is. I can't believe this is the guy. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Everything that Graziano said right there is true. I would. I disagree a little bit and that he just said so clearly that, well, they need, you know, the, that playoff performance is what is scaring them off of, you know, giving him the contract or whatever. I think there's more to it than just, just that. I think the process and everything leading up to that playoff game is, is probably the. The thing that they wanted to see. If it was different, how is CJ Adapting to his second year in the system and how is he operating and running the offense? Which obviously includes. That includes the performance in the Patriots game. But I think it's, it's more nuanced than just, oh, that one game is the game that made.
[03:59]
F
Definitely is. It definitely is. If here's the thing, if it weren't, then that means that he was going to get a contract extension going into the playoffs last year.
[04:09]
E
Right.
[04:09]
F
And it was still very much up in the air.
[04:11]
E
Right? Yeah, exactly. I think that if he had had now if the Texans had gone and won the super bowl, you kind of more chance than not they're probably going to have an extension because the formula works or whatever, but that we don't have to live in that hypothetical world because it certainly did not happen.
[04:26]
F
Sam Darnold has not gotten a bump in pay since winning the super bowl
[04:30]
E
for the Seattle State. Sean. That's a very good point, Sean.
[04:33]
F
Certain teams may look at it differently
[04:34]
E
that, that's a really good point. Yeah. So I think that it was kind of a shock to me, and it was something that you and I were talking about right up until two weeks ago. The. The CJ Stroud contract extension dynamic. Actually, we hadn't been talking about it much at all until Nick Casario and CJ Stroud both said on the first day of training camp that there had been some talks.
[04:54]
F
Yeah.
[04:55]
E
And then we talked about it for a couple of days, and then we kind of forgot about it.
[04:57]
C
And.
[04:57]
E
And I just don't. I think the biggest thing, and this is credit to CJ and unlike Kyler Murray going into his fourth year or Baker Mayfield right now, CJ really has not added any fuel to the fire. And I don't sense that it's something that is bothering him or anything. If there is no extension, I don't think it's going to be any kind of an issue in the locker room or with David Mulligetta or anywhere else along the way.
[05:23]
F
Like, it.
[05:24]
E
It's. If it happens, it happens. But it doesn't seem like either side feels like it's a pressing issue.
[05:29]
F
Nope. Here's Nick Kaylee. Yesterday, he was. He was on Adam Schefter's podcast. And here's his assessment of where things are at with C.J.
[05:38]
C
yeah, I'm really proud of him. I mean, he's been. Since he left, he's been working. You can tell he's worked his ass off all offseason. His process has been excellent. Just, you know, the intentionality, the detail, the leadership, the urgency. Year two in the system. I've always had a great relationship, CJ and I, but I feel like we more time on task going into year two, we've had a chance to just dive into deeper conversations. You come up for air after that season, and now it's like, okay, look, here's the things we did well. Here's the things maybe we didn't do well. I'm never going to do anything ultimately that doesn't fit our offense and the players we have. We're going to tailor it around our players and who we have players over plays mentality. But then with CJ having comfort and confidence in those things, I always want to customize that throughout through the lens of having, you know, having him have confidence.
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[07:21]
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[07:51]
C
What we're doing so we've had that dialogue and it's been great. We've had a chance to, to really try some different wrinkles and compliments and add, you know, some volume to the offense this offseason. And he's been there every step of the way. His consistency, his ability to move throughout the day, just being the same guy and taking it to the field. I've been really pleased and proud with
[08:10]
E
what he's done that I didn't realize Sean McVay had worked so much with CJ Stroud in the off season.
[08:17]
F
It's crazy how much they sound alike.
[08:20]
E
No, and I think that's something that I would say with d'. Amico. D' Amico said something about CJ yesterday or a couple days ago where I'd seen one of our listeners comment that, man, that seems like that sounds like the first really genuine praise that d' Amico has given cj. That's what the listener said. I, I think it's been like that with d' Ameco during this training camp. I do think, yeah, there were times last season where, I mean, at times d' Ameco just flat out said, we need more from CJ and some of the praise that he would give him. It felt like he was holding back a little bit and he wasn't being critical necessarily all the time. I think it's been more, you know, full forced praise. And it's, and it's born out in the way it looks out there. It looks way more like CJ is in full command of the offense. And it wasn't, it wasn't that way last year. And part of it, the part of it is just simply that with what they want the quarterback to do in this system, it's a lot and it's really hard to. It's kind of like you just took a typing class for a couple weeks now. You know, go out and type 140 words.
[09:21]
F
Yeah, yeah.
[09:22]
E
It's just, it, it takes time. It takes. Muscle memory, takes reps. How about the.
[09:26]
F
How about the news? Just shifting gears here real quick. Cause we teased it. How about the news of our good friend Ross Tucker yesterday? Yeah, Ross Tucker, if you missed it. And Ross will be back with us this season as well on Tuesdays at 7 o'. Clock. He'll be back with us. I'm fairly certain it'll be at its usual time. Tuesdays at 7 o'. Clock. He's our Odyssey NFL Insider, but he's Also part of CBS's Sunday NFL announced teams, and he'd done a few Texans games the last few years. Normally a Texans Titans game. I feel like every Texans Titans game included Ross Tucker. And in the rotation, he was down, I think on about like the, maybe the fifth, fifth or sixth team. Well, with the ripple effect from the Tony Romo leave of absence, we know that JJ Watt got bumped up to the first team with Jim Nance. Ross Tucker is getting bumped all the way up to the second team with Iron Eagle. Yeah, he's filling JJ's shoes.
[10:19]
E
And this is where, you know, like with JJ, JJ is a big, big, big, big star. And when he enters broadcasting, okay, it just, you figure, okay, that's. It makes sense that they put him in a pretty lofty perch right off the bat with Ross Tucker. Talk about a hardscrabble.
[10:35]
F
He's a grinder man.
[10:36]
E
Yeah, he was a journeyman in the NFL. Yeah, he just started podcasting when nobody else was podcasting. He's, he's picked himself up from the. His bootstraps.
[10:46]
F
He has.
[10:48]
E
With a hardscrabble upbringing from somewhere near Scranton Penns.
[10:51]
B
Right, right.
[10:52]
F
And Princeton.
[10:54]
E
Well, by football terms, you know what?
[10:57]
F
Yeah, yeah, sorry. Yeah, that's Cornell guy. Yeah.
[11:00]
E
No, you play football at Princeton. It's not like, oh, welcome, welcome. Right into the NFL. Here you go.
[11:06]
F
This is a huge.
[11:07]
E
You and Jason Garrett, you know that, right?
[11:10]
F
You. You know how I feel about Ian Eagle. I think Ian Eagle's excellent. He, he and Kevin Harlan are my 2 favorite play by play guys on Sundays. And I loved JJ and Ian Eagle together. I thought they were an excellent pairing. I think JJ would be great with Jim Nance, and I think Jim Nance has got to be ecstatic to be getting J.J. watt for however long this is going to be.
[11:29]
E
He's going to be happy to get somebody with a pulse. Yes.
[11:32]
F
That puts in the work.
[11:32]
E
At least a pulse that doesn't have a high bac that can make it
[11:35]
F
to the him without getting pulled over. Yeah.
[11:37]
E
So never once thought JJ was drunk when he was on air?
[11:40]
F
No.
[11:41]
E
And I don't know that Romo ever was, but I know every time I watch him, he sounds like he might drunk. Yeah.
[11:46]
F
Yeah, he might be. This is a huge save for my love of Ian Eagle. I think he and Ross are going to be great. I think that'll be a really good pairing. This is like a addition by subtraction.
[11:56]
E
I know. Well, I've heard Ross with Kevin Harlan a lot on the radio. Yeah. And they're very, like, so similar vibes there. And I think that'll. They'll fit right in.
[12:05]
F
I do, too.
[12:07]
H
Romo.
[12:07]
F
Romo's cooked, right?
[12:09]
E
I would imagine so. I think that this is the classic boy. CBS executive executives are happy to have this out.
[12:15]
F
He's got a morals clause. He's done.
[12:17]
E
People have been. I can't imagine you're a CBS exec that goes and talks to other insiders or whatever when you're at your Eyes Wide Shut parties and stuff in the off season.
[12:25]
F
Right, right.
[12:26]
E
Where somebody isn't like, dude, what the hell are you guys going to do about Romo? And they're like, well, I don't know. He's fine. But like, no, seriously, man, what the hell's going on?
[12:33]
F
Yeah.
[12:34]
E
Like, people in the. It's one thing to get lambasted by people in the media and everything, but industry insiders have known that's a train wreck for the last few years. So this is. This might be a really easy out. Somebody might. Somebody at cbs, their job might have been saved by Tony Romo getting into that pickle in Wisconsin.
[12:52]
F
That's a $70 million pullover on the side of the road.
[12:55]
E
Yeah.
[12:55]
F
If he loses his. He's got four years left on his deal.
[12:58]
E
Yeah.
[12:59]
F
Of nearly a total of $70 million.
[13:01]
E
There might be some executive at CBS who just like, fully stood up on the table and said, we need to give Romo this money. And he was about to get fired at some point because of it. He was like, oh, boy.
[13:11]
F
I think I just got sends a
[13:13]
E
fruit basket to that cop to the Wisconsin pd.
[13:17]
F
All right, let's get to headlines. Coming up next, Astros lose last night. We'll talk about that. We've got some football headlines we'll get to as well. Hey look girl.
[13:26]
I
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We heard Las Vegas was built for stars. And on August 22, two of boxing's biggest take center stage. Raleigh Romero never follows the script.
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This is my game.
[14:04]
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Teofimo Lopez has never needed one.
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C
This guy's got a big mouth.
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For years they've had plenty to say.
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E
All you do is talk.
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But with world championship gold on the line, can they back it?
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Teo, I'm here.
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A
I'm going all in. It's time to put up or shut up. Raleigh Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez Aug. 22 I'll shut you up. Watch on Dazn and Dazn on Prime
[14:24]
D
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Would you look at that. It's time for some of our favorite Snapple reelfacts. Reel back 1433 Toe wrestling is a competitive sport. Reel fact 732 the chicken is the closest living relative of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Rio back 1599Aman once ate an entire airplane. Yowch. Did he have any hot sauce?
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H
Yeah.
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So anyways, this has been a refreshing break brought to you by Snapple. Real tea, real juice with snaps and only refres crushing.