Local Hour: Left to Right on Your Radio Dial

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Local Hour: Left to Right on Your Radio Dial
Release Date: June 6, 2025

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1. Introduction to the NBA Finals

The episode kicks off with Dan Le Batard and his co-hosts diving straight into the excitement of the NBA Finals without any delay. They focus on the highly unexpected and impressive performance by the Indiana Pacers in their recent game against Oklahoma City (OKC).

Dan Le Batard [01:13]:
"Happy Friday. NBA Finals wasted no time getting going. Road team won immediately, so let's not waste time."

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2. Breakdown of NBA Finals Game 1: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of Game 1, highlighting the remarkable comeback by the Indiana Pacers despite statistical disadvantages.

Jonathan Zaslow [02:19]:
"In the first half, you're watching that game and saying like, yeah, OKC does Play good defense, but it was just terrible offense... Indiana had such an easy time."

Dan Le Batard [02:26]:
"Tyrese Halliburton is now 13 of 15 in shots in the final two minutes to either tie or go ahead. That is insane."

They discuss Tyrese Halliburton’s outstanding performance and the Pacers' ability to maintain composure under pressure. Despite committing 17 more turnovers and having 16 fewer shots, the Pacers managed to secure the win by capitalizing on their three-point shooting, hitting 46% from beyond the arc.

Tony Harris [09:30]:
"Indiana had 17 more turnovers in this game, 16 fewer field goal attempts... They out-rebounded Oklahoma City by 17."

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3. Sustainability of the Pacers' Performance

The conversation shifts to whether the Pacers can maintain such high performance throughout the series or if Game 1 was merely a fluke.

Jonathan Zaslow [06:37]:
"If they can keep doing this, why not? As the game went along, you would imagine the defense would maybe get better... Indiana had such an easy time."

Dan Le Batard [08:52]:
"Can the win probability be 1%? If I've seen it happen five times."

The hosts express skepticism about the win probability statistics, noting the Pacers' trend of pulling off improbable victories, reflecting on Rick Carlisle's coaching prowess.

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4. Transition to the Stanley Cup Finals: Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers

Shifting gears, the hosts discuss the ongoing Stanley Cup Finals, particularly focusing on Game 2 between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. They explore the nerves surrounding the Panthers’ fan base and the team's performance under pressure.

Gabe Van Horn [21:25]:
"I feel like the Panthers have been here. The fan base is way more nervous about this than the players are."

Jonathan Zaslow [22:02]:
"Your kids have to hate the Panthers, right? They're costing them vacation days because you want to sit there."

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5. Analysis of Game 2 Performance and Coaching Decisions

The discussion delves into the Panthers' tactical decisions and player performances, questioning the coaching strategies and their impact on the game's outcome.

Dan Le Batard [27:25]:
"Jonathan Zaslow: Those three, they could have won it. Chris Cody: Skinner was unbelievable."

Chris Cody [29:03]:
"They ended up being totally okay with it. So like once we're... yeah, we'll keep going."

The team critiques the Panthers' defensive lapses and evaluates key players like Gustav Forsling, debating whether his underperformance is a temporary setback or indicative of deeper issues within the team dynamics.

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6. Aaron Rodgers Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the surprising announcement of Aaron Rodgers signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hosts debate the potential impact of this move on both Rodgers’ career and the Steelers’ performance in the upcoming season.

Dan Le Batard [35:50]:
"I think this is a good move for them. And he is very quietly uber conservative, not politically speaking in how he approaches the game."

Jonathan Zaslow [38:27]:
"I think it's more of a statement on the organization than him."

Chris Cody [37:03]:
"The seventh starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's just hugely uncommon."

They discuss Rodgers' compatibility with the Steelers’ existing roster, his ability to adapt to Coach Mike Tomlin’s system, and the broader implications for the team’s future prospects.

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7. Concluding Thoughts on Current Sports Events

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on the unpredictability of sports, emphasizing the excitement and uncertainty that keeps fans engaged throughout the season.

Dan Le Batard [41:38]:
"Football is not a solo thing. It's a... we thing. There is no I thing in fandom, baby."

Gabe Van Horn [42:27]:
"Smirnoff is the perfect vodka for crafting cocktails that are easy and tasty for anyone 21 and up."

They encourage listeners to stay connected with their favorite teams, enjoy the off-season activities, and maintain the camaraderie that sports foster among fans.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Le Batard [02:26]:
  "Tyrese Halliburton is now 13 of 15 in shots in the final two minutes to either tie or go ahead. That is insane."

• Jonathan Zaslow [06:37]:
  "If they can keep doing this, why not? As the game went along, you would imagine the defense would maybe get better... Indiana had such an easy time."

• Tony Harris [09:30]:
  "Indiana had 17 more turnovers in this game, 16 fewer field goal attempts... They out-rebounded Oklahoma City by 17."

• Gabe Van Horn [21:25]:
  "I feel like the Panthers have been here. The fan base is way more nervous about this than the players are."

• Dan Le Batard [35:50]:
  "I think this is a good move for them. And he is very quietly uber conservative, not politically speaking in how he approaches the game."

• Jonathan Zaslow [38:27]:
  "I think it's more of a statement on the organization than him."

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the current NBA and NHL Finals, delving into detailed game breakdowns, player performances, and strategic decisions. They also tackle the surprising move of Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, offering diverse perspectives on its potential impact. The conversation is enriched with insightful commentary, humor, and notable quotes, making it a valuable listen for fans seeking in-depth sports discussions.

Transcript

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Chris Cody]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Gabe Van Horn]

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[Dan Le Batard]

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[Chris Cody]

Cuervo.

[Dan Le Batard]

This is the Dan Levatar show with.

[Chris Cody]

The Stu Guts podcast.

[Dan Le Batard]

Happy Friday. NBA Finals wasted no time getting going. Road team won immediately, so let's not waste time. Jonathan Zaslow. Yo.

[Chris Cody]

Tony Harris. Hello.

[Dan Le Batard]

Tony in the shipping container. Roy in the shipping container. Chris Cody.

[Chris Cody]

Roll call.

[Dan Le Batard]

In the shipping container. An unbelievable start to the NBA Finals. Unbelievable start to the NBA Finals. Tyrese Halliburton is now 13 of 15 in shots in the final two minutes to either tie or go ahead. That is insane. There is a million insane stats. Another improbable victory by the Indiana Pacers. I am falling in love with this team. I think okc. I know a lot of people are going to be like, don't be hyperbolic. It's the NBA Finals. These things happen. But if you want to pick any stat that might be damning, it would be that Indiana had 17 more turnovers in this game, 16 fewer shots in this game, and they won it at okc. Izzy, I know you were listening. Zaz, I know you were driving down and you were listening to the game in the radio. I'm curious your perspective there, but is this sustainable for the Indiana Pacers? Do we legitimately have a series or was that a fluke?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Well, game one's always the tough one. You don't really know what it was, especially after some of that off time for okc. But I will say in the first half, you're watching that game and saying like, yeah, OKC does Play good defense, but it was just terrible offense. It was just. And I blame the Knicks for this or credit the Knicks. However you want to say this. Indiana had such an easy time. Tyrese Halliburton could have 15 assists and no turnovers. Just jumping in the air and then deciding where to pass it to. Against this team, every pass is contested and they just seem to not recognize that early on. And, and then you look at the scoreboard, it's like it's a 12 point game. OKC should be up 30. Do not mess with this team. And then by the end, you look at the stats and they shot 46% from three. The Pacers did. And so yeah, you stay in close enough, you get. And this is the other part. When I knew something was up when Nem Hart in one play turned into Allen Iverson and just went whack, whack, whack.

[Tony Harris]

Two, the legs step back.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Three, I was like, they're definitely coming back.

[Dan Le Batard]

How fun is that guy? He's just so aggressive all the time. Becoming a superstar. Zaz Former Gator Halliburton had a really difficult time. This game was played like within a 12 point spread for the entirety. In fact, the Indiana Pacers only led for 3/10 of a second in that game. It's a final 3/10 of a second.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

And the Thunder's biggest lead was in the fourth quarter as well. 15.

[Dan Le Batard]

But Indiana seemed to have an answer and it was, it wasn't choking the game away. We were talking about this before. Indiana just made the shots down the street.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, it felt similar to me like when Indiana did the thing to New York in game one.

[Dan Le Batard]

It.

[Chris Cody]

New York didn't blow that game.

[Dan Le Batard]

Like there was two missed free throws.

[Chris Cody]

But it wasn't like Cleveland in that game too. I think it was where they never crossed half court in the final minute of the game, they're throwing the ball away. No, I mean like the, the Knicks, they missed shots and the pace has made shots. And the same thing last night, the Thunder, they missed some shots and the Pacers, they made all their shots. It was a 32, 16 run after it was 94.79 with like 88 minutes left. It was the biggest lead the game by 15. And yeah, I was listening to the game. I. By the way, when's the last time you listened to an entire game? Basketball, football, baseball, Mike Inglis for the.

[Tony Harris]

Entire game, it was the Miami, no Neil against Georgia Tech. I was listening to Jo Z because I was in the car and I could for whatever Reason the last. The last quarter.

[Chris Cody]

No, no, need it there. I'm talking about the whole. I listened to the whole game last night. When's the last time?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I know exactly 20, 25 hour.

[Chris Cody]

Lord. When is the last time game listened.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

To an entire 1997 World Series.

[Dan Le Batard]

90S.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I was driving back the 19th previous century.

[Chris Cody]

C. Rentoria.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Gabe Van Horn.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I was driving back to college to University of Florida. I think you went there, Zaz.

[Chris Cody]

I did.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, you went to Santa Fe.

[Chris Cody]

Nope, did not do that.

[Tony Harris]

Izzy, did you have to change stations as you got instantly, it was a.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Crackle all the time. And so when we got to the.

[Dan Le Batard]

Bottom on that drive to Gainesville, you get like radio stations from New York and Cleveland.

[Tony Harris]

Yeah, that's 80.9.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

And then you get. I got to a certain point because there was two people in the car with me. They didn't give a shit about baseball. Two people in the car with me and it was starting to get really bad. So I was like, I'm sorry, I'm pulling over here to listen to the bottom of this inning. And it was the Renteria.

[Chris Cody]

That's hardcore. So I listen to the whole game last night. I drove back all day yesterday from North Carolina. We can get to the reason why coming up if you want. But literally every, you know, you look at the screen in your car and it always has the score now the entire game. The Thunder up 11. The entire game?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah. On your radio dial, were they going left to right?

[Tony Harris]

Left to right on your radio dial?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah.

[Chris Cody]

I don't think it's a thing that they say anymore. I was listening ESPN radio.

[Dan Le Batard]

Zagaki always does.

[Tony Harris]

Cassidy didn't say it?

[Chris Cody]

No. Cassie was having me going left. Right.

[Dan Le Batard]

On your radio dialogue.

[Tony Harris]

I need to know where they're going.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I always need to know.

[Dan Le Batard]

You mentioned that they went down 15. The Indiana Pacers are 5 and 3 this postseason. When they go down 15, that's insane. It's the most comebacks of that variety.

[Chris Cody]

It's funny history. It's funny because with like three minutes left, it was a seven point game or as a nine point game. And. And Marquesta. Sure. Voice of the NBA on ESPN Radio is fantastic. He makes the note. This is the time of the game where I have to tell you that the Pacers have come back X amount of times down by seven with under three minutes play. I'm like, all right. It is the Thunder though, you know.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

But to answer your question, Mike, if it's sustainable, if they can keep doing this, I don't really? See, why not? Because as the game went along, you would imagine the defense would maybe get better. The defense would lock in. The Pacers offense got better. The Pacers seemed like the team that early on were a little bit sort of off because of the NBA Finals felt some of the pressure.

[Chris Cody]

You don't want to do that where they're nervous, but it seemed like they were nervous.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, he was also. Halliburton was also in the Deutscher Chamber.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

He was.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, he was clearly affected. But I didn't think that Indiana had the type of supporting cast to help tyrese Halliburton.

[Chris Cody]

When C.J. mcConnell checked in the game, you know.

[Dan Le Batard]

You mentioned you were listening to the radio call. You probably had the wrong language because the Korean radio call of that game winning shot, which might. There's a still OBI toppin, would have really increased the value of my top shot. There were so many wide open Indiana Pacers, but Tyrese Halliburton was not letting anybody else take this shot. And this is what it sounded like in Kore. There's a stat those Koreans know how to call basketball teams trailing by seven, which I don't believe this stat. Teams leading by seven in the final three minutes were 1210 in what finals games in the postseason. I don't believe that just because I feel like I've seen the Indiana Pacers come back from that deficit multiple times. Yeah, well, they're now the one in the one one in 121 stat. Unbelievable team. This team for an underdog team. They play into all those tropes. Never quit, never stop fighting the win probabilities that they've come back from. We're talking not just single digits, we're talking percentage points. It's unbelievable what Indiana has done. Rick Carlisle, if he gets this one done, we're talking one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, I think. And he would be at the helm of two of the largest NBA Finals upsets in NBA history. We got to start looking at him different. If he holds on to this one.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Can the win probability be 1%? If I've seen it happen five times.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

In the last three weeks, probability is the most useful.

[Gabe Van Horn]

It's just like such a made up thing. This is 99.99. It's like. Well, I've seen it happen three times in the last two weeks.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's a dude called Elia. Like, what was the win probability on that? Feels like 98 percenter.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah. It really is just someone in a room and say, what do you think probabilities 98.8.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It's just setting up the possibility that it could be a good finish. That's it. It's just a random number. Oh, wow. 99% of teams have won here. Okay. Something different might happen.

[Tony Harris]

Mike, can you go back to the start of the show? You ratted off a couple of stats. You said 17. What were those stats? Do you have them off the top of your head?

[Dan Le Batard]

Again, not off the top of my head. Okay, so this is courtesy of Ryan Cortez. Indiana had by way of Andrew grief. Is it grief or grief? I think it's grief. Indiana had 17 more turnovers in OKC and 16 fewer field goal attempts. And one. And to me, that is the single biggest stat in. In terms of an indicator in this NBA Finals. Projecting the rest of the way.

[Tony Harris]

One thing you guys haven't said out of that. So 17. 16. The Pacers also out rebounded Oklahoma City by 17. So if you look at that, you look across and say, wait a second, how did they do this? Right? They're turning over the ball 30 times in a game. 19 in first half. They ended up with I think six or seven in the second half. They're not taking as many shots. Where is the offense coming from? Oh, they out rebounded them by 17.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You know what helped in out rebounding?

[Tony Harris]

Chet playing 23 minutes.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Playing 23.

[Tony Harris]

Hartenstein playing 17 minutes.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

And is that. Is that a Rick Carlisle thing?

[Tony Harris]

Is that a diagonal thing?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Diagonal thing where he started off with Case and Wallace. Like that's the first sign where I was just like, wait a second, man.

[Chris Cody]

Why would they adjust?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You are the dominant 60 something win team. You've got the MVP.

[Tony Harris]

80 and 80 something and 18.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

What are you doing changing your starting line?

[Chris Cody]

Change your lineup to us. We're not changing our lineup exactly.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's the first sign where I was like, that's. That is kind of strange. But then look at Chet Holmgren's minutes. Look at his line. Look at Jalen Williams's line. And it's like those two shouldn't be allowed to wear the same clothes in that commercial anymore. Like they need to re edit that commercial because they are not on the same page. That is not a big. That is a big solo artist with a couple of helpers there. And Chet, I. Oh, I owe Cat an apology because I thought that in this series, Chet would be the version of Cat that we all wanted to see in that series. No wasted stuff, just catch and shoot. Maybe be some sort of a deterrent at the rim. And instead he gives you nothing.

[Tony Harris]

Well, the issue is he. Nobody was at the rim for him to guard. Right? Like that's, I think the issue where Dagonal is looking across and saying, okay, Miles Turner doesn't play like a traditional big. He's a post. He's a post guy from like the elbow down.

[Dan Le Batard]

He made some big shots for that.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Up and then he's got that.

[Tony Harris]

He's got the pick and pop game. So you're going to have Chad basically out at the three point line. There's going to be no rim protector. They got Seakum who's kind of floating everywhere else. There's no traditional big or, or a guy like a Jaden McDaniels, like a guy who can. You can leave on an island and be like, all right, shoot threes. I don't care. Indiana has everybody that can shoot from 1 to 5.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Chad had that first drive against Miles and I said out loud in the living room, Miles can't guard him. They should be able to do that all day long.

[Dan Le Batard]

He didn't have to.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

He didn't finish again. I don't think he finished again. Trying to drive past him.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, but he didn't get the opportunities. I'm really fascinated by how Rick Carlisle uses Miles Turner. The rotations are very interesting and it'll be curious to see like the chess match between the coaches and you were talking about Indiana maybe looked a little nervous. NBA Finals. But keep in mind OKC is also trying to get over that hump. This is a first time NBA Finals appearance for Dagenal and Carlisle's been here before. He's. He's a veteran. He's learned from his mistakes. It's curious considering how Indiana choked so many games away against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs and now they're on the opposite side of it, having these improbable victories. Being this team that you just cannot put away. There are zombie teams as.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, and I would, I would also say, you know, the idea that it's the finals and, and you know, these things can happen. I, I don't think so. Like, I think what we saw last night. Just think about how many times in recent memory in, in the Finals does something crazy happen. It's not that common. Like last year, Celtics Mavs, nothing crazy happened. The year before, Heat Nuggets, nothing crazy happened. Like maybe you go back to 20, 22, that game four, right. Steph Curry kind of saved the warriors against the Celtics in the second half. Like I was kind of crazy. Maybe didn't expect that. I mean then before that, Heat Lakers.

[Dan Le Batard]

In 20 final was weird.

[Chris Cody]

Like the final game in game six where Giannis had the 51, you know, the whole season.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's weird. That's like the most bastardized NBA season. People want to make fun of the bubble like right, right.

[Chris Cody]

Started in like December.

[Dan Le Batard]

That was way more affected, way more effective.

[Chris Cody]

But otherwise like what we saw last night, that doesn't happen in the finals. The finals are normally rather predictable games.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, basketball used to be predictable. Just in finals matchups that we never in our lives had to scan our brains. Like what was the NBA Finals matchup there? Because it usually was like a handful of teams.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, that was an all timer last.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Think about game six, Heat Spurs 2013, how over the game felt down five. Like you're down five with 30 seconds left. 28 patients could win by 10 if they're down five with 30 seconds left.

[Chris Cody]

28.2, 28.2.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

My mistake.

[Dan Le Batard]

We're going to have a Min El Hassan join us.

[Chris Cody]

He was there, right?

[Dan Le Batard]

We were going to have him join us and set the table for us at what that looked like and perhaps preview what game two might look like. Because I actually think I am going to knee jerk to this. I am going to be hyperbolic. That turnover stat was wild because that disparity between the teams and turnovers, I don't think that's going to be the case going forward in this series. And they just flat out, I don't want to say they stole the game because they earned this one, but they shocked everybody. And I think we definitely have a series. I mean no question they stole home court advantage and this is going to be a good one started.

[Chris Cody]

So I'll get out of here. Look, worst case scenario, you don't like.

[Dan Le Batard]

That, that cliche, why it's.

[Chris Cody]

It's the second worst cliche that the series hasn't started yet until the road team wins the game. The worst cliche is when a team goes up two zero and the series is over. That, that's the absolute worst and the second worst.

[Dan Le Batard]

Get ready to learn that, pal. And Lord Stanley potentially started.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, look, we obviously have a series because worst case scenario, now we get, you know, the Thunder win game two and game three. Worst case scenario, you're going to game four with the home team a win away from making it 2:2. And then you know, you're locked into a long series, potentially seven, like we are. This is a very, very juicy series.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Can I ask Tony a question?

[Dan Le Batard]

Yes.

[Chris Cody]

No.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

All right. Never mind. Let's move on.

[Dan Le Batard]

Hold the umbrella.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Tony, when did the push off become a move? Like, I was watching this one clip of SGA and he was on the baseline and it was, look how much separation SGA gets with this. Step back.

[Chris Cody]

The answer is Tatum.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Well, no. Is that when it happened? No.

[Dan Le Batard]

Michael Jordan?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

No. Well, see, no.

[Chris Cody]

But it was so odd when Jordan did. Everybody pointed out saying, whoa, look what he did.

[Dan Le Batard]

He cheated.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That one was even more of a push off because it was, you know, here it's like a push by almost right?

[Chris Cody]

But it wasn't a move.

[Dan Le Batard]

He was using the inertia and the momentum.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

What people have done.

[Tony Harris]

It's like judo. Yeah, I'm going to use your.

[Dan Le Batard]

It's like a momentum against Steven Seagal. You've seen that clip of Steven Seagal, like kicking all those people's asses and he's not even really moving. You're like, hey, is this rigged? No. He just knows how to manipulate inertia.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It used to be where the extension gets you the call. Full extension, full extension gets you the call. But now guys have just gotten so good at getting that thrust without the extension and really just pushing off and then creating the space. And to me, that's not a move. That is still an offensive foul. You're just using your own strength to push the guy off. Even if you don't extend all the way. It's the same thing.

[Tony Harris]

The same thing happened to Caruso when he had the AND one. He clearly, I don't know if it was Miles Turner, if it was Siakam or somebody else. He clearly went into with the shoulder, got bumped back and then made the AND one. I'm going to answer that question by this Izzy. The time that the push off became an absolute, you know, amazing move is the same time where you can do a travel with two steps.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

The step through is the other thing that's ruining basketball.

[Tony Harris]

They're all carrying step back turns, three steps. So you pump, go back. One, one.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Where are you?

[Chris Cody]

What?

[Tony Harris]

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Look, as a small business, we don't get to clock out, ever. We're always on nights, weekends, holidays. So when it came time to hire someone, we couldn't waste time. We needed help. Real help. Not Stugatz nose. A guy helped. We use LinkedIn jobs. And we'll be honest, we didn't expect it to be that easy. We posted the job for free. LinkedIn basically held our hand and wrote the description for us. Next thing you know, candidates, qualified ones, not resumes written in crayon. Real people who want to work. Imagine that LinkedIn gives you all the tools, deep insights, easy filtering, one place to manage everything. We even threw the little hashtag hiring frame on our profile picture. Doubled the number of applicants. Now we're part of that 72% of small businesses that say LinkedIn helps them find high quality candidates. Post your job for [e-mail] dls that's LinkedIn.com dls to post your job for free. Terms and conditions apply. Don LeBatard.

[Chris Cody]

I've never stepped foot on that campus. If you told me right now your life depends on it. Go to Santa Fe University and just, just take a picture.

[Dan Le Batard]

Stugats.

[Chris Cody]

I would die. I don't know where it is.

[Tony Harris]

This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.

[Dan Le Batard]

We're going to talk more NBA Finals with Amin in a little bit. We have an abbreviated show here. And Roy, you got a big watch party tonight for game two of the Stanley cup final. Yeah. So I want to talk about this game and how nervous everybody is. But first, get your promo off.

[Roy Bellamy]

All right. The hockey show is hosting a live watch along at the Dead Flamingo. If you are in the area, you, you guys can come by and support us and watch the game with us. If you are not in the area, you can watch online with us live. That's game two, the Stanley cup final between the Panthers and the oilers tonight at 8 o' clock.

[Dan Le Batard]

Chris Cody, hold your hand out. Let me see if it's shaking. You still a little bit.

[Gabe Van Horn]

It is shaking a little bit.

[Dan Le Batard]

It is shaking.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I mean, I don't want it to be shaking. I, I, I feel like the Panthers have been here. Like, I feel like the fan base is way more nervous about this than the players are. So that makes me feel better.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

You see this playoff beard? Yeah. See this thick, luscious playoff beard on my chin? It's not going away. It's not going to go away. If they go down two oh, we've been here before.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Oh, if we go down two oh, I'm going to be soiling myself.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

The only time this thing leaves is if we go down three because then we're pulling the reverse move of what Edmonton failed to do.

[Gabe Van Horn]

At least we'll have that in our back pocket. If we were to go down 30 of. Hey, maybe we'll just do what they did.

[Dan Le Batard]

I like how you're talking.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

One O is nothing.

[Dan Le Batard]

I Don't like how you're talking.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I'm. Look, man, I want to put on a brave face right now, but Edmonton looks good. So do we. We win tonight. I'll be back. But right now, I'm a little scared. I'm going to be honest. Zaz make me feel better if they're.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

If their biggest issue is the Panthers looked kind of tired in the third period in overtime. They'll be fine. They'll get over that. They're not going to be.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I just worry that we wasted of these first two games. In my mind, it was going to be, hopefully we steal one, we probably get blown out one. And I'm fearing that we blew our chance at the close game and that this one. Zaz make me feel better.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, I don't see it that way at all. I. I like when the Panthers start the series on the road, which, by the way, these last three postseasons, almost every series they play, they start on the road.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, not last year.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Last year, two out of three.

[Chris Cody]

Right. But the year before that, all of them. And in this year also.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Chris Cody]

So I love when they start the series on the road, because the way that I look at it is, do I think this Panther team can win one of the first three games? And certainly I think they can win one out of three. And if that's the case, then, okay, then you have a game four at home with a chance.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's right.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I instantly feel a little better.

[Chris Cody]

That's right.

[Dan Le Batard]

I need to win one to three. I mean, thank you for shifting the.

[Chris Cody]

Paradigm, but I'm talking about, you know, a Stanley cup champion that only has to win one out of three for me to go into game four. Obvious pressure cooker, but at least I have confidence in my team in that spot. So I'm not getting crazy after the one loss. I will say that shit was devastating the other night. Like, I was. I was devastated, Adam. I was in North Carolina. I've been North.

[Dan Le Batard]

You guys know God's country.

[Chris Cody]

I've been in North Carolina this past week. All right. I didn't think that my team needed me to start this series. So I'm watching the game on Wednesday nights in the cabin in North Carolina. I felt good. They lose. I wanted to kick a hole in the television. But then I remembered, okay, I don't own this cabin. That's going to be costly. I shouldn't do that. But what happened was I entered the vacation early. I vacation early. That's right. The next day, which was yesterday, we were Supposed to drive to Charleston, South Carolina. We had activities, we had excursions.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Cancel them.

[Chris Cody]

We were going to stay at, stay overnight last night. We were supposed to come back today. We got up in the morning, I said to my family, I said, we're going straight home today. And my wife's like, oh, what about Charleston? And my boy's like, oh, what about. We're going to go see a dolphin. I go, what about the Panthers? What about the Panthers? And they saw the look in my eyes and they knew, all right, he's leading us. And they got in the car with me. We drove straight home. We didn't even stop.

[Dan Le Batard]

You have to pee. One stop, no bathroom, no stop.

[Chris Cody]

One tank of gas, no stopping. I told my son, yeah, the gas tank, it's in lies a little bit. They want you to get more gas. You could drive straight through it. I told my 16 year old son, he said, he has to go to the bathroom. I said, you got an empty water bottle, right? Yeah, that's right. He learned how to do that. We've all done it before. He learned how to do that in the backseat of the car.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

We drove never with the rest of the family in the car.

[Chris Cody]

Well, that was an experience. We drove. My younger son after my older one, you know, peed in the bottom. My younger one, look. What the. Anyway, we drove straight through. We drove the way home because why your team needed. Because my team needed me. So I'm back, baby.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right. We're winning. We're winning. Roy, I haven't seen any possible adjustments. I don't know. The, the lines haven't checked out. Daily Face off. Any adjustments from Paul Maurice here for game two? I know a lot of people are upset just because of the mistake the fourth line made.

[Roy Bellamy]

I gotta believe so I haven't seen any lineup adjustments or anything like that. They haven't had one in skate yet, so we'll see. Once.

[Chris Cody]

Once again, I can't imagine they would change anything. Like calling for no sheik to not be in the line. Come on. Fourth line's been very good. He made a bad mistake. I don't even know who you would place him like if you're gonna place him with Greer or Samiskevich. Those aren't Stern, Right, so. Oh, I guess Stern. But Stern's been bad in the playoffs.

[Dan Le Batard]

No.

[Chris Cody]

Actually played.

[Dan Le Batard]

No, I, I think that's a misnomer.

[Chris Cody]

I think it's one of just a couple minuses on the team.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah, but he's. He's off and penalty killing. That's like, no, but you don't get.

[Chris Cody]

Plus or minus on power on special teams.

[Dan Le Batard]

Oh, really? No, no, no, no, no.

[Chris Cody]

Really.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Don't you feel like if it was an idiot.

[Roy Bellamy]

You're not an idiot.

[Dan Le Batard]

Like I didn't know that for real.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Why wouldn't you?

[Chris Cody]

Because it's not fair.

[Roy Bellamy]

Extra man.

[Dan Le Batard]

Okay.

[Chris Cody]

It's like in baseball, sacrifice, it shouldn't count against you.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right, I get that. I did. I did miss Kevin Sendland because Kevin said would never. One of these. Yeah, he would give him one of these and one of those. And he would never give them one of those dumbass penalties over there.

[Chris Cody]

There's nothing to change.

[Dan Le Batard]

You don't think so? I mean, we have a pretty talented winger that's not dressing.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, but clearly the coach sees that he's not ready for this. He felt he wasn't ready for this in round one. This is Stanley cup finals now. What about.

[Dan Le Batard]

What about Mackie for Jesper?

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I mean, isn't even one game away from having a great fill in game for, For Reinhardt a couple games away?

[Dan Le Batard]

Like Jasper wasn't good in game one. I don't, I don't.

[Chris Cody]

Hey, he had a chance in overtime.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I mean there's a reason has not gotten in yet.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah. Is it defensive? Defensive also he's. He's young and you want to go in with experienced guys. But Bob had such a talent.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

The double rebound in the first goal, right? And then he had the one where he was screened a little by Sam. He still should have hung on to that one. To me, yards and one hurts. Bob has the typical game that he's gotten this postseason and they win that 3 to 1.

[Chris Cody]

He still really good.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

He was, he was. But he could have been spectacular.

[Roy Bellamy]

But Skinner was better.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Those three, they could have won it.

[Chris Cody]

Skinner was unbelievable. That second goal, the second goal though, to me, which made it 3, 2. That was the biggest moment of the game because we, it literally gave us no time to just bludgeon them with a two goal lead. Two goal. If you got a two goal lead for a few minutes here we get into our game, we're doing our thing. Maybe it becomes a three goal lead. We had zero time to sit on that two goal lead. All of a sudden it's back to one goal. Edmonton's got all the momentum and then they get out of the period and we saw what happened in the third. That second goal was an absolute killer.

[Tony Harris]

Boys. I want to put my hand up and say it's my fault.

[Roy Bellamy]

No, no.

[Tony Harris]

Obviously you guys know you Guys know my streak. If, if I'm watching the game, not good things happen. If I leave to go do something else, good things happen. Right? I was at my in laws house, overtime starting and I'm like, babe, we should go home. Baby's starting to get. It's, it's late. And so at that point it's almost midnight. I'm like, baby's asleep. We should just go home. The Panthers will win if we leave now. She's like, no, I want to watch the game. My, my father in law who's not aware of what happens when I leave your wife, he's like, he's like, oh, why don't you just stay and watch the game? And I'm like, all right, baby's sleeping. Okay, I'll watch the game. I'll stay and watch the game. That's fine. All of a sudden, go goes in. I looked across the room and I said, I told you guys, if I would have left we would have been fine. But I stayed. So I'm gonna put my hand up.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I blame Jenny that, I mean I.

[Chris Cody]

Got in a car, I drove 12 hours straight.

[Dan Le Batard]

That's one tank.

[Tony Harris]

That's what I'm saying.

[Dan Le Batard]

So multiple states.

[Tony Harris]

So tonight if things get hairy, car, I'm gonna step outside, maybe go for a walk, see how the neighbors are doing. Come back, Panthers.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Your kids have to hate the Panthers, right? Like they're costing them vacation days just because you want to sit there, because you're not going to play.

[Chris Cody]

They, they ended up being totally okay with it. So like once we're. Yeah, you know, like we'll keep going, right guys? Like, yeah, let's power through. You know, they were actually good with it.

[Roy Bellamy]

How much of this is too much rest? We saw that coming off of the Tampa series going into Toronto. They had plenty of rest.

[Dan Le Batard]

We can't do.

[Roy Bellamy]

I had to.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Leave rest and then they were t. Right.

[Chris Cody]

It can't be both.

[Gabe Van Horn]

They started the game with a 2:1 lead.

[Roy Bellamy]

Yes.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean they only had one day advantage on, on Edmonton. Edmonton also one in five. I don't, I don't buy that. I was a little confused as to why Florida looked so tired given the break. And then I realized, oh, they've played more games than anybody over the last three years. Maybe that has something to do with it. Also that team is really difficult.

[Chris Cody]

I don't know. It's awfully coincidental that all of a sudden they look tired, by the way, coming off of a weak rest, but all of a sudden they finally look tired. While they. Oh. Also happen to be playing the best other team.

[Roy Bellamy]

And they flew out late.

[Chris Cody]

It's a little coincident.

[Dan Le Batard]

They flew out late.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, I mean, who's coming up with these? Why are they doing that?

[Gabe Van Horn]

Well, that's like their thing is day before travel day. Like, they have the routine through all this.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I mean, so if it's routine, then it can't be.

[Dan Le Batard]

Why is Gustav Warsling not as good anymore?

[Gabe Van Horn]

That is the most baffling part of this. Like, he. Every time he touches the puck, he gives it away.

[Roy Bellamy]

That first pair in game one was truly awful. Eggblad and Porcelain. They did not do well at all in that game.

[Dan Le Batard]

I mean, if Florida loses in the postseason, typically you can point your finger at number five, but he's not the worst defenseman on that pairing. The worst blue liners, Gustav Forceling. And I do not recognize what I've seen out of him. This guy was not just shut down. He was. This was a guy that could have won the Con Smite last season. This guy was one of our MVPs in that series against Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers. Because he would have to. On those own entries, he'd have to either fight through Lundell or Barkov. But then if he went through all that, the last safety valve, Gustav Forsling, would force him to an offside. He would just be in his hip pocket the entire game. The way that he was with Kucherov in the first. In the first series of this postseason, Forsling was unbelievable. He was dynamite.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

So he's either due to recover and have a good finish to this series, or he laid off the peds.

[Chris Cody]

Yes. Well, I don't know about all that getting cut, but I like it.

[Dan Le Batard]

Well, no, that is Forsling. Although he does have the best body, so I've heard on the team. Gustav Forsling, he's put together this team.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Not to use it. Zaz line, but go on.

[Roy Bellamy]

Look, I'm glad it means not here.

[Chris Cody]

Look, this. This team has been through so many adverse situations over the last years. I get it that the Panther fan is up. I'm gonna. I'm gonna be on the verge of projectile vomit the entire 60 minutes tonight. All right? So I'm not exempt from this.

[Dan Le Batard]

I'm good.

[Chris Cody]

I understand the Panther fan being super nervous based on what they saw. You think this shit's gonna be easy? No, it's a Stanley cup finals against a really good team and against the best player in the world. That's right. That's good. Correction.

[Gabe Van Horn]

No, but I'M telling you, hockey people say finals. Like you watch. I know it's final, but it like. I always thought it's a thing like Roy, our whole hockey live, you say finals, he's like, it's final.

[Chris Cody]

It's fine.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Like spitting Chiclets. Like they're always just like saying final.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

They're not talking about multiple Stanley cup finals.

[Gabe Van Horn]

No, I think it's just one of those things where it just makes sense to put the S there.

[Chris Cody]

I just. After. And that was a. I'm the one who said it was a devastating loss the other night. I. It was devastated on several fronts. Obviously you felt like you were going to win that game. But they were 29. 0. That streak is over with a lead after any period in the postseason these last three years that streaks over. It also happened on a two goal lead. And the comeback came in the third period where the Panthers have been known to punish you. So it was a. And losing in overtime in the Stanley cup playoffs where it's literally. It feels like sudden death. It's the worst feeling there is.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

What were you. What would you have slept like if they won that game versus how you.

[Dan Le Batard]

Slept in Carolina Charleston.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah.

[Tony Harris]

Maybe I should be happy.

[Chris Cody]

But let's not look back. We're only looking forward. All right? And I'm here. I decided I got to get back here. I. I slept so poorly. I had. I guess you'd call them. Yeah, I. I had what you would call nightmares. All right? That's right. Because I. I had dreams about the pants. I had nightmares. I had terrible, terrible sleep. I was miserable yesterday. But now you gotta pick yourself up. All right? You're allowed to be sad. You're allowed to be upset about it. You're allowed to be hurt. I was hurt yesterday. I was hurt, dog. You're allowed to be hurt for one day. You wake up this morning. Butch.

[Dan Le Batard]

Butch.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I'm back.

[Chris Cody]

This is hard. You think it's gonna be easy? It was easy. Anybody would do it.

[Roy Bellamy]

That's baseball.

[Dan Le Batard]

We're gonna be joined by Amino Hassan in a few minutes. But there was a pretty big story yesterday. Tony. Don't look now. Oh, my God.

[Chris Cody]

It's time for a new game. Don't look now.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Eyes closed, everyone.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Got my own from home.

[Tony Harris]

Oh, nice. Is he. I can't see it.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

But not the only one who's got sheets and giggles.

[Dan Le Batard]

Whoa, whoa. Relax. But you're lost. Scrub that, scrub that, scrub that, scrub that.

[Tony Harris]

Supercharge that maze. All right, Chris, you've got something to read.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Ah, don't look now presented by Smirnoff, the world's number one vodka. Please drink responsibly.

[Tony Harris]

Mike, I'm glad that you mentioned the biggest news of yesterday because.

[Dan Le Batard]

Wait, in sports or outside?

[Tony Harris]

No, no, in sports. In sports.

[Dan Le Batard]

Okay?

[Tony Harris]

It was a family show. Sports, whatnot. All right. Russell Wilson says he's not just a mentor for Jackson Dart. He's a mentor for all Giants quarterbacks.

[Gabe Van Horn]

I'm not gonna lie, Mike. This is one of the odder ways I've seen someone cover their eyes. Why are you making like.

[Tony Harris]

What is he.

[Dan Le Batard]

Ever see pan labyrinth?

[Gabe Van Horn]

You're like Batman. You look like pan labyrinth.

[Tony Harris]

First off, how do you know? How the hell do you know what he's doing?

[Gabe Van Horn]

What are you talking about?

[Roy Bellamy]

Roy?

[Dan Le Batard]

Are you looking?

[Roy Bellamy]

I'm looking at something else.

[Tony Harris]

Roy, do not look. That's the whole point.

[Roy Bellamy]

I apologize. Sorry.

[Tony Harris]

Thank you. In other news, quarterback news that is Colts QB Anthony Richardson sideline with a shoulder injury. Yeah.

[Dan Le Batard]

Anthony Richardson hurt.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Can you be sidelined in the summer?

[Tony Harris]

Speaking of sideline in the summer, Lions wide receiver Amon Ross st. Brown ice training camp after his surgery injury.

[Dan Le Batard]

Tony, I. I gotta be honest. I'm really confused that the. The order of your don't look now's.

[Tony Harris]

Why there's big news.

[Gabe Van Horn]

We're building down.

[Tony Harris]

Did I. Did I. Did I not give you huge news? Russell Wilson's not just a mentor to Jackson Dart.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Mentor to all my mentor to all quarterbacks.

[Dan Le Batard]

Russell Wilson's replacement.

[Tony Harris]

Russell Wilson's replacement.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Denver.

[Tony Harris]

No bonix in the Pittsburgh Anthony Richardson sideline with the shoulder injury.

[Dan Le Batard]

Yeah. God.

[Tony Harris]

QB news. Right.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Mason Rudolph.

[Gabe Van Horn]

Charlie Batch.

[Tony Harris]

I see where you're going. Okay. Aaron Rodgers signs with the Pittsburgh.

[Dan Le Batard]

Come on, let's ride.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Don't look now.

[Gabe Van Horn]

All right, you can look now.

[Dan Le Batard]

All right, so I have thoughts about this, and I know a lot of people have Aaron Rodgers fatigue. Do you think this was Pittsburgh saying, this is when we strike with this news dump right here? We were waiting for this moment, and it's during the. You know, he's on the Epstein files. All that stuff was going on. Or do you think Aaron Rodgers was like, this is a perfect time for me to take the spotlight. Everyone, like I. Everyone's thinking about what's going on on that social media platform. No, let's talk about Aaron Rodgers because it was the biggest indicator that people are over this guy's act is that I know there was a lot of stuff going on in the world at that time. I don't see opinions. I don't see people really caring. I saw Colin Cowherd interrupted his vacation. Oh. And he's like, they're third place in the division. Like it's.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

That's your take. You're interrupt your vacation for a third place take.

[Dan Le Batard]

He was interrupting his vacation to show Aaron Rodgers how little he mattered. Was he on a beach?

[Gabe Van Horn]

Like what was the setting for his.

[Dan Le Batard]

He was on a beach chair. He was on a beach chair. It was weird. He's like, I'm going to interrupt my vacation to show you how little this guy means to me.

[Tony Harris]

But the clicks though.

[Dan Le Batard]

So as a recovering Browns fan, as a former Browns fan, Pittsburgh was always a model of consistency. They've had three head coaches in their entire team.

[Chris Cody]

It's embarrassing for the Steelers.

[Dan Le Batard]

They had Ben Roethlisberger and while Ben Roethlisberger was there, you had literally a billion different Cleveland Browns starting quarterbacks. But since 2021, since Ben Roethlisberger left, this is the seventh starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's just hugely uncommon.

[Chris Cody]

Well, next year it'll be eight because he's only signing a one year deal.

[Dan Le Batard]

I think three of them are. Mason Rudolph, like, I don't understand how Mason Rudolph is. Did he ever leave? He's just always in Pittsburgh. From a football standpoint, this is probably the best name, certainly the most famous name, but this is probably the best quarterback that they've had try to replace Ben Roethlisberger. If you look at Russell Wilson's stats and you take into account the. Because everybody was on this show, Stu Gats was touting how Aaron Rodgers closed the season. Look at that. Like he was playing garbage games, meaningless games against defenses that had already checked out. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson was playing meaningful games against tough defenses and their numbers were incredibly comparable. So I don't. While I assume this is going to be an upgrade, I'm not exactly sure. And I'm kind of with the vacationing Colin Coward, which is like this is a lot to make of a team that's going to finish third of than division.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

Which one do you think is more likely that Aaron Rodgers comes in, figures things out quickly, creates a chemistry with this team, vibes with Mike Tomlin and goes deep into the playoffs or Aaron Rodgers does the opposite of all those things, doesn't really vibe with his teammates, doesn't really vibe with Tomlin. Retires before training camp is over.

[Chris Cody]

Well, he's not going to retire before.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

I think everything before the season starts.

[Chris Cody]

No, he's not going to retire before.

[Dan Le Batard]

The one against the Jets. More likely the week one against the Jets. Give us that.

[Chris Cody]

Otherwise, what you said, I agree with. Up until the point of he retires before the season starts. I just.

[Jonathan Zaslow]

It's more likely than him going on a deep playoff run. The arrogance of him to be able to come in here after what he just showed off. And if he does pull off an impressive run with this Steelers team, I would argue it has more to do. More to do with the organization in itself, because the jets were a shit show and you obviously saw what happened when he was there. But Pittsburgh is going to have its stuff together. If he can fall in line, they'll be okay. But I think it's more of a statement on the organization than him.

[Tony Harris]

I mean, from a. From a personnel standpoint, what he had with the jets last year, I know their defense was fought, kind of fell off a cliff. And we always talk about a defensive defense. Year over year metrics are not always the most, you know, safe bet.

[Dan Le Batard]

He had a lot of talent on offense.

[Tony Harris]

On offense, they had incredible talent, right? They got Devonte Adams halfway through the season. They've got a dynamic running back, two running backs that are really good. They got dynamic receivers. You're looking at the personnel here in Pittsburgh. Jalen Warren at running back, who again, is good. Smaller guy could get hurt. You got dk. Then your second and third wide receivers are Robert woods and Calvin Austin.

[Dan Le Batard]

The third, Bobby Trees.

[Tony Harris]

Bobby Trees. But you're looking at that and saying, okay, we've got DK and like, not much else.

[Dan Le Batard]

Robert woods is still out here doing it. I thought he was a Texan. Here's my sneaky take. I think that this is a good move for them. And he is very quietly uber conservative, not politically speaking in how he approaches the game. And all Mike Tomlin needs is a quarterback that's just going to move the ball a little bit, maybe make one deep shot and not turn the ball over. I think Aaron Rodgers is totally capable of that. I think this is an upgrade for a team that's still going to finish third in the division. Look, as a small business, we don't get to clock out ever. We're always on nights, weekends, holidays. So when it came time to hire someone, we couldn't waste time. We needed help, real help, not Stugot's nose. A guy helped. We use LinkedIn jobs, and we'll be honest, we didn't expect it to be that easy. We posted the job for free. LinkedIn basically held our hand and wrote the description for us. Next thing you know, candidates, qualified ones, not resumes, written in crayon. Real people who want to work. Imagine that LinkedIn gives you all the tools, deep insights, easy filtering, one place to manage everything. We even threw the little hashtag hiring frame on our profile picture. Doubled the number of applicants. Now we're part of that 72% of small businesses that say LinkedIn helps them find high quality candidates. Post your job for [e-mail] dls that's LinkedIn.com dls to post your job for free. Terms and conditions apply. All right, y' all, the super bowl is in the rearview mirror. The draft has come and gone. So now what?

[Gabe Van Horn]

Now it's time to get the crew together. You keep the fandom energy going. It doesn't stop when the Super Bowl's gone. We gather.

[Dan Le Batard]

Exactly. And look, just because the pads are off doesn't mean game day stops around here. We do game days even in the off season. And what better way to do that than with a cold drink and your people around?

[Gabe Van Horn]

You've heard it all season long. Football is not a solo thing. It's a this is not a me thing. This is not an I thing. This is a we thing.

[Dan Le Batard]

There is no I thing in fandom, baby. So grab your crew, grab some Smirnoff, and get into that off season groove. Summer workouts, training camp, rumors, fantasy football prep, it's all coming, folks.

[Gabe Van Horn]

And listen, if you're going to sip something while plotting your team's comeback, Smirnoff's got you. It's the perfect vodka for crafting cocktails that are easy and tasty for anyone 21 and up.

[Dan Le Batard]

Smirnoff isn't just a vodka. It's the number one vodka in the world and the official partner of the NFL. Grab a bottle of Smirnoff at your local retailer and head to smirnoff.com to find recipes of delicious cocktails perfect for game day. Please drink responsibly. Smirnoff number 21 vodka distilled from grain, 40% alcohol by volume. The Smirnoff Company New York, New York. Please do not share with anyone under legal drinking age.