← Scoop City: Inside The NFL
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- [00:00]
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- [00:21]
James Palmer
Hey, it's Adam Grant from Ted's Work Life with Adam Grant. And this message is brought to you by at&t. You know, we spend a lot of time here separating fact from claim. And when it comes to mobile networks, that distinction matters. When AT&T makes a claim, it's one you can count on. AT&T is America's fastest and most reliable wireless network. And that's not opinion. It's Data based on RootMetrics United States Root Score Report 1H2025. Tested with best commercially available smartphones on three national mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. RootMetrics rankings are not an endorsement of AT&T.
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- [01:31]
Jake Seeley
I'm gonna say 50. 50. You might know it. That what the original name for Gardner Minshew was supposed to be when he was born. What his grandfather wanted his dad to name him.
- [01:42]
James Palmer
No, I don't.
- [01:43]
Jake Seeley
The grandfather wanted Gardner Minshew to be named Beowulf. Like from the stories you can look here.
- [01:50]
James Palmer
That's amazing.
- [01:51]
Vic Tafur
Yeah.
- [01:52]
Jake Seeley
He wanted him to be named Beowulf. Well, he's not even the second. It's just he wanted the name. That family is I want to hang out with that family.
- [02:01]
James Palmer
Yeah, that's pretty sweet.
- [02:02]
Jake Seeley
Screw the Palmers. I want to hang out with the Minches.
- [02:12]
James Palmer
Welcome in a scoop city on a Thursday. I'm James Palmer. Don't forget to like and subscribe. Please do it because we have a lot of content you and a lot of it is in today's show because there's a ton of implications going on in week 16. And remember, there's a lot of teams that can clinch playoff spots in this week and some of those games are played on Saturday. The Broncos can clinch the AFC west and the number one seed in a scenario this week as well in the AFC is the Bills, Patriots, Jaguars and Chargers can all clinch a playoff spot this week as well. In the NFC, Eagles, Bears, Packers, 49ers and Seahawks, the can all clinch a playoff spot as well. So a lot on the line and we will take our Thursday road trip across the NFL. We're going to discuss whether the Ravens can keep things rolling after shutting out Cincinnati and we'll figure out if Lamar Jackson is back to his regular self. We'll also talk about the Lions and can they slow down these resurging Pittsburgh Steelers a lot on the line in that game as well as the San Francisco 49ers. Can they keep this going with this injury riddled team and can Brock Purdy carry them there? We're going to start our Thursday road trip by heading to Detroit with a massive showdown between the Lions and the Steelers. And we start right there with Colton Pounce. He covers the Lions for us here at the Athletic. Does a brilliant job. Read everything he does on the Athletic guys. Just read all of it. I do. Colton, I love where you're at. I think you're going to sound tremendous when you answer this first question.
- [03:43]
Colton Pouncey
I think so too.
- [03:44]
Jake Seeley
Yeah.
- [03:46]
James Palmer
Right now a 27% chance due to our simulator for these Lions to make the postseason. We know that they have the Steelers, Vikings, Bears. That gives them a 53% chance if they win out. But if they win out, they have a pretty good shot. I think what they have ahead of them and the teams that they face are very interesting.
- [04:05]
Colton Pouncey
Yeah, it's fascinating when you kind of break it down and it's right in front of you. Because up next, obviously we got the Steelers. But who plays quarterback for the Steelers? Aaron Rodgers, a man that has dominated the NFC north for years. The Lions know him very well. If you lose that one season's kind of on the brinks there he has a chance to do that. If you win that one, you get by. You go to Minnesota on Christmas and who do you face? J.J. mcCarthy, a guy that's been up and down this year, to say the least, and a guy that already beat you earlier in the season. So if you lose to JJ McCarthy twice in one year, that's going to be a very unhappy things, very unhappy Christmas for a lot of people. And then you end week 18, let's say Lions win those two games, you know, give themselves a Chance to make the playoffs in week 18. That is probably maybe a win. And in game against the Bears in Chicago, who are you facing? Former friend Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator here for so long, did such a great job, but now would have a chance to end their season and keep them out of the postseason. So it's really poetic when you kind of break it down. You got Aaron Rodgers, you got J.J. mcCarthy and the Vikings, and then you got Ben Johnson in Chicago.
- [05:10]
James Palmer
Hey, it helps you covering the team, writing about this team every day. I mean, these storylines are just outstanding. It's. It really is something. There's a wild scenario that if they lose this game to Pittsburgh and there is a tie between Green Bay and Chicago, they're eliminated after this week. I don't think that's probably going to happen. I'm just saying that's how close all of this is. Down the stretch with everybody. I'm fascinated with this offense. It was good and now we've seen Dan Campbell take it over and I mean, what, 31.5 points a game since week 10, 6.8 yards per play. I mean, you went from good to really explosive. What have you seen that he's done specifically different. I look at, you know, maybe Jamo's usage or just what he's done as an offense that you've seen change as he's taken over the play calling.
- [05:58]
Colton Pouncey
Yeah, some of it's out of necessity. You mentioned Jamo. JMO was not getting the ball very much early in the season. I think he had like five of his first seven games. He had two or fewer targets, which is pretty insane for a wide receiver. You paid this off season, gave a lot of money to be a core piece for you, a core piece of this offense. And we know that his game has some boom or bust to him because he's a deep ball specialist, but we saw his progression in training camp, the routes that he was running, the intermediate stuff. It felt like that was a part of his game that you could take advantage of. And I think sort of out of necessity, when Sam laporter went down, you know, he was kind of the security blanket for Derek Goff in a lot of ways. Looked at him on third down, get the short tough yards for you. When he kind of left the line, shifted from a heavy 12 personnel usage with two tight ends to more 11 personnel and just focusing on those wide receivers that they have. And Dan's been really. He's placed an emphasis on getting the ball to Jamo when he took over play calling. So Jamo's top 10 in yards right now, which is shocking, if you would ask me that. Six weeks ago, seven weeks ago, I would have been calling you crazy because they really weren't getting him the ball. But he's been one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL since Dan took over. I think that's where you're seeing the passing game sort of take off. The run game has sort of been inconsistent since Dan took over. I wouldn't put that on him, so to speak. I think a lot of it is just the offensive line, some injuries. It's not as strong as it was last year. That was such a strong unit where they were kind of matchup proof. A year ago, it didn't matter who they lined up against. They were going to run the ball. They want to run the ball this year, but it hasn't been the same. Haven't had the same success week in and week out. So the passing game has been pretty consistent. Jared's been great. Mara St. Brown's been consistent when he's been out there and has toughed out an ankle injury. But Jamo taking off the way he has without Sam laporta and just making that concerted effort to get him the ball, I think that's kind of where you've seen Dan's impact the most.
- [07:44]
James Palmer
Yeah, I agree. And Jamo being on my fantasy team, I appreciate what he's done of late.
- [07:48]
Colton Pouncey
Same here, same here, same here.
- [07:51]
James Palmer
Let's go. But then the other part of it is we're seeing, and rightfully so, Jameer Gibbs have the biggest workload of his career. And adversely to that, you see, David Montgomery's kind of carries, kind of have gone down. I'm fascinated to understand why with the defense that Detroit has and probably the emphasis to try to keep them off the field and have long sustaining drives and Montgomery being a part of that, which could help you as an overall team and then also like putting them both on the field at the same time. Is there different things we can look for or put our finger on on why David Montgomery is being used the way he is. And do we think that's going to change during these final three games?
- [08:33]
Colton Pouncey
Yeah, I'll be honest with you. I thought it was going to change when Dan took over Play Kong. I wasn't sure if it was John Morton favors Jameer Gibbs. You know, he obviously loves him. He's talked him up all offseason, but.
- [08:43]
James Palmer
And rightfully so. I mean, rightfully so.
- [08:45]
Colton Pouncey
He's a great player. He's one of the Most explosive players in the league. But when you have a two back system here that Dan kind of brought with him from New Orle for a reason. When he had Mark Ingram and Alvin Camara, he wanted to bring that to Detroit. At first it started off with DeAndre Swift and Jamal Williams, but they thought that they could Upgrade that in 2023, which is why they brought in David Montgomery from the Bears. That's why they went and drafted Jameer Gibbs 12th overall. But now it sort of seems like they think Gibbs is the indispensable piece of this offense and Montgomery, it's like, we'll work you in when we can. But I agree with you. Like, there are certain games that allow for David Montgomery to have more of an impact than he's had. Like, I look at what they did against the Raven in Week three. They said, we're going to run the ball. This is going to be a demo game. We're going to keep Lamar Jackson off the field, this explosive Ravens offense off the field, and kind of rely on our run game to give our defense a breather. And I think when you look at the defense and where they are now, their secondary so hurt they're missing three starters, they lead the league and explosive pass plays allowed. So they're playing a lot of snaps, too. Like, I almost think they should lean on Deemo more and give him the ball more in those situations just to give that defensive breather and keep these explosive offenses that they've been facing off the field and for whatever reason, they haven't done it. And Dan is the play caller. And he's told us for weeks now. It seems like every other week he's getting asked this question, why isn't Deemo getting the ball more? Why isn't Monte getting the ball? He's like, oh, you know, he's been a true pro through all this. Like, we want to give him the ball. It's like, you are the play caller. You can do that. That's on you now. Now.
- [10:12]
Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
Yeah.
- [10:13]
James Palmer
He keeps saying, like, he's handling it well. I'm like, that's cool. But you call the plays.
- [10:17]
Colton Pouncey
Yeah. I mean, this is on you. You're wearing the headset. So I do kind of wonder about his future in Detroit. I mean, they extended him a year ago. I think most was guaranteed money was baked into this year. So if they want to move on and get rid of him after this year, they can. Maybe he's going to want out. I don't think he's been entirely thrilled with the situation how it's unfolded. But for coaching staff that preaches the importance of this two back system. They've really been favoring one and that has not been David Montgomery.
- [10:42]
James Palmer
Yeah. And you know what? In your averaging, I think the highest yards per carry you've had of your career. I believe right now you're going, I'll take the rock. Which nickname do you use do you like better? Monty, Demo.
- [10:53]
Colton Pouncey
Monty. They're all interchangeable. Knuckles, he goes by Knuckles.
- [10:56]
James Palmer
You got the other big one of the duo.
- [10:57]
Colton Pouncey
So many. So many. Yeah, I like Demo though. I think I've been leaning towards that one.
- [11:01]
James Palmer
I like demo too. It's very so close to Friday. So with the defense and you bring brought them up and how banged up they've been in the secondary and you know the struggles they've had in terms of community. Explosive plays. Good news. It's difficult for this Steelers team to go downfield. It's just been as a whole this season, it's been the short passing game and hopefully DK can do something with the ball in his hand. Hands after the catch. But with that said, you still have two more games after this and you still have to stop it. If Aaron does want to go downfield. Do you see them changing anything? Can you do that this late? I mean, I know they're a heavy man team, Colton. Right. But can they, can they do anything to kind of mask some of this? Another aspect up front, Is there anything you see changing what they do defensively to try to try to fix this even though you know you can't change injuries?
- [11:48]
Colton Pouncey
Yeah, it's tough and like they've kind of been the situation two years in a row where you look up and it's December and your secondary is on ir, you know, and for a defense that is so specific in how they want to play, which is a heavy man coverage, we want cornerbacks that can challenge and press and make force quarterbacks to force these tight window throws. When you don't have the horses to run that defense and your safety is where you have these kind of design roles where Kirby Joseph is the center fielder and he's looking for the ball downfield, you have Brian Branch playing in the box more like they compliment each other so well when you don't have those two pieces and even Terryon Arnold at corner, who is a heavy man corner, it makes it. It makes it challenging to run the defense you want to run. So you know, defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepard told us today that changes are coming and he let his guys know that. And a Lot of his players came up to him during that Rams game and said, I'm sorry that I'm not playing as well as I can. I know this isn't like up to my standards, like I can be better. So it seems like that accountability is there, but I'm also just not sure how much you can change on the fly. With three games left in the season. You're talking about an off season shift. If you want to go that route and play more zone, maybe change the structure, there are probably some little tweaks that you can make here and there based on your personnel, but I don't imagine it's going to be a whole lot different. And you probably shouldn't get too far away from what you've done all year when you only have three games left. So I'm not sure exactly what it's going to look like. But he told us changes are coming, so I'm excited to see what happens on Sunday.
- [13:12]
James Palmer
We'll see what the changes are very quickly. Before I get to my last question, I was reading your mailbag and for everybody that's listening or watching, could you please just tell them a couple of the numbers in terms of injuries the Lions compared to the rest of the league? Because to me, it's unbelievable.
- [13:28]
Colton Pouncey
It really is. For those that don't know, there is a stat in true media that tracks the number of games missed with an IRA designation. And so I looked at that number and right now the Lions are second in the NFL, which was surprising. I think they were leading for most of the season, but they actually fell to second. All right, the Arizona Cardinals are first at 225. Lions are second at 224 games missed with an IR designation. Now, if you go back to the 2021 season, which is Dan Campbell's first here in Detroit, no team has had more games missed with an IR designation than the Detroit Lions. That's 1,095 games. Now, the gap between the Lions at number one and the Giants at number two is about 94 games. That's wider than the gap between the giants at number two and the Cowboys at number 10. That's 83 games. So this has been by far the most injured team in the league since Dan Campbell took over. And that's really been a hot button topic out here in Detroit. Like, do they need to change things? Like, what's the reason behind all these injuries? And Dan Campbell's a guy that believes you need to hit and tackle in practice to be prepared for a season. A lot of Other coaches feel differently. And you look at a team like the Rams, they're kind of the opposite. I believe they're last in terms of games missed, with an IR designation this year. So it's kind of interesting when you look at it. I think it's probably a fair question, like, do you have to look at some things, do you have to look internally, do things differently, look at the training staff? Because this has been an ongoing theme for really the last five years, and it has not gotten better.
- [14:54]
James Palmer
Fascinating. Fascinating. I know one team that made a big emphasis on it, and I remember the Denver Broncos actually ownership in terms of Greg Penner and Kerry Walton, Penner actually touring to my understanding other facilities, other training facilities, asking other teams in an off season about how they go about it. Because Denver was having a bit of an issue when they took over the team as ownership, and they made a big onus to try to go out there and try to fix some of those. So there's a lot of different things teams try to do to. To see if they can fix this, and maybe that's something Detroit's looking at. By the way, I bet you Jonathan Gannon wants Michael Bidwell to know about those IR situations right now as we close out the season in Arizona. All right, the last one I have for you is biggest concern for you when you go into this game against Pittsburgh. And from the Lions perspective, should be.
- [15:38]
Colton Pouncey
What I think they should want to generate pressure against Aaron Rodgers. The problem is he gets the ball out so quickly, as we know, and when they face quarterbacks and get the ball out quickly, they haven't been able to get home. And if you can't create pressure quarterback like this, they might be able to move the ball, have some success. We know that the secondary is already struggling, so it really needs to be on the front seven. They got bullied up front against the Rams, and that group has been healthy for the most part. You can. You can give the secondary pass just because they're down so many guys. The front seven, those linebackers, the defensive line, they've been relatively healthy all year, and they really got bullied up front against the Rams, so you can't have a repeat of that. I think you got to get some pressure on Rodgers, at least try to defend the run better than you did in that last game. And if you can do that, I think you got a decent chance to win, and I think the offense will get it going again against, you know, a decent Steelers defense. But I think being at home and having the weapons that they do. There's a talent mismatch there, so it really comes down to the front seven for me.
- [16:34]
Vic Tafur
Great.
- [16:34]
James Palmer
And if you don't turn the ball over against the Steelers defense, it's usually a different situation as well, so.
- [16:39]
Colton Pouncey
Exactly.
- [16:40]
James Palmer
Yeah, totally. All right, finish. Sorry to interrupt. You finish cutting this latest track and we'll talk to you later. Colton. Appreciate it, man.
- [16:49]
Colton Pouncey
Absolutely, thanks.
- [16:51]
James Palmer
Moving on, our Thursday road trip around the NFL. Jeff Zribik joins us, covers the Ravens brilliantly for us. Jeff. There's a 34% chance due to our simulator at the Athletic that the Ravens are going to make the postseason. We know if they win out, they got it right. But there is a series of things that could happen, even starting before things kick off between them and the Patriots that you're going to have your eye on and that I think this stadium will all have their eye on as well.
- [17:20]
Jeff Zrebiec
Yeah. I mean, Roquan Smith usually delivers the final message to his teammates 30 minutes before kickoff. That's when the final huddle and they go into the locker room one final time before introductions and all that. And right around then is going to be when Steelers, Lions. And because they start at 420 kickoff and that game is fascinating because if the Steelers beat the Lions, it almost, you know, there's no guarantees, but it looks like the Ravens will have to win out to make the playoffs if the Steelers lose that game. The Lions, the Ravens know if they go out and beat the Patriots that they will at the very least have a shot at a winner take all in week 18 in at High Acreshear Stadium. Excuse me, in Pittsburgh. And you know, this Ravens team had high expectations. Most people thought they could contend for a Super Bowl. So having to make the playoffs by beating a divisional rival on their home field in Week 18 wouldn't have been maybe what they'd signed up for at the beginning of the season. But after starting 15 with the quarterback injured for a while, not practicing barely much over the last six weeks, and dropping two straight divisional games at home, I think they take that an opportunity to win one game, to win the AFC north and get themselves in the playoffs. So it'll be an interesting kickoff time right around there, depending on what the Steelers result, you know, suggests.
- [18:47]
James Palmer
Yeah, real quick before I move on, I've been there for. You're there for every game, but I've been there for a number of games, playoff games. It's one of the most rowdy pre games that we have in the NFL. I'm curious what your take would be on what that would be like if right as that's happening or right before the pregame starts, right when maybe player inductions anyway, they know that the Steelers had lost. And then the other part, real quick, would they play anybody against Seattle or do you think that. Because the Packers, I mean, do you think they would.
- [19:18]
Jeff Zrebiec
Yeah, well, yeah, it'll be charged up. There's no doubt. And James, it's not supposed to be one of these 10, 15 degree days here on Sunday either. It's supposed to be, you know, maybe in the 40s or 50s, which means good tailgating weather and people getting there early, maybe people enjoying themselves a little earlier. And I think people want to believe in this team. They want. This has not been a popular Ravens team. We've seen a lot of empty seats in recent home dates. They have not played well at home. I mean this Ravens team has lost five games at home this year. That's unheard of for the Ravens.
- [19:50]
James Palmer
So.
- [19:51]
Jeff Zrebiec
But they want something to believe in and to get the momentum going. I think finally people felt against Cincinnati, they played a raven style football game and it kind of drew the fans back in again where they're starting to believe again. And if that Steelers result goes the way they want, it will be an interesting atmosphere there. But yeah, I know that's going to be an interesting call because you got two things factor. One, technically it does matter if you think a tie comes into play in week 18. Now I can't imagine a head coach is going to decide what they're going to do based on a potential tie with how unique that is. But, but technically it's not necessarily 100% meaningless. And two, the Ravens are finally starting to get in a little bit of a groove. Do you pull the plug and rest? It's going to be an interesting call, but then again, you're talking about playing a physical Green Bay team probably in really cold weather two days after Christmas. Your quarterback's been hurt and sick. You'd have to think about it. That's going to be a conversation they'll have to have.
- [20:53]
James Palmer
Yeah, we'll have to discuss that next week when, if everything falls this way. And those are the, you know, questions you're going to be asking everybody in the locker room. And to John Harbaugh, everything starts with Lamar. You mentioned the injuries. He's sick. You're dealing with a sick household as well. What I'm fascinated with is this is a career low in terms of rushing yards per game for him.
- [21:12]
Jeff Zrebiec
Right? Right.
- [21:13]
James Palmer
About 30. He's, he's I don't think ever average fewer than 50. I don't think he's rushed for more than 50 yards since week one. Are we just supposed to assume, Jeff, that this aspect of his game, we're not really going to see the rest of the way out, or have you seen instances where you go, we can see the old Lamar and we may see that moving forward?
- [21:34]
Jeff Zrebiec
Yeah, I think we're starting to see flashes of it. James. I think, you know, one of his carries, he only had two runs against Cincinnati, but one of them, he was close to hit 20 miles an hour again, which has been a big deal for him. His number, his metrics have been way down in terms of. Of speed. He's not used that excuse. He's not healthy. He's had the hamstring. He's had a bunch of other stuff. I think everybody knows that he hasn't been. They. They've not called as many plays. I would emphasize him running, but I think in the last couple of weeks, he's looked a little more elusive. He's looked a little quicker. Not top speed, Lamar, but closer to what he's been. So, you know, I. It would not surprise me if we see him more aggressive with his legs going forward. As long as he continues to feel good.
- [22:19]
James Palmer
Okay. And then the throwing the ball, the aspect, obviously he has such an advantage for what defenses show him when he is a threat to run, and it's always benefited him as a passer as well. But the turnovers in the last five games and things like that are just some things you usually are not used to seeing. Lamar. When I saw the stat, Jeff, I was kind of blown away. He got five picks in five games. I think he had five in the previous 23. Like, so it's. It's what is happening in that aspect, because I think this is also the type of game you can turn around when that's just something New England doesn't do is. Is of late to pick the football off.
- [22:52]
Jeff Zrebiec
Yeah. I think part, you know, they can deny. Well, Lamar can deny it all they want. And the coaches aren't going to say it, but he's just not practicing a lot. And you can see there's been times, you know, I do. I do a podcast or a YouTube show, and we had Eric Weddle on recently. And Eric studies quarterbacks now. His son is a top quarterback prospect. And Eric's their head coach. And he said you could tell in his mechanics, like, he's just not mechanically, he's not where he usually is. And Erik, you know, consults with guys like Roethlisberg and Rivers. I think he's. He wasn't a quarterback, but he knows that position. And I think he's just not practicing a whole lot. And I think we've seen that early in games, you know, when you have the scripted part of the drives where you go in. The Ravens have been such slow starters and I would have to think that has something to do with him not practicing a lot, them not all being on the same base page and getting a lot of time together to really hammer home that early part of the game, the script and all that. And then he kind of warms to the task. So, you know, I think that's a little thing and I don't think he can, you know, look, when you start not feeling like yourself, other stuff kind of breaks down. You don't have the confidence you usually do. You're, you know, when your pet mechanics aren't as good as they usually are, maybe your accuracy suffers a little. And I think that's all stuff he's had to deal with this year.
- [24:14]
James Palmer
Yeah, that's what Eric Weddle. What a poll. I covered Eric Wedd when he was in college.
- [24:18]
Jeff Zrebiec
Oh, he's great.
- [24:19]
James Palmer
He's the best. I'm not going to promote a comedic, a competing show, Jeff, but no, I got you. He's the best. I love that you got a chance to chat. I'm going to check that out. Honestly, with this offense, the last one on that side of the ball is the part that's fascinated me the most and probably fans that are just even casual fans watching and going. This team has Derrick Henry, this team has Lamar Jackson, yet this is the 31st ranked red zone offense in football. I make that make sense. And again like the interception aspect, this is something that the Patriots have been terrible at. I mean this is the fourth worst red zone defense we've seen in 10 years. So maybe this is a get right situation. But if you were to tell everybody what is wrong with Baltimore down there in the red zone.
- [25:07]
Jeff Zrebiec
Yeah, I think we. I was talking to someone earlier this week and I said this is kind of the something has to give game. You know, one of these units has to get right. James, I think a big part of it is you have to. Ravens have always been able to kind of run the ball when they've needed to down there and that they've just not run the ball well at all in the red zone this year and their guard play has been really suspect. They give up way too much Penetration. I think it's obvious how he's playing the Lamar Jackson run game, which is so deadly inside the 20s, it's deadly everywhere. But when he can take off and keep the ball and go around in the red zone, it's just one more thing that you have to deal with. And they haven't had that. He hasn't been doing that. He hasn't been running much. And then the offensive line in the interior has been struggling, giving up way too much penetration. So I think that's the biggest thing. They've had a lot of drops. You know, Zay Flowers has struggled at times holding the ball. Isaiah likely really hasn't been healthy all year because of the fractured foot, so. But the big thing is, I think if you want to be a dominant red zone offense, you got to be able to run the football. And they've been able to run the football fine. Their stats are very good. But in between the 20s or inside the 20, they have not been a good running football team at all. You'd think you'd be able to just hand the ball to Derrick Henry and you're guaranteed six, but that just hasn't been the case for them this year.
- [26:35]
James Palmer
Yeah, not so. By the way, Derek Henry, I think, first game ever against his former head coach. Right. So that'll be a fun aspect of this to watch. We know Vrabel's a defensive guy. Jeff, this defense here in Baltimore has a shutout against Joe Burrow, which is, I believe, has never happened. What have you seen from that group that maybe they can kind of when we see times where they have to kick instead of getting to the end zone as an offense that the defense can kind of hold their end of the end of things. And Drake may get sacked quite a bit. In all honesty, what do you see about the approach that they have for. For New England as a defense coming off such a really, really good performance?
- [27:14]
Jeff Zrebiec
The big thing, James, for the Ravens, you know, you could have as good of a secondary as you want, but if you can't disrupt the quarterback, if you can't pressure the quarterback, you don't really stand a chance. And for the first time against the Bengals, they won a lot of their matchups. You know, Draymond Jones has been a very good trade acquisition, and they got Tavius Rob back. He had a fractured foot, and that gave him the flexibility. He lined up inside where he got some good matchups. He. He was the one who pressured Burrow on the interception that Van Noy handed off, and he also got a sack early in the game and forced the Bengals out of field goal range. So now they got more pieces they can use. That's. That's the biggest thing. But a lot of the other stuff where we've seen improvements on, it's Kyle Hamilton being closer to the lineup. Scrimmage, that has really helped. It's. It's Roquan Smith being healthier. And I just think these guys just got embarrassed, you know, like they're more just doing their jobs and they've, you know, like it's, it's nothing complicated they're doing. They're just started winning some matchups. They were just getting whooped up front at different points. I mean, you and I talked after the Chiefs game and it's just like, what, what are we watching? This isn't a Ravens defense. And, you know, I just think they've been a much better against the run. They've been one of the best teams against the run in football since about week six. So they've made some moderate improvements, but I think they're getting guys back healthy. Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage is a big deal. And I think the two trade acquisitions, Draymond Jones and Aloe Gilman, have really settled that group down and given them a little more flexibility and versatility where they don't have to rush younger guys into roles they probably weren't ready for.
- [28:52]
James Palmer
And also, I guess, Jeff, you have a practice week like last week. I love everybody. Go check out what Jeff wrote about that Friday.
- [28:57]
Progressive Insurance Announcer
Right.
- [28:57]
James Palmer
Real physical, physical practice last Friday. And if you have Ed Reed talk to the group, usually it does something. Maybe it'll be back before the Patriots game as well. Before you go, I always have to ask this question to you because it's asked to me non stop. If things do not go well and we're talking about all the way they can over these last three weeks, has there been any thought in your mind or any buzz around the building with John Harbaugh? And to me it almost seems a very similar comparison. And I know everybody makes it to Mike Tomlinson. Would they ever fire John or would it be to something of like, we part ways if it ever got to that? And I know you've laid it out to me brilliantly before about what? You know, Steve Bishotti, and it's really his say and he doesn't relieve much. Jeff. But like, what are you leaning on now if things don't go well?
- [29:45]
Jeff Zrebiec
Yeah, you know, around the building. No, you bring it up and everyone's like, oh, Come on. Like that's not happening, but at some point it is going to happen. He's not going to be their coach forever. And I always say, you know, the Shotty keeps such a tight inner circle. He's making the call. He hasn't talked to the media in four or five years. He hasn't talked to the media since. He hasn't talked to the media since he made that comment about Deshaun Watson not being the guy that deserves the fully guaranteed deal. And I don't think he necessarily appreciated the fallout from that. And that was kind of it for us. So we don't exactly know how he's thinking. I wouldn't say it's likely James, if they don't make the playoffs, but I'm not ruling it out. And I would have to think there would be extensive changes one way or the other. Now, maybe that only rises to the coordinator level, you know, with Zach or Monkin, maybe. But, you know, I don't think you can rule anything out with this team when you have super bowl expectations and you may not make the playoffs. Usually there's extensive changes. But I do agree with what you said earlier. I think this would be something where they sit down with John Harbaugh and figure it out. This is. I would be shocked if it's something where he just gets fired out of nowhere. You know, like he's earned that after 18 years. And who knows? With John, maybe he's itching for a change at some point. Now, he's always said he really doesn't have much interest in the college game. I know people are throwing the Michigan thing out there, but he's always, you know, he's never expressed any interest in college, but I think he'll have whatever NFL job he wants if he was a free agent, so. But we'll see, man. There's been no indication in the building that they'd make that move. But again, Bishadi is a wild card. He stays out of it. He, you know, we don't see him much around. He kind of works behind the scenes and it's going to ultimately be his call.
- [31:39]
Vic Tafur
That's.
- [31:40]
James Palmer
That's fascinating. You know, it's funny with John, I always think about the stability he's had in his career and how few of stops he's had. And if he was to become available, how would he get back to that next spot? Because I would assume he'd want that same type of stability. And oftentimes when jobs become open, there's a question about that organization right so.
- [31:59]
Jeff Zrebiec
It'S going to be interesting and you think about different teams. You know, isn't Stephen Ross a well known Michigan guy? Like, you know, like, I think John Harbaugh would be a great fit at Michigan, Miami, if they wanted to go in that direction. If, if they make a move there, which I know is not certain. So I don't think he would have a problem finding a job one bit. In fact, he wouldn't be far removed from the parking lot where his phone would be ringing with at least offers to come in to interview. So. But we'll see. I mean, they value stability here and they say it over and over again. They believe he's one of the best coaches in the league. And I think if there was a decision, they felt like if this, if they don't get to the playoffs here, I'd imagine they'll talk about it and he'll be involved in the decision.
- [32:42]
James Palmer
Man, that's, it's wild. And you can't control what happens outside of your building, Jeff. But when you're looking at a playoffs that you may not make, that won't have Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, you're sitting there going, did we miss an opportunity? Enjoy the one on Sunday. It's going to be probably one of the best atmospheres we have across the league. We'll be talking to you soon, man.
- [33:00]
Jeff Zrebiec
Happy holidays, James. Always enjoy talking to you.
- [33:02]
James Palmer
Yeah, get a healthy household before, before the holidays.
- [33:04]
Jeff Zrebiec
That would help.
- [33:07]
James Palmer
Moving on with our Thursday road trip around the NFL. One of my good buddies, Vic Tafer, joins us. Vic, I saw this and this fascinates me with the 49ers because right now you look at their division and you look at what's ahead of them, you're like, wow, the Rams are great, Seahawks are great. But if they, if the Seahawks beat the Rams and the Panthers and the Niners beat the Colts and the Bears, week 18, the Niners could be playing for the number one seed. To me, that, that sounds wild, but it is possible with this team. Could you describe what Kyle Shanahan has done? Because we don't have time to list the injuries or what they've been through.
- [33:43]
Vic Tafur
Yeah, it's been pretty amazing that they actually are 10, 4 at this point with the injuries they've had. Everyone knows about, you know, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, but you know, they also lost, you know, Brandon Ayuk who was supposed to be a part of this at some point. He's now gone. So a lot of key guys are counting on are not there, and they're kind of managing to win games. I think it's a credit to Kyle Shanahan. Robert Sala has been a huge addition. I think all the players, even last week, will mention, hey, Mac Jones, you know, he was a big part of this. He got us here because he won, you know, a bunch of his starts, and he was playing for Brock Purdy, so they just kind of rallied. And I think to me, what stands out is that locker room people talk about a winning culture, and a lot of it's kind of a. It's a myth in some places, but here it's actually real. Like, there's a bunch of veteran guys who won before. Pretty much every position group has one. And just so you walk in that place and you're like, okay, we're going to win a game. This is, you know, this is order of business this week. We're playing these guys. This is how we're going to win. Let's go do it. And they do it. So it's. It's been impressive to watch. Yeah.
- [34:42]
James Palmer
I always look at him and go, like, any year you could probably throw him in the coach of the year conversation. I feel like he's not in it because we have Liam Cohen, what he's doing. We have Variable, what he's doing, Ben Johnson, what he's doing. Does he have a. He has an argument right, to be in that conversation.
- [34:57]
Vic Tafur
Oh, no question. I think definitely it's a very. And it's kind of a wonder he hasn't won to this point in his career. He's had some good years, obviously, but this year, look at what he's lost and what they've. What they've accomplished. That win against the Rams early on was kind of a storybook win when they had nobody, and so he definitely deserves it. I can't imagine anybody beats up Ben Johnson, but, hey, he definitely should be in the running.
- [35:19]
James Palmer
You're going Ben Johnson over Vrabel.
- [35:21]
Vic Tafur
Yeah. The Bears. I mean, look what the Bears are doing. The Bears are like. They're running down people's throats. They have killed Williams, are getting better defenses playing. I mean, they're just. Look at what the Bears were last year with the other. Obviously, the Patriots are also a great story, but I just think the Bears have turned it around to a point where they might be, like, a team to really reckon with in the playoffs, which I think is. Is nuts.
- [35:42]
James Palmer
It is nuts. I think Vrabel doesn't stand a chance until he takes his shirt off. But we'll get to that when we can. You know, Ben's already done it. What's your take on Rivers and what you, what you've seen here, Vic? I know everybody I've talked to and players I've talked to have been like, oh, when we play him, we're going to rip his head off. We're going to destroy the old man. Well, the guy barely takes a sack against a team that's fourth in the NFL in sacks. But we saw he can't go downfield. I mean, it didn't have. What do you, what do you take of Rivers and what is the locker room kind of think of this player that they're going to be going against?
- [36:18]
Vic Tafur
I think players think it's cool. I mean, obviously he's a very popular guy. He's a very, he's a hilarious guy who really likes in terms of what he's done in his career. But, but I mean, you watched that game last week and it's just like it's five yard passes and they're not, the ball's not moving and he can't move. So I think last week was probably the best it'll be for him as far as his performance. I think from here it has to go downhill. He says he likes being hit, which I can't believe is true. So I just think, I just don't think it's a great move by the Colts. I know everyone loves the story and it's great and kids are learning how to, you know, be brave and take chances, yada, yada, yada. But I don't, don't think you can bring a guy in who's 44 years old and hasn't and tell a guy like Ryan Leonard, who you know has been all year long, hey, kid, step aside. This guy's coming in because, you know, he's, he's our guy. I just think it makes. They've changed their offense. They don't. No longer under center. I just think it's. To me, I think it's ridiculous. But hey, here, that's where we're at. So we'll see what happens and watch. Watch him beat the 49ers and I'll be eating these words, but yeah, we'll bring this back. Yeah, I can't imagine Robert Salah can't cook something up for, for Old Man Rivers, but we'll see.
- [37:25]
James Palmer
Yeah, because there was the, there was the unknown going into week one with him playing.
- [37:28]
Jeff Zrebiec
Right, Vic?
- [37:29]
James Palmer
And now there's like, okay, I saw the stats. 2 of 8 for 33 yards in a pick and a 4.7 passer rating on balls thrown over 10 yards. I don't think that's. That's great. So, yeah, Anthony Richardson, by the way, has to be kicking himself going like, what happened to me pre game, that I'm not part of this equation, that I've been on ir. It's been unbelievable. Sticking with that position though, Vic, with the way Brock Purdy's come back and the way he's played the last couple of weeks. We'll get to the defense in a second and what Rob Rosal has been dealing with, though. But I think everybody looks at the postseason and goes, all right, is our quarterback good enough to carry us on a postseason run if he has to? Would you say Purdy can do that with guys kind of back healthy, around him a little bit, weapon wise?
- [38:10]
Vic Tafur
Yeah, you definitely can see the blueprint. I think you saw it last week. He threw the ball well. He moved really well. I think that the tone now is no longer a concern where he's very mobile. He's able to avoid sacks, make plays, you know, off script. I think that obviously we mentioned Ayuk is gone, but there's still a core of guys there. Obviously McCaffrey's having a great year. George Kittle is looking great. Juwan Jennings healthier than he has been all year long. So there's pieces around him where he can make plays. And the hope is that they can outscore teams down and the defense has not been great. So they have to outscore teams and you watch them and maybe they can. I think you look at the offensive lines gotten better as the years gone on, and Brock gives them a lot of confidence. I think Brock is a guy who can definitely will them the win. So. So I think everyone right now there feels pretty good about the offense. Yeah.
- [38:53]
James Palmer
Yeah. And you mentioned Brandon Iuk a couple of times. Obviously he hasn't been here all year. We know what's going on off the field with the voided money and everything that's happened. I read the quotes, Vic. I see what Kyle says on the podium, but. But in the locker room, like when you guys bring up Brandon youth to players, I mean, I know they'll answer the question, but do they want to? Are they tired of hearing about it? Is it a distraction of any sense? And then also Piersall, when he's healthy, looks like he could be that guy in 2026. But staying on the field seems to be the issue with Ricky.
- [39:24]
Vic Tafur
Right. He got hurt again last week, so I think That's a huge question mark. You see Ricky's potential, but I mean, it's just been one thing after the other. So I think it's hard to really say he could be a guy. As far as Ayuk, I think it's just, to me, it's the rapid shift of the vision because even in training camp, he was running around, like, trying to get back into it, talking. He's a very popular guy in the locker. People like him. So I think that's part of the issue here where they thought, you know, I just wait till like, week six, week eight, he's coming back, watch out, here we go. And it never happened. And all of a sudden he obviously stopped showing up. So our teammates are more disappointed. They're kind of like, they thought he was the guy, he wanted one of them, and clearly something happened where he's not. And I just think that, you know, they've done a good job about moving on and next man up and all that stuff, but he was a guy they were counting on. They liked him. They thought he was a big part of this nucleus, and now he's not. So I think at some point, maybe when the season's over, to look back and say, wow, what the hell happened? But now they're kind of just trying to move on. And I think disappointment is maybe the key word for me. Not so much. Just, you know, just, you know, they can't believe it happened the way it did.
- [40:27]
James Palmer
Yeah, because that's what goes through my head. You're 10 and 4 and you're like, man, if we could have you back as part of this offense, I mean, like, we know we got to score a lot of points, so that would really help us put us points on the board before we go on the defensive side of the ball. You mentioned Robert Salah. They might be, let me know, getting a little bit healthier. But what's a bigger issue? I think they're like dead last in their success rate against the run and like second to last in pressure rate of those two. What's a. What's a bigger issue in your mind, Vic?
- [40:57]
Vic Tafur
I think the pressure rate they have, I think 11 sacks the last 11 games. They're trying. I mean, they got some guys signed, some guys. Cleveland Farrell came in, gave him a little boost for a while, but, I mean, I love Cleve, but he's not going to be your premier pass rusher in the NFL these days. So I think they're trying to blitz. Some of the blitzes haven't gotten home so it's tough. I mean, you have what you have and they've missed the guys they've lost. So I think to me, the lack of pressure is a glaring thing, especially this time of year. You got to make some noise. I just think the one thing you can shore up, I think this week they'll get back. Erik Kendricks is here now. Your two gross Maddows, Tatum Bethune are all back in practice this week supposedly. So the run defense, I think you can fix, you know, if you have to, you can, you know, stuff the box, but you got to get home against the quarterback, and they haven't done that. So that's, to me, the biggest issue going forward.
- [41:45]
James Palmer
Awesome. Awesome. Always good chatting with you, man. I'll tell Silver this weekend you said hello. Unless you don't want me to do that. Okay. Okay.
- [41:54]
Vic Tafur
All right, man.
- [41:55]
James Palmer
Enjoy this week.
- [41:56]
Vic Tafur
All right, boss. Take care.
- [41:57]
James Palmer
All right, we're not done yet. On Scoop City on a Thursday, we have Jake Seeley joining us like he does most Thursdays to talk about your fantasy football team. And if you're in the post season, do you do not want to miss what he has to maybe help you get over the hump. Coming up next on Scoop City. Have you ever heard of Gold Belly? It's this amazing site that honestly, I do order from all the time. It's where you can get the most iconic famous foods from restaurants all across the US and they will ship it anywhere across the country. It's perfect for hosting loved ones. It's a truly magical. I'm not just exaggerating with these adjectives, by the way. Unforgettable gift making this holiday season one that you'll talk about for years. Gold Belly can ship really show stopping meals from the country's best steakhouses to iconic Joe's stone crab in Miami. Oh, my gosh, I love that place. And I can't get enough the famous desserts like the Christmas pie cake and or Martha Stewart's incredible cakes. You can get them sent right to your door again anywhere in this country. And why am I saying this? Because the holidays really are the perfect time for this legendary gift of legendary flavors with something like, you know, Junior's cheesecake from New York City. Listen, I, I cover the NFL, so I am away from my family during the holidays. It's either Thanksgiving and I'm on my own and it's Christmas and oftentimes maybe I have my family, but I don't have my parents. And my mom loves to make me feel close to her. Around her favorite holiday of Christmas. Why not send a Dubai chocolate cake to me which she has done in the past and has changed my Christmas day with my family easily. And it's I'm getting just unbelievable quality sent to my house. Just it just arrives and I'm having cake. It's as simple as that. And she knocks it out of the park. So if you're looking for the perfect gift for anyone on your list or you want to impress your friends and family with an unforgettable meal, make host a breeze. Maybe this holiday season. Go to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with the promo code Scoop. That's goldbelly.com code Scoop for 20% off your first order.
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- [45:35]
James Palmer
Hey everyone, it's Russell and Christine.
- [45:38]
Jeff Zrebiec
So I just found this mobile game everyone's talking about. Royal Match.
- [45:42]
James Palmer
Gorgeous graphics and super fun puzzles.
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Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
Bro, you're late. I'm already at level 700. I play it every day on the subway because it doesn't need wi fi.
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James Palmer
Wait, what? I've got to catch up.
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Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
Oh, and they just added new minigames. They make it even more fun and challenging.
- [45:56]
James Palmer
Alright Show's over.
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Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
I'm gonna go play Download Royal Match on the App Store or Google Play today.
- [46:06]
James Palmer
All right, welcome back to Scoop City on a Thursday. And that means Jake Seeley joins us to talk a little fantasy football. But first, we always talk about some of these lists. But this is a list that's actually related to fantasy football, isn't it Jake?
- [46:17]
Jake Seeley
Yes, it's a fantasy football and regular football like you don't even know, need.
- [46:22]
James Palmer
To know all coming together.
- [46:24]
Jake Seeley
It is just like this T shirt. All I want for Christmas is you, but it's a cookie instead.
- [46:28]
James Palmer
At first I thought that was about me, but it's about the cookie. Describe this list to me because I'm just kind of a little fascinated by it. A little protruding. Give me your favorite.
- [46:38]
Jake Seeley
So it's essentially the best random fantasy performances. Thank you much. Thank you very much. Kyle Pitts for last week putting this list. This was not on my docket of list to go through but the Kyle Pitts game made me think of it is to go back. And I remember one of the first ever for me because I started around 1999, 2000 was the Billy Volek Drew Bennett run that remember it took people to championships but unfortunately the reason they don't rank number one is because if you made it to the championship riding them after Steve McNair got hurt, they kind of left you hanging just a little bit bit in that championship week with a terrible week 16. But the Billy Volek and Drew Bennett that second game that they played together scored over 80 fantasy points combined. Just the two of them. But my number one of all time is still Jerome Harrison stepping in the last season of Jamal Lewis with those browns. And it wasn't just because of the huge game that he had in Week 14, but 15 and 16 scored another 18 and 22 points for one of the best three game stretches from any replacement placement anywhere that we saw in fantasy.
- [47:43]
James Palmer
Oh wow. I mean I, I had a lot to read with this list. There's. They're very in depth. I just real quick before we move on, how long did this take you?
- [47:53]
Jake Seeley
I mean off the top of my head, surprisingly not that long. It was more so your head.
- [47:58]
James Palmer
2004, 2008.
- [48:00]
Jake Seeley
Yeah.
- [48:01]
James Palmer
2012.
- [48:02]
Jake Seeley
This is my job though. This is like this similar to you is like you know, off the top of your head. Name blank, blank, blank. And guys you talk to and your best interviews and like what's important for this. Like it's when you do it all the time. This is my job. It was More so remember the exact weeks and then the exact stats. But so once I kind of had about 20 names I wrote down. I'll admit Jerry Porter was not on my list until I was looking through the stats.
- [48:26]
James Palmer
Okay, you're right. These things do come up quick. Favorite interview, this one right here. Let me ask everybody. I tell no lies. Everybody's curious about, oh, no, that's Patrick Mahomes.
- [48:38]
HIMS Announcer
He's gone.
- [48:39]
James Palmer
What's going to happen? Does this affect you playoff time if you have some of these targets that he could be throwing to as part of this Chiefs offense?
- [48:48]
Jake Seeley
Yeah, it really does.
- [48:49]
Progressive Insurance Announcer
Honestly.
- [48:52]
Jake Seeley
Beowulf Minshew? Yes, very much so. Is that. Look, we know Minshew is kind of like Jameis Winston light just because he has more bad games than Jameis does. But he's going to be aggressive. He's going to throw the ball. He doesn't care. He's not playing for a job. Like he's going to have a backup job again next year. He's not becoming a starter. He's not going to lose his job because he's just going to Gardner Minshew it. Like, they'll just call that minshewing it. The good news is that we kind of have some clarity. Rasheed Rice will be fine if he can get through concussion protocol. If not, you chase Xavier worthy. But my biggest thing here is I think we could be looking at a vintage Travis Kelce game because you know you're going to take those shots. There's not much left on this team to turn to. Kelsey, we've already seen the rumors. Might be thinking to head out and then, yeah, I think it's not going to be as bad as people similar Quinn Ewers. It's not like two of us bowling out. Like, it's not going to be the end of the world for those weapons. But I will say this. In addition, if you are looking for a quarterback in your playoffs, you're not trying to get QB18. Like, don't go out there and be like, oh, cool. You know, I got C.J. stroud. Like, I love C.J.
- [49:52]
James Palmer
Stroud.
- [49:53]
Jake Seeley
But for fantasy purposes, just chase J.J. mcCarthy. Just shoot for top 10 because you're trying to replace Patrick Mahomes.
- [49:59]
James Palmer
I get what you're saying. I get it. I have cedar stuff sitting on my bench. But that's just. I'm still hoping Lamar Jackson just somehow puts it together at some time. Still waiting. Still waiting for it.
- [50:08]
Jake Seeley
He ran last week. He looked. Looked good running.
- [50:10]
James Palmer
Yeah, he looked. We had Jeff Zaribrik on here and he was talking about it. He's starting to look a little more spry.
- [50:16]
Jake Seeley
He's getting there.
- [50:18]
James Palmer
All right, how about like this is a game and I did something on here on the Athletic this week about how nobody might be paying attention to this Panthers Bucks game. They should. There's a lot of implications over the last three weeks for both of these organizations. But specifically when I look at what Baker Mayfield did at the beginning of the year, Jake kind of an MVP type candidate everybody's talking about. This chemistry with Emeka Abuka is through the roof. And they've had this shuffling of receivers in and out. The offense lately has stalled over the last several games. I think they've lost six of their last eight. I know some defenses have played a book a little bit differently. We have Mike Evans back. Chris Godwin starting to look like Chris Godwin maybe. What does this mean in your eyes for how much trust you could have in Baker Mayfield as a whole and. And the guy who could potentially be rookie of the year in a Mecca. Buka.
- [51:09]
Jake Seeley
Yeah. And I think that what you just said is like my eyes is like for everybody that watched that game, like watching that football game, like Baker was looking more like the first half. Baker, Mike Evans surprise. Like this dude could just come back from injuries. Like we heard that might be on a pitch count. No, it was Mike Evans like he hadn't seen skipped a beat. And Baker said, you know what? I'm going to Mike Evans every time I can. But the big pull away from that is not just how good they both look because you're just keeping in your lineups or putting Baker back in or putting Mike Evans back in. If you're waiting, I think you can also put a Booka back in the biggest thing as you know. You know, you watch all these games, you watch all these players as much as I do, if not more, but it's give. You see that? You see what I did there? A little compliment at the end there. I don't want it to sound slow.
- [51:52]
James Palmer
Butter, go ahead.
- [51:54]
Vic Tafur
Thanks.
- [51:54]
Jake Seeley
When it comes down to Igbuka, is the fall off was because of Mike Evans leaving. Is that Igbuka? I made the comparison when it happened after the first game it happened. I made the comparison to Anquan Bolden back in the day. Like Anquan Bolden was a top 10 wide receiver when he was out there with fits and out there with somebody else. But as soon as he was asked to be the one by himself, he was still good. He just Was kind of more of a wide receiver, too. Is he, like, he needed somebody on his level with him. And so Godwin coming back didn't really help Igbuko because he's spending most of his time in the slot. He needed somebody else on the outside again, an Alpha of Mike Evans to be back. And you saw Igbuka was looking good in that game, too. He could have even had a better game. And I think that you can have that faith of putting Igbuka back into your lineup for the playoffs next week with all three of them.
- [52:41]
James Palmer
Okay. I like it. And you're also apparently roasting the Panthers defense in tune while you're talking about all. You have to pull that out, see what Bryce Young could do. It's a fun one to watch on Sunday, certainly. Before we go, do you have a list of your best holiday songs?
- [52:59]
Jake Seeley
Oh, yeah, 100%. I do it every single year. What is yours? I'm curious, because you always come. So we're not gonna be doing this next week. So I was curious if you're gonna be like. I was like, oh, man, he's gonna kill my list because he loves killing my movie list. But now you don't get to know in advance unless you checked last year's. And I'm curious if you have one.
- [53:19]
James Palmer
I think there's a. I mean, I, I. It was playing this morning in our house. Is the Michael Buble Christmas album playing throughout the whole home when he does Ave Maria is brilliant. I'm not gonna lie. My wife walked down the alley, the aisle to it. So I'll probably have to say that as my number one. But my real number one is your song that plays in Home Alone when he's starting to get ready to take down Marvin Harry, if you remember that.
- [53:46]
Jake Seeley
By the way, as a sidebar real quick. I don't know if you've seen this whole speculation of how it's a Christian movie. And they go this deep dive of like, how. Yeah, like the old man. What the heck his name?
- [53:59]
James Palmer
Old man Marley.
- [54:01]
Jake Seeley
Yeah, Marley. Old man Marley.
- [54:02]
Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
Marley.
- [54:03]
Jake Seeley
He's representative of Jesus. You gotta watch this. It's like the biggest deep dive where I'm just like, oh, yeah. Like, wow. Cause he gets his hand pierced and then it's healed at the end and all. Anyway, no.
- [54:13]
James Palmer
Whoa.
- [54:14]
Jake Seeley
Yeah. See, look, I thought he was blowing.
- [54:17]
James Palmer
Your mind here, just arguing with his son. Okay, go ahead.
- [54:20]
Jake Seeley
Nat King Cole, the Christmas song. That's always going to be my 100% number one. I do a lot of fun ones, like Andy. Andy Williams is the most wonderful time of the year is number two. I have a lot of fun ones on my list, but number one will always be the Christmas song with Nat King Cole.
- [54:34]
James Palmer
That's a great one. It's. It's solid. It's big, it's solid. Iconic.
- [54:39]
Jake Seeley
I like how you're going down with that. It's a great one. It's solid. It's okay.
- [54:44]
James Palmer
Well, now that more I think about it, I do like Naching Cole. I'll say this before you go. Also, Sia, her Christmas album is outstanding. Really, really good. Really good. You should check that out. And everybody listening should check that out as well. I get no royalties from that. But everybody please check out Christmas album. Jake, have a great holiday.
- [55:07]
Jeff Zrebiec
You do.
- [55:08]
James Palmer
And good chatting with you. Wonderful sweater.
- [55:11]
Jake Seeley
Thank you.
- [55:11]
James Palmer
Yeah, no problem. Coming up on Scoop City. As we close things out, I'm going to tell you why the parody this year. It's something you should be excited about. No chiefs in the postseason. Don't get down. I'm going to tell you about the new teams, the new kids on the block. Coming up on Scoop City.
- [55:28]
Jeff Zrebiec
AI agents are everywhere, automating tasks and.
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Progressive Insurance Announcer
Making decisions at machine speed. But agents make mistakes.
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James Palmer
Just one rogue agent can do big.
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Progressive Insurance Announcer
Damage before you even notice. Rubrik Agent cloud is the only platform that helps you monitor agents, set guardrails and rewind mistakes so you can unleash agents, not risk.
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Jeff Zrebiec
Accelerate your AI transformation@rubrik.com that's R U.
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Progressive Insurance Announcer
B R-I K.com let's be real.
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- [56:43]
Progressive Insurance Announcer
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- [57:24]
Jake Seeley
The store, Dave's looking for a gift, one you can't ignore. But not the socks he picked.
- [57:30]
HIMS Announcer
I know.
- [57:30]
James Palmer
I'm putting them back.
- [57:31]
Colton Pouncey
Hey Dave, here's a tip.
- [57:32]
Jake Seeley
Put scratchers on your list. Oh, scratchers.
- [57:34]
James Palmer
Good idea.
- [57:35]
Jake Seeley
It's an easy shopping trip. We're glad we could assist.
- [57:38]
HIMS Announcer
Thanks, random singing people.
- [57:40]
Jake Seeley
So be like Dave Holiday and give the gift of play Scratchers from the California Lottery.
- [57:46]
James Palmer
A little play can make your day. Please play responsibly. Must be 18 years or older to purchase player claim welcome back to Scoop City on a Thursday. James Palmer here with you, closing things out solo as I give you my extra point. We're so used to season and season out that it's going to be Patrick Mahomes in the postseason, and then it's going to be the Bills or the Ravens or the Bengals that are trying to dethrone Mahomes and Andy Reid from the afc. And that's been kind of what we've seen year in and year out. On the NFC side, we've usually been seeing three teams that are somewhat shuffling as maybe the best team in the NFC, whether it's the 49ers or the Rams or the Eagles. I guess you sprinkle the Lions in there a little bit, but not so much. It's really just been those. Now, the NFL prides themselves on parity compared to the other leagues, and they've done a very, very good job of it throughout the course of the last several decades. In the last 35 seasons, well, we've had at least four teams make the postseason that didn't make it the season before. But we questioned this parody this past season. In 2024, were we starting to steer more towards what I just described and less parody? Because for the first time since 1976, all eight division winners were in the playoffs the season before, and we also did not have a team go from worst to first in their division. That's happened in 20 of the previous 23 seasons. But this year is different. This year, the parody seems to have returned. Let's look at the AFC first. I mentioned the Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are not going to be in the postseason. We look at the top three teams of the afc, the Broncos have a legitimate chance to get that number one seed even this week with a specific scenario and can clinch the AFC west behind them. We have the Patriots and the Jaguars. Each of them have a new head coach this year and had four wins last season. And if you look at the chargers, who have 10 wins, and you look at the Texans who have nine, nobody wants to play them in the postseason. They could both be the lower seed and beat their first opponent in the postseason. When you look at the nfc, as I mentioned, the teams that are usually there, the Rams, are at the top of the conference. They may be the best team in football, but right behind them sits a Chicago Bears team that has 10 wins when they only had five last year and maybe have the coach of the year in Ben Johnson. So when you look at where everything stands with both of these conferences and the Seattle Seahawks could be a low seed where they already have 11 wins, now could easily be the favorite in their first postseason game. So it seems like the parity is there and we could have a number of teams that are the lower seed but the favorite in the first round of the playoffs. So it seems like that parody might be there and it might have returned. I don't know if we like it or not or are some of these teams here to stay? I think that's what we're going to find out in this year's postseason. All right, I want to thank everybody that joined us in this show on a Thursday. Jeff Zabrick joined us and we had Colton Pouncey with us and we had Vic Tafer with us and we had Jake Seeley with us and I had myself the entire way. Enjoy your massive week of football. Remember, it's on Thursday night, it's on Saturday, it's on Sunday, and it's on Monday. And we'll be back with you next week. Take it easy.
- [61:16]
Progressive Insurance Announcer
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Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
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- [62:57]
James Palmer
Paige de Sorbo they are Tommy John.
- [63:00]
Colton Pouncey
And yes, I'm stocking up because they.
- [63:02]
James Palmer
Make the best holiday gifts.
- [63:04]
Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
So generous.
- [63:05]
James Palmer
Well, I'm a generous girly, especially when it comes to me. So I'm grabbing the softest sleepwear, comfiest underwear and best fitting loungewear.
- [63:13]
Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
So nothing for your bestie?
- [63:15]
Vic Tafur
Of course I'm getting my dad Tommy John.
- [63:17]
James Palmer
Oh, and you of course it's giving.
- [63:20]
Bombas Comfort Line Announcer
Holiday gifting made easy.
- [63:21]
James Palmer
Exactly. Cozy, comfy, everyone's happy gift. Everyone on your list, including yourself with Tommy john. And get 40% off site wide right now at tommyjohn.comfort.