Why A.J. Brown is right about the Eagles crisis

Summary

Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: Why A.J. Brown is Right About the Eagles Crisis
Date: November 13, 2025
Host: The Athletic’s James Palmer with guests Zach Berman (Eagles), Jeff Zrebiec (Ravens), Zach Allen (Broncos), Mike Sando (NFL Insider), Jake Ciely (Fantasy)

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners on a tour of the NFL’s biggest stories heading into a decisive weekend. The headline topic centers on A.J. Brown’s candid criticism of the Eagles’ offense and why he’s justified in calling out the team’s shortcomings. The crew also covers the Ravens' health and playoff outlook, Broncos’ resurgence and huge game against the Chiefs, and deep dives on key matchups across the league. Notably, the show features exclusive insights from beat writers and players, as well as fantasy football tips from Jake Ciely.

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Main Segments & Key Insights

1. The A.J. Brown/Eagles Offense Crisis

(03:45–13:50)
Guests: James Palmer & Zach Berman

Key Points

• A.J. Brown’s Frustrations:
  • Brown has publicly voiced his disappointment with the Eagles’ offensive regression.
  • He spoke on Twitch and at his locker, saying, “I’m not going to apologize. I want the offense to be better. The offense needs to play better.” (04:44, Brown via Berman)
• Lack of Offensive Impact:
  • Despite wins, the Eagles' offensive efficiency and explosiveness are both down.
  • Brown was targeted twice on the opening drive against the Packers and then not again until the end of the game.

  “He’s too good a player for that to happen.” (05:13, Berman)

• Sirianni's Philosophy:
  • Focus is on minimizing turnovers, but this has come with declining big-play ability.
  • “You can say they’re risk-averse, but they think you can take care of the ball and still be explosive…They just need to be more explosive than they’ve been.” (06:52, Berman)
• Versatility Questioned:
  • Some around the league doubt Philly’s ability to win games in different ways offensively.
  • Berman disagrees, citing past adaptability but notes it's not consistent enough this season.

Notable Quote

"There’s a standard that they have for an offense that they’re not hitting consistently enough. If they want to win in January and February, they need to play better offensively."
– Zach Berman, 05:03

Tactics & Stats

• Eagles’ lowest points per game, points per drive, and yards per play under Sirianni, but also the lowest turnovers.

Big Picture

• Bradman and Palmer agree: The issue isn’t Brown’s reaction—he’s right to push for improvement.
• Palmer: “Let’s get him the ball. Let’s go!” (13:48)

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2. Eagles vs. Lions: NFC Showdown Preview

(09:09–13:48)

Key Points

• Game Significance:
  • “Absolutely the biggest game remaining” for the Eagles due to the Lions’ strength and playoff implications. (09:34, Berman)
  • A potential 17% swing in #1 seed probability rides on the outcome (from ~33% to over 50% for the Eagles).
• Matchup to Watch:
  • Eagles’ passing game vs. Lions’ depleted secondary.

  “I want to see if the Eagles can move the ball through the air consistently because this would be a week to do it.” (11:46, Berman)

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3. Ravens Update: Lamar Jackson Health & Defensive Turnaround

(13:54–24:48)
Guest: Jeff Zrebiec

Key Points

• Lamar Jackson’s Knee Soreness:
  • Missed practice, but optimism he’ll play; caveat: “with everything Lamar, there’s always a caveat.” (14:31–15:19)
  • Took a “pounding” last week: 11 QB hits, including a major shot from Dallas Turner.
• Cleveland Struggles:
  • “They’ve lost three of their last four in Cleveland...Most of it is defense. They play Lamar really tough.” (16:22)
• Tight End Usage & Offensive Consistency:
  • Seek better balance feeding tight ends (Likely, Andrews) and WRs (Zay Flowers), still lacking consistency.
  • “They’re building towards it, but we still haven’t seen the consistency from this team.” (19:06)
• Defensive Surge:
  • Allowing just 14.5 ppg since Week 6; Kyle Hamilton’s unique hybrid role is the catalyst.

“What Kyle Hamilton is doing... is insane. He’s basically playing like a strong-side linebacker at times… He can do so many things.” (22:51, Zrebiec)

• Addition of Alohi Gilman has stabilized the secondary.

Notable Quote

"He’s the most unique defensive player in the NFL."
– Jeff Zrebiec on Kyle Hamilton, 23:55

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4. Broncos' Resurgence & Matchup with Chiefs

(27:59–38:15)
Guest: Zach Allen (Broncos DE, live interview)

Key Points

• Defensive Line Depth & Chemistry:
  • Broncos' D-line group pushes each other for sacks.

“You want to play with great players…It’s a really special group up front. We have a lot of fun with the competition aspect of it." (28:49, Allen)

• Nick Bonito’s First Step:
  • “He’s the only guy where it’s like, I think he’s got me. It’s special – it’s a gift and he knows how to use it.” (29:40, Allen)
• Chiefs Game Magnitude:
  • Town is hyped, but the locker room keeps a business-like focus.
• Hitting QBs & Facing Mahomes:
  • Allen leads the league in QB hits; says Mahomes is the hardest to hit: “He’s so elusive…the best at seeing the pocket in the league.” (32:02)
• Addition of Greenlaw & Huff:
  • "They're the great erasers. Any mistake we make up front, they're right there to fix it." (33:02)
• Turnaround from Close Losses to Close Wins:
  • “Last year, we found every single way to lose a one-score game. The fact that we’ve reversed it, that’s what good teams do.” (34:16, Allen)
• On Vance Joseph (DC):
  • “He’s an amazing teacher. I wouldn’t want to gameplan us. He makes it so easy for us but it’s really simple to learn.” (36:51, Allen)

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5. Seahawks vs. Rams & Bills Outlook

(40:35–53:46)
Guest: Mike Sando

Seahawks-Rams Matchup:

• DL Play: Both top-5 in offense/defense; interior line play likely to determine winner. Sando slightly favors Seattle’s group.
• Quarterbacks: Stafford is the “true pro” at handling pressure, but both QBs become turnover-prone when hit.
• Game Expectation: Tight contest, likely comes down to last drive or field goal.

Bills Offense & Deadline Inactivity:

• Buffalo failed to land a WR at the deadline, magnifying limitations in offensive explosiveness.
• "They're boxed in and how they want to play...they've also kind of been the hunted for a long time and they sort of don't always match the other team." (47:17, Sando)
• GM Brandon Beane recognizes the roster’s issues but is wary of overpaying for a move that might not pan out.

“I’d almost rather go down swinging trying to do something and have it not work than not do something and have it not work.” (49:15, Sando)

Future of NFL QBs:

• Quick hits on which “stuck” QB is most likely to move: Sando identifies Kyler Murray as most likely (Arizona regime looks ready to move on if coaching staff is retained).
• Tua and Lawrence likely stay for at least another year.

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6. Fantasy Football Buy-Lows & High School Legends

(54:37–61:12)
Guest: Jake Ciely

Memorable High School Feats:

• Joe Mauer struck out once in his HS baseball career; Cheryl Miller scored 105 points in a game.
• Hosts trade tales of seeing Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Kobe Bryant in high school.

Fantasy Picks/Advice:

• Jameis Winston as a high-upside streamer: "He can finish the number one quarterback or he can finish 21st—put it this way, 15 is wrong.” (58:10–58:32, Ciely)
• Boost for Giants’ WRs Wandell Robinson & Darius Slayton with Winston at QB.
• Joe Burrow preferred stash for fantasy playoffs, slight edge over Jaden Daniels due to Bengals’ playoff scenario.
• Buy-low candidate: Justin Jefferson, who’s been undervalued due to QB changes and recent underperformance.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Eagles Standards:

  “There’s a standard that they have for an offense that they’re not hitting consistently enough.”
  (05:03, Zach Berman)

• On Kyle Hamilton:

  “He’s the most unique defensive player in the NFL just with his skill set. He can do so many things.”
  (23:55, Jeff Zrebiec)

• On Defensive Line Competition:

  “It’s a really special group up front. We have a lot of fun with the competition aspect of it."
  (28:49, Zach Allen)

• On the Bills’ Approach:

  “I’d almost rather go down swinging…than not do something and have it not work.”
  (49:15, Mike Sando)

• On Fantasy Streaming Jameis Winston:

  “He can finish the number one quarterback or he can finish 21st… 15 is wrong.”
  (58:10, Jake Ciely)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:45 – A.J. Brown/Eagles Offensive Crisis
• 09:09 – Eagles-Lions Matchup & Playoff Impact
• 13:54 – Ravens Update: Lamar’s Health, Defensive Improvement
• 27:59 – Broncos’ Defensive Line & Chiefs Preview (Zach Allen)
• 40:35 – Seahawks-Rams Preview & Bills Concerns (Mike Sando)
• 54:37 – High School Sports Feats & Fantasy Football (Jake Ciely)

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Conclusion

This jam-packed episode expertly blends insider reporting, schematic breakdowns, and season-defining narratives. The heart of the episode is a clear defense of A.J. Brown’s criticism, framed not as a distraction but as vital leadership in a struggling Philly offense, with analysts agreeing that change is needed if the Eagles want postseason success. The show then spotlights other critical clashes shaping the landscape in the NFC and AFC, offers key player and fantasy insights, and brings the unique perspective of both insiders and players themselves.

If you want the pulse of the NFL’s top storylines and the real reasons behind them, this episode is must-listen, and the summary above captures every crucial angle.

Transcript

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A little bit. We didn't get it as much as some people, but I got some and it was awesome.

[C]

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[B]

Welcome to Scoop City on a Thursday. I'm James Palmer. We have been waiting all season for matchups like this. The headliner for me, Rams, Seahawks. We'll get to all the other ones as well. Don't forget to like and subscribe, please. It's easy. Smash that like button. Smash that subscribe button. That's the name, what you're supposed to use. Listen, coming up in this show, we are going to talk about Zach Allen. He joins us. He is in playing in that monster game between the Broncos and the Chiefs. Is this the biggest Broncos game in a decade? I'm going to ask him just that. Eagles, Lions, another monster showdown. Is this the biggest game for the Eagles moving forward this season? The latest on A.J. brown. Zach Berman joins the show. Also the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. What's the latest on his health and are they now in the driver's seat for the AFC North? All of that coming up on our Thursday Scoop City road trip. Let's get moving.

[D]

All right.

[B]

Every Thursday we go around the NFL. Our first stop, our good buddy Zach Berman. He has the Taylor Swift mic. He is ready to give us everything he has about the Eagles and we always start. It seems like every time you're on here, Zach, it's A.J.

[E]

Brown.

[B]

He's on Twitch. I don't know what that is, but he's playing as the Philadelphia Eagles. Lighting it up as A.J. brown, by the way, while he's on there, but speaks pretty candidly with a friend about that. It is a blank show. Uh, he is very frustrated. Obviously things are not going great. Uh, but then he spoke at length at his locker. That cleared up a lot for me and I'm starting to have a different sense of this. I want to know where you stand about what's going on with A.J. brown because to me, it's starting to seem like we should be covering the lack of usage or impact AJ has on the offense and less about his reaction to that as we push forward as an Eagles team tries to repeat a Super Bowl.

[D]

Yes, I, I am, I am with you there, James. I, I think that the distribution method is creative.

[C]

Right.

[D]

And I give him credit for that. He finds different things each week to. But what he's saying is not wrong. And he, he, he said that Yesterday, he's like, I'm, I'm not going to apologize. He, he wants the offense to be better. He, he thinks the offense needs to be better. The Eagles won 107 against the Packers. A.J. brown was targeted twice in the, on the first drive of the game and then not again until the last play of the game for the Eagles. He's too good a player for, for that to happen. And he's, he's speaking up, as he says, because they, they can't just put a band aid on it saying they're, they're winning, everything's fine. There's a standard that, that they have for an offense that they're not hitting consistently enough. And if they want to win in January and in February, they need to play better offensively. And from my view, and I think from AJ's view, that requires getting him the ball more or targeting him more or him having more of an impact on the game. But overall, the offense needs to play better. You look at the data, you look anecdotally, the offense needs to play better.

[B]

Let me ask you this with that, and when I ask around the league, just a team, what do you think about Philly? What do you think about this offense? I kind of hear back like, I feel like they can only win offensively one way. Is that the case? Are they versatile enough? We know the way they won last year. Is that the only way that they can kind of play effective offensive football?

[D]

No, I, I disagree with that. And I disagree with it because I saw them win in the Super Bowl a different way. And I've seen them earlier this year when they were, they were winning some games. They, they beat the Rams and they beat the Chiefs, and they weren't running the ball as effectively as they could or should. They were passing the ball better then, but they are, they're not able to do it consistently enough, I think, and to their credit, but they are so focused on not turning the ball over. And you just look at the numbers from, you know, the first nine games of the Knicks or the first 10 weeks rather of the Knicks sirianni era from these five years, this is the fewest points per game, the fewest or the fewest points per drive, the fewest yards per play. But what stands out is it's also the fewest turnovers. They are not turning over the ball. And Nick Sirianni, I've covered him every day of his head coaching career and he, he speaks always about taking care of the ball, taking care of the ball, and that's that's that's what they're doing. So you can say that they're risk averse, but they view it's, they don't think it's mutually exclusive. They think you can take care of the ball and still be explosive. They just need to be more explosive than they've been.

[B]

Yeah. And a big part of that, and I think they're almost there in a couple of those explosive runs where they got a lot out of this offense last year within the run game. But you run the ball well and you play great defense. I understand not turning the football over is a good formula for success in the NFL. Certainly. And I mentioned the defense. Jalen Phillips addition. Like, have you ever seen an impact like this right off the bat, Zach? And how does this change what they're going to do defensively, in your opinion, you know, as a whole? And specifically getting after the pass.

[D]

Yeah, it's, it's enormous for them for, for two reasons. First off, he's an outstanding player, as you saw on Monday night. The effect that he had not just to the quarterback, but in the, in, in the run game too. But the other thing that this does is it slots everyone else accordingly. Right. It's almost like if you acquire an ace pitcher and then the guy who was the number one is now a great number two and the guy who was the number two is a great number three. If, I mean, think about this, Joshua, who, who took 30 snaps per game over, over the last five games, did not get a defensive snap on Monday night. And that's not a discredit to Josh Uche. It's because they add Jalen Phillips, they get Nolan from ir, they add Brandon Graham, you have J. Oaks Hunt there, so you have your four here and that's a strong enough four to really, to really be a threat. And I thought in the first half of the season, their edge rushers was a problem on defense. They only had four and a half sacks from the edge rushers going into the trade deadline. I just think this is such a dangerous group now that you have Jalen Phillips because of what he brings and the way it slots everyone else behind him.

[B]

What a quick change. I mean, and I know how he loves depth. You know, this at the edge rusher spot in that rotation. It's, it's crazy that this happened this quickly and all kind of happened in one week after the pie. This game against Alliance. Is this the biggest remaining game on the Eagles schedule? And what does this matchup kind of decide, in your opinion, after we pass Sunday Night in terms of the Eagles chances of repeating.

[D]

Yeah, absolutely. The biggest game remaining for two reasons. The second reason, I'll say first, and that's the NFC east is not particularly good. So typically, you would look at the Cowboys game coming up or the two Washington games, and you would say that it's, you know, that's for the division. That's more important. Unless the Eagles collapse, they're going to win the division. They have such a sizable lead there, and there's no one else who really looks like a threat. But really, the main reason is because the Lions are a really good team. And, you know, we. I'm gonna be a company man here. We have a great playoff simulator on the.

[B]

It is the best.

[D]

The Eagles winning this game would. Would be a 17% difference in terms of getting the number one seed. They would have over 50% chance of getting the number one seed if they win this game against the Lions. And now there's a lot of things that can happen, right. We're. We're talking in November, but this is enormous for that reason. And the Lions, unlike the Rams or the packers, it's not a team that the Eagles see very frequently. They haven't seen them since the start of the 2022 season. There's a healthy respect between the two teams. In the locker room yesterday, talking to a number of guys, that's what came through. Like, they really respect the talent, the way they play, the toughness, the physicality. I kind of wish this game wasn't on a short week because this is the type of game we could be talking about eight days leading up to it, instead of truncated after a Monday night.

[B]

Yeah, it's a great point. I look at both offenses and it's like, who do you try to stop? What do you try to do? Like, not just at the skill positions, the trenches as well. It's just. It's a. It's a matchup we're all looking forward to. So before we go, I'm curious, what matchup within this game are you looking at, maybe closer than others that could potentially decide the outcome on. On Sunday?

[D]

I think the Eagles can pass the ball on the Lions, and I. I think, you know, the Lions have moved some things around in that secondary and they've had some injuries there, and I'm. I'm to see if. If that's the route the Eagles go. I mean, they're. They're going to see man coverage, as A.J. brown said yesterday. So with the way Devontae Smith's playing right now and that's kind of gets, gets lost in that he's on pace for a career year with the way A.J. brown can play.

[A]

I'm.

[D]

I want to see if the Eagles can move the ball through the air consistently because this, this would be a week that you do it. But then also the Eagles offensive line is battling injuries and they, if they're healthy, this is a, a defensive line that can chall and so I'm real curious to see that match up on the line of scrimmage.

[B]

Lane healthy or he's healthy enough that.

[D]

He returned to the game the other night. He was. He would have been limited. I mean, they had a walkthrough on Wednesday. Had it been a full practice, he would have been limited. My experience, the lane Johnson, I've covered his whole career. If he's limited on Wednesday, he'll play on Sunday. So I'm expecting him on the field.

[B]

Okay, I faked you out. I have one more question because you brought him up and I remember covering his pro day at Alabama. How much of a true number one is devontae Smith in your mind? Like, you know, I mean, if There was an A.J. brown who's maybe top five receiver in the NFL, the Eagles in my opinion could survive with. With Devonte being a true number one type player. I, I'm just curious if that's overlooked. Do people, you know, understand that? I kind of want to get your opinion and your insight on that. With the type of player that we have seen in Philadelphia, I can promise.

[D]

You it's not overlooked in that building. He is a number one caliber receiver for sure. I agree with you. It looks different than it does with A.J. brown, just physically at 170 pounds for, for Devonte. But that size is not a detriment whatsoever. I mean, he, you look at his contested catch rate. Look at the touchdown he had against the Packers. He goes up and gets it. He climbs the ladder. He plays above the rim. All those cliches, those are applicable for him. But he's also so precise as, as a route runner. He's he' number one in the way that Marvin Harrison was a number one. Right. And just in terms of how smooth he is, how tough he is. And so yeah, I now you, you like having both of them. But if A.J. brown weren't out there. Devonte Smith, he's a top 10 top 12 receiver in the NFL. Yes.

[B]

Yeah, it's a luxury. Let's get him the ball. Let's go. Enjoy this one on Sunday night. Zach, thanks.

[D]

I appreciate it.

[B]

Our road Trip moves on as we head over to the Ravens. A big game on the road against the Browns considering the hole that they dug themselves in. And Jeff Cerebrik joins us, who covers the Ravens. Just on an outstanding level here for the, for the athletic. Obviously, we were just chatting, Jeff. It's always Lamar. It's, you know, he doesn't practice Wednesday because a knee soreness apparently is not related to the hamstring. But where do we stand with Lamar and his chances? I know this is a question that seems to have very few answers oftentimes during the week and Sunday could be anything. Do you have anything for us with Lamar?

[E]

Yeah. Never a dull moment when you cover Lamar Jackson. And we're sitting there waiting at practice yesterday and we knew a couple guys would be out. We knew Marlon Humphrey was going to be out and Rashad Bateman was going to be out. But then the quarterbacks coming on the. Come running on the field and there's only two and it just. Here you go again. That's, that's what it's like. But no, I mean, in talking to people in the building yesterday, James, they seem to think that this is only, you know, he just needed a, you know, a day or two and he should be fine for Sunday's game. They were even hopeful whole practice on Thursday, you know, but with everything Lamar, there's always the caveat that you never really know because he's going to make these calls and you know, when he feels ready to practice, he will be out there. So he took a pounding on Sunday though. You know, he, even after the game we talked to him and, and he looked a little deliberate with everything he was doing, you know, and they, they got after him a little bit. And that one Dallas Turner hit was probably one of the hardest hits he's ever taken in his career. So if it becomes a one day thing, I don't think it's the biggest deal. They seem to think he'll be out there Sunday and they'll be ready to go.

[B]

Okay. Yeah, I was gonna say, was it like 11 quarterback hits or something like that? He took. It was in the roughing, the passer, it was, you could tell a little bit. I'm just, this is huge considering with lamar they've averaged 31 points a game without him about 3:14. And then I was looking at the unbelievable kind of, you know, I don't even know the playoff barometer. You can check on the Athletic, which is super fun to play with. And with this game and they've lost three or four, and three of their last four in Cleveland, they go up to an 81% chance of making the postseason with a win here, down to a 65% chance if they do lose this game. What has it been about Cleveland, Jeff, lately that is, you know, playing there. Been their issues?

[E]

Yeah, I mean, three or four years they've lost there. They haven't. I think they don't. I don't think they've ever swept the Browns in the, in the Kevin Stefanski era. I think that's right. So, yeah, most. Most of it, I think, is defense. And, you know, they just play Lamar really tough. They get after him. The Ravens issue in, in recent years has sort of been the pass pro at times, and the Browns have a good enough defense to exploit it. Jim Schwartz is an aggressive defensive coordinator, and he gets after Lamar. Even in that week where it was lopsided from a score standpoint, the play on the field did not seem lopsided until late in the game when, you know, Flacco got stripped and they returned it. Roquan Smith returned for touchdown. That game was much closer. And, you know, they play a really physical style that gives them trouble. And they really know kind of how to get, how to get after Lamar Jackson real a good bit. And that's sort of been the, you know, the primary issue. They, they have a lot of respect for the Browns in this building. I know, you know, some of the criticism and some of the turmoil that the Browns are perennial going through, but they always understand that those are going to be really tough matchups for them.

[B]

Yeah, everybody has one eye or both eyes, probably on Myles Garrett pre snap, seeing where he's lining up. And if you can be more of yourself as an offense, Jeff, it seems like obviously that helps. You wrote a really good piece about one, the dynamic that's going on in the tight end room and then also just getting everybody back to maybe being closer to themselves, being able to play in that 12, that 13 personnel that we always love to see the Ravens play. And it's funny because that's become so in vogue now in the rest of the league, and the Ravens been doing it for a while now. Do we feel like we're in a spot where we're going to see Isaiah likely, Mark Andrews, all this just kind of an operate in the manner in which maybe the Ravens thought they were going to have at the beginning of the season or even, I guess, in the off season when they thought Isaiah likely would have a larger, you know, roll in the passing game or These things. Are we going to start seeing that this back end of the season? Because I know that would be huge.

[E]

Yeah, I think that's what they're working towards, James. And, and you make a good point because even in this, you know, three game winning streak that's stabilized their season, we're still not seeing that consistent offense. We're still seeing lulz for a half at a time. You know, they were outplayed thoroughly in that first half in Miami a couple weeks ago on that Thursday night. They were outplayed on Sunday in Minnesota. The offense has really taken a while to get going and it just seems to be. And we, we probably discussed this when, when I went on with you earlier. They, they have all these weapons that they've pro. You know, this is probably the most skilled position talent that they've ever had. When you add in the three tight ends, no one talks about Charlie Kohler, but he's a really good player. And you know, you have DeAndre Hopkins who's barely playing a dozen snaps and they want to get Keaton Mitchell the ball more. It just seems to be James. There's been these issues all year, like trying to get everybody involved but sticking to what you do best. And where do you find that, you know, that balance between everyone being happy, everyone feels like they're contributing but yet we're at our best as an offense and I still think they're striving for that balance. We still haven't seen the consistency yet from this team. I think they've taken some steps and they're building towards that. The offensive line has something to do with it. It's just not been a great year up front and when you're struggling to run block and pass block, that that's going to, you know, affect everything. But we're seeing those improvements that what you described is exactly what they want. That's exactly how they feel like they're most dangerous, but they're not there yet. Where we feel like on a weekend and week out basis, they're utilizing everybody they have and they're playing up their capability.

[B]

Yeah, a lot of mouths to feed. You didn't even mention say flowers like, you know, and he was supposed to take a big jump this year in terms of how they wanted this offense to go.

[A]

You're right.

[B]

It's. It's just a lot of different moving pieces, especially with the health aspect that, that makes you try to figure that out as you go. What they seem to be figuring out a little bit, Jeff is the defensive side of the ball, like it's really been remarkable. I was looking at some of the statistics on it with they're just allowed 14.5 points per game since week six. I mean, that's third in the NFL. And I'm kind of curious for your opinion on outside of just health, what stands out on what they've changed schematically, maybe on defense. How they're using Kyle Hamilton, it seems like is a big part of that. Just what have you seen outside of just getting healthier, that maybe gives you a little confidence about what they're doing defensively. Might be more than just what the stats are showing us, but they're actually playing better football.

[E]

Yeah, the, the big thing, the thing that you, I think you start with is Kyle Hamilton, and it's starting to get a lot of attention league wide. I know Robert Mays has talked about it, but what this guy is doing right now for this defense is in insane. Like, I hope everybody who, you know, enjoys defensive football appreciates like he's basically playing like a strong side linebacker at times and he's blitzing and he's beating guards with pass rush moves and then he's chasing down plays in the back end. He's just been phenomenal. And even the impact they're getting from him closer to line of scrimmage and what he's done is he settled things down a little for Roquan Smith. I think they've had young inside linebackers the last couple years and I think Roquan almost felt like he had to do everything but by himself at times and it was affecting his game. Now Kyle Hamilton's there in the middle of the field to help. And coincidentally that young inside linebacker Teddy Buchanan, a rookie fourth round pick, leads the team in tackles. So he's getting helped. And the additional Lohi Gilman has really stabilized things on the back end. They've been much more organized and it's helped everybody. I mean, rookie Malachi Starks is playing his butt off and I think Gilman has really helped him, not only from a leadership perspective perspective, making sure he's in the right place, but just settling things down, just playing solid, fundamental football. And as you know, you create turnovers, you're going to have success. And this is a team that struggled to create turnovers, but I think they're averaging two a game or, you know, whatever. And they only had like two force turnovers in their first five games and now they're creating two a game and that's totally changes that dynamic because that improves confidence and that sort of resonates throughout.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Listen, I know we got to run, but I got to ask you about this, because you mentioned it, what Kyle's doing, and I think we need to try to put that further in perspective. For everybody else, it was almost like last year, Jeff. It was like, hey, we need you on the back end. We need you back here. Can you go out there and change the defense? Yes, totally. Hey, now, over the last several weeks, he's playing 60% of the time down low in the box. Like, how rare is this player? Yeah. You know, for people outside of Baltimore that aren't Ravens fans that are listening or watching just what he's doing, it seems like I need to save the defense. What do you need? I could do it.

[E]

Yeah. Mr. Fix it right here. Here's the problem. Kyle, you go take care of it. And it's, you know, like, John Harbaugh was asked about it and, like, from a perspective of when we've never seen this, and he said, well, do you guys remember Ed Reed, like, joking. But. And, yeah, Ed did some of that, but I didn't. I don't remember Ed Reed lining up as a strong side linebacker. You know, I mean, this guy, it's. It's insane, really, what he's doing. And. And James, I do worry a little bit from a physicality perspective that he's. I mean, he's involved in almost every play and. And can he hold up and is he going to wear down? But I. I think they need him right now. They need to do what he's doing. And it's. He's the. I think he's the most unique defensive player in the NFL just with his skill set. And he can do so many things. Like, he's breaking out, like, dip pass, rush moves. Like, it's like, where does this guy get this stuff? And, you know, I mean, look, this isn't a big year. I'd have to check the stats, but, you know, obviously in Denver, they're doing it, but, you know, he could find himself in the NFL defensive player of the year mix, even though he really doesn't have. He doesn't have great, like, ball stats. Right. He doesn't really. He's not been intercepting balls or doesn't have a ton of sacks, so. But he's just been. Been so important in everything he's been able to do.

[B]

Yeah, you mentioned that Certain didn't have crazy numbers last year. You know what I mean? It was just a. Hey, you're really, really talented in how you impact the course of a game and it was kind of noticed there and maybe it's noticed with with Kyle Hamilton this year. Jeff, appreciate it, man. Always good chatting ball with you. Make sure you read everything Jeff has on the Athletic, please. It's outstanding. Enjoy the game. Enjoy Cleveland. People say that to you a lot. Enjoy Cleveland.

[E]

Yeah, it's got to be better 20 degrees Minnesota last week. So we got that going for us.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Hopefully you use the skyways, man.

[F]

Okay.

[D]

Take care, James.

[E]

Thank you.

[B]

I love talking to all those guys around the league giving you that insight from inside the facilities on a daily basis. How about this? We go inside another facility with one of the best, if not the best, interior pass rushers and defensive end Zach Allen of the Broncos. What does he have to do to get after Patrick Mahomes on Sunday? We'll find out next. Scoop City on a Thursday covering the NFL. I get to have the best food in the country as I travel from city to city. But when I'm not traveling, ooh, and I want those delicious tastes. I use Gold Belly. It's what I do. If I want Franklin's Barbecue when I go cover a pro day at the University of Texas in Austin. I get that sent to me when I go see the Seahawks. And I like Pike's Place up there in Seattle. Well, I get that sent to me here in Denver. It's this amazing site that I order from all the time. It's where you can get the most iconic, famous foods from restaurants across the United States. They will ship it anywhere in this country. It's perfect for hosting Thanksgiving without the stress. And with Black Friday around the corner, it's a great time to pre order holiday gifts that ship right to your door. My mom has done that for me now multiple times. Being from Philadelphia, shipping patch cheesesteaks out here to the Rocky Mountain region. Gold Belly can ship smoked turkey from Salt Lick Barbecue in Texas. Savory sides like lobster Mac and cheese straight from Maine. I have had that multiple times now. It's outstanding desserts like New York's famous juniors cheesecake and more. It's unbelievable. One of the things I love doing super bowl all the time, I go to Commander's palace down there in New Orleans. I miss that place. I can taste it when I'm sitting on a Sunday afternoon watching football. Well, I get Commander's palace sent right to me here in Denver. It's unbelievable. So if you're looking for that perfect holiday gift or want to impress your friends and family with an epic Thanksgiving, go to Gold Belly.com and get 20 off your first order with promo code SCOOP. That's GoldBelly.com code SCOOP for 20 off your first order.

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[B]

Welcome back to Scoop City. I'm James Palmer, a very special guest. With us, Zach Allen, one of the best football players, I'll say it, Zach. On the planet. The all pro defense event for the Denver Broncos. Let's start with this streak. We got six straight, right? With at least a half a sack going right now. For you.

[F]

Yeah, yeah. No, it's been fun. Yeah, definitely. Longest of the career, and, you know, I just gotta keep on doing it week to week.

[E]

Yeah, man.

[B]

Well, what you're doing is you're competing with other guys up front to see who can get these sacks. Like, what is it like? Just you're gonna. I'm almost there. And then Nick Benito is. Is there, or Jonathan Cooper's there, or just what is it like as a group when you're going after the quarterback and it's like, I beat my guy. I had a really good move. Somebody just beat me to the quarterback. That's kind of what we're dealing with with this defensive line you're a part of.

[F]

Yeah. No, I mean, obviously you want to play with great players. You know, it opens up opportunities for yourself. But also. Yeah, I guess the downside of it is you're going to have more stacks than anybody else in the league. So it's a good problem to have, obviously. But, yeah, no, I mean, it's a really special group up front. Yeah, we do have a lot of fun with, like, the Competition. Asp of it. But the guys have been great and, you know, really lucky to. To be a part of this group.

[B]

Yeah. Hey, it takes a little weight off of everybody's shoulders, right? If somebody's coming from, from a different spot all the time. I have to ask you this, because I asked VJ the other day, is Bonito's first step is this Vaughn Miller quick? And Vijay obviously doesn't want to say it, but he was like, it's up there, man.

[A]

It's.

[B]

It's up there. In terms of that first step, what's it like in the film room, seeing the get off that your edge guys have? Is this a Vaughn Miller type of first step we're seeing?

[F]

Yeah, I mean, I haven't played with Vaughn, but growing up, it was obviously, you know, I definitely, you know, watched him and I think Nick, you know, I pride myself on having a really good 10 yard and 5 yard. You know, we do off season conditioning and everything like that. We're always racing and I think I could beat anybody in the league. And then once I came here against Nick, he's the only guy where it's like, I think he's got me.

[A]

Yeah, he's.

[F]

It's special, it's a gift and he knows how to use it. And it definitely, you know, everybody up front is using it, you know, to our own advantage also because, you know, teams are trying to, you know, key on that and everything like that and opens up space for us. So. Yeah, no, Nick's. Nick's the real deal.

[B]

Yeah, man. And the reason I'm talking about him and you and this D line is, I mean, this game on Sunday, I know you won't say it, but people around Denver are more or less like, is this the biggest game in a decade? Is this. Do you feel something around the city right now with the way you guys have played at 8 and 2 where, where the Chiefs are coming into town? Do you get a sense the magnitude just being around town leading into Sunday?

[F]

Yeah. I mean, you definitely can tell, you know, how invested the fans are just in the whole season. They've been awesome, especially this whole year. You know, obviously you start winning, you know, the support they've been giving us and everything, like, that's been incredible. But, you know, for us inside, like, it's. It's just business as normal. You know, just. We've already played some really good teams and we're playing another really good team this week. So for us, we just got to, you know, control what we can control, handle our process and, you know, we're excited for the challenge.

[B]

It's, it's a challenge and you can control what you can control, which is the trenches in front of 15. And I think that's kind of the matchup everybody wants to see on Sunday is you guys as a group going against him. I remember guys on that 2015 defensive line, whether it's Marcus Ware, Vaughn Miller, Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe, all those guys saying Brady was the only one we could continuously hit and hit and hit and hit and it wouldn't change how he plays. The reason I bring that up is you hit anybody, you hit quarterbacks at a higher rate than anybody else in football dating back to last year. Nobody's even close to you. Not Miles Garrett, not Trey Hendrickson, no one. You hit the quarterback so often. Is he the type of player that hits, can impact come Sunday, or is Pat the type of player that you can keep hitting him and he's going to play the same style of football?

[F]

Yeah, no, Pat's a stud, I think. Well, first off, it's hard to hit him because he's so elusive, which everyone's seen. And I think he can see the pocket the best out of any quarterback in the league. Just anticipation wise and you know, then he adds in the pump fakes and everything like that and creates space for himself. But yeah, no, I mean, with him, I mean, you know, we saw it, you know, his whole career, he, he's, he's, he's going to get his and he's going to do his thing. So he's definitely, you know, he's just level, you know, consistent throughout. And that's why he's one of the best quarterbacks in football.

[B]

Yeah, for sure. I, you mentioned kind of the space. I always hear from other people going, it doesn't look like he's moving that fast. It doesn't look like he's that fast, but he runs away from certain guys. What has the addition specifically to help you guys up front? Zach, like Huff and Trey Greenlaw in the middle of the field, guys that can help you out. When Pat, you know, is most likely going to run the football some come Sunday.

[F]

Yeah, I mean, they're incredible. I mean, I've been huge fans of them since I was in Arizona. You know, I saw it, you know, live twice a year, every year and you know, the fact that we're able to, you know, I'm able to play with them now is like the coolest thing ever. And, you know, they're the greater racers. You know, any mistake we make up front, they're right there to fix it. And yeah, I mean, it's really cool, you know, now seeing them both together on the field and what we can do. And you know, I think that's why, you know, the past few weeks when we got Dre back and obviously Huff's been doing it all year. How special, you know, they make our defense. So yeah, we're really excited to, you know, see how it plays out on Sunday with them.

[B]

Yeah. As much talent as you guys have on that side of the ball, I was probably thinking like, well, we're probably not going to get that much better in the off season. Like, we're already really talented, everybody's coming back and you add those two guys into the mix. I put that in preface to the way you guys have played as a defense, arguably in a lot of people's minds, the best defense in football. And then the offensive side of the ball seems to get going by the fourth quarter. But you're winning these games and you're winning close games, you're winning one score games is the way you guys are doing it. What does Sean say? Is it sustainable? What do you need to change? Because you are winning but at the same time you want to be playing your best football come, you know, December.

[F]

Yeah, I think for us it's kind of, you know, obviously we know, you know, you obviously ideally, you know, win by, you know, more than one score. But also too, last year, you know, we found every single possible way probably to lose a one square game. So the fact that we reversed it, you know, that's what good teams do. Kansas City, you know, every last year was like 11 and oh, and score games and you know, made it to the super bowl and the afc. So, you know, good teams do that. But yeah, no, I mean every. It's a really cool locker room because the guys, they come in every week finding ways to improve, whether it was a great performance or a bad performance, it's just everyone's just continually seeking to improve. So yeah, no, we. It's a really fun group and a good group and you know, we're going to just keep on getting better and better.

[B]

Is it. How did that mindset come into this locker room? When did you see it? I guess to where I think in late in games, you guys just know you're going to find a way. When did that kind of come about in your mind that you've been able to play this way?

[F]

Yeah, I think it comes down to kind of the character guy you bring in I think, you know, you kind of see that, you know, who we signed and drafted and, you know, traded for and everything like that, or, you know, we've drafted, you know, guys with a winning mindset. And then also, too, you know, we really, you know, work this off season on situational football being smarter. So the combination of those two things has been huge for us.

[B]

Yeah, two more for you, bro. I. Your quarterback there. See, I talked to defensive coaches that go against him. It's like, hey, man, in the fourth quarter, he's as calm as can be. He still finds way to make plays. He's one of those guys that just kind of has a little bit of that it factor that. That you just don't want to play against him late in games. How would you describe your quarterback in Bo Nix?

[F]

Yeah, he's an absolute stud. I think, you know, we all know how special he is and, you know, he's proven that and, you know, we're always in it with him. And that's, That's a, That's a big thing and that brings a lot of confidence to all the guys. And, you know, we see he makes every single throw, but off the field, you know, the leader he is, everything like that. It's. It's a really rare and special combination. So the fact we have that guy is, is huge for us and, you know, why we're doing so well right now.

[B]

Last one. And this is going to be your sales pitch. Zach, you don't want to lose Vance Joseph. I know you were with him in Arizona. He brought you to Denver. But, man, his name keeps coming up, and rightfully so. He's that type of coach. He's that type of leader. What would be your pitch if, say, I'll just mention the teams that have openings now, say the Titans asked you or the Giants asked you. We're looking into Vance Joseph as our head coach. What would be your sales pitch about your defensive coordinator? About why he would be a really good candidate?

[F]

Yeah, I mean, he's the perfect coach because he gets it. He was a player, so he understands, you know, guys from, you know, what they need, what they're going through, everything like that. But at the same time, he's an amazing teacher. And, you know, I think, you know, I wouldn't want to game plan us because it's, you know, we do so much different stuff, but he makes it so easy for us that, you know, it's, it's. It's really, you know, simple to learn. So he's been incredible and, you know, he's the ultimate professional and, you know, expects us to be the ultimate professionals. And yeah, he's a culture guy and I've just been really blessed to be with him for seven years now.

[B]

I'm hiring him. I'm hiring. I don't want either team, but I'm hiring him now. I don't.

[A]

Please don't. I like.

[B]

Yeah, I know you love him. You love him so much. So, last one in about 20 seconds. What do you think Mile High would be like when opening kick happens at 2:35 mountain time against the Chiefs?

[F]

Yeah, it's going to be special. I mean, every single game has just been getting better and better. So, you know, we definitely have a home field advantage and, you know, we're really lucky to have the fans here. And that's the reason why I signed here. Just because it's, you know, it's a city that cares and is invested in it and, you know, really wants to. To be, you know, be a part of a winning team. And they've been awesome.

[B]

Awesome. All right, we'll get to your meetings. I won't tell anybody what you said about vj. I'll try to just spread lies to make sure he stays in that room with you, man. Appreciate you taking the time. I'll see you on Sunday.

[F]

Of course.

[A]

Thank you.

[F]

See you Sunday.

[B]

Absolutely. Just one of the best guys in the NFL as a human being, Zach Allen. He's not only guy playing in a monster matchup, we have a few others that we need to break down. So we're bringing in our guy Mike Sando to talk about Bill and Bucks and Seahawks and Rams and maybe a quarterback, a star quarterback could be on the move in 2026. All of that coming up on Scoop City.

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[B]

Welcome back to Scoop City on a Thursday. And this is a guest I asked for and Mike came on. Mike Sando joins us. The best there is out there. Mike, thank you for joining us. Joining us. Once again we have some major matchups we need to break down. That's why I wanted to ask you with everything, you know, across the league, this is the weekend we were kind of waiting for. I want to know with you as the way you cover the league, what will you do Sunday with these games that are at the same time, whether it's Chiefs and Broncos and Seahawks and Rams, what is your Sunday? Start me off there.

[A]

Yeah. So I, I've got so right, right now I'm looking at you on my, on a MacBook Pro and then I've got probably maybe like a couple of 30 inch screens here that are attached to that. Then I have like on the back wall I've got like the 60 incher. Right. So usually on the 60 incher I've got like YouTube TV. So I'll do the four box on that one.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know usually and usually the audio will be on red zone, especially when there's all the games going on and I have others. And then sometimes I'll pull up maybe one more game over here. Just if I really want to drill down. You know, I live in the Seattle area so I do More radio here. So I feel like I definitely want to have eyes on the Seahawks most weeks. Weeks, you know, a little more than some of the other teams, just because I do three radio hits in Seattle every week, you know, so for sure, that. And I covered the team, you know, going way back, so. So I try to have them on. So this week with them, I'll definitely prioritize that game. I'm. In fact, I was doing Seattle radio this morning, and I was like, when's the last time the Seahawks were like, a top five team in the league?

[F]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, it's been maybe 10 years, you know, or I'd have to look. I'm gonna go back and look because this just feels new and different to have this type of a game with the Rams where, like, I feel like even whoever loses, they just dust themselves off and they're still a good top team. But it's just going to be fun to see and it's been a while.

[B]

It is going to be a blast to see. You look at. Let's start there. You look at both of these teams. They're the only two teams in the NFL that are top five in both offense and defense. Neither team has trailed in a game, Mike, since week six. I mean, they're both just playing outstanding football. And there's two kind of matchups, positions I wanted to chat with you on. And that's first, the defensive lines of both these teams. You look at the way that they create pressure. Oftentimes don't blitz at a very high rate when they do that. If you're looking at either D line when you watch this game, specifically on maybe the 30 inch in front of you, which D line are you kind of have a stronger eye towards? Because they're both outstanding at what they do.

[A]

I think they're both salty and sort of set the tone for their teams. I think my feel is that Seattle probably has a better rotation of the group just. Just the. On the whole. But if you were to, you know, poll America, Jared Verse is going to be the first person that comes to mind, probably so. And he brings so much to their. Their defense. So I do think that's where I start with this. And I think one of those defensive lines is going to set the tone for the game and help their team win it and. And be the difference. And I. I kind of lean towards Seattle in this first game as maybe the team that has a little bit more to prove. I think that whoever loses this game probably wins the next one when they play. I feel like it's that type of a game. And so I think Seattle's defensive line, the way they've been going right now, has probably the tougher thing to do, which is throw off Stafford. But I think they may do it enough in this game just the way that they're playing with the group of guys that they have have to tip the balance.

[B]

Yeah. And I know everybody loves edge rushers and everybody loves guys playing on the outside, but I look at the interior a lot like I look at those three guys in Seattle and it's just like it's a really, really good group in there. I mean they, they really can move, can, can move things around. And so that leads to the other part of it. When you look at the way Stafford has played specifically in the play action game, has been out of this world and the way that they've done it and I think it actually Seattle some pretty good against play action this season. And then when you look at Sam Darnold and he was sacked nine times the last time he faced the Rams, that was the wild card game last year. He's been sacked 10 times this year. So, so which guy in terms of the two quarterbacks, when you look at them in terms of handling pressure from these D lines that you look at and go okay, but then I would, I would maybe pick him going. I think he can handle what these defensive lines are bringing maybe better than the other guy.

[A]

Well, definitely Stafford is, is the, the true pro master of handling all the situations. I think he's ahead of Darnold and that's not a knock on Darnold. I think he's the tops of the league in terms of just having seen everything, be able to, to process it faster than anybody. I do though think that both of these quarterbacks, when you get pressure on them, will put the ball in harm's way. And we've seen Stafford do that too. That, that, that's the Stafford you know, that we knew before in Detroit or the gunslingery type thing. He come, he's still there. You just have to bring it out of him to do it because. And if you don't, he's just going to shred you. But he will trust his arm too much and I think Darnold does too. I think both these quarterbacks are really good but can be coaxed into some turnovers, I think. And so you know that's going to be the jobs of these defensive lines to do. And I don't feel strongly one way or the other as to maybe both defenses have their moments. Yeah, I think that's a great. Maybe this game comes down to, you know, a last drive or maybe it comes down to a field goal. I think the Rams are not hoping that it does, but, you know, it could be that type of a game where they each have their moments on the defensive lines and maybe each quarterback turns it over once, you know, strip sack, fumble, interception, that type of a thing. And you know, it's close down to the end.

[B]

Yeah. And they both have a go to guy in Puka Nkua and jsn. I look at the compliments to each of them and what's the role of Rashid Shahid and then Devonte Adams? The compliment sometimes, always in these type of games becomes a really, really big player with the focal point of one receiver that each team has. Listen, we had Zach Berman on to talk about Lions and Eagles, so we have that. We had Zach Allen, the defensive end for the Broncos, just on before you. So let's talk about another one of the big games that we haven't covered, and that's Bills, Bucks. I think everybody is waiting to see if this Bills team can kind of put it together. What the sense I get. And Chase Daniel was saying this on our show on Monday. Mike was it almost seems like Buffalo can only win in one way, and it seems like it's kind of built off of we can't get behind early. We want to run the football, but we have an issue stopping the run as well. How do you see this offense, when they weren't able to add a piece on the outside at the deadline, maybe evolving and changing that to where it's not just so focused on whether they can get James Cook rolling and maybe have something of a passing game downfield, which has lacked for a lot of games this season.

[A]

I think it's tough for them to do. I think that this was a team that, you know, didn't get something done at the deadline and played like it. Like they sort of needed a shot in the arm. That being said, I mean, it wasn't like they could go out there and acquire A.J. brown either. And, you know, it's not like there was a long list of great wide receivers that were going to help them, but I do think they're kind of stuck at that position. Dalton Kincaid's obviously a very good tight end, but tight ends don't don't threaten the defense the same way the top receivers do. And so I think they have some guys that can be covered and it makes it a little bit tough. You're right. I think they're boxed in a little bit and how they want to play and defensively they're, you know, let's face it, we, we know they have had some roster issues there and they've, they've tried to get younger and have. But I think they've had, you know, Matt Milano hasn't always been available or, you know, they're just not, they're, they're, they're just not as good. And so I also sort of feel like they're a team that we've seen not bring it every week, you know, not just play with that same consistency. They beat Kansas City, so I feel like they can, you know, you put them in a big game, maybe they can do it, but I don't feel like they're a team. I think they're, they feel like a team that's been the hunted for a long time and they sort of don't always match the other team. I even felt like when they barely beat, they beat the Saints 3119 or something, but it felt like it was way great. Yeah, you look at some of these other teams that have gotten it rolling, like Seattle, they put a little bit of Saints out of the water. Right. That's what Buffalo used to do. So I think there's something missing there.

[B]

Yeah, I agree. And it wasn't. You could see from Brandon Bean's reaction in his trade deadline press conference. It wasn't due to a lack of effort from Brandon being trying to make some sort of move. I heard also on the defensive line was something that he was obviously looking at as well with Ed Oliver out and they tried to improve this. I think that stress factor, Mike, actually shows me that they do know how much of an issue it is and they really worked to try to fix it and couldn't find a way.

[A]

Yeah, I agree. I think Brandon, Brandon Beane has been a little sensitive to some of the criticisms for the roster. He had a great segment, it was before the year, talking about, about the wide receivers. He was questioned about it. He just about had it. But that shows you there's something there. Right? I mean, he's not just reacting that way because there's zero truth to it. It's like he's annoying, you know, because you are trying to build it and do things the right way. And I think they've also talked about not wanting to, you know, when you have Josh Allen, they feel like they're in the window every year. So don't do something that totally mortgages the future. But I think there's a fine line there. I think there's a. There's a time to strike too. And it doesn't mean that they could have gotten Micah Parsons or something like that. But. But I don't know. When you don't make that type of move and don't get over the hump, people will just kind of assume that you would have gotten over the hump if you did make the move. Right. So I'd almost rather go down swinging trying to do something and have it not work than not do something and have it not work.

[B]

That's a great point. I wonder if there's any buyer's remorse there with the third rounder they gave up for Amari Cooper a season ago and just didn't work out. And it's like, oh, do we do this again? Maybe, I guess if you're in the window.

[A]

But that's a great example of like, you know, you spent something that was fairly valuable, a third round pick on a player who obviously is available for a reason, but has played well before and it didn't work. So, you know, that is, I think if you're Brandon Bean, you have to be willing to take the heat of not making a move rather than making a bad one. Yep.

[B]

Great point. Great point. I wanted to go into you real quick before we go. Your. Your piece you put up, which was the Future for all 32, 32 teams at quarterback. I went through this whole list. I love the number of categories have, by the way, there's a lot of specific ones in there for certain categories, but the first one that, you know, that I got down to that really made me start going, man, my mind started going was the I'm financially stuck, but for how long? And the three guys in there in Tuatanga Bialoa and Trevor Lawrence and Kyler Murray. If you were to pick one that you think might have, as you talk to people around the league, the least likely chance of remaining with their team, who out of those three do you think maybe has the greatest chance of playing elsewhere?

[A]

I would think that it's Arizona because it seems like the Dolphins are signaling so far. You know, they could have easily fired Mike McDaniel, but they may feel like they're, you know, stuck with to it. Maybe he's their best option this next year anyway, a huge amount of cash there, so they know McDaniel might be the best guy to get it out of him. That's kind of what it feels like to me. So maybe Miami's Reset, if it comes, comes is after next season. Yes, that's kind of what it feels like to me. And then, you know, Trevor Lawrence, I think, is still their starting quarterback. It's only the first year with this coach, so I think that. I think they're, they're a potential to do something, but I don't know if the writing's on the wall yet.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But remember Gladstone, they've made big moves. So, like, I don't rule it out after the year, but I think you can see it kind of happening in Arizona where, you know, they, you know, putting Kyler Murray on the IR list when I don't know if they really had to do that. And they've kind of signaled they were going to go with Jacoby Brissette anyway. And I think we can all see that Brissette fits that offense better. So the question there is just really, does the staff survive this season? Can they. Can they do well enough that they get to stay? Because I think if they stay, it's pretty clear that Kyler Murray's not their guy. The question then would become, okay, Kyler Murray, 38 million fully guaranteed next year. Year, no one's acquiring 38 million guaranteed. So if you're Mike Bidwell, the owner of the team at the end of the year, and you're changing coaches, do you try one more year with a different coach who might try to get it out of this quarterback? I think that's a lot of money, you know, to eat for somebody who. What do you get? What are you going to trade Kyler Murray for? What are you going to get and how much are you going to have to pay?

[B]

You might have to eat all of that money. I don't know if anybody's taken.

[A]

They might have to cut them. You know, it's a weird type of a thing. I just, just. There's not a. There's half the league doesn't need a quarterback. Half of the remaining teams don't want a 5 foot 10 one. Right.

[B]

That plays it in a very different style than. Than the vast majority of the teams play the position. So.

[A]

And not consistent enough playing that way. I think that's the thing that a lot of teams run into with, with the quarterback who runs around a lot. You know, unless you're Lamar Jackson and super special, you know, it almost gets in the way as much as it does help you.

[B]

Yeah, it was interesting. I spent some time with them during training camp and the vibe I kind of got was, we think we're much better, but Kyler is always a giant. I don't know. And everybody's curious if he's won the battle with coaching staffs before. Is this the time where they pick the coaching staff over the player moving forward? I'm not sure.

[A]

Yeah. I just feel like, you know, he hasn't shown to be that guy that leads your team and sets the standard for your team. You know, there's, there was a reason why that clause went in his contract in order to get him to bear down. And the video game people laugh about it. But, you know, it's a, that's a, it was a real concern. So that's hard to have at that position.

[B]

Mike, I could sit and talk to you football forever, but I know you got multiple, multiple obligations. So appreciate you taking your time out and enjoy your Sunday because this is, this is one that we've been waiting for this season. It's going to be something. It's going to be, actually.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Thank you, Mike. Appreciate it. Coming up, Jake Seeley is going to join us. He's going to give us some fantasy advice as well as he's going to make sure that we all know about the list of the best high school athletic performances that are out there. Let's see if I'm on there.

[A]

Coming up.

[B]

Scoop City on a Thursday. Welcome back to Scoop City on a Thursday. It's Thursday. That means Jake Seeley joins us to talk about fantasy and lists. And this list is complementary of myself, I think, Jake, because this stems from us talking about Derrick Henry and his high school accolades. And then we got into a conversation because you live relatively close to where Allen Iverson played high school basketball and football. Did you watch any of the highlights? I told you to watch Allen Iverson play high school football.

[A]

Did you watch that?

[C]

I didn't have to. He's from my home area. I've already seen Allen Iverson. So like, yeah, people actually came for me that he wasn't in the list and I was like, the list was about stats, not play. Like, cause Allen Iverson, the player would have been one of the best ever of all time. And there was a lot of other player, like you could talk about Randy Moss and players like that, but like stat specifically. Did you. I don't know. So you probably don't read the comments on like I do of every single comment because we've joked about that before. But somebody mentioned this about Joe Maurer, though, for the stat that he only struck out once his entire high school career, which is insane.

[B]

What?

[C]

When they, when they. Yeah, so yeah, Joe Maurer not, by the way, averaged 20 points per game as a point guard, threw for 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns and had.605 average with 15 home runs, 54 RBI. That's all his senior year. Struck out once, his entire high school life. Once when they retired his jersey. Somebody told me this in the comments and you can go look it up. They had the guy who struck him out surprise show up and hand him three baseballs. And then Joe Ma remembered him. They didn't recognize him at first, but remembered it and remembered that he struck him out on a curveball and said, said, don't throw me a curveball with one of those.

[B]

Oh my God, that guy has a bar story for the rest of his life forever. And Joe Ma reminds me of the kid who only hit home runs By Matt Christopher. How about you think you get a Matt Christopher reference of the childhood sports books that we read?

[C]

I mean, a lot of people weren't expecting a Matty Mook reference in the article or a Casimir Allan.

[B]

So to be fair, no, they did not. I'm jumping down to five though. Cheryl Miller with 100. And Reggie Miller used to always say I'm the lesser of the basketball players in my family. I think he always stated 105 points in one game. Going 47 for 50 is nuts.

[C]

With 27 rebounds, nine steals. And she didn't play the fourth quarter. They benched her after the third quarter. She had 105 of 47 for 50 before the, like before the fourth quarter.

[B]

Dude, it's like high school sports are like 12 minute running clock quarters. Like, I don't even know how you scored that many points that fast. We had 100 points scored us on us in high school and it was the most like I've been destroyed in baseball, football, and basketball in high school. Basketball with a team scoring 100 points against you is, is really something else that hurts worse than actually getting destroyed on a football field.

[C]

So I'll have to tell you after this show, but I saw Tracy McGrady live in high school and there's a story with. I don't want to take up too much of the show. It's a good story though.

[B]

We'll talk about it later. Because you know who played my high school, played my high school while they were in high school? Kobe Bryant. All right, so that's a good one. Let's get to the fantasy aspect of this as we talk about our fantasy high school accolades. Jameis Winston.

[D]

Woo hoo.

[B]

Here it comes. Mike Kafka interim head coach says, I'm going to make a move. Watch me swing it right here. I'm going. Jameis Winston, how does this impact? Because we know he loves to let it fly, impact the rest of this Giants team in terms of fantasy. Jake.

[C]

So for Jameis Winston is his own right. If you've been playing the Daniel Jones and he's on the buy and you want that fill in, I already, I have him at 15, and the only reason he's not higher is because I'm not benching Matthew Stafford or Patrick Mahomes or Mariota against the Dolphins. If you want to do that, toss up, I get it. But we know it's Jameis Winston's first start in a long time. He can finish the number one quarterback or he can finish 21. Like, there's. Put it this way, 15 is wrong.

[B]

Like, he'll be.

[C]

He'll be on one aspect or the other. But the big thing here is I think not only does this get back to Wandell Robinson having some fun, because we saw earlier this year with Russell Wilson, they were using him downfield more than they ever did. And I think we could get back to that from Wandell Robinson that I think if you've been saying, like, ah, he's been fine. He's been a wide receiver four on floor play. I think Wandell and Darius Slayton, obviously are both now wide receiver. Threes with upside to finish as a top 20, 20, 25 wide receiver this week. If you still have them and you've kind of been trying to play the mix and matchup game, just throw them back out there for both of them. Because there's. There's few quarterbacks that bring more upside, and especially when you have a concentrated target share for those two, because they basically have nobody behind them outside of Theo Johnson at tight end. This should be a good week for all of them involved.

[B]

Yeah, I remember, like, last year, I think I was at the game where he, like, lit up this Broncos defense that is so good for, like 500 yards or whatever the hell he did in that game. He has it in a man. He has it in. That was for Cleveland last year.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Speaking of some quarterbacks and quarterbacks that are maybe injured or trying to come back from injury in Jaden Daniels or Joe Burrow. I know a lot of our bye weeks are behind us in some essence. So can you stash these guys waiting for a return?

[C]

Yeah, I brought this up because I was getting a lot of questions about it. And then if I have to Stash one, which would it be? So I would look to stash either one, mostly because the Commanders didn't put Daniels on the ir, which shows, as, you know, the hope that they get him back. But I think we all know that if either team is clearly out of the race at this point, they're going to think to 2026. Here's the difference. One of them is already practicing, one of them, their quarterback can probably keep them in the hunt, especially with how that division looks right now. The Commanders are so far back that it wouldn't be a surprise if Daniels and McLaurin are both done for this year and thinking 2026. So I would stash both. But if Burrows out there, he would be the one that I would stash first. He says Thanksgiving ish, which probably means the week after that. But I mean, if the Bengals are going to be in the race, they pretty much have to go03 and the Ravens would have to go3 and oh, for them to think that we're really out of it. So I would stash Burrow just because we know he still has that top five upside. And as Joe Flacco stepped into clicking, this offense should just not miss a beat when he comes back.

[B]

Yeah, and there's no team in the NFL, no matter the record, that still thinks they're in it than the Cincinnati Bengals. Like, nobody thinks like that other than Cincinnati.

[A]

And I do.

[B]

Like, I don't want to be Zach Taylor and everything that Joe Burrow has done to try to come back from this and try to go into that room and close the door and tell him that you're not going to be putting him back on the field. Like, the look in Joe's eye. I saw what he did for Halloween when he dressed as the Joker. I'm not messing with him. I'm telling Joe, like, yeah, you can go back on the field if you want.

[A]

Whatever. You.

[B]

You make the decisions around here, Joe. That's the way it works. Favorite buy low player for you right now is who?

[C]

Yeah, so the trade deadlines and fantasy leagues are this week or next, so your time is very limited. And I think there's a really good opportunity. Top 20 wide receiver on the season, by the way, this wide receiver, number one twice over his career, finished top 10 in points per game every other year except for this one. Is that Justin Jeff Jefferson guy. You know, Jetta out there. Nothing beats a jet buy low day for the people that love those Instagram reels. Yeah, you like that one? Look, if that was bad but so has J.J. mcCarthy been bad. And this is why I bring it up. Because even as bad as McCarthy's been, all the metrics, all the throws, you watch McCarthy, everything's been the exact same with it was with Carson Wentz as it is to McCarthy. The biggest difference being he's Jefferson is only catching 50% of the passes from McCarthy when he was catching almost 70% from Carson Wentz. Because we see it. We see McCarthy has been off target. He's not been on the same page. He's got some Colin Kaepernick throws at times where he's firing it in instead of throwing some touch so.

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