PTI Episode Summary – November 19, 2025

Episode Title: What are the Browns plans for Shedeur Sanders?
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
Special Guest: Jeff Saturday (ESPN NFL Analyst)

Overview

This episode centers on the latest developments in the NFL and college football, focusing on the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation with Shedeur Sanders, coaching shakeups in college football, and the impact of injuries on key NFL teams. The hosts also tackle the legacy and future of teams like the Raiders and Cowboys, Lane Kiffin’s coaching prospects, and the hiring of James Franklin at Virginia Tech. Jeff Saturday joins the show for an insider’s perspective on offensive line dynamics and the challenges facing young quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Raiders’ Decline Under Pete Carroll (00:32–03:18)

• Wilbon dismisses the notion that the Raiders are now “Pete Carroll’s Raiders,” arguing the team is “irrelevant” and no longer a central character in the NFL narrative.
  • “They don't matter now.” (01:58)
• Tony adds: Carroll's great coaching reputation can't rescue the Raiders, who are “on their way to their 23rd consecutive season without a playoff win.”
  • “Pete Carroll is a great coach and he can't do anything with them.” (01:58)
• Discussion Point: Raiders' legacy vs. current reality, celebrity hires’ lack of impact, and comparison with struggling teams like Jets and Browns.

2. Cowboys’ Win Over the Raiders & Future Prospects (03:11–03:18)

• Tony highlights Dak Prescott's connections with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickett as the only “formidable” thing about Dallas.
• Both agree that despite a strong showing, the Cowboys’ upcoming games (Philadelphia, Kansas City, Detroit) make playoff talk premature.

3. Lane Kiffin’s Coaching Decision: Stay at Ole Miss or Go? (03:18–06:10)

• Host Debate: Should Ole Miss pressure Kiffin to decide?
  • Tony: The school has little leverage; it’s all with the coach.
    • “If they want Kiffin to stay, they've got to...tear up the existing deal and give them more money.” (03:55)
  • Wilbon: Money likely won’t be enough; the transfer portal and player payments (“cash money raining down”) have changed the landscape.
    • “The question for Lane Kiffin is...can I win here or is there an advantage elsewhere?” (05:43)
• Both suggest Kiffin’s move may come down to perceived potential for competitive success, not just compensation.

4. James Franklin Hired by Virginia Tech (06:10–09:17)

• Wilbon’s take: Franklin will restore Tech to “Frank Beamer time,” predicting double-digit win seasons but not a national title.
  • “He knows the high schools. He knows all about what goes on...seems like a good hire.” (06:42)
• Tony agrees: VT is a better fit for Franklin, who couldn’t clear the Big Ten ceiling at Penn State. ACC is more “winnable.”
  • “The ACC is an easier conference to win than the Big Ten.” (07:53)

5. NFL Offensive Line Injuries and Their Impact (with Jeff Saturday) (12:07–13:54)

• Lane Johnson’s injury:
  • Jeff Saturday:
    • “This is like a three point swing per game...That's how good Lane Johnson is.” (12:34)
    • Emphasizes the loss goes beyond physical ability; it disrupts communication and trust across the line.
    • “All that communication has to be verbalized...it makes it much more difficult and cumbersome.”

6. Shedeur Sanders' Lack of Reps with the Browns’ First Team (13:54–15:58)

• Wilbon’s concern: Shedeur taking the field with zero first-team practice reps is “coaching malpractice.”
• Jeff Saturday:
  • “This is unbelievable...the offensive line had never heard his cadence.” (14:23)
  • Lack of cadence familiarity leads to hesitation, making quick defensive jumps more likely—compromising both the quarterback and team.
  • “Anybody who's judging Shedeur on his performance, you're mocking yourself, man...Don’t judge this man...on 16 snaps of chaos, because that's what he was thrown into.” (15:37)

7. Mark Andrews’ Tush Push Play & Behind-the-Scenes Center Perspective (15:58–17:24)

• Jeff Saturday:
  • Praises the creativity of the Ravens' fake tush push play involving Mark Andrews.
    • “I Loved it. I thought it was...a gutsy call by Todd and the Ravens.” (16:20)
  • Explains the nuances of how teams prepare for such trick plays.

8. Sam Darnold’s Adversity With Four Interceptions (17:24–18:55)

• Jeff Saturday:
  • Defends Darnold, noting every quarterback faces specific teams that “have their number.”
    • “You are not backing off of Sam Darnold if you're a Seahawk, bro. We are all...Gas pedal down.” (17:55)
  • Points out the Seahawks were still close to victory despite turnovers, suggesting faith in Darnold is warranted.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Raiders are irrelevant...they don't matter now.” — Mike Wilbon (01:01)
• “The school is obliged to pay the coach...Other than that, they can just go pound sand.” — Tony Kornheiser (03:55)
• “This is like a three point swing per game, in my opinion. That's how good Lane Johnson is.” — Jeff Saturday on Lane Johnson's injury (12:34)
• “When Shedeur walked out there, the offensive line had never heard his cadence. That's how the play starts, people.” — Jeff Saturday (14:23)
• “Anybody who's judging Shedeur on his performance, you're mocking yourself, man.” — Jeff Saturday (15:37)
• “Congrats to Andrews for the t.d., baby. I loved it.” — Jeff Saturday, on Ravens’ fake tush push play (16:20)
• “We are all...Gas pedal down. Let's make a move. We'll see these guys again.” — Jeff Saturday, defending Darnold (17:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Raiders & Cowboys – 00:32–03:18
• Lane Kiffin Decision – 03:18–06:10
• James Franklin to Virginia Tech – 06:10–09:17
• Jeff Saturday on Eagles OL & Lane Johnson – 12:07–13:54
• Shedeur Sanders/Browns Practice Reps – 13:54–15:58
• Ravens' Tush Push Play – 15:58–17:24
• Sam Darnold Adversity Discussion – 17:24–18:55

Tone & Style

As always, PTI’s tone is sharp, conversational, and occasionally playful, with Tony and Mike quick to inject humor and personal perspective, and Jeff Saturday offering technical insight delivered with clear passion for the game.

Final Thoughts

This episode gives fans insight into high-level coaching decisions, the inside mechanics of NFL line play, and the unforgiving reality for young quarterbacks thrown into the NFL fire. Jeff Saturday’s defense of Shedeur Sanders stands out, as do discussions about how tradition-rich football programs and franchises try but often fail to recapture past glories. The show’s brisk pace, key soundbites, and frank debate make it as informative as it is entertaining for sports fans.