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- [00:00]
Simon Hunter
This is an iHeart podcast.
- [00:02]
Chad Millman
Guaranteed Human. On Raiders of the Lost podcast, we explore cinema like no one else, including huge interviews with stars like Ryan Gosling on project Hail Mary. It was like the Jaws shark didn't always work, came with its own problems. That's what made it great. The cast of Obsession on set.
- [00:22]
Simon Hunter
There was so much magic happening with each scene.
- [00:24]
Chad Millman
We were putting together deep dives into classics like 2001 A Space Odyssey or or Fight Club, plus weekly episodes on all industry news. Listen to Raiders of the Lost podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And for more, follow raidersofthelostpodcast and IikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Hey, Portlandia fans. Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen here. The dream of the 90s is alive in podcast form. We're launching Podlandia AO Rewatch our brand new podcast where we revisit every episode of Portlandia together, breaking down schedul, going deep on our iconic characters, and pulling back the curtain on how it all got made. And we'll also be joined by the people who helped bring it all to life. Guest stars, collaborators, and friends, including director Jonathan Krisel, the mayor himself, Kyle McLaughlin, legendary musician Amy Mann, and many more. Kyle is going for it. Here you fully improvised, not just words, but a song.
- [01:22]
Simon Hunter
Well, I thought you were all gonna write a song.
- [01:24]
Chad Millman
I remember you thinking that. Listen to Podlandia Aao Rewatch on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, fam? I'm sports journalist Ari Chambers.
- [01:36]
Simon Hunter
Hey, what's up, y'? All? It's your girl, Sam J.
- [01:38]
Chad Millman
And we're the host of Everyone Watches Women's Sports, a new podcast from Together and I heart women's sports.
- [01:43]
Simon Hunter
We're breaking down the biggest headlines. Naomi Osaka showing out shout outs to you, Naomi.
- [01:48]
Chad Millman
The viral moments.
- [01:49]
Simon Hunter
I've been obsessed with Chrisean Rock's boxing journey.
- [01:52]
Chad Millman
She looks good.
- [01:53]
Simon Hunter
Her combos are swift. And the stories everyone's talking about across women's sports because everyone watches women's sports. Listen to everyone watches women's Sports on
- [02:01]
Chad Millman
the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [02:06]
Simon Hunter
Hey, this is Hayes Davenport and Sean Clements. We host the podcast Hollywood Handbook every episode. We're trying to help our guests improve their careers by mainly focusing on how they can help us improve our careers.
- [02:17]
Chad Millman
The show's famously super accessible, so you can easily jump into any of our 650 episodes and understand what's Going on,
- [02:23]
Simon Hunter
we recommend some of our recent episodes with Ben Stiller, Danny McBride, Riz Ahmed and Mary Steenburgen. Listen to Hollyw handbook on the iHeartRadio
- [02:31]
Chad Millman
app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to Sharper Square, presented by Hard Rock that we're part of the Volume Podcast network. This is the show that makes the squares sharper and makes the wise guys pay attention. I am Chad Millman. I am James, as always by my co host, my BFFI companion, my compadre professional better diamond Hunter. Hello, Simon.
- [03:01]
Simon Hunter
Chad, how much hate or love did you receive for your top 10 list for our QB list?
- [03:07]
Chad Millman
You know, it's so interesting, Simon, because I like to go into the YouTube comments and I'll, I'll reply to people. And so I was doing that.
- [03:14]
Simon Hunter
Real sicko. Chad is here.
- [03:15]
Chad Millman
I know I like to engage. So I was doing that yesterday and. Or not yesterday. What was I doing? I can't remember. Anyways, and I was replying to people. It's interesting. A lot more love for Jared Goff than I expected. And Sam Darnold fans or Seahawks fans, just apoplectic that he was not on the list. And I, you know, in a reasonable way, tried to explain my list from my point of view, as I said on the show, is really about what quarterbacks am I most afraid to have bet against in the final two minutes of the game or who am I most excited that I bet on in the final two minutes of a game. That's my criteria. That's why it's a different list and a different point of view. We're on a betting show. I'm not trying to go on, get up and say these are the most talented quarterbacks. These are the best quarterbacks statistically. These are the cornerbacks who in the final two minutes of a game either want to be all in on or I am super upset that I did not go all in on them. Sam Darnold isn't on that list for me. Jared Goff isn't on that list for me. That, that, that was interesting to me. I don't know what kind of response
- [04:33]
Simon Hunter
you've gotten, you know, but yeah, I agree with.
- [04:37]
Chad Millman
I don't like that you people are really against you. And Jalen hurts. Yeah.
- [04:43]
Simon Hunter
Again, I could defend him more. I don't want to take up too much of Rich's time. Right. I, I, as much as me and Chad loved hearing our own voices, we did have a guest on so I could spend, you know, tons of time on it. I know Matt Mitchell threw a conniption about it, which I get right. He's a Bills guy. He's got to defend his guy. And my viewpoint though, which means, Chad, talk about we do our list differently. My viewpoint is it's all about what you've accomplished in your career. No one's saying Josh Allen hasn't accomplished a ton in his career. Adam literally ranked as the fourth best quarterback in all football right now. But Jalen Hurts has accomplished more in his career than any quarterback in Bill's history. I mean, what are we doing here? For real, people like Super Bowls do matter, right? Sam Darnold, we give him respect about his Super Bowl. Is he in our top 10 list? He led the league in turnovers. Did he lead that team? No. Now Sandar makes it back to another super bowl and gets outplayed by Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson or Mahomes. Yeah. I would say me and Chad would have a different view of him. He beat a banged up Patriots team. So I feel your paints yox fan. I just, I couldn't get there with it. And between the Josh Allen and Hertz thing, I've said it a million times. No one doubts the talent level of Josh Allen. What I'm doubting is which Rich even put it out there. Rich said he has the most playoff wins in whatever it is last 5 years NFL, more wins than Mahomes, more wins than Hertz. That's damning. That's not a good thing. Like him and McDermott had the record for most wins without a Super bowl appearance. NFL history. That's not a good thing. The league, the Super Bowl's been around for 60 years. So that's just my point that I just, I get where they're coming from. It's just I think we're going to look back in 10 years differently at Jalen Hurts than people look at him right now. He's. He's too controversial. Where this is a man that we've been waiting for, a running quarterback to take the NFL to another level. You have that in Hertz. The man literally went to the NFL super bowl, set the record for most rushing yards and then broke it his next appearance. So it's like we're in a weird stage where people still want him, this 65 blonde haired white guy dropping back and throwing the ball 80 yards. Hertz can still throw that ball 80 yards. He just doesn't look as sexy as Herbert doing it. It's just we're really weird about our eye test here. So. Yeah, it's, it's my job to defend his honor. And I just, I had Stafford above him because what Stafford's more accomplished than hurts. That's my whole point here, people. I'm not trying to ding these people. It's just my viewpoint of who's accomplished more in this league and the day Super Bowls matter. Dan Marino, greatest pass I've ever seen in the football. Would we, any of us ever put him above Payne Manning? No. Spade Manning has the ring. So that's just my whole point. I just, I, I People are very upset, Chad, not just our fans. I had professional better saved me up being like, you're too disrespectful to Josh Allen. It's like, am I though? I had him in the top five and I think one year me and you both had him over Mahomes. This is when mom's only had one super bowl ring and I felt dirty doing it. So I love doing those lists. It's fun hearing from people. Oh yeah, yeah. I definitely agree with people. The Sam Darnold one, he did slip my mind, honestly. Like, I probably would have had him in that 13, 14 range, but I think we're in a green shot. I don't think either of us will have him in our top 10.
- [07:49]
Chad Millman
No. The other one that stood out to me a couple comments was Jaden Daniels. And my comment to folks who were asking about Jaden Daniels was there's probably a little bit of recency bias there and that he, you know, he wasn't in top form last year. He was injured a lot last year. And so, you know, I, I, in preparation for this, I mentioned this in the comments. Nate Tice Football 301 podcast he had on Bill Barnwell and Greg Rosenthal a couple months ago and they did sort of a snake draft of top quarterbacks. They went through 1 through 18. And Jaden Daniels, I think someone chose him to be in their top 10. And I could see the argument because when he was healthy he was so good. But I don't want to I actually give more credence to a quarterback who was terrible one year like Caleb Williams and then improved markedly in the second year. Then a quarterback who came from nowhere had an incredibly great year. We've seen it with CJ Stroud. And then there's regression. So I don't know what we're getting from Jaden Daniels yet. And so I do feel confident with Caleb Williams. And there being progress versus the jury is still out with Jaden Daniels.
- [09:02]
Simon Hunter
So he burned us too though, right, Chad? We both had my top 10 last year and we said they're going to regress this year. He totally fell on his face. You can say you can blame all the injuries you want, but when he was playing, he was, wasn't playing that well either. So that's why I didn't have Drake May. Like when I heard a lot from Drake May haters. It's one year I need. I can't keep doing this thing where I buy guys after one year. I need, I need to start being more firm on. I need more time with guys. And again, that goes back to my Jalen hurts argument. Five years as a five year starter. He's top three in touchdowns, wins and rushing yards. That stuff matters. It's like being healthy on the field, being available, it matters. So Jaden Daniels, Me and Chad are. No one's down the talent level, but that's a great point. Chad. It's like I, I just, I can't even put him over a guy like Sam Darnold right now. Like, it's just Sam Darnold is consistently available for his teams. He's played now multiple seasons for multiple different teams, doesn't miss games. That's, that's important. You see why that's important. He led his team to a Super bowl. So Jayden Daniels. Yeah, that's, that's what I didn't hear too many people complaining about. That's definitely one in the back of my mind now next year where it's like, is that another guy that we could see bounce back or was that just a one, one hit wonder?
- [10:14]
Chad Millman
Yep. I also liked in the comments, Dak was getting some love also. And again, I read all the comments. I try to respond as many as possible. A lot of comments about our conversation on the Odyssey and whether or not we loved it too much. For the record, I tried to be clear. I thought the filmmaking was incredibly ambitious. I'm not sold on the story. And for the record, also, the person who wrote the translation of the Odyssey that Christopher Nolan based the movie on thinks the movie is terrible. So it's starting to generate after sort of all the glory and love and you know, deification of Nolan and Matt Damon starting to get a little bit of blowback on the Odyssey. So I'm excited.
- [11:04]
Simon Hunter
You need haters in the life, dad. You know the deal. We need doubters, we need haters. That's just part of the course.
- [11:09]
Chad Millman
Also, one more comment which I love. The first comment was someone saying, amidst all the media chaos in the world, I like that Chad and Simon will still be doing the same show for however long they can do it. And I said in the comments, oh my God. Simon and I just talked about this on the phone yesterday. Anyways, keep the comments coming. I'll be in there. I will be in there. Listen, we're doing part two of our, you know, annual eight part division by division NFL betting preview moving into the AFC south today. Big, big topic, Simon. Obviously Trevor Lawrence wasn't on our list and people asking about that. Can we see Liam Cohen take Trevor Lawrence to the next level? What the hell is going on with CJ Stroud? Is he going to take a next step? Is he going to further regress? Is Robert Salah going to save the Titans? Is the window closed for the Colts setting the table? Betting markets show a very even division. Top to bottom. Houston win totals nine and a half, minus 120 to the over. Jacksonville eight and a half, minus 140 to the over. Again from Hard Rock bet. Indianapolis Colts 7 1/2, minus 135 to the over. Tennessee -6 and a half, minus 110 on both sides. All right, Simon Hunter, Houston Texans. This team did not start strong and then they had a defense that did not quit and a coach in d' Amico Ryan's who keeps them playing at a very high level and is really a guy that a lot of people would want to play for. So they finish 12 and 5. They crush Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in the wild card before losing New England in the divisional round. Tough, tough game for them in the divisional round. Plus 120 to win the division. They are the favorites 9 to 1 to win the conference, 20 to 1 to win the Super Bowl. Look, I think we need to have a conversation about the Jaguars on the upswing and the Texans plateauing. Where is your head right now?
- [13:27]
Simon Hunter
It's Texans division, easily to win. And that's if I, if I'm putting my money heavily invested into a team in this division, it's got to be Houston. It's a team that's returned all 11 of their defensive starters. And I mean, we, we can talk announcement about it. Dimiko, Ryan's how smart he is. Defensive mind, the talent they have defensively, so good. Oh my God. They might have two top five, top seven, depending your grades. DNS for this team, right? And you know, it's when they got Hunter, I was like, okay, that's, that's a big deal, right? Because now they're gonna have one, one of them's gonna one on one matchups on the edges you saw last year, I think they both had double digit sacks. Like they were just so dominant. And you know, I don't want to say he's lost all his aura, but CJ Strout, I don't know if you saw that video of him walking into camp the other day, Chad. And if you have anyone out there, you need to go look it up. He looks like a seventh grader getting dropped off at school. The way he walks style, the way yeah, the mannerisms. It's so bizarre where it's like what has happened to cj he does not have the swag or the confidence or whatever it was that he had after that first year. My God, I hope he can find it because this is such a talented team. And our questions are the offensive line. And this has been what Chad, you're now, this is year four of us being like we think they have the talent, do they have the offensive line? And we've seen every year CJ has gotten worse since that rookie year. And that's just the accumulation of hits and bad coaching in my opinion offensively. And you know, is David Montgomery the answer for them? I think he's going to help. I do think he's going to help though. I know he's not the exact answer looking for but this is a veteran that's consistent and that's something they're going to need. Where their defense gives them short fields. That's what was so impressive last year was just felt like every time they needed to they had the ball in their opponent's 30 or 40. But CJ just settling for field goals, he could not move or advance the ball and it was just, I mean I don't know if people remember their kicker felt like every game it was getting like five field goals. It was just bizarre award where they just could not score offensively and that cost them early in the year. Would they start oh and 3. Chad was 0 and 4. It was something crazy like that and they obviously turned it around and still made the playoffs. But they didn't win their division because of it. Right. That's why Jacksonville did so just projecting out. We expect them to have a better season. They did last year, right. Not to start as poor. The, the bringing back the 11 starters. I can't bang people over the head enough about how crazy that is. Like this is already a top three defense. The continuity now of having those guys back with d' Ameco again, it's just, it's all on CJ So just value wise I Like it. I have them at 11 wins, so nine and a half. No problem betting that over if you want to. Divisionally, they're plus 120. No issue betting that either. And we'll obviously get these other teams, but it's just, it's all lined up for Houston. They're, they're far and above, to me, the best team in this division. The question will be their offensive line, obviously in cj, but when I look at both those obstacles right now, I do think their offensive line is going to be better than what has been years previously, which isn't saying much.
- [16:27]
Chad Millman
Well, look, that's where they put their, that's where they put their money. And there's a lot of questions right now and there's been a lot of speculation during the off season, did they do enough? Did they pay attention to it? It's not where, it's just, it's not where anyone feels like it should be yet. But they did spend a first round pick on it. Keelan Rutledge from the Guard from Georgia Tech. They added Braden Smith from the Colts. They added Wyatt Teller from the Browns, they added Evan Brown from the Cards. Like, they're basically giving CJ a brand new offensive line. So part of that, okay, they're recognizing part of that is everyone knows how important it is for an offensive line to be coordinated and play well together. So is that going to be a hindrance early in the year? And again, it's also about the offense. Like he, they continue to change offensive coordinators on this team and how are they going to find an offense that plays to CJ's strengths? His ability to throw the ball downfield was always something that separated him and be accurate with those. And that's been getting increasingly worse. Like, it's weird to be thinking that we're talking about CJ Stroud as the reason why this team might not win the division, but it kind of is all on him at this point. He is the difference between this team being a Super bowl contender in an incredibly competitive conference and this team, again, needing to rely on, you know, their field goal kicker and their defense. That's what it is. That's it.
- [18:09]
Simon Hunter
Yeah. And it's, and like you said, it's cj as they've gotten tape on him, we said he's regressed in many ways, but that's, that's the way the league is. Right. They're going to keep attacking your strengths and try to expose your weaknesses. And we've seen that over the years. I mean, that those playoff games against Pittsburgh and New England. I can't get that out of my mind. That's why me and you don't even bat an eye thinking about him as a top 10 guy. He's not even a top 15, maybe potentially top 20. Yeah, he's played that poor in such important games. So huge year for CJ and obviously contract wise, they he, if he had done what he needed to do, he had been paid right now, oh yeah, he knows obviously what, what's going on as well. So yeah, it's, it's all there for Houston. It's all line up for them. And I, I obviously love the fact they didn't win the division last year because it helps them with an easier schedule. But we'll see. It's the way the league is, the new year. It's, there's not that big of a difference between the two or the one in your division. Right. Instead of playing the Patriots, they play Josh Allen now. Like that's, that actually does kind of matter. So yeah, it's, it's all there for Houston.
- [19:10]
Chad Millman
Quick word from our friends at Hard Rock bet. Today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Hard Rock BET Sportsbook. Some folks call this the slow period until football season, but on Hard Rock Bet, we call it baseball season. There's a full slate almost every day to bet on building epic same game parlays and even live betting every inning. However you like to play ball, Hard Rock Bet has you covered. So if you're ready to step into the batter's box, sign up with Hard Rock BET today and place a $5 bet. If it wins, you bet $150 in bonus bets on top of your winnings. That's right, an extra $150 in your account. Plus Hard Rock Bet gives you new promos every single day. We're talking no sweat bets, profit boost, bonus bets and more. Open Hard Rock BET now and see what you've got got today. And sure, Hard Rock Bet is Florida's only legal sports book, but you don't have to be in Florida to join the party. Hard Rock BET is also live in Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Colorado and Michigan, with more states on the way. So download Hard Rock BET and swing for the fences today. Payable and bonus bets. Not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC and all other states must be 21 or over and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia to play, terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1-833-Playwise in Indiana, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-809 with it in Arizona, Ohio and Virginia. Virginia call 1800 my reset gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Tennessee. Speaking of Florida sun, Jacksonville Jaguars Liam Con, I think we both, we both agree we love this guy. Huge, huge Liam cone fans. And one of our favorite conversation points last year was Liam Con's facial expressions when Trevor Lawrence made an idiotic boneheaded mistake. Or the way he would not even bail Trevor Lawrence out when it was getting so late in the play clock and he was clearly in the wrong play and was trying to get out of it. Meeting Trevor Lawrence and Liam Kong would not call a timeout. He would just be like, screw you, we're taking the five yard penalty. You're going to come over here, I'm going to yell at you, I'm going to explain to you what you're supposed to do and hopefully at some point it gets into your pretty little head. So what happens this year? They go 13 and 4 last year they win the division, can they run it back? Is Trevor Lawrence smarter? Is this a team that has the talent? Because like I think their defense is pretty good and I do think that like offensively there are moments where Trevor Lawrence is clearly the best quarterback in the division. So why don't I want to bet on this team?
- [22:29]
Simon Hunter
Yeah, right. And it's a team that coming to this year I was shocked to see that they weren't the favorite over Houston. And maybe you could say, well that is because the first best schedule and all that but yeah, that it's a team in the second half of the season you could say they were probably the best team in football. I mean that's hard argument Liam Cohen
- [22:47]
Chad Millman
did last year to get this team turned around was, was amazing and they
- [22:52]
Simon Hunter
just were so well coached offensively. Like you know, me and Chad were giving Trevor Lawrence hard time because he looked like an idiot. He looked totally lost for the first six, seven weeks, which it makes sense in a new offense. But we were really based our opinion of how Liam was treating him like how we both envisioned that. And obviously the second half Trevor was what we've all expected to be, right? This number one pick, this guy who's, you know, one of the top rated players ever come out of high school, dominated college and then came the league and in that draft class he's only Honestly, the only one left standing. He really was a tier above everyone else in many ways. And just watching him play, we see the talent. It's just so inconsistent and I mean, Chad said their defense was improved last year. Now to me, interesting thing I, they didn't improve the offensive line, which I thought was really interesting. You know, they have a ton of talent receiving wise. Right. We already know. You know, Hunter, I believe now they've seen he's going to be a cornerback, which I agree with. I don't think they need another receiver. They're. They're good in that position, but the fact that they're going to just what we said from the get go, there's a reason there aren't two way players in this league. The body can't hold up. His first season, he didn't even last. Now you can say that was a fluke injury, but it's what we've been preaching. It's just, it's different than college football. This is grown men hitting you consistently in this league. It's really hard to have your body hold up, let alone taking hits and delivering hits. Thank God Hunter is now going to play one position which I think is going to be better for this Jaguars team. I think as a corner, I much prefer him than I do as wide receiver, especially footwork wise. So, you know, the, the reason I'm not crazy about betting this team is just because I do think they're gonna have regression. I do think as much I love Liam Cohen's offense, I think giving these other teams an offseason to look at what they did with Trevor Lawrence, they're going to attack that and can he adjust that? You know, to be seen. But it's just when I look at in this whole division who has the most dominant group, I do put Houston way above everyone else with that defense. I just think that is such a dominant group. I know exactly what I'm getting. I have too many questions still about this Jaguars team. Not just defensively, you know, not that they weren't lucky last year, but they had a lot of Bears to them, a lot of turnover luck where the Bears, as bad as their defense might have been, what was it a 33, 35 year old safety of yours, Chad, Was it? I forget who it was, but he had like five picks, I feel like. And it was like four games in a row and a lot of things bounced their way. Bears wise defensively, feels the same way with the Jaguars. Now it's, it's good coaching, right? Putting your guys in the right position, but we talk all the time. When you look at those charts, you have to bet regression on certain sides of the ball. And I think there'll be aggression defensively on the turnover look. And offensively, I know they're trying to say it's not a big deal losing ETN and having Toon step in there, but that's gotta be somewhat of a downgrade. I mean, ETN was a different player. The tune. I know tunes run through your type, run through your face type of running back, but he doesn't have the finesse that ETN had. So that's gonna be another adjustment that seems we have to make. So they're right there with Houston. Obviously. I know professional betters have take a position on Jaguars just because you're getting plus 210 plus two 20 books right now divisionally. But I think the books are telling themselves a little bit. Right. That's such a huge delta between these two. Even though I think public perception is these teams are pretty close to each other where they're really not. Like my model has, obviously Houston way above this Jaguars team. So I'm not going to fall for the trap. I might look a little towards the over on their win totals as we get closer to the season. Just because this division, I mean, we're not. We're about to get into Colts into a minute. It's just. It feels like there's wins to be having this division this upcoming year. So I don't hate that. But divisionally, something's off. I just don't. I don't trust those odds at plus 210. I think they're trying to suck me in here on this, on this Jaguars team to bet their divisional odds.
- [26:36]
Chad Millman
It is a very juicy number when I look at it, getting over plus 200 on the Jags in a division they won last year with a coach that we really believe in. I agree with you about etn. They also lost Devin Lloyd, who sort of had that career year at the exact moment he needed to have it. He's gone. We talked about that on the NFC south episode. What they really did was they just invested in resigning some of their best players. At the. At the top of that is Trayvon, Trayvon Walker. And they gave him $110 million. You know, former number one overall pick, the guy famously taken right before Aiden Hutchinson. And he's been good, but not dominant. I think what he's really been is sort of a really good balance for the other side of that defensive line. So you really Got to believe in Trevor Lawrence if you're going to take a shot at the +210 here. That. That's what really gives me the biggest pause because I want to take it. I want to take it so badly. It just feels like too much of a difference, like you said, between plus 120 for the Texans and plus 210 for the Jaguars. Too much? Too much. They're begging me. They're kind of begging me to do it.
- [28:06]
Simon Hunter
It's a trap.
- [28:07]
Chad Millman
That's why I'm not going to do it. I didn't even make a note on it. I'm not going to do it. You mentioned the Colts. What a bummer, right? Like they were crushing it. Daniel Jones was on fire. You know, I mentioned in the QB episode quarterbacks who were in top 10 in both EPA per drop back and success rate. And the list included the luminaries, you know, like Matthew Stafford. Hold on, I want to look at the exact list here for a second because it was Stafford, Drake, May, Jordan, Love, Brock Purdy, but also on that list, Mac Jones. Daniel Jones. Daniel Jones didn't get a sniff for top 10 quarterback. Even though if you had asked anybody before he was injured last year, would he have qualified as a top 10 quarterback? Of course, because he was playing at an MVP level. So they start off 8 and 2 finish, you know, what do they finish? 8, 9 and. I'm sorry, they start off 6 and 2. What was it, 8 and 2 or 6 and 2? Let me look at my notes here. Yeah, started 8 and 2 and then they missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Dallas Gardner, they give up their first round picks for him. He was not great. Daniel Jones is now recovering from a torn Achilles plus 375 to win the division. I don't think this team got better. Simon. Like they added their biggest additions were Arden Key, a defensive end from the Titan, from the Titans and they got rid of Michael Pittman in favor of Alec Pierce who's now injured. This team did not get better. I feel, I feel badly for them because I felt like they had a shot last year.
- [29:56]
Simon Hunter
Yeah. And this feels like it's the year before the year in my opinion. You have Daniel Jones coming off a major injury and this isn't Mahomes type. This is Daniel Jones coming off a major injury. We don't expect him to step right in and be an elite level quarterback. Last year he was building to be an elite level quarterback. Right. And I mean we made the running joke. I've never in My life. Ever had a team hit my win total, which their win total was seven and a half last year. Like Chad said, they were eight and two. It hit their win total what was the end of October or early November. They didn't win another game the rest of the year. Like you just. That just doesn't happen. Right. And the. The thing. Yeah. The mentality of this team. I just. I have major questions heading this season. I mean, I know Matt Mitchell's in our chat somewhat. Chris Ballard, who he apparently said he turned down. He turned down a contract to start the year because he wants to win before signing a new deal. I feel like the fans are in the same boat as me. They just. They need something different in there. I hope the owners listen to their fans. And just as much as he's tried, I do not fault Chris. He's every. He's trying to get a different quarterback. Remember that whole run we had the Matt Ryan, the Philip Rivers every year trying to find a guy. Carson Wentz, no one faults him. Right. It was just a lot to put on a guy's plate after Andrew Luck retired on him. And they just never found their way. And last year was the way they had the team. It felt like. Right. They had the offense, you know, that we. We're not even talking about Alec Pierce. How big of a deal that is. This kid might start on the pup like that's their by far number one receiver. Especially now they got rid of Pittman. You know, it's just. It feels like next year we'll be all in on the Colts. That's honestly how I feel like get. Get Daniel Jones back. I know he's trying to rush back right now. I hate it. It's like, dude, you had an Achilles tear. You're a mobile quarterback. Please take your time. I mean, which is you don't want to see Anthony Richardson going there and potentially steal your job. I think we think most of us agree you're safe. Like that kid. He's just not going to figure out like that. What he needs to figure out is going to take years to figure out. So I just. From my standpoint, how do you bet anything into the over? Everything. Everything on this team screams under it. Just not from a season from hell. Because they still have talent. Right? They still have Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Warren on offense. And if it is Anthony Richard, I think Shane's thinking about scheming up. This is one of the great best schemers ever. I mean, we've seen what he's done since he's been in the Colts. He always finds a way to make get the most out of town he has on offense. But Chad said it like they didn't really add much. Right. Because they're kind of handcuffed because they just tried to go so big. The Sauce Gardner trade might be one of the worst trades ever. Like giving up multiple first round picks for that guy. And we've seen the trademark in other players. You know, would you rather have him or Miles Garrett? It's not even a contest. So. It is, it's tough with this cold team. I want to be positive, I want to like them, but I could easily see them being fourth place in this division this year. It's, it's going to be really close to the Tennessee. I know it doesn't feel like it's them, but this feels like a five win team. If you have a quarterback coming back too early off injury, I think it's going to lack a lot of confidence in locker room and that's just going to create turmoil where as much as I respect Shane Steichen, I don't know if he can overcome all that drama and you know this is going to be a tougher division. It's been a few years like that Jaguars, Houston team. You know, as much as we like to think Colts can split it with them, I, I could easily see both those teams sweeping this cold team. So it's, it's dark right now. For my view on this cold steam this upcoming season.
- [33:17]
Chad Millman
What a bad run for Indianapolis Sports since June of what year was it? 2025. Tyrese Halliburton has an epic run taking the Pacers to the finals. Teresa Achilles. The Colts come out looking like world beaters 8 and 2. Shane Steichen finally gets to be in his bag. We both love Shane Steichen. I think he's amazing. I think what he's done with that team. Various quarterbacks, you know, transitioning non stop from Anthony Richardson to Gardner Minshew to Daniel Jones, like he has found ways to make that team competitive. Really impressive. Stoic. Really stoic. Daniel Jones tears his Achilles, they go all in for Sauce Gardner and it all falls apart. Now they don't have draft picks. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers, they go in for the center from the Clippers whose name I can't remember or pronounce appropriate properly right now. And they give up the chance to get one of the four players coming out of college basketball this year in the draft because they lose their lottery position with the trade they made with the Clippers. That is just an epically bad run in. Lacking new talent and your best player is turning Achilles, you get no issues.
- [34:45]
Simon Hunter
For me, you got Signetti and the Hoosers going to be fine. Indiana.
- [34:49]
Chad Millman
Well, you know, it's. It's funny. I was in Indie last week and my Uber driver, we were talking and all we did was talk about the IU football team. He was in the playoffs last year. I went to the playoffs last year. It was so freaking glorious, most people could probably see the IU wins poster over my shoulder. But that's true. We did get Indiana football. It's too bad for the Colts and the Pacers, though. I think I might be the only one who cares about indie sports outside of Indianapolis. Okay, I guess that's all I got to say about that. Let's do a quick word from ZBiotics. Matt. Summer's almost here. You know what that means. Beautiful weather, long days, cocktails on the patio. Also, we both know that after a few stiff drinks, we don't bounce back like we used to. Sometimes we've had to choose between a great night or a great next day. But that was before Matt. We tried Pre Alcohol zbiotics. Pre Alcohol probiotic drink is the world's first. First genetically engineered Probiotic, invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Here's how it works. When you drink, alcohol gets converted into a toxic byproduct in the gut. It's a buildup of this byproduct, not dehydration, that's to blame for rough days after drinking. Pre alcohol produces an enzyme to break down this byproduct. Just remember to make pre alcohol your first drink of the night. Drink responsibly and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Matt, as long as we've been talking about Zbiotics and Pre Alcohol, you've been a big fan, isn't that right? That's right. I'm spending my own money on this product. It is lovely. Highly recommend it. Whether you live in the drink, in the state, in the Union, like Wisconsin, or anywhere else, Highly recommend it.
- [36:57]
Simon Hunter
It's these little bottles. You knock them back, you feel your
- [37:00]
Chad Millman
best the next day. Couldn't recommend it more. All right, well, listen, go to zebiotics.com sharpersquare to learn more and get 15 off your first order. When you see when you use Sharper Square at checkout, ZBiotics is backed with 100 money back guarantee. So if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money. No questions. Asked. Remember to head to zebiotics.com/sharp or square and use the code sharp or square at checkout for 15 off Simon. The team that we have been completely misaligned with for the past two seasons, the Tennessee Titans. When it was time to bet against them, we couldn't do it. We wouldn't do it. When it was time to bet on them, we couldn't do it, we wouldn't do it. This year it's a brand new ballgame. Robert Sala is the new coach. Brian Daboll is the new offensive coordinator after his stint with the Giants. Gus Bradley, longtime defensive coordinator, former head coach, is now the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. Cam Ward. We saw a lot of potential with Cam ward. They finished 3 and 14 plus 800 to win the division, 60 to 1 to win the conference, 150 to 1 to win the Super Bowl. Here's what I thought was interesting. So they got Carnell Tate from Ohio State in the first round. They also drafted Keldrick Falk from Auburn and the edge they gave Jeffrey Simmons a massive new deal. Their biggest wide receiver, free agent signing Wondale Robinson. Brian Dabel favorite with the Giants. They signed former Jet John Franklin Myers to a big deal and they traded for former Jet Jermaine Johnson. Is Robert Sala just trying to reconstitute the New York jets in the middle of Nashville? What is happening here?
- [39:07]
Simon Hunter
I love our fans. We talked way too much about the Odyssey. I had someone DM me a meme of when we mean you were going to talk about Tennessee and it's of Matt Damon tied to the bow of the ship screaming when the sirens that it should honestly mean Chad. We should be just screaming the top of our lungs, tied to the bows, not able to swim away to our Tennessee Titans who we love.
- [39:27]
Chad Millman
That's so true.
- [39:29]
Simon Hunter
I am tempted here plus 800 to win the division. I'm not gonna lie. I. I did. Why place a little bet? Because we talk all the time about the new coach bump and the year two bump. Right. Do I really believe Ken Ward's gonna take this giant step? No, because he just had a lost season. But the potential is there. We see it time and time again. NFL like the talent level of these quarterbacks is so high. If you can just get it in between before these defenses can figure you out, you can steal a season. That's just how it is in this league where it's like, well, look at
- [39:57]
Chad Millman
Drake May and look at Caleb Williams.
- [39:59]
Simon Hunter
Yeah, exactly. It's like, would any of us had seen them becoming the 1 and 2 seeds last year. No. Or 2 seeds for both divisions? No. It's, you know, the conferences, you just don't see these things coming. So why I look at this team, it's like I still see major holes, major weaknesses. Can solid correct that stuff on defense? Sure. Offensively, is. Is Tate really gonna be that guy? You know, is Pollard gonna be the number one back? Do they need to step up and be a workhorse for them? Because you can't put it all on Cam. We saw last year right when. Cam. How many bets did we lose Chad in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter because Cam Ward tried to do too much. And we don't fault him for that. He's a rookie making rookie mistakes. But Salah, I don't know if you watch a TV show, it felt like they were very gentle to him last year. Cam Ward, Salah is not that guy. Salas, I think is going to be in his face being like, you're losing me games, you're costing me games. I'm not going to waste my time in another quarterback like this. Like this really would be a true test year to me for Cam Ward. Maybe they give him another year after this. But the draft class is so good upcoming. If they're number two, number three pick in this upcoming draft, it would be really hard as a GM to pass on this draft class. As much as I love Cam Ward and I think he has a ton of talent, you just have to do what's best for organization. That's restart over. And I, I really do think Cam, they've supported him, they've put pieces around him with the offensive line be better than it was last year. They need to be because he was too much pressure in his face consistently. And you know, I, I look at this team where I can see, I can see the talent there. And if solid does come in and changes this whole mentality of this team, there is something to build off of it. Am I going to tell people on our. That listen, this, that bet this team over Houston? No, I have much more faith in Houston. Better value in my opinion. Houston, a lot of that stuff. So I just, I, I think the number's too big. A plus 800 is too big. I have said plus 600. The, the numbers thrown off too much. I think the Colts is getting too much love from the sports book. And I think that's why, in my opinion, you're getting free value here on this, on this Tennessee team. They're not gonna be as Bad as they were last year. I'm telling you guys, it's just as much as we think, well, okay, maybe they'll steal one or two games that they didn't steal last year. I agree with that sentiment, but I think, you know, what are they at? Six wins. That's what their win total is this year. Six and a half?
- [42:13]
Chad Millman
Yeah, six and a half.
- [42:14]
Simon Hunter
I could see him getting the seven or eight wins, Chad. It's just that big of a bump, I think from Salah and Cam Ward. So I am higher in this team, winning this division though. It's just you would need so many things to break her away. You need. A lot of things go wrong in Houston. Not only injury luck, but you need their defense to fall apart. And then we've already talked in nauseam about the Jaguars and you know, even if they regress a little bit, I still think Liam could get that team to 10 wins. Like that's how good of a coach I think Liam Cohen is. So it's just, it's hard for me to see this team be a playoff team to win this division. But if you want to take their win total, I don't hate that I think I can see them getting seven or eight wins. It's just, you know, for me to be all on the Titans team, I'm going to wait another year. I'm going to be patient here. But I'm excited. The fact that they did go get a new coach, they are trying to support Cam Warden. It's, it's, it's what you want to see organizationally. If you're a fan of the Tennessee Titans, it's, it feels like it's the year before the year.
- [43:08]
Chad Millman
The parallels, now that I think about it, between the Bears, Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams and the Patriots, Mike Rabel, Drake May and the Titans, Robert Sala, Cam Ward are interesting, right? New coach, new energy, second year quarterback who showed flashes, opportunity to improve. Now if you. And you know, the Bears got lucky, right? They, they had great sort of fortuitous opportunities between Micah Parsons getting injured and the Lions offensive line being in shambles and JJ McCarthy not being the answer. And the Patriots had a really great run with their schedule and some tough losses by the, by the Bills. So, you know, if you both played
- [44:05]
Simon Hunter
the fourth place schedule, right, Chad, something about it does matter.
- [44:08]
Chad Millman
It does matter. Like if you squint, you can see it now. The difference is, is Robert Salah, Ben Johnson, like, is that a match? No. Is Robert Salah, did he have the same kind of success and aura that Mike Vrabel had before he went to New England. No. So it's not a perfect comparison, but superficially it's there. And then it's like, you got to believe that Brian Daboll can do for Cam Ward what a lot of people allege he did for Josh Allen, and that's how he ended up getting the Giants job. Now, you could also say, did he really do that much in the end? Was he that great of a coach? We don't know. So there's also ways in which the comparison completely falls apart. But if I were doing this, I would take the flyer on the Plus 800. I would not take the flyer on over their season one total. Just better value. Like take a little bit smaller taste and have a little more upside.
- [45:00]
Simon Hunter
Yeah. And our dream scenario would be it's week 1617 and Tennessee's a game behind Houston and we can find a position to hedge. So I, I totally agree with. That's why I threw a little on the Plus 800. I just, I bet Houston at Plus 120 didn't touch the Jaguars, didn't touch the Colts. I put a little bet on this Tennessee team. I just, I think we should have the same mentality that that new coach year two quarterback bump. It sounds crazy here in August, but, you know, it just happens time and time again in the NFL.
- [45:29]
Chad Millman
Little, little tiny taste. All right, listen. That's the AFC south preview. We're going to continue with our next episode. We're doing the NFC west coming out on Thursday. This has been Sharper Square, part of the Volume Podcast network. Watch or listen on YouTube at Sharper Square. Like the video. Subscribe to the channel. Download us from Spotify, Apple Pods, wherever you get your pods. Rate, Review. Subscribe. Leave us 5 stars. Say whatever you want. Feedback is a gift. Until next time. Love you.
- [46:04]
Simon Hunter
Duvall. Duvall. Duvall. This is an iHeart podcast.
- [46:17]
Chad Millman
Guaranteed Human.