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- [00:01]
A
Quick story. When I was doing corporate sales in my 20s, they used to do all these team building exercises and one time they gave us a piece of paper and on the top of it it said I am. And then you have to fill out like 5 answers for it and then get up in front of everybody and read them. So I got up there and I said, I am a little teapot, short and stout, and everybody in their suits and especially the bosses, were not amused at all by it. Anywho, I bring this story up because now I want to do that with Phil Rivers. Signing with the Colts is 1 fun, 2 funny, especially after you see how fat he is now. 3 is good. Not bad for his hall of Fame candidacy. Coming out of retirement now allows him to avoid his contemporaries Big Ben and Eli, both of whom are more likely to get a gold jacket before he does. And it also allows him to avoid guys like Matthew Stafford, who presumably are going to stick around for a little bit longer. And if he takes the Colts to the playoffs, this just about guarantees them what a what a cherry on top of a borderline hall of Fame career. Next. It's overstated how his age is going to impact him physically. You know, I know Stephen A. Is worried about the imminent danger and all of that, but keep in mind, it's very much like Frank Gore. The Frank Gore paradox is he was never reliant on high end speed or athletic athleticism. Phil Rivers never ran away from a pass rush. He would stand in the pocket and take the hit. And that's how Phil Rivers used to play. And I assume is going to still be playing even after five years away. Next NFC State Wolfpack icon might not do well here, but it can't go as badly as another Carolina ACC school embarrassed itself this year. I'm talking about the old man named Bill Belichick. And lastly, is bad for all the other QBs who are in their prime right now. Imagine if Gramps comes off the sidelines after a decade and a half and is better than you. How humiliating that would be. I guess come to think of it, good thing Phil Rivers isn't starting a podcast. Speaking of which, let's start the show. Yes, Hi. Hello my fellow football Americans. Welcome to NFL Week 15. Welcome to Football America, presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. Quickly but sincerely. A big thanks to my fellow football Americans who've already subscribed and dropped us a line on YouTube or on social media. Otherwise, we appreciate it. Now, a new request. Spread the good word. Let everybody else Know about football America, with the playoffs fast approaching here. Hi and hello to the fellows in Miami and up in New York, Jeremy Tache among them joining us. Episode 33. So let's honor the player who wore that jersey number best. Obviously as somebody who hails from the banks of the Three Rivers. Tony Dorset, the Heisman Trophy winner in 1976. Hopewell, Viking and all the rest of it. Then he became fancy and became Dorset when he went down the big D to toil with Roger Staubach and company. Who else? And hi and hello to you, Gino and Mike Fuentes.
- [03:21]
B
Let me see. The only ones that come to mind are Aaron Jones, who's currently playing but not exactly legendary status. Jamal Adams, I think the safety, but correct. I think you already named all the ones that I would know from history.
- [03:34]
C
The one guy I remember and only because he helped me capture a fantasy championship was Dion Lewis for the Patriots. He was playing alongside James White. Yeah, yeah, he was playing along James White for a while and then he ended up going over to the Titans where his career effectively died as he was a second back behind Derrick Henry. And speaking of James White, James White didn't wear 33. He actually wore number 28 for the Patriots. I think he won, he scored the game winning touchdown in the comeback against the Falcons, if I remember.
- [04:01]
D
Should have been, he should have been the mvp.
- [04:02]
C
Correct, but ridiculous to give a W. Sweet feet. And while he is one of the.
- [04:07]
A
Worst, it is one of the worst MVP awards. I mean the early, early the first 15 or so had some sketchy ones but in more recent vintage, that's the, the most specious one was to give it to Brady there when, when he had, when James White had very clear, literally like 13 or 14 catches in that game. I'm going to find Roger Craig. Speaking of pass catching, running backs, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, of course, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing. So that's your bet. The Sport that wore 33 best is basketball. Anyone else there? Jeremy Tashay.
- [04:39]
D
Yeah, I got a weird one. Yankees. David Wells. When he was with the Yankees, he wore 33. I don't know why that one immediately came to mind, but it was the first name I thought of when I thought of what's 33 in baseball.
- [04:52]
A
Eddie Murray, hall of Famer.
- [04:54]
D
Good one.
- [04:54]
A
Patrick Waugh with the Aves. At least. I can't remember what he wore when he was with the Habs. And Zidane Ochara wore 33 for a portion of his career. All right, that hash now settled. Let's move Forward. We have a lot to talk about here. Phil Rivers among it. Gino, give us a list. Give us a little an update to, to sort of contextualize how long it's been since we saw old man Rivers.
- [05:20]
B
You know, a lot can happen in half a decade. These are the things that were true the last time Philip Rivers took a snap in the NFL. Shohei Ohtani had never made an All Star team, had never won an mvp, had never played in a World Baseball Classic and had never won a World Series.
- [05:37]
E
Wow.
- [05:38]
A
Had never. Had never been. Wow. That's. That is legit. Surprising. All right, good start.
- [05:43]
B
Joe Biden had just been elected president but had not yet been sworn in.
- [05:48]
A
Heard about that one. Yeah.
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B
Tom Brady had never won a Super bowl outside of New England. Matt Stafford was a Detroit Lion.
- [05:59]
A
Wow.
- [06:00]
D
You ain't lying.
- [06:01]
B
That was still called Twitter. Lionel Messi was playing in France and had never won a World Cup.
- [06:09]
A
Oh, my God.
- [06:10]
E
Wow.
- [06:11]
A
The Panther cachet. Wait, wait, wait.
- [06:13]
D
That one got me. Yeah.
- [06:15]
A
The Fuentes boys were over the moon about. About the title for Messi and his pals. Is Miami alive with excitement? I got the sense, sincerely, when I was there a few weeks ago that maybe Miami, that the soccer team was now the most popular brand in Miami sports. Am I exaggerating there?
- [06:37]
D
Yeah, I don't think you're right at all. I couldn't care less.
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C
People couldn't.
- [06:41]
D
That's also. I am a reporter for both the Marlins and the Heat. So you're asking a totally biased source.
- [06:48]
A
But, but I mean, I mean historically it would go Dolphins one, but it feels like the messy story consumes a ton of. A ton of the conversation down there.
- [06:59]
D
I think it does, but I think you would still be hard pressed to put that brand above the Heat either. Like it's dolphins, heat 1A, 1B at this point. And then from there you can go to Mess. How about this? Messi 1. Dolphins and Heat 2A, 2B. Inter Miami is still like right around where the Marlins are in terms of being a brand and the Panthers are a different thing because obviously that's not the same as Dade County. But I don't think Inter Miami. And maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm not getting the proper read because I'm, I'm a Broward guy.
- [07:32]
C
Inter Miami has like this thing going forward where it has two cool logos. Two, the cool logo, the colors are cool and you have two like world class all time players attached because David Beckham is the owner and then Messi is a thing. But but other than that, like a lot of people don't Inter Miami is known because of Messi. People don't have that before.
- [07:50]
A
I've never, I've never seen someone have that. The fashion forward pink and black looks strong, but they're not that first one to do that.
- [07:57]
C
Well, not even that. There was two. There was a team Palermo in Italy and there was a team in Spain I think too that also did the pink and black. It's not like a new thing.
- [08:03]
A
And they took it.
- [08:04]
D
The only reason is the way that it did here was because the Vice stuff that the Heat did years before, like it's just, it's. And not by the way, like it's not to downplay the importance of the championship. Like I, I hate as a, I'm a not. I'm not a soccer guy, right. And so in turn, I don't like when people who aren't basketball people or aren't baseball people try to downplay the importance of individual moments or seasons or chases for things at the same time, like it's not the type of thing that people are, are reaching out to me being like, oh my God, what a cool time in South Florida sports. The same way that it exists with the Heat or the Dolphins or the Marlins or the Panthers and, and maybe that's just because of a lack of familiarity with the franchise, but it's not quite there yet. It's like, oh cool, they have Messi. They should win.
- [08:53]
A
I'm trying to keep my foot on the gas and I'm doing a terrible job of that.
- [08:56]
B
I'm trying to tell you guys.
- [08:57]
A
Go ahead.
- [08:58]
B
Philip Rivers is okay.
- [08:59]
A
Yes, yes, yes. Go back.
- [09:01]
B
Caleb Williams was still in high school. Florida Panthers had never won a Stanley cup and hadn't won a playoff series in 25 years. Wonder Woman 1984 was the number one movie in the box office.
- [09:18]
C
That movie was awful.
- [09:19]
B
But the box office was closed in America of because of an ongoing pandemic.
- [09:24]
A
What are you talking about?
- [09:26]
B
Okay. And moving on. Things that have happened since you might have heard of the significance of January 6th that has not yet happened yet. Ohtani has since won four MVPs. He has been voted to five All Star teams. He became the only player in MLB history to steal 50 bases and hit 50 homers in the same season while injured. And then he led Japan to a WBC and he won back to back World Series. Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's all time goals record. Donald Trump became the second president to serve non consecutive terms Russia invaded the Ukraine. Maui produced.
- [10:07]
C
I got so many.
- [10:08]
B
The deadliest wildfire in U. S history in 100 years. And Taylor Swift broke up with a five year boyfriend. Had a brief fling with Matt Healy. My guy then began dating Travis Kelce and is now engaged. All while fronting the highest grossing concert tour of all time.
- [10:33]
A
Do you guys know? Here's what I'd like to throw in too. The last time Phil Rivers was in the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs were relevant. Speaking of the AFC west, former Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer for some reason announced to the world my pal Randy Bauman asked a great question. Why did Quentin Jammer decide to announce this to the world eight years after the fact? Used to play drunk. He would throw on a good drunk and stay drunk throughout the game. Which is at least a smart move because as everybody knows once you, once you open the seal, you can't now decide to shut it down. The second half he would get, he'd get, you know, you would get logy feeling if you didn't keep, keep taking some shots there. But either way, weird stuff. Jeremy, would you rather play pro football at age 44 or drunk or. You know what? I'll throw in a third option. Ricky Williams high.
- [11:35]
D
Who? I mean I feel like the answer has to be the Ricky Williams, right? Cuz it's like there, at least, there, at least I can convince myself that I could lock in in some capacity.
- [11:45]
A
I, I'm, I'm in trouble.
- [11:47]
D
I mean are we talking about me and my physical body? The answer is none of the above.
- [11:50]
C
I don't think you'd be able to do.
- [11:51]
D
I don't, I don't care what. None of these are performance enhancing necessarily. I, I think, I guess I'll go Ricky Williams. But if I go off your first question of the two, I think the answer would, would who? I think it have to be 44 over drunk just simply because I would have control over how poorly I'm playing if I'm drunk. And then I head to film session the next day and I'm like ah, I really don't really remember misreading that coverage that bad. You know because if you're taking how many shots at halftime, that's what I do want to know is if you're, if you're getting drunk before the game and then you're seemingly sweating as much as, as Quentin Jammer would be throughout, right? And then having to hydrate how many shots is he taking at halftime to be able to keep that buzz going and that's.
- [12:42]
A
That's the follow up.
- [12:43]
D
Sweating.
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A
That's what I'm saying.
- [12:44]
C
Yeah. The combination of like, sweating and hydrating.
- [12:47]
A
Hydrating.
- [12:47]
D
It's really complicated. So to be able to keep it going, like, is this something that's happening? Like, is he bringing. Because he said he had tequila at his locker? I believe so. Is he bringing that out, like in a Gatorade bottle to the sidelines? So in between series.
- [13:01]
A
By the coaching staff, we don't know.
- [13:04]
D
These are, these are the questions that we need. A real journal. Pablo, where are you?
- [13:08]
C
No, no.
- [13:08]
D
Yeah, we need someone to find.
- [13:10]
A
Well, I have heard tale that Mike Fuentes has a new show that he wants to unveil here. He wants to give it a test run here in just a minute. In the meantime, though, anecdotally, I can tell you, in high school, my. My pals and I, we would go through on Friday pretty standardly, we would go through the beer distributor in Swissvale that would. That. That they didn't check your id and so they would just. It was a drive through too. I don't know if this is. If this is a popular thing across the United States, but you could just pull up and you'd be like, give us a case or two of Iron City or whatever. And they, you would pop the trunk, they would throw it in there, give them the loot, and goodbye. And then we would, you know, go about the weekend and then whatever was left over in the case. On Monday, after classes, but before basketball practice, we'd have like an hour and my pal Richie and I would go and finish off what was ever left in the case and then go to basketball practice. I gotta tell you, it was some of the best basketball I ever played because I had a devil may care attitude. Yeah.
- [14:19]
D
Lack of inhibitions.
- [14:21]
A
Yeah. And I was kind of lathered up and I was more fluid and my body didn't constrain me as much as normal. I could shoot the hell out of the ball from three. The limitation was in two on one and three on two drills. If I got felled going, got the ball on the block in full speed, and I looked up to shoot it, to lay it up. The one time it went up over my head backwards. And that was bad.
- [14:49]
D
You got the dizzies.
- [14:49]
A
That was bad.
- [14:50]
D
I see. My question for you would be, did you actually play the basketball of your life or did it feel like you were playing the best basketball of your life?
- [14:57]
C
This reminds me of a Wolf of Wall street thing where he thinks, oh, I got home without a scratch on the car. And then when they cut back, the car is completely mangled and he didn't make it home at all.
- [15:05]
D
Like it was like actually 8 turnover.
- [15:08]
C
Correct. Dave, what are you doing even over 37, you know, the kids drunk.
- [15:12]
A
That's the beauty. That's the beauty of being the 13th man on a 12 man team. Yeah, they just, it couldn't get any worse. Couldn't get any worse. And that brings me now to the Joe Burrow story. Talk about a devil may care attitude. Kind of heading into a game against the Ravens, it feels like the pressure is more or less off that in a good way. If you're Cincinnati or if you're a Bengals fan, they probably lost the opportunity to sneak in the back end of the playoffs, but who knows? Either way they catch the Ravens who have all the pressure in the world on them. So it was a little curious for Joe Burrow to sound so bummed out if you missed it. Take a listen to what he said in his press conference midweek.
- [15:52]
D
Reflection.
- [15:53]
C
Reflection on a lot of things that.
- [15:56]
A
I've done and been through in my career. I think I've been through more than most and certainly not easy on the, the brain or the body. So just trying to have fun doing it again.
- [16:12]
B
You seem like there's something on your mind. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but seem frustrating.
- [16:20]
A
There's just a lot of things going on right now. A lot of things going on right now. Football related, personally, all the above. I mean, pretty heavy stuff. And, and I'm sorry to play cynic, but you know, as somebody who is not a multimillionaire, you're a multimillionaire. You're 29 years of age. You're a handsome devil. You get to play football as at your job. You don't have that much to complain about. And by the way, you also have the Batmobile as the result of your, of your professional toiling. So I'm, I'm a little bit surprised by this. Tashay, your response and Fuentes brothers as well.
- [16:58]
D
This sounds like Andrew Luck to me. Like this just sounds like a guy who's been physically beat up for years and years and years behind a terrible offensive line. He's gone through multiple surgeries, he's gone through multiple seasons where he's had to miss time. Team has let him down. There's like so many different things there. Including by the way, like it didn't all start hunky dory for him. He gets recruited to Ohio State and then all sorts of things Go awry there to where he has to end up at LSU now, the best weapons ever and like one of the greatest teams we've ever seen. But the guy's dealt with a lot of injuries and a lot of a physical beatdown. And while 29 is obviously young for an actual person, it's not always the youngest for an NFL quarterback. I just think this sounds like a guy who, who is at the end of a season that's been disappointing yet again after reaching some really high highs early in his career and feeling the. The repercussions of that. But it. It's the closest I've heard anyone sound to Andrew Luck. And Burrow's a pretty bright guy. Like, I'm not surprised he's thinking about actual life when it comes to football.
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C
I. I think the injuries definitely have something to do with it for sure. And then to have such a long injury now and then when you get back, the team has not stayed afloat at all.
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D
Right.
- [18:12]
C
So now it's like, hey, you need to come in, pretty much play mistake, free the west the rest of the way. Please say just for us to have a chance. And then, let's be real, he threw away that game last week. He made a boneheaded play. He tried. That was supposed to be a running play to Chase Brown. He's supposed to turn around, hand that ball.
- [18:27]
A
By the way, imagine the conversation right now. If he hits that Bengals had just held on.
- [18:31]
E
Yeah.
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C
If he, if he just hands the.
- [18:33]
A
Ball out, the Bengals would be on their way. Lookouts Steelers and Ravens. Here comes Cincinnati. Right.
- [18:39]
C
But you see him.
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D
He.
- [18:40]
C
He sees the guy blitz, and he notices that Jamar has nothing but green or white grass in front of him in the snow. He tries to make a play, totally mucks it up. It gets batted up, up, it gets picked. He basically throws a game away. So all these combinations of things, probably throwing a little bit of seasonal depression. It is December.
- [18:57]
A
Oh, God.
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C
And all that together. Yeah. Get all that together and you probably have a situation where you look a little deflated in the press conference.
- [19:06]
A
I'll say that. I hear people on the Andrew Luck people are being real weird about it, I think. I think he's in these mid career sort of evaluations more in line with what you hear. I mean, Tom Brady was talking about retiring when he was in his late 20s, too. Like, I have five more years. I think everybody hits. A lot of these guys hit that stage and then they end up sticking around for a decade or more. I think what he's getting at more is it's time to move on from Cincinnati. That's what I think. I don't think he's time to move on from football. I think he's not having fun given his situation. He's sort of like a Big ten school that isn't as deep pocketed as Ohio State is saying, like what are we doing? This isn't fun anymore and we got, you know. I think what he's saying is I gotta go to somebody who's willing to create a contender around me. It's diminishing returns for me. Hi and hello, my fellow football Americans. I hope your Thanksgiving was as grand as mine was because we officially tapped into the holiday season and cracked open Miller Light. And I don't mean just one family, food, football, all great. The holidays aren't about stuffy get togethers, dinner parties, unless they're the kind that you want to go to or work parties that you're required to be at. They're about those unexpected side quests and spending time with your loved ones. And for me, my loved ones are named Miller Light Cans. Miller Lite is the original light beer trusted by beer lovers everywhere for 50 years thanks to its clean finish, simple ingredients and iconic golden color. And this year there's another holiday we're celebrating. It's Miller's 50th anniversary and with only 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces, it's a great choice to let loose without weighing you down like all that food will and did, quite frankly, last Thursday. But no apologies here. The best holiday beers are the ones you don't expect. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com fba to find delivery options near you. This is a great option. Otherwise, go the traditional path. Pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tis Miller time. And please always remember to celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. And hi, hello and happy holidays, my fellow football Americans. A quick detour away from Pigskin to remind you that the NBA season is also underway and it's really heating up. And DraftKings newest game, pick six is the easiest way to play for your shot at big wins. NBA stars are lighting it up. Why aren't you turn their highlights into your shot at cash? Here's how it works. You just pick more or less on two or more player stats. The better your picks the the bigger your payout. So nail your picks tonight. And don't just win. Stack up those payouts and get this new DraftKings customers get $50 in Pick 6 credits with just a $5 entry on your first pick set. Now don't just watch basketball. Pick play, cash in. Download the DraftKings Pick Six app now and use Code Damek. That's Code Damek. D A M E S H E k play just $5, get $50 and pick 6 credits. Make the call. Ride the upside. In partnership with DraftKings pick six, the crown is yours. Quickly, before we unveil Mike Fuentes's new show here, I want to get your thoughts on this. All the pressure, as we say, is on the Ravens, Lamar Jackson, John Harbaugh and the rest of it. Nothing on Cincinnati. The Bengals giving two and a half in this game somehow. How say you, Tasha?
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D
I don't understand that at all. Like, I understand that it's with the season being all but over, sure, you could argue that maybe they don't have much of a chance but like two and a half points, I don't know. At home it just feels like one of those things where it's ripe for the Bengals to, to get right. And we've kind of seen, I feel like over the years and I don't have the numbers to back me up at the very moment, but I feel like we've seen this before with Cincinnati where as soon as they're out of it, they end up start starting to play like remarkably well and just kind of ruining things for everybody else. So if history serves us right, they're going to win by 14 this weekend.
- [23:30]
A
That's what December is for. This happens all the time. The zero stakes for these teams that are just playing out the season. And I do think with Joe Burrow, between that press conference and kickoff on Sunday, somebody, maybe the man in the mirror gets his gets in his ear and has a It's a Wonderful Life kind of mom moment here. Things ain't that bad, Joe. Let's go out there and and win it for the Queen City. And I think maybe they really have a chance here because things do not seem good in Baltimore. However, the Ravens are not out of things in that garbage division. If they win 3, 3 of 4, including a win in Pittsburgh in Week 18, the division is still in play for them. All right, let's get to it then, shall we? By the way, another game of great import to everybody in football America. Dave Damoshek against Bill Simmons in the fantasy playoffs. Good luck to the cool cat spel with two cases they try to take. People who refer to it as a rivalry game don't know what they're talking about. The Cool cats have dominated the double de squad put out on the field by Bill Simmons each and every year. It's not a rivalry. It's. It's a hammer versus a nail. Let's see who let.
- [24:36]
C
Who let Greg Cody onto this show talking about, you know, Lobo.
- [24:39]
D
Yeah, I kind of like it.
- [24:40]
C
The cool cats with 2Ks.
- [24:41]
A
You don't want to hear about my. You don't want to hear about.
- [24:44]
C
Tell me about your fantasy team.
- [24:45]
D
You want to hear about it?
- [24:45]
C
Yeah, sure. Why not?
- [24:46]
D
I don't.
- [24:47]
A
Listen, listen, no one wants to hear about anybody else's fantasy team. I just wanted to.
- [24:53]
D
Get.
- [24:54]
A
All right, let's do it. This is the all time salacious football week with. With Sharon Moore and Quentin Jammer and Phil. Fat Phil Rivers coming back, Mike Fuentes. What's the name of your new show?
- [25:06]
C
So it's up for debate because you guys want to call it Mike Fuentes Doesn't Find Out. But the thing is, I am finding out, but I don't know and I don't want to know, okay? I'm just asking questions. All right? So I'm not even attempting to find out. I just don't know and I don't want to know. Okay?
- [25:23]
D
Okay.
- [25:24]
A
But do you. You know that there is already a show called Pablo Toure Finds Out?
- [25:28]
C
Listen, I don't know. I don't want to know.
- [25:31]
D
Mike Fuentes doesn't know and he doesn't want to know.
- [25:33]
C
I'm just out here asking questions, okay? I'm just out here asking questions.
- [25:37]
A
All right? So how's the show go then?
- [25:38]
C
If you're not finding anything, I'm going to present a question, but I want you guys to know that I don't know and I don't want to know, okay?
- [25:45]
D
Okay.
- [25:46]
C
It's just a question. Okay, so we're gonna start way up in the frozen inhabitants of Minnesota. J.J. mcCarthy. Okay. Only the third worst completion percentage of the league, two players below him. We won't name those players to avoid being called all sorts of things, but he has a little bit of a mysterious injury. Why would he show up with a mysterious injury? Is it because of his horrible life? I don't know. Listen, I don't know. I don't want to know, okay? I don't want to know.
- [26:15]
A
All right, what are you asking then? What's the. The question is, is he faking his injury?
- [26:19]
E
No.
- [26:20]
C
No, I Didn't say that.
- [26:22]
A
Is he.
- [26:23]
C
He's on the injury report. But why?
- [26:25]
A
Right?
- [26:25]
C
I don't know. I don't want to know.
- [26:28]
B
You know what? I want to know what happened to Max Brosberg.
- [26:31]
C
I don't know and I don't want to know.
- [26:33]
B
He seemed to be the answer.
- [26:34]
A
But you're. It sounds to me like Mike, what you're saying. You're saying something that like J.J. mcCarthy, there's something nefarious going on. Listen, with K. With the team, that they're, that they're making something up here.
- [26:48]
C
I don't know. And Dave. I don't want to know. Okay. Moving on to Indianapolis.
- [26:54]
A
Let's move on. I don't.
- [26:55]
C
Moving on with Indianapolis. Philip Rivers, 44 year old doughy Philip Rivers. He's returned to the NFL two months ago to the date by the time you're hearing this. October 12th. Anthony Richardson suffered a fracture to his orbital bone in a freak accident in the training facility when an elastic band broke and struck him in the eye. He needed surgery. Okay, that was two months ago.
- [27:18]
D
Yep.
- [27:19]
C
I've broken a bone before. It took a month to heal. It's now been two months for Anthony Richardson. So why are they signing 44 year old Philip Rivers? I don't know. Quite frankly, I don't want to know.
- [27:32]
A
Are you saying that Anthony Richardson is ready to go but they are not using him and instead are signing an old man off the street?
- [27:40]
C
I am just asking questions. Why the 20, 23 4th overall pick in the NFL draft? Why is he not saying this is.
- [27:50]
A
This is. This is a distraction?
- [27:52]
C
No.
- [27:52]
A
Why?
- [27:52]
C
I'm. I'm just asking why Anthony Richardson is not ready to play football. Okay.
- [28:00]
A
Are you saying that they're trying.
- [28:01]
C
No, no, no, guys. I don't know. I don't know.
- [28:02]
A
So he should be ready. So the. Phil Rivers is the.
- [28:05]
C
I don't know. I don't want to know.
- [28:07]
D
So are you saying that. That he's blind and.
- [28:09]
C
I am not saying anything. I just know that the facts are. October 12th, injury I orbitable, broken.
- [28:19]
A
It sounds like you're too much connecting dots to me. It sounds like put a question mark at the end and that like you.
- [28:25]
C
Know what it sounds like. It sounds like I don't know and I don't want to know.
- [28:27]
D
What else don't you want to know?
- [28:28]
C
I don't want to know. What happened to Christian McCaffrey all of a sudden. Christian McCaffrey. 83% of the 49ers offensive snaps this season. A usage rate hovering around 80 to 90% over 25 touches a game last year. Basically had no legs. OK. Went to Germany.
- [28:47]
B
Both Achilles.
- [28:47]
D
Yeah. Blood mixing.
- [28:48]
C
Exactly. What happened in Germany? I don't know. I don't know what happened in Germany.
- [28:52]
D
Are you asking if he took the LeBron stuff?
- [28:54]
C
What I'm telling you.
- [28:55]
A
So he did some. Wait, so there's blood stuff in there?
- [28:57]
D
Blood transfusions?
- [28:57]
E
Yeah.
- [28:58]
C
I don't know and I don't want to know.
- [29:02]
A
Well then why Sounds like you want. You're asking questions and then Jeremy is kind of. It's like providing some possible answers.
- [29:10]
C
Listen, I don't know what you're asking. All I know is that I don't.
- [29:13]
A
Know Jeremy are in on this and.
- [29:16]
C
I don't want to know.
- [29:17]
D
Are you asking if I'm in cahoots?
- [29:19]
C
I listen, all I know, right, is that I don't know and guys, I don't want to know.
- [29:26]
A
I got to say, I'm a cynic a lot of the time, but there's something about this show that intrigues me. I don't. I don't want to know more about it necessarily, but good luck with it. Before you go, Jeremy, talking about Salacia, that was very strong pilot. I'm sure all the networks are going to be fighting over themselves to get a bite of that apple. Congratulations on your new program. But speaking of programs, Sharon Moore in Michigan are in some trouble here and the newsbreakers have once again wrapped themselves in professional glory. Specifically Michigan man Adam Schefter said on the air on Thursday, said on the air like, well, if I heard the rumors about more than obviously the administration did. Like, isn't your job investigative journalism? Isn't that what you're supposed to theoretically supposed to be doing that you're being a Michigan man have something to do with you not digging in on that one? The thing I think would be and a lot of people the cynic saying that that the school was aware of this and was sitting on it for a long time. It might be something that you could ask questions about and not want to know the answer to. But it sounds exactly like that's what the administration did until after the Ohio State game and after signing day. That's what a lot of people are out there insinuating. And now everybody has moved on to what coaches should they go and hire. What is funny to me is if things continue to spiral down for the Ravens, John Harbaugh makes all the sense in the world except that his brother Jim Harbaugh's regime, his era in Michigan yielded that one national championship. And also among the coaching staff, seven arrests. So the only reason you can't hire John Harbaugh is because you wouldn't want to bring the Harbaugh stink in there. Except for the fact that they also delivered a national championship. Tashay, how say you?
- [31:22]
D
I don't know, and I don't want to know.
- [31:27]
A
Here's what I hope. I hope that Tom Brady can. Can go work the same magic. He's applied to the Vegas Raiders. Well done there. If he can. If he can divvy up his time a little bit more to. To solve the Wolverines football program, I'm sure he'd like to do that. All right, listen, Jeremy Tach your dynamite. We appreciate you sticking around quickly since you won't be here on Monday. Who do you have, Dolphins or Steelers on the banks of the three rivers? In a game that both teams kind of need to make the playoffs, the Dolphins are in the mix, oddly enough. I'm going to pick the Dolphins.
- [32:00]
B
Yeah.
- [32:02]
A
Crazy. It's insane.
- [32:05]
D
I know. It's insane. How about just a lot of Jaylen Waddle fantasy football?
- [32:09]
A
That's fine. Well, the bad news is for the Dolphins, if you look at what they have after Pittsburgh, it probably makes it implausible that they get into the postseason. But if they get the 7 and 7, this is a under discussed story how Mike McDaniel has essentially saved his job.
- [32:25]
D
I love Mike McDaniel and I would like him to save his job. And so that's what it is. I. I think two is really a terrible quarterback and poor McDaniel hits.
- [32:34]
A
If he loses three out of four, he still could end up fired.
- [32:38]
D
Right?
- [32:38]
A
You know, he continues this run.
- [32:40]
D
Am I jealous? Of what?
- [32:42]
A
His glass frames.
- [32:43]
D
Oh, my God. He's the coolest.
- [32:45]
A
Those 70 porn goggles. He rocks. Go on.
- [32:48]
D
Guy's capable of carrying some swag that I never will be able to. And it's pretty impressive considering the type of nerd he looked like when he showed up here.
- [32:55]
A
I agree with you, Tashay. Everybody say, oh, hey, football's better with Phil Rivers in it. It's also more fun with Mike McDaniel.
- [33:02]
D
I love him.
- [33:03]
A
I hope give me those random wins on Monday night. But I do hope he gets to stick around pro football for a little while longer. Maybe he could take the Michigan gig. I don't. All right, Tashay. Good times on the LeBatard show proper. We appreciate you carving out some extra time for us.
- [33:18]
D
You got it. You rock. Thank you for having me.
- [33:26]
A
All Right. Good times. As we head into week 15 here, it's time for the NFL game countdown. We're going to tell you who's going to win the most consequential games of the upcoming Sunday and beyond, and by how much. And here to help us do it. Look at this one. I know Gino Fuentes is over the moon about it. Dean, Mojo Matati, welcome to the show, man. Thanks for the time, Big Dave.
- [33:51]
E
What's up, brother? Thanks for having me on. This is going to be fun.
- [33:54]
A
Oh, so much salacious news in football. College and pro old man Phil Rivers back and all the rest of it. Let's stay in that. In that conference and pick a game of great significance to both sides here, The Los Angeles Chargers at the Kansas City Chiefs. It really does feel like. I know people say it every week. They try to talk it into existence if you're a foe of the Chiefs, but it really does feel like this is it. The Chiefs better win or their dynasty. At least this portion of it is a wrap. Four and a half is the number that the chiefs are laying. 41 and a half is your total. How say you, Mojo, brother?
- [34:36]
E
Give me the Chiefs, man. I. I gotta put it on the Chiefs. This one.
- [34:42]
A
Yeah.
- [34:42]
E
All season we've been waiting for him to bounce back, right? It was a really slow start, and everyone's like, this is. You know, this is part of the plan. You can't bet against Mahomes and Kelsey. They're gonna find a way to get it done. And more times than not, they have not. But at this point, I don't know, man. I've been listening to Travis Kelsey in his interviews. He feels a little down. I partied with Trav several times, actually, and I've seen him get winded on the dance floor when you think it was going to be all over. And he came back to life and rallied, and I think that's exactly what's going to happen this weekend. So give me the Chiefs.
- [35:19]
A
You know, here's a. Here's an interesting thing, you know, nature versus nurture. I've brought this up to both of the Kelsey Kelsey brothers. It's kind of hard to believe that they were raised in the same house, right? Like, they're both fun guys, but that's kind of where. And they're both pro football players, but that's kind of where the comparisons end, right? Like, one guy is. This. Is this husky, you know, offensive lineman type. Kelsey's out there swinging with Hollywood types, and the way he wears his facial hair and the earrings and everything else. How say you?
- [35:51]
E
You know, it is pretty funny that they're. I say that all the time, too, because, you know, I played defensive line college at Maryland and briefly in the NFL for a couple of seasons, and I know what it's like to be on the line and get no credit, and, you know, you're kind of a grunt, and that's. That's your role. And then you got Trav, who's one of the most prolific players. Very different personalities. I've never met Jason. I've always wanted to hang out with that guy, you know, shoot the crap with them, maybe party with them or whatever. I do know Trav. He's. He's a good dude. But, yeah, man, I agree with you. They just seem so different, you know? But I don't know, maybe that's why they have a good podcast. They can bounce off each other a little bit.
- [36:38]
A
It's interesting that, you know, if the Chiefs lose this one, they'll be done, and I think they'll be bummed out about it and just looking for, you know, for the finish line and getting there as quickly as possible. We were just talking about Joe Burrow and the Bengals going against the Ravens, though. How true is it that in December that these teams that are playing for nothing but personal pride and everything else are scary to go up against? If you have to have it, you have the. The extra weight of. If we lose this one, our season could be over. When you're the Bengals, like, our season's already over, does that, in fact, lead to playing free and easy and more dangerous for your opponents?
- [37:16]
E
I would say so. I mean, you really got nothing to lose. And I guess if you're a coach, I mean, you got nothing to hold back. You're not saving any of your game plans for later in the season, so you might as well dump it all out there. Unless you're trying to take the L's and get a better draft pick or something to that extent. But, yeah, I mean, I don't know, maybe some teams, some players get caught up trying to handle the pressure, and they start to falter because of it. And, you know, if that pressure is removed and they can just go out there, have fun, who cares? Season's already done. It is what it is. You know, you cut loose, you tie your hair back a little bit more, and, you know, fight a little bit harder. I don't know. I think there is some truth to it, too. Maybe it goes on the other flip side of the token, too. If you Got everything to lose and that pressure is mounting and you're worried about the postseason and you don't want to put too much strain on your big time players and save them for the postseason. You start to make some mistakes on that side of it. So I don't know, it could be both.
- [38:16]
A
Next, let's talk about. I mean, so often the truth teller with pro football is what the book has to say. Everybody else has their agenda. Not the book necessarily. As much. Rams at home laying six points. You figure it's going to be a Detroit friendly crowd in SoFi Stadium. 42 and a half is the total here. Another team that really has got to have it in the Lions here. How say you Jared Goff against Matthew Stafford. Flipping sides from five years ago, but when Phil Rivers was still playing pro football for the Colts the first time around.
- [38:53]
E
Tricky one for this one. Looking through the lineup of games, this is a, a tricky one for me to call. But when I'm doing my picks, I like to have some fun with them. And as a Packer backer, a former Packer myself, I get a lot of heat when I pick the Lions, but I like the heat, so give me the Lions. All right. I'm a big Dan Campbell guy. When I played football, man, I would have killed to have played for this, man. I feel like we speak the same language. We got kind of that similar energy. I love to see a team that was so bad for so long flip the script and start to make a run. They've had some incredible seasons recently, but of course didn't make it all the way last year in particular. Definitely a heartbreaker for us as especially. I know again, it's kind of blasphemous to say as a Packers fan, but since it's not the Bears, I think it's okay somewhat. So, yeah, give me the Lions, man, we're having some fun with this one. But yeah, it is a, it is a worrisome pick for sure.
- [39:56]
A
I don't, I don't love picking the Rams here, but they say, or at least I say, if you like the team to win the game straight up. Like them up to seven, six is less than seven. So I'm going to take the home team here. Stafford, they do know that they're chasing the number one seed and have a real good shot at getting that. I think that's enough and incentive for them. Now speaking of the Packers Super Bowl 32 rematch, one of the great Super Bowls ever played, even if people don't talk about it that way. Maybe a possible Super Bowl 60 rematch upcoming. Meantime, Packers, Broncos, the home team, get this, the Mighty Broncos, the number one seed in all the AFC is an underdog at home. Plus two and a half total is 42 and a half. I'll say you.
- [40:37]
E
Yeah, that's a crazy one right there. But you know, I don't even need to say anything to you, Dave. I mean, actions speak louder than words. So you know what? That's how, that's how I'm feeling about this. And not only that, I'm gonna stack my, my mini one on top. I don't know if I can fit in the frame. This one's for my baby. My baby girl. We had to get her one as well, but said right here, sir.
- [41:01]
A
They make popular size cheese heads. All right, there you go. All right, just for fun then. I'll take the home team, the Broncos, they're waging war with the Patriots for that number one seed. We have detailed here how valuable it is to get. Man, Jordan loves playing real well, though. What a juicy game that one is. Now, I mentioned Phil Rivers. It doesn't seem like the bookmakers are enthused about what he's going to provide. That's because the Seahawks at home are laying 13 and a half to old man Rivers. How say you here?
- [41:30]
E
I know that's a big one. Thirteen and a half, brother, what a spread. Anytime I hear numbers like that, I immediately, you know, want to take the points here, but I don't know what we got Indy. Seattle. Give me Seattle. We're going against the points. Let's go.
- [41:50]
A
Well, you know, I mentioned the Rams are chasing that one seed, so too is their division foe up in the Pacific Northwest. We, you know, Mike Fuentes and I park our cars in the same garage on this one. That is too much. That is. I don't care who's playing who.
- [42:06]
C
I don't know.
- [42:06]
A
Thirteen and a half.
- [42:07]
C
Dave, usually I ride with you, but. But if it ends up Rivers, you're gonna do it. A four. A 44 year old, bloated, doughy Philip Rivers again on four days prep against like the best defense in the league in Seattle. That's a, that's a. I don't know.
- [42:24]
E
That's a brutal part about that comeback. When they was. When they asked him about his weight, that was hilarious to me.
- [42:30]
A
I meant it. What did they say?
- [42:31]
E
That one got me big. He played along with it. Which in that situation yet you have to do. Right, but, but still, that one got me good.
- [42:39]
A
Agree or disagree? Mojo. He's not Cam Newton or Ben Roethlisberger in their in their respective late 30s, relying to some degree still on dynamic athleticism. This is a six five, maybe it was two third. I don't know, 235ish when he retired. Now he's about 310, 320, whatever. Whatever. Yeah, he never was reliant on his ability to run away from pressure. So who cares if they heat him up? That's always the condition under which he played pro football before. Right. It's sort of the Frank Gore paradox, which is if you weren't. If you were never CGA 2k with 4.2speed, then you haven't lost anything you never had.
- [43:20]
E
Well, you know what? I'll say this. So I played nose guard and defensive tackle for most of my career. Most of my career I was like in the 2 9, 300 range. And when I got up to 330 pounds, people couldn't move me off the ball even if I wasn't trying. So what I'm trying to say here is now, according to you, that Phil Rivers weighs 310 pounds. He's going to be almost impossible to sack. They're not going to be able to bring him down. So maybe it's an asset anyways. I mean, if he's not fleeing the pocket all the time. He's good. He's a tank back there.
- [43:55]
A
For the record, I was just estimating his weight. That's. That was the eyeball pretty accurate.
- [43:59]
E
No, I'm just kidding.
- [44:01]
A
I might do if I'm act if he gets on a scale, maybe I have a next line of work. I'll be one of those carnival guys who guesses people's weight as they walk by. I can't believe that's still a thing.
- [44:12]
E
With some major like stuffed animals. Off of that job, bro, you'd clean up like the big ones too.
- [44:18]
A
How do they get that right and not just give away a toy to every single person who jumps? How could you get within five? All right, listen, I'm getting distracted with stuff. A renewal of the first ever Hail Mary game. Roger Stall. Back to Drew Pearson reminder. Drew Pearson clearly pushed off on the Vikings DB there. They let it stand. Anyway, here a game the Cowboys have to have. The Vikes are already cooked. Cowboys laying five and a half at home. 47 and a half. I'll say you Mojo.
- [44:47]
E
Give me the bites, baby. Again, I'm picking literally all of Green Bay's most hated teams. But whatever, man. I'm not picking Dallas in this one. They they don't do it for me. The Vikings are having a hell of a season. I, I, I take them all right.
- [45:04]
A
And then at number one on the countdown this week, the juiciest game, and I am floored by that. It was already a fascinating matchup for me given where these two teams are, but even more so when I see the Patriots. The other team in contention for the number one seed in the AFC are another underdog to the Buffalo Bills. They're plus one and a half in Foxborough. 49 and a half is the total here. How say you, Mojo?
- [45:31]
E
You know, I was really going to pick the Patriots, another team that has really flipped things around this year. They're having a hell of a season. Another head coach I very much would have liked to have played for. That's right up my alley. I was a huge fan of his when he was playing ball. Man, that's a versatile dude right there. And he could just flat out ball. But then I remembered who the Buffalo Bills were and who their fans are. And as a former pro wrestler myself, I really appreciate it when people throw themselves through tables, especially those of which that are flaming on, on fire and putting their bodies on the line to support their team. So it's very difficult for me to pick against the Bill. So I'm taking the Buffalo Bills for their fans more so than the team themselves.
- [46:20]
A
I like it. I like it. I like the spiritual choice there. We're in December after all. I like where your head's at there. Last question for you, Mojo. With this Joe Burrow kind of hinting at he's not happy and all of that kind of stuff, let's just say magically, who knows what's going to happen if the Ravens lose to Joe Burrows, Bengals this weekend? Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, who may miss the playoffs, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, let's say they all magically hit the street in January this year, who's the one guy you would want to, to be your quarterback for the next, let's say, half decade?
- [46:57]
E
Oh, man, Ravens are my AFC team. I'm a big fan of Lamar. I mean, that dude's a huge threat in so many ways, as everybody already knows. The surefire answer, maybe prior to this season, obviously would have been Mahomes. Like, that's, that's the guy, right? He's the one that figured out a way to get it done so many years recently. But this year, you know, there's chinks in the armor and you gotta wonder if this season falls apart, which more than Likely it will. How's next season gonna go? And if they put two back to back losing seasons on the, on the grid there, I mean, that's it. End of the dynasty. Like you said earlier, I think they got another shot at it next season. Before we, we jump to conclusions. I guess everyone's entitled to a down year here and there. That. I mean, I'm definitely not taking Burrow. All, all respect there.
- [47:54]
A
It's the injury problem, but Lamar has that one. And Mahomes makes a ton of sense for obvious reasons. He's the only one that has a Lombardi, let alone multiple. But Burrow is the only guy to take him down in the playoffs. Unlike Allen and Lamar. I think Burrow is a sneaky good pick there, especially if he can move off the Bengals to a new team. I think he'll be reinvigorated and maybe have a. A brighter second half of his career compared to what's already been a fantastic, you know, run in his team around.
- [48:24]
E
You and who knows, man, like, that's a good point too. These other, these other players are playing for some fantastic teams. So when you got more weapons, it's a little bit easier. Yeah, it's a. It's a tricky one, man. Josh Allen's still waiting to get the big one. So is the whole. The whole city of Buffalo for sure as well.
- [48:42]
A
It'd be fun if they got to play the packers in the Super Bowl. That would be a party all week long. Hey, Mojo, awesome stuff, man. Let's do it again sooner rather than later. In the meantime, enjoy your football on Sunday and beyond. And don't be a stranger, fella.
- [48:58]
E
There we go, baby. Everybody put in your picks with my boys at DraftKings, all right? Make sure you use that promo code, Dean or Mojo on Casino.
- [49:09]
A
All right? Before we get out of here, great news for sticking around. We're about to make you a millionaire. And I mean me, Geno and Mike Fuentes. It's time for the pick six presented by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. And I am as sure as I've been all season long, fellas. Okay? The bad news is I've been sure in the past, but this time I'm really, really sure. Easy peasy. These guys are all going to score at least one touchdown. And you tell me if any of these are. Are inaccurate. I. I doubt you will. Christian McCaffrey, maybe the number one touchdown scorer against the Tennessee Titans. He gets one Derrick Henry against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have no defense. Touchdown for him. Jamar Chase against the Baltimore Ravens, who have a terrible secondary and no pass rush. Jamar Chase off the right arm of Joe Burrow. Touchdown for him. Jameer Gibbs. Okay, Forget about Christian McCaffrey. Gibbs is your number one touchdown score. So we go Jameer from Jamar. And now on to Jalen. Jalen Hurts gets a touchdown against Vegas. Good luck to Kenny Pickett in that one. And then while we're on the subject of names, the best name in all of pro football, Puka Kua is going to get into the end zone against the Lions in Sofi Stadium. They're all touchdown scores, right, fellas?
- [50:29]
B
I wouldn't take any of them off the list, but if I had to take one off the list, I would take Puka out just because I think he would rather throw those to Devonte Adams at the goal line.
- [50:36]
C
Yeah, and then Puka had two last week.
- [50:37]
B
I'm not calling Puka a scrub.
- [50:39]
A
Yeah, yeah.
- [50:39]
B
But likely he gets it too.
- [50:41]
C
Puka had two last week, right? So now it's like Devonte's gonna get at least one. So, like you don't know how many they're gonna get. You know what I. I don't like and I know it's Vegas and Vegas is everybody's get, right. I feel like Jalen hurts, doesn't want to run.
- [50:52]
E
Right.
- [50:53]
C
He hasn't want to run lately. And then last game against the Chargers, they were on the two yard line. No Tush pushes at all. Very much made me mad. Yeah, very much made me mad because of course I had Jalen Hurts anytime touchdown and that one. So for me, I would take out that running quarterback and I'd put in Josh Allen in the cold because he had the big run last week in the cold. There might be some throwing things going on, but I think he's discovered I can run it. And he's going to have to get all the points he can against New England.
- [51:16]
B
All right. And I'm going to put in Mark Andrews TD because Cincinnati is so bad against the tight end that it has to be like a game, a game plan thing for them that they just don't guard the position.
- [51:27]
A
I like both of those. And Mike, to your point, I thought it was vaguely troubling if you're an Eagles fan. Even though it went for a touchdown, the pitch out to saquon on 4th and inches instead of Tush pushing, it was weird. I do think that they decide and Jalen decides dance with who brung yet the Tush push. They'll return to that in a game that they absolutely have to have. Good news is they're playing the Raiders, as you say, so they'll win that one. All right, that's it. Thanks to everybody for participating. Thanks to you for listening and or watching. Reminder. Subscribe, won't you? Spread the good word. Leave us a comment on YouTube or otherwise. We'll be back on the other side of the football weekend to try and make sense of it for you. Until then, thanks so much, my fellow football Americans. It's been a thin slice of heaven. Sam.