PMS 2.0 1247 - Thursday Night Football Preview, ESPN 300 #2 Recruit Julian Lewis, Michael Lombardi, Shams Charania, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, Chuck Pagano, & AJ Hawk

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show – Episode PMS 2.0 1247

Date Released: November 21, 2024
Host: Pat McAfee
Guests: Chuck Pagano, Julian Lewis, Michael Lombardi, Shams Charania, Kevin O'Connell, AJ Hawk, and others.

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1. Thursday Night Football Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns

Guests: Chuck Pagano, AP Tone

Pat McAfee kicks off the show with an in-depth preview of the upcoming Thursday Night Football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) and the Cleveland Browns (2-8). Former NFL coach Chuck Pagano joins to provide expert analysis on the matchup.

Key Discussion Points:

• Steelers' Dominant Defense:
  Chuck Pagano emphasizes Pittsburgh's strong defensive statistics, highlighting that their defense ranks first in interception returns and has allowed only 74.4 rushing yards per game ([31:54]).

  "We've looked at the tail of the tape and Pittsburgh's defense is outstanding, forcing turnovers and limiting rushing yards significantly." – Chuck Pagano [31:54]

• Browns' Offensive Struggles:
  Cleveland's offense is under scrutiny, with Pagano noting their 4th-ranked rushing offense but 29th-ranked rushing defense, suggesting vulnerabilities against Pittsburgh's run game.

  "Cleveland's rushing defense ranks 29th, which is a major concern against a Steelers team that excels in the running game." – Chuck Pagano [31:54]

• Impact of Weather:
  The anticipated snow and cold weather are expected to influence the game's dynamics, potentially favoring the Steelers' ground game.

  "Weather is going to play a significant role tonight, potentially making it a ground-based, defensive struggle." – Pat McAfee [05:29]

• Key Players:
  Discussion centers around Steelers' Russell Wilson and Najee Harris, and Browns' Jameis Winston. McAfee expresses optimism about Wilson's ability to change the team's offensive dynamics.

  "Russell Wilson has transformed the Steelers' offense, making them more versatile and explosive." – Pat McAfee [09:39]

Conclusion:
Chuck Pagano leans towards a Steelers victory, citing their superior defense and offensive balance. However, he acknowledges the Browns' potential to disrupt Pittsburgh's game plan with turnovers.

"On paper, Pittsburgh should run away with this game, but Cleveland has its moments and can surprise us." – Chuck Pagano [05:29]

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2. Julian "Juju" Lewis' Commitment to University of Colorado

Guest: Julian Lewis

One of the episode's highlights is the exclusive interview with high school star Julian Lewis, who has reclassified to join the 2025 class and commits to the University of Colorado despite initial commitments to USC.

Key Discussion Points:

• High School Achievements:
  Lewis boasts impressive stats, including 531 passing yards and five touchdowns as a freshman in Georgia's state championship game.

  "As a freshman, I led my team to a state record with 531 yards and five touchdowns." – Julian Lewis [11:22]

• Decision to Reclassify and Commit Early:
  Lewis explains his decision to reclassify academically and athletically to accelerate his college and professional career.

  "I wanted to compete and start as a freshman, not sit on the bench. That's why I chose Colorado." – Julian Lewis [14:07]

• Influence of Deion Sanders ("Coach Prime"):
  Lewis credits Deion Sanders for offering him the opportunity to compete for a starting position, highlighting the strategic recruitment efforts.

  "Coach Prime always said the best man is going to play. I wanted to be where I could start and grow under his guidance." – Julian Lewis [14:07]

• Academic and Athletic Balance:
  Balancing academics with intense athletic commitments is emphasized as a critical factor in his success and decision-making.

  "Academically, it's a big commitment, but I'm focused on excelling both on the field and in the classroom." – Julian Lewis [15:07]

Conclusion:
Pat McAfee congratulates Lewis on his commitment, foreseeing a significant impact on college football dynamics. The episode celebrates Lewis' achievements and his decision to join a program led by a high-profile coach.

"Julian Lewis is not just a phenomenal athlete but also a dedicated student, setting himself up for success on and off the field." – Pat McAfee [16:04]

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3. NFL Playoff Race Insights

Guests: Michael Lombardi, AJ Hawk, Shams Charania

The show delves into the current NFL playoff standings, discussing key teams vying for postseason spots, with insights from football insiders Michael Lombardi and Shams Charania.

Key Discussion Points:

• AFC Teams in the Mix:
  Analysis of teams like the Colts, Bengals, and Dolphins, examining their chances and challenges in securing playoff berths.

  "Miami still has a chance to make the playoffs, but consistency is key against their tough schedule." – Michael Lombardi [38:13]

• Colts' Quarterback Situation:
  Focus on Anthony Richardson's development and the Colts' reliance on his dual-threat capabilities to compete.

  "Anthony Richardson has shown significant progress, making crucial plays that keep the Colts' playoff hopes alive." – Pat McAfee [40:43]

• Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses:
  Discussion on various teams' defensive performances, turnover margins, and how these metrics affect their playoff aspirations.

  "Turnover margins are a critical factor; teams leading in this category have a higher chance of making the playoffs." – Michael Lombardi [36:47]

Conclusion:
The conversation underscores the competitiveness of the NFL playoff race, highlighting how defensive prowess and quarterback performance are pivotal in determining which teams advance.

"Teams with strong defenses and dynamic quarterbacks are better positioned to navigate the final stretch towards the playoffs." – Michael Lombardi [36:47]

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4. Referees and Replay Assist: A Call for Changes

Guest: Chuck Pagano

Former NFL coach Chuck Pagano engages in a candid discussion about the current state of officiating in the NFL, particularly focusing on the replay assist system and its implications.

Key Discussion Points:

• Effectiveness of Replay Assist:
  Pagano critiques the replay assist system, citing instances where clear calls were either overturned or missed, leading to frustration.

  "Replay assist should address egregious mistakes, but often, clear and obvious calls still slip through." – Chuck Pagano [84:35]

• Subjectivity in Calls:
  He debates the subjectivity involved in certain penalties, such as offensive holding and pass interference, and how replay assist sometimes fails to provide consistent corrections.

  "There's a fine line between enforcing rules and overanalyzing plays, which can disrupt the flow of the game." – Chuck Pagano [86:33]

• Impact on Game Integrity:
  Pagano argues that inconsistent officiating undermines the integrity of the game, especially in high-stakes matches like divisional rivalries.

  "Inconsistent officiating can cost teams games and tarnish the credibility of the sport." – Chuck Pagano [90:00]

• Proposed Enhancements:
  He advocates for a broader application of replay assist and more transparent officiating processes to ensure fairness and accuracy.

  "We need more comprehensive replay systems that can handle all levels of infractions to maintain the sport's integrity." – Chuck Pagano [84:35]

Conclusion:
Pagano calls for significant reforms in NFL officiating, emphasizing the need for reliable and transparent systems to uphold the fairness and competitiveness of the game.

"For the sport to thrive, officiating must evolve to consistently and accurately enforce the rules without disrupting the game's pace." – Chuck Pagano [86:33]

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5. NBA All-Star Game Format Changes

Guest: Shams Charania

Shams Charania discusses the innovative changes to the NBA All-Star Game structure, introducing a tournament format with four teams instead of the traditional East vs. West setup.

Key Discussion Points:

• Tournament Structure:
  The new format features three All-Star teams and one Rising Stars team, engaging players in a single-elimination tournament leading to a championship game.

  "The All-Star Game is transforming into a four-team tournament, adding more excitement and competition to the festivities." – Shams Charania [97:03]

• Player Involvement:
  Players like Stephen Curry, Sabrina Yanescu, and potentially Caitlin Clark are actively involved in shaping the new format, ensuring higher participation and enthusiasm.

  "Players have a significant voice in the restructured All-Star format, making it more engaging and competitive." – Shams Charania [97:03]

• Financial Incentives:
  Discussion on potential prize money and how it could motivate players to take the competition seriously, enhancing the overall quality of the game.

  "Introducing financial rewards to the All-Star Tournament adds a layer of motivation, pushing players to perform at their best." – Shams Charania [100:32]

• Comparison to NHL's Approach:
  The revamped NBA All-Star format draws inspiration from the NHL's tournament style, aiming to increase viewership and fan engagement.

  "Taking cues from the NHL's successful tournament format, the NBA aims to rejuvenate its All-Star Weekend with more dynamic competition." – **Chuck Pagano [101

:35]**

Conclusion:
The new NBA All-Star Tournament format is poised to redefine mid-season festivities, fostering a more competitive and entertaining environment for both players and fans.

"This tournament-style All-Star Game will bring a fresh, exciting dynamic to NBA mid-season celebrations, keeping fans hooked throughout the weekend." – Shams Charania [97:03]

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6. "Hashtag Ram Truck" Challenge

Segments: AP Tone, AJ Hawk, Boston Connor, AP Tone
Focus: Highlighting and voting on the most impressive football hits of the week.

Pat McAfee introduces the "Hashtag Ram Truck" segment, showcasing clips of notable and powerful football tackles submitted by listeners. The current champion is Jonathan Allen from UAB.

Key Highlights:

• Rising Star Jonathan Allen:
  Allen's powerful tackle is featured as the week’s top contender.

  "Jonathan Allen delivered a perfect form tackle, exemplifying the essence of a 'Ram Truck' play." – Pat McAfee [148:15]

• Supplementary Hits:
  Additional tackles from Ryan Eckley and Floyd Chalk IV are presented, each demonstrating exceptional strength and technique.

  "Ryan Eckley's aggressive punt return tackle and Floyd Chalk IV's relentless run-back hit showcase the best of college football." – Pat McAfee [148:52]

Conclusion:
Listeners are encouraged to vote on their favorite "Ram Truck" plays, with the winner receiving a brand new 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel Ram truck.

"Vote for the most impactful tackle of the week and stand a chance to win a mighty Rebel Ram truck this holiday season." – Pat McAfee [157:49]

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7. Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Pat McAfee engages in playful banter with his co-hosts and guests, blending serious sports analysis with lighthearted segments. He emphasizes the importance of defensive strategies in football, the evolving landscape of sports officiating, and the excitement surrounding upcoming college and NFL games.

Final Takeaways:

• Defensive Dominance:
  Emphasizing the critical role of defense in both collegiate and professional football, showcasing how turnovers and defensive stops can pivot the outcome of games.

• Officiating Reforms:
  A call for more transparent and reliable officiating processes to enhance the fairness and integrity of the sport.

• Innovative Sports Formats:
  Highlighting how changes in traditional formats, like the NBA All-Star Tournament, can rejuvenate fan engagement and player participation.

• Community Engagement:
  The "Hashtag Ram Truck" challenge reinforces community involvement, allowing fans to actively participate in celebrating the sport's most memorable moments.

"As we navigate through a pivotal NFL season and witness transformative changes in other sports, it's clear that strategic defense and fair officiating will shape the future of athletic competition." – Pat McAfee [Closing Remarks]

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Notable Quotes:

• "Football is magical. And today's show is gigantic." – Pat McAfee [00:00]

• "Julian Lewis is not just a phenomenal athlete but also a dedicated student, setting himself up for success on and off the field." – Pat McAfee [16:04]

• "We need more comprehensive replay systems that can handle all levels of infractions to maintain the sport's integrity." – Chuck Pagano [84:35]

• "This tournament-style All-Star Game will bring a fresh, exciting dynamic to NBA mid-season celebrations, keeping fans hooked throughout the weekend." – Shams Charania [97:03]

• "Vote for the most impactful tackle of the week and stand a chance to win a mighty Rebel Ram truck this holiday season." – Pat McAfee [157:49]

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Conclusion:

This episode of "The Pat McAfee Show" offers a comprehensive look into key football matchups, emerging athletic talents, officiating challenges, and innovative sports formats. Pat McAfee and his guests provide insightful analysis and engaging discussions, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both depth and entertainment.

Transcript

[Pat McAfee]

Hello beautiful people and welcome to our humble abode, the ThunderDome on this NFL Week 12 Thursday kickoff, November 21, 2024. This program starts now. Football. It's magical. And today's show is gigantic. And I can't stress that enough. We're so incredibly lucky that we get to do this and talk about sports every single day. What a dream life. And thank you all so much for allowing us to do as such. And obviously we have a man who has coached football for 36 years here and he's on a little bit of a schneid when it comes to picking against the spread for Thursday Night Football, but he's always great vibes. Chuck Pagano is here. Great to see you, coach. Great to see you, coach. Can't wait to chit chat with you. And the talks to tables here at Boston Connor and at Ty Schmidt. You guys look amazing. Heard the Red Sox are maybe in for one soda.

[Boston Connor]

Don't look now, but the stocks are getting soda over all the way.

[Ty Schmidt]

No, they're not. But hey, sign somewhere. Let's do it.

[Pat McAfee]

One half of the Hammer Down Cowboys. AP tone is here. Obviously rocking your Pittsburgh Steelers sweatshirt. Pittsburgh Steelers playing in a massive one. Game day, baby. Big one on Thursday Night Football. We'll dive into that in a matter of moments. But today this show is going to be different than it's ever been before. In a matter of about nine minutes or so, ESPN's number two ranked player coming out of the 2025 class, which it would be seniors right now because remember, you graduate in June. Correct. Even though all these top guys are done in December and go to campus earlier, this guy reclassified. He was originally supposed to be 20, 26. He skips foregoes his junior year, becomes a instead of his junior year. So academically, big brain. Big brain. In this game, he is number two player in the country. We're watching his highlights. I don't know how this guy's the number two player. I don't know who the number one player in the country is. But this dude went for 531 yards in five touchdowns as a freshman. Okay? He's like 15 years old in Georgia's state championship 7A. That's a record. Obviously their team lost. I don't know. I don't know how that happens. But that was as a freshman this year he's going absolutely berserk. This past weekend he threw for four touchdowns. 431 yards in a playoff game or whatever. He has 132 touchdowns, 18 picks over his three year high school career thus far, he was committed to usc. He did commit it on Sunday in a matter of about eight minutes. He'll be announcing on this program, which we are incredibly grateful for, where he will be attending school. We just want to tell Julian Lewis, Juju, hey, thanks for allowing us to be a part of this awesome buzz in the air this morning. Oh yeah. Because we do not know. Okay. Might have been given a heads up of a couple places it could have been because we wanted to, you know, like, hey, can we get some? Because we would like to do this right. Yeah, we don't get to do this a lot. This is a massive moment for you. We would like to make sure it's good. So can you give us a couple. Got a chance to talk to his dad, TC dog?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Love this guy. Great conversation, great chat. Got the chance to learn about the world, you know, because this dude as a freshman, he's starting a seven eight Georgia football. Georgia is. That's a great football state creme seven a is the biggest it could possibly be going for 531 in five tugs in the state championship game. That's against the best players in Georgia as a freshman. He's doing that. So this dude's been in the limelight for a long time. Number two, once again, I have no idea. The number one, good luck. You gotta be a beast. You gotta be real good. You gotta be real good. But there's a couple places, I guess that have been reported on the Internet, they told us a couple different schools that it could be. So we are ready graphically to celebrate with them. Cannot wait to hear what where he's going. And obviously that's going to rattle the college football world. So that's in a matter of about seven minutes or so. And then we got Michael Lombardi, multiple times super bowl champion, joining us. And then we have the greatest fighter of all time, Jon Jones joining us pound for pound, number one fighter on earth until the day he's done fighting, as Dana White would say. And anybody with eyes that's ever watched him fight, he'll be joining us in a second hour. And then we got Kevin O'Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, joining us at 205 Eastern Time. So to say this is an awesome Thursday would be an understatement. But this is week 12, kickoff Thursday. The NFL kicks off this evening in another massive division rivalry game. The Pittsburgh Steelers 8 and 2 travel to play the Cleveland Browns 2 and 8 as 3 1/2 point favorites. I Know the prime crew has got to be excited for this one. AFC north football always delivers. The dog pound will show up for this game. Whether they're 2 and 8, 0, 100 13. It's going to be an electrifying environment. And I assume in Cleveland it's similar here to Indianapolis. First day of snow. First day of snow today. Woke up this morning with snow on the ground and snow falling. Should be a perfect football evening. So coach Pagano, I go to you one of these teams, 8 and 2, the other 2 and 8. So obviously you would think to yourself, the Steelers should definitely win this one. I mean this is a evident, evident Steelers win. If we were to look at this one from a 30,000 foot view. Coach.

[Chuck Pagano]

Absolutely. Not only the overall records, but you look at the stats like this Pittsburgh defense against this Cleveland offense. They're 31st in total offense. They're 28th rushing the ball. I know Jameis went for a bunch of yards. This Taysom Hill guy for New Orleans.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, pretty good.

[Chuck Pagano]

Like 200 plus yards on the ground over total yards, I guess. You know, throwing, catching, running, hitting, spiking, whatever. In the end zone. Yeah. So on paper it looks like Pittsburgh should just run away with this.

[Ty Schmidt]

Right?

[Chuck Pagano]

You got, you got Russ is cooking, you got Pickens, you got TJ Wide, you know.

[Pat McAfee]

But while you're talking about that, we're showing a graphic right now on the screen that says a lot of different things. You know, like the graphic that's currently on the screen, Chuck. And I don't want to, I don't want to make you look like an idiot as you're speaking with these stats right next to your face.

[Ty Schmidt]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

There's a lot of stats that are saying hold the phone. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers as a total, not great, you know, on Thursday night against division rivals. Is that because they know their song and dance so they don't fall for the crop. And then the bracket. Browns have won their last six Thursday night matchups. Mike Tomlin 05 on the road on Thursday night against divisional opponents Steelers 07. Okay, so that's how many times before Tomlin that this particular situation occurred. So those stats I think condescend. Everything you're potentially saying are those ones that Tomlin knows about you thinking are.

[Chuck Pagano]

Thinking about trap game. Oh, maybe this is trap game.

[Pat McAfee]

What do you think?

[Chuck Pagano]

Huge win over the Ravens.

[Pat McAfee]

Huge.

[Chuck Pagano]

Now you got to go on the road place you have not won on Thursday night. Black and blue division. I was at Cleveland for four years. I've been part of that dog pound we weren't worth a shit. We weren't got run after four years. But when this team came to town I saw William Green and Joey Porter in pregame warmups. Fist fight.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Both ejected.

[Pat McAfee]

Hell yeah. Yeah. This is AF north ball James.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's how this start. That's how. And you know why the line's only three and a half?

[Pat McAfee]

Why?

[Chuck Pagano]

Just because of that.

[Pat McAfee]

So let's go to Pittsburgh Steelers diehard fan AP Tone Tone we just put those stats up there not great. On Thursday night against divisional foes. Why is that and how scared are you for the Cleveland Browns who do not have a lot to cheer for right now?

[Boston Connor]

Nothing.

[Pat McAfee]

He paid the quarterback the most amount of money in the history of quarterbacks. He has torn Achilles before. His Achilles though was he?

[Ty Schmidt]

No.

[Pat McAfee]

You know I don't think so. Everything else around kind of burning down. Cleveland Browns are once again the Cleveland Browns. Yeah same Browns but boy they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in primetime Thursday night Football. There's something that Cleveland folks in the off season will talk shit about to every person from Pittsburgh. Are you worried about that ezer with your team potentially I don't want to say getting embarrassed but potentially losing to the Cleveland Browns who are having one of their worst years they've had in some time and that's saying a lot about the Cleveland Browns.

[AP Tone]

Am I worried about the two and a Cleveland Browns?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[AP Tone]

Yeah. So not me but a lot of the Steelers fan base like to call games like this, you know a Tomlin game which not me once again not me but the fan base will they have a tendency to go on the road not only on Thursday night but just in general against inferior opponents not just play down and play down them and lose those games for some reason it's it's crazy. Like they've they beat the division leading Falcons. They beat the Chargers and Broncos are both in the playoffs. They beat the Commanders and Ravens who are both in the playoffs. But if they win this one this will be one where Steelers fans are like okay maybe we got something going on here because it's been so insane like that like them going on the road against inferior opponents has just been a thing that they haven't played well at all doing. But hey Russ is nine four on on Thursday night Football I believe. Oh really four and one against the vision opponent so Russia maybe the just the difference maker goes guys don't worry I know this isn't your your spot but this is my spot primetime Russ is going to be there tonight so when they get this done tonight. Hopefully potentially this one will even be bigger than the Raven ones with last week.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Wow. Because this is a game that you guys normally lose. Yeah. I mean, as it was described from all these stats, 4 and 2 record against divisional foes. Now granted, Russell Wilson's brand new, so he doesn't know the defense. Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator, brand new. So playing the Cleveland Browns twice a year hasn't really set in for him at this particular point. But this Russell Wilson led Steelers does look different. Different than the Steelers of the past. And by the past, I mean recent history here. Like the last, let's say seven years, maybe six years where the offense kind of inept. Even Ben's last couple years. Yeah, it was just like quick stuff. We're getting out. We're not really doing anything. Russell has changed that immensely. Will that be enough to change the stats that the Pittsburgh Steelers suck on Thursday night against divisional foes? I guess you're saying yes.

[AP Tone]

Well, yeah. And since Ben's. What is his elbow injury in 19, whenever that happened, that really. You, you're. You hit a nail on the head there. But in this situation, oh, boy. Plus, tonight weather is supposed to be absolutely shite. So they are going to, you know, the Browns are going to muck it up.

[Pat McAfee]

So who's that good for?

[Chuck Pagano]

Let's go back to the ground.

[AP Tone]

Nobody.

[Chuck Pagano]

Let's go back to the ground game stats.

[Pat McAfee]

What?

[Chuck Pagano]

Who can run the ball and who can stop the run?

[Pat McAfee]

Who can.

[Chuck Pagano]

It isn't the Brownies.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh. So maybe Pittsburgh Steelers come in and play Cleveland Brown football against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland against the Browns and get a big time Thursday night football win. And we'll continue to chat about that. Let's not make the world wait any longer. No. No. Learning about this kid because he's 17 years old. Yes. Learning about this kid this morning in the past 24 hours has been awesome. I didn't know it was possible to do the shit that this kid has done legit. I just talked about at the beginning of the show, 531 yards, five touchdowns. Georgia 7A state championship game. As a freshman. As a freshman. He did that state record. Obviously. Never going to be touched. That's never going to be touched. He's currently in the middle of a playoff push with his team down there in Carrollton and everybody on earth wants to know where the hell he's going to go to school. So joining us now, an absolute stud, the future of football, ladies and gentlemen, Julian Juju Lewis. Juju. What up, man? How's it going? Hey, hair looks sweet. Obviously. That was another thing we learned about you over the last 24 hours. All your photos look sweet. How long we've been growing that?

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, man. Since eighth grade. Eighth grade, Something like that.

[Pat McAfee]

That's like two years ago. Got it. Okay. Yeah. Cause you stick to. You obviously reclassified as a 2025 senior as opposed to a 2026 senior. I just talked about your freshman stats in championship game. At what point did you realize, like, hey, I'm a guy, you know, like what, sixth grade? Are you just absolutely tearing people up? When did it really become thing?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, I mean, probably I was like 10. Probably I was 10. I mean, I was out there throwing seams and reading cover three and all that freaky stuff back then. So probably, yeah, probably like 10, 11. I was like, okay.

[Pat McAfee]

It's all. That's amazing to hear. Good for you. By the way, hey, congratulations. That is awesome. I have a. A baby girl, MacKenzie. She's 18 months old. And once I realized what you were able to do as a freshman, I'm like arbitrary. We got a chance. We can dominate things as freshmen in high school. So I appreciate the inspiration. I was talking to David Mulagueta. Obviously got the athletes first hoodie on right there. He said, you're talking to my guy, Juju. He is very similar to C.J. stroud. Very mature, very calm, football IQ through the roof, and obviously can put a ball everywhere, which is why everybody on earth is excited to hear where you're going to go to school. So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, Julian Juju Lewis will be playing football for whom next year, brother?

[Ty Schmidt]

I will be continuing. Continuing my athletic and academic career at the University of Colorado.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, congratulations. We're incredibly proud of you. We're pumped for you that you were able to make this decision. Now, obviously this is going to be huge news, not only in Colorado, not only in the Big 12, but the NFL is going to have to talk about this as well because of all the story lines surrounding Coach prime and what everybody's thinking there. And when you took your visit to Colorado, there was a photo of Shador basically handing the keys over to you. How big of a moment was this? And at what point did you know you wanted to be a Colorado Buffalo?

[Ty Schmidt]

I mean, of course it was big for me just coming in after Shador, just seeing what he's done to Colorado and what he's turned it into. But no, I was. It's definitely a blessing getting put in this position, coming after him, and with his dad. I mean, I couldn't. Couldn't beat it.

[Pat McAfee]

What are your conversations with Coach prime, like? And ultimately, because a lot of. Obviously we see what Travis Hunter is doing, and he. I think because he went to Colorado, he's been allowed to do all these things. I think some other schools would have forced him to go one way or the other, and we'd all be left out of watching greatness happen right in front of our eyes. What did Coach prime tell you that made you feel comfortable about taking your career that has been prolific already and extending it with him in Colorado?

[Ty Schmidt]

I mean, Coach Prime's always said, like, the best man is going to play. And that's really what I wanted, was to be able to come in and compete to start as a freshman. I mean, I wouldn't have much fun sitting on the bench. So I was like, I want to come in somewhere I can get a chance to play. So he's going to let me compete for that. That was big for me.

[Pat McAfee]

So I assume you graduate here in December and then you'll spring. You'll be up in Colorado?

[Ty Schmidt]

I will be, yes, sir.

[Pat McAfee]

It's beautiful up there, brother. Now, you're from Georgia. It's hot. Are you excited about the Chile and the views up there in the Rockies?

[Ty Schmidt]

It's kind of icy right now. I'm not gonna lie.

[Pat McAfee]

It's.

[Ty Schmidt]

It was like 35 this morning. It's kind of Burr.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow. Okay. I do. It's freezing as that here in Indianapolis, I guess also down in Burr. Down In Georgia, 35 is cold. You get it. Yeah, that's not a worry at all. What are your thoughts as you go on to play at the next level? You just excited to learn or what are your main objectives?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, no, I mean, of course I'm excited to learn under Coach Shermer and Coach Prime. I was talking about it the other day. I don't think there's a. A better person to learn how to read defenses and coverages than Coach Prime, Deion Sanders. So, I mean, just trying to kind of grow mentally. My big thing.

[Pat McAfee]

They figured out the offensive line, too, you know, which is good news. They opened that thing up, too.

[AP Tone]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

We're going to be able to spin that thing. I think everything that you're great at, they've obviously spotlighted with Shador in their offense. We're incredibly pumped for you, man. Good luck with everything, sir.

[Ty Schmidt]

Appreciate you.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey, thanks for letting us be a part of this legitimately.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, no, thank you all. Thank you for having me.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know if we're doordashing anything though. Are we going to doordash anything to celebrate? I see the thing right over your shoulder there.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, man. Doordash my go to. I already got it on me. You know.

[Pat McAfee]

Smart. This is that Nio stuff. This is brilliant. Good luck with it all. We appreciate you. Congrats, brother.

[Ty Schmidt]

Appreciate it.

[Pat McAfee]

Ladies and gentlemen, Julian juju Lewis. He's in the middle of a playoff push right now. Yeah. Yeah. So he's going to take care of that. I assume that's why he wanted to make this decision as quickly as he did. Decommits from USC on Sunday. Here we are four days later. Just want to let's get back the ball now and get focused. 17 years old.

[Chuck Pagano]

Unbelievable.

[Pat McAfee]

Look at how comfortable call me is. I do believe this younger entrepreneurial mindset has made a lot of these kids have to mature at a much quicker rate. But football IQ wise, Mulgetta was like, hey, this kid. And he just said about eighth grade cover three. I started like breaking down. It's like it's just another level. It feels like these younger guys.

[Chuck Pagano]

So who was his family? His dad, a coach, Brothers? Does he have siblings? Where did he. Where did he learn the game? Where did he gain all this knowledge? Just from his high school coaches?

[Michael Lombardi]

Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

It said his dad played a little bit at UConn and then I just saw on his Instagram. I don't know what he like what position he has on the coaching staff, but I think he's involved on the high school team as well.

[Pat McAfee]

I. I can't fathom. No, we should have known about him a lot earlier. Just want to let you know definitely, because this is unbelievable stuff. And I don't know how many of these there are around the country. Obviously there big fish in small ponds everywhere. You know, every single high school probably has a best player. Best everything what he's been doing for. And then he did the Quinn Ewers move.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yep.

[Pat McAfee]

Which is reclassifying a year earlier. So academically you also have to do a bunch of stuff. So you have to be intelligent. You have to be focused, attention to detail. And physically he just holds freshman year what he was able to do. 7A Georgia football. Georgia creates Georgia High school football is very. It's not like you're just some crappy state. This is a great state where he performed very well. Coach Prime's got to be elated about this decision, especially with Shador on his way out.

[Ty Schmidt]

Biggest classification in Georgia like a couple years ago. Like there's a Good chance he was playing against dudes who are either in the NFL who went to Georgia or, you know, guys who are going to be first round picks. So yeah, like I, I feel like, you know, obviously there are special talents everywhere, but like, very rarely do you see that number two.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. What do you got? What's this guy gotta do?

[Boston Connor]

You know, breaking records at 14 years old.

[Pat McAfee]

That's unbelievable.

[AP Tone]

Number one is the kid who LSU and Michigan are currently fighting over for like the millions and millions of dollars.

[Pat McAfee]

So I think that's very normal. Yeah, I think it's very normal operating procedure.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know how many millions and millions.

[Chuck Pagano]

What do you think he got any idea?

[Pat McAfee]

I have no idea. So I think Colorado. So I might be mistaken in talking out of pocket here. So. Because not everybody's just. Not everybody just shows their accounts, you know, not everybody just shows it. Colorado does have nil. Obviously have to. Have to. In this modern world that we're in, especially if you're going to want to win championships, which they're still very much in it for. The Big 12 right now, could end up in a college football playoff, which everybody would be incredibly pumped about. Even their haters would be pumped about because in the biggest moment they get to see them. You're from Boulder.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah. So I can't even imagine right now.

[Pat McAfee]

So the nil.

[Chuck Pagano]

What's going on?

[Pat McAfee]

So the nil stuff, I don't think Colorado is at the level of like there are some schools that have. Are head and shoulders above not at.

[Ty Schmidt]

USC's level even, you know.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, and I think us. Yeah, exactly. And I don't think USC is anywhere.

[Ty Schmidt]

Near SVC schools and Ohio State and Oregon. Well, yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Pat McAfee]

And in the great state of Texas now. Right. You're talking about like there is some nil stuff at some of these schools that are head and shoulders above everybody else. So it's not just the amount of money. It's not like I don't think he took the biggest check he was offered, if I am reading the tea leaves properly in college football. But what he's choosing is development.

[Chuck Pagano]

Absolutely.

[Pat McAfee]

And like connections and blueprint on how to become an NFL pro or how to become a legacy or a legend and hall of Famer and everything like that. Like Coach Saban talks about this. Alabama did not have, you know, at the end here when Nio was real, but like the sell was, hey, you're going to come here. And this is the blueprint. This is kind of a thing. I think Deion's Doing the same exact thing over there in Colorado. And that's a big part of the pitch. And a lot of the schools that don't have the deep pockets that everybody else is, that is going to have to be the way they sell it, because somebody can show up with a, hey, here's 3 million bucks to come play. And then another school is like, we got one and a half million. You know, that's you're still a millionaire.

[Boston Connor]

Pretty sweet.

[Pat McAfee]

That's still a lot of money. But you're going to have to make up that difference somewhere, right? You're going to have to make up that difference somewhere. And I think Coach prime, that coaching staff, everything they've been able to do and prove that they can do it at any level. He was doing high school, he was doing HBCU. Now he's doing in a Power 4 program and a Power 4 conference. And then obviously, with what Shador and Travis. Those might be top five picks.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Those might be two top five picks from the same program. Two Heisman finalists from the same program. It's like, in a very quick time, Coach prime has proved himself legitimacy, obviously. And I assume his dad, tc, massive fan of Coach prime, for sure. Yeah. So he has that. It's like good stuff happening.

[Chuck Pagano]

Big challenge for them is not only the nil, right? And you know, Prime, Rick George has got the biggest challenge, right? The athletic director a year ago, this time, it looked like, what are we doing? Right? Everybody's team's not where we started out as saying this little project, this little whatever. And now fast forward to today and this announcement. Now, Rick George, you better. You better secure you some cash and some cheese.

[Pat McAfee]

You better start shaking some hands like.

[Chuck Pagano]

Sig down the road here in Bloomington just got, you know, ripped off a nice little check, right? 64.

[Pat McAfee]

8 per.

[Chuck Pagano]

8 per. Right.

[Pat McAfee]

Yep.

[Chuck Pagano]

Because now all the talk on TV, all the pundits now, is Deion to the NFL. Deion here, Dion there, right? He said he's got his kickstand down, right? And he's. He set up this where he wants to be.

[Pat McAfee]

Just got the number two commit in the entire country.

[Chuck Pagano]

But it's money. Money talks. Right now, prime may not need a nickel, probably, if I'm guessing right. I don't. I don't think he needs. Hey, I mean, we all.

[Pat McAfee]

How much money is enough money?

[Chuck Pagano]

Nothing.

[Pat McAfee]

Not enough.

[Chuck Pagano]

Not enough. So he's doing fine. But Rick George, the athletic director, kudos to him pulling this thing off. Kudos. That staff prime, what he's doing Getting this deal. I know those. I know the money guys here in Boulder still.

[Pat McAfee]

Do you really?

[Chuck Pagano]

No. They have to step up.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes, they do.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Is it all pythons up there with money or who is it?

[Chuck Pagano]

No, you got a little bit of everything. Kind of eclectic. Thank God.

[Pat McAfee]

It's a beautiful area.

[Boston Connor]

That's the other thing to talk about is that right now it's all D on Dion to the NFL. It's like we should think about the other school that he decommitted from. Like, Lincoln Riley has been loud about going to the NFL the past few years. Not him himself, but people just talking about it. Like, you wonder with the guy with him decommitting, especially with this money conversation. Like, Lincoln Riley could easily be going to the NFL next year. And we're not really talking about it because Shedeur and, you know, Dion and Prime. That's more so the story right now.

[Chuck Pagano]

Those windows that we all have, they close really fast.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Like you're hot in one second.

[AP Tone]

Last couple years had.

[Chuck Pagano]

And then.

[Pat McAfee]

You'Re offense coordinator for another team.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

No longer.

[Chuck Pagano]

So, like, when that. When you better strike while. While it's hot.

[Pat McAfee]

Congrats, Juju.

[Boston Connor]

Hell, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Cool kid hair. Sweet. Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Unbelievable.

[Pat McAfee]

He already has a head and shoulders deal. Weight night. Hey, Mulagueta, let's go.

[Chuck Pagano]

He knows.

[Boston Connor]

Probably a hairspray somewhere.

[Ty Schmidt]

Let's go.

[Pat McAfee]

How about him? Having Mulagueta as this guy, that's a big deal.

[Chuck Pagano]

So you can. So I'm behind. So you can have, like, you're at a high school. You can have an agent. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, you need one.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Because if you don't.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, I know, with the ni. But. So you can sign. You're.

[Pat McAfee]

I think so. Yeah. Now, I don't. To be clear, if you're a junior high and David Mulgeta says he would like to handle your business for you or help you handle your business. You sign that contract with David Mulligan. Now, there's also a lot of bad agents that are probably trying to do something similar, which is a part of the entire development of having to have guardrails on this whole thing going forward, which I think there's a judgment coming Q1 of next year about how it's all going to work out. But yeah, I think the fact that. I don't think Mulligata's missed much. No. You know, I think he. And to be a great agent, obviously, you have to have a great negotiating ability, great communicating skills, but you also have to be a good scout.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Like you have to who you're. So whenever I get a text from alligators like, hey, heard you got my guy Juju coming on. I immediately was like, this dude's a mole. Get the guy.

[Boston Connor]

What?

[Pat McAfee]

Good for him. Good for his family. Doordash is sitting right there.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, it's perfect.

[Pat McAfee]

Doordash is sitting right there.

[Ty Schmidt]

He knows.

[Boston Connor]

Signed card up on the other side.

[Ty Schmidt]

He knows.

[Pat McAfee]

Congrats, Juju, the whole family. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of that. Now let's get back to this evening's game. Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns. I think it's going to be a good primetime game.

[Boston Connor]

Absolutely.

[Pat McAfee]

And you know, there was a time where you were a bit bummed out about these primetime games, but tonight I think it's a guarantee to deliver. Now, it might not be this explosive game.

[AJ Hawk]

No.

[Pat McAfee]

But there's going to be some ram trucked moments that are going to happen tonight. Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

And I was kind of like last week, like we were very excited about Eagles commanders because there's going to be a lot of points and all that. And it started off very slow, but it was still good because it was kind of a smash mouth type game. Personally, this is like the worst line we've probably ever, ever had on any of the Thursday night football games at three and a half favorite to the Steelers because in one hand you say, well, I can't bet on the Browns and then have them get blown out because obviously you're not supposed to bet on the Browns. And then on the other hand you think, well, I shouldn't bet on the Steelers because this line in reality should be eight and a half, nine and a half, but actually it's three and a half. So they're telling you to take the Browns. I think it's going to be a smash mouth. Nick Chubb. No. Putting their heads down, running all over the place. I don't know exactly who's going to win the game, to be completely honest with you. But from what Tony said, as much as this game means it does feel like the Steelers have to get this one done.

[Pat McAfee]

36 and a half over, under is.

[AP Tone]

That low for an NFL game. Yeah, but it might be too high, to be honest.

[Pat McAfee]

Really?

[AP Tone]

I mean, with the weather in these two teams, like I, I, if I was a betting man and I bet on Steelers games, aren't you Take the under, aren't you?

[Pat McAfee]

You're a host of a sports betting show.

[Boston Connor]

You're a Batman, right?

[AP Tone]

I am a Batman.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Yeah. And you get like, what's going on? Judge completely on it. Yeah. So you saying if I was a betting man is awesome. Just thinking you are a betting man. But you were trying to. This is like a Mr. Kim.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, exactly.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Mike Foss.

[AP Tone]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Bingo.

[Pat McAfee]

Mike Fossil, by the way, Mike Foss runs. Mike Voss runs the show. Of course. Thank you to Front Office Sports for the seemingly nice write up on LinkedIn. There are some backhanded, you know, you know, those have to do their thing and numbers wrong. And whenever you're gonna put evaluation on a company, Front Office Sports, you know that, let's make sure we're right and we take into account all the businesses that are in there because you could be potentially cutting me off at the knees a little bit publicly when you don't have a clue about the valuation of our company. But I do appreciate the kind words in there. Says Mike Foss runs.

[Ty Schmidt]

Mike Foss runs the show.

[Boston Connor]

He's the guy.

[Pat McAfee]

Mike Foss runs the show.

[Boston Connor]

He actually told us to lead with what we love with.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, yeah, he writes the script for us. Yeah. That's crazy. And if you do a wide shot. If you do a wide shot. So zoom out a little bit. Can you zoom out a little bit? So these are just teleprompters. These right here. Those are. These are just teleprompters ones over there. And Mike Foss is actually just typing the entire show so that we can, we can read it. Mike Foss, the one that books everybody that comes on the show, he sends all the emails and text messages.

[Boston Connor]

He actually told me what's worded.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, well, he said, need you to wear another New England hat like he did yesterday. That was a big hit. Do the Boston hockey. Now do the Patriots.

[Boston Connor]

Bingo. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

We can't thank Mike Foss enough.

[Ty Schmidt]

Orders all the food pre show. I wish, you know, he could have got mine here a little earlier today.

[Pat McAfee]

But outside of that, he bought this place. He bought the Thunder.

[Chuck Pagano]

Told me to wear flannel.

[Pat McAfee]

Yep. Bingo. Built the Thunderdome.

[Chuck Pagano]

Never done that out.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he. He wired it all up. Never wore flannel. Yeah, never. Foss comes through, sends the tax. Say, Chuck, you're gonna need you to do that.

[Ty Schmidt]

Come on.

[Pat McAfee]

Thanks for running the show Fast. I don't know where.

[Boston Connor]

Where it would be without Foss in the.

[Pat McAfee]

Before we even got the ESPN too. Think about this. It was crazy because Fast was working at espn, but he was doing what he's doing now for our show. Still for us, whenever we weren't with espn, Multitask.

[Ty Schmidt]

See you guys down the road.

[Pat McAfee]

Just type it Up. Hey, let me, let me help you guys out. Let me go ahead and type this up. We love Phos Ph doesn't run on our show. Okay. Just one little journalistic standard creation in that whole thing. But he is a massive help for us, a massive weapon for us. And wildly handsome and also a huge part of the future of espn. We love Mike Foss.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, great soccer player as well. Great soccer player, can play footy.

[Pat McAfee]

Did not. Should have subbed himself in more, I think.

[Boston Connor]

Definitely.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he was a little.

[Ty Schmidt]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

He was just a little bit hesitant, a little timid. Yeah, yeah, just.

[Boston Connor]

Cause he didn't want to be so good that everyone else was like, why the hell am I even here?

[Pat McAfee]

I think he legitimately did not want to step on anybody's toes. Like, hey, this is everybody's thing. It's like, hey, Fosso, we get in there. Fossil, we need you over there, you need that boot. We love Fosso. Absolutely love Mike Foss. But that was, you know, one line in that particular thing that potentially made me say, oh, I just want to discredit everything I've ever done. Okay, got it. That makes sense. I appreciate that. But nonetheless, we appreciate kind words being said about this because that is very abnormal. That's maybe the most abnormal thing that has ever happened.

[Ty Schmidt]

Far and few between.

[Pat McAfee]

That was on LinkedIn too. So all those people on LinkedIn are big fans of ours. True. You know, so I'm sure that is all going very well, but nonetheless, big night tonight.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, huge.

[Pat McAfee]

Lot of Ram truck moments. Joining us now is a person who's had a job with the Cleveland Browns, has been a part of this rivalry before. He's multiple time super bowl champion, an absolute stallion of an Italian man. He's podcast host, live show host, he's a TED speaker, he's an email newsletter founder. Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Lombardi.

[Michael Lombardi]

How we doing? We are going to witness history tonight. I mean, Al may not wear a tie, it's going to be too cold. But the history is going to be this will be the first game, Pat, that Jameis Winston has played in temperatures below 40 degrees in his NFL career.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow.

[Michael Lombardi]

Can you imagine that?

[Pat McAfee]

No.

[Shams Charania]

How about that?

[Pat McAfee]

I did not know that. Obviously. He's down in Tampa, he's down in New Orleans, comes up to Cleveland this year. You would think one of those teams would have had a game though against some north opponent late in the season. They have not. How would James handle it, I wonder.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, because even going back to college, you wonder how many he played with at Florida State.

[AP Tone]

None.

[Pat McAfee]

Probably none.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Michael Lombardi]

The reason we measure hands at the combine on quarterbacks is because of nights like tonight. You know, when you have small hands, it maybe becomes difficult to handle a slippery football. And Jameis had really small hands coming out of college. So this will be a challenge for him against a very good Pittsburgh front and his and his ability to handle a wet football. In the conditions that we're going to face tonight, I'd be great football to be, fun to watch.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, as Jim Harbaugh said, tonight's gonna be a cold night. Okay. Yep. Shout out to the Black Eyed Peas. Love the Black Eyed Peas, but you're talking about cold and rainy. Is that the story of tonight? Jameis Winston potentially having to handle all that or this is AFC north football. Whoever's more physical than the other team is going to whip. Yeah.

[Michael Lombardi]

No, I think the story of tonight is why the Steelers and, and certainly we. That they can talk about, Diggs can talk about this is they don't win on Thursday night. Mike Tomlin has struggled on the road on Thursday nights. It's been really bad. He's 0 and 7 straight up and against the spread, he hasn't been very good on Thursday night. Away from Pittsburgh, that's been a problem. So. And one thing we do know about the AFC north, or the old Central, if you will, however you want to call it, you know, the underdog has always had a place at the table. They're at 61% covering the number in these type of games. So even though it doesn't look weird, even though it doesn't look like it should be a close game, The Browns have Only scored over 18 points one time all season, but they did it against the Ravens, believe it or not. So even though it doesn't look like it should be a good game, it probably going to be a really good defensive ugly struggle and come down to the final five minutes.

[Pat McAfee]

Every time we get a chance to talk about one of these AFC north games, I just can't help but think about how lucky I was to grow up in one of these AFC north tines. So whenever I see four and a half point spread last week for the Ravens against Pittsburgh Steelers, it's like, hold the four and a half. We think this is what we think this is going to be like. And then tonight, three and a half, I know it's not four and a half, but it's certainly more than a field goal. That feels big to me for an AFC north game. That's just. That just kind of feels Big to me, especially with the conditions being the way they are.

[Michael Lombardi]

Yeah, it feels big to me, too, because look, both these teams, they know each other. There's the rivalry, right. I mean, I've been a part of it. Last year, believe this or not, it was the first time the Steelers didn't finish ahead of the Browns in the standing in the. In the AFC north or if you want to go back to the AFC Central since 1989, when Kevin Mack scored against the Houston Tech Houston Oilers to win that game on the last day. And that was the last time the Browns finished ahead of him until last year. So this has been an intense rivalry and it's going to continue to be that way. And I think the Steelers have their work cut out for them tonight. Even though the Browns, you know, lost badly last week, they still gained 400 and some yards, 443 yards against the Saints. James through for the most yards of any time any quarterback in Cleveland Brown this season. So it'll be. It'll be fascinating. If he protects the football, that's what's going to really come out of this. What happens? Does he not protect it or does he.

[Pat McAfee]

Is this game going to be a part of your picks at the end of this conversation or. No?

[Michael Lombardi]

No, because I don't trust Jamis with his small hands in cold weather. You know, I mean, I worry about.

[Pat McAfee]

It because corny hands, I can't trust a guy.

[Michael Lombardi]

They smell like cabbage, you know?

[Shams Charania]

Right.

[Pat McAfee]

That's ridiculous. All right, so you're just staying away from this one. That's smart.

[Michael Lombardi]

Absolutely.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Couple more stats here. You talk about the standings and everything, and this doesn't just about tonight's game, but just Pittsburgh Steelers as a whole. This is from Hembo. Pittsburgh's preseason over under was eight wins. Tomlin will hit the over with its next win for the fifth consecutive season. Okay. And it will be the 12th time in 18 seasons. If he does it now, there's a chance. Yeah, if he does it.

[Ty Schmidt]

Stingy team.

[Pat McAfee]

It'll be the 12th. Well, not just tonight, the rest of the season.

[Ty Schmidt]

You're right.

[Pat McAfee]

It'll be the 12th time in 18 seasons that Tomlin's team has exceeded its preseason win total. So, like projected expectations, Tomlin has obviously outperformed them this year, though. Feels like one of the teams that can maybe get them out of like 13 to 21 draft. Yep. Right. Isn't that kind of what the expectation is this year? Yeah, it is.

[AP Tone]

I mean, we've been Sitting in that, yeah. 13, 18, 20 range for the last. Since really the last five years. And that's.

[Pat McAfee]

And what does that mean? That's.

[AP Tone]

I mean, that's the purgatory that we sit in.

[Pat McAfee]

That means you're above.500, but you're losing a lot of games, too. No chance of winning super bowl, but not. Could win every game.

[Ty Schmidt]

Correct.

[Pat McAfee]

And it's like. It's kind of a purgatory that the Steelers have been. Russell Wilson has seemingly taken the insers out of this. I got a text this morning from Bones. It was Jack Black kicking Will Ferrell's dog off the bridge. And he says this is what's happening to the Browns tonight. The dog pound. And then obviously a full thing about how he feels. But Yinzers feel like this is a team that can actually go, which hasn't happened in a long time, I think for actual Steelers fans deep down.

[Michael Lombardi]

Yeah, I mean, look, Wilson's played really well. He averages 7.8 yards per attempt. Think about this now, Pat. He's only started four games. He's thrown for 942 yards in those four games, whereas the field started six games and he's threw for 1100 yards. So they're throwing the ball down the field with more consistency. Right. He had the bad interception last week against Baltimore. But for the most part, they've also improved their running game. Over the last five games that they've played, they've averaged 152 yards rushing and they've only given up 17.2 points per game in those five games. They played really good defense. Look, what Mike does is Mike. Mike is a great leader of men and he's a great football coach. And he proves the point that head NFL coaches are about leadership and about devising a game plan to allow you to win the game. And it may not look pretty, it may not look fine, it may not be explosive, but at the end of the day, we'll kick six field goals and we'll win the game. You know that we'll win. We'll kick six field goals against the Falcons and win the game. No matter what we have to do to win, we're going to win the game. And I think that goes to Tomlin's ability to instill mental toughness and physical toughness in his team. It's really remarkable to watch and it's fun. Look, we're seeing it this year. We have nine teams that have only won three games in the league. The Saints have won four, but they beat three of those wins have come against teams in the bottom. I think this this statement that you're seeing from Sean Payton, you're seeing from Jim Harbaugh, you're seeing from Mike Tomlin about head coaches running their teams. I think it's a powerful statement.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Having a strategy to win the game as opposed to just being, you know, this is what we're going to do and it's either going to work or it's not going to work is a beautiful thing. And then in game management is a big decision as well. And then obviously having a kicker like Boswell make the kicks, that's a huge deal. Especially tonight with the way this weather is going to be. You know, Hopp's coming off a bad game. Hopkins missed a couple last week, including missing a 32 yarder penalty. Get another opportunity at it. Mrs. A 27 yard. Now, granted I'm a guy who has missed short field goals, but they didn't let me kick in the NFL. Sure. So normally, whenever you're missing, you know, shorter field goals, there's something going on either mentally or maybe with your stroke. Hopefully. Hop, who I have a lot of fan, I'm a big fan of gets it back. But tonight could be a big field goal game. Weather's about to be absolute crap. Boz has proven that this year. He is stroking, you know, I mean. Oh yeah, he's stroking in the east, he's stroking in the west. I mean, boss, I'm stroking. He is. I mean, he's been stroking all year. So tonight could come down to that. Okay, let's pivot off of this Thursday Night Football game. Let's go to some other teams. Con Man's got a question for you.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, Lombo, how do you feel about the teams in the bubble? Obviously the Colts are one of them. The Bengals, even though they just lost to the Chargers, are still in it. And then of course, the Dolphins at 4 and 6 going up against New England this weekend. On the AFC side, do you see any of them catching the Broncos? And do you see any of the teams in the NFC too as well? Because that race is much closer.

[Michael Lombardi]

I think Miami, when I, when Miami schedule came out, they ended the season within Cleveland and at the Jets. And I thought, boy, that's not good for two cold weather games. They're probably going to need them to get into the playoffs. But now, even though they still will be cold weather, both those teams have mailed it in. That won't be really factoring games. When it comes down to it, I think Miami still has a chance to do it. But this Denver team let's make no mistake about it. They're hard to play. They destroyed Atlanta. They were physical, they took control. Bo Nix is getting better. Sean's doing a really good job of working three elements of his team. Offense, defense and look, they had Kansas City beat. I can promise you Patrick Mahomes was sore after that Kansas City game. I mean after that Denver game he was sore. So I think they are. Look, Cincinnati is a track team. They're a seven on seven team, right. I feel bad for Lou Amaromo because they, they can't, they have no physicality to their team. They're a third down nickel team. They really are. They're a two minute team. And Joe Burrows having an MVP season and they've won three games. I mean you're going to have to play complimentary football to win games. They just don't. They turn the ball back over to the chargers, they take 25 seconds off the clock and then they lose on a touchdown at the last second. They don't run the ball when they have a chance or they don't throw it when they have a chance to beat Baltimore. It just continues to mount. They're one in seven and one score games. So I just don't see them. And for the color Colts, they're just too inconsistency. I love Richardson. Last week they ran an offense that fits him. I think can he do it another week? That's what I'm excited to watch.

[Pat McAfee]

I think the thing about Anthony Richardson is he had two weeks where us included pointed out very obvious things about being a starting quarterback in the NFL. And all you heard everybody around him say is like yes, all these things potentially real, but also 22 years old. This guy is still younger than a lot of the quarterbacks are still in college and all the quarterbacks that are in the NFL. He still can change and develop habits. And they said over two weeks he was more invested, more prepared, seemingly better than ever. And whenever he was running through people, he was bouncing right back up. There wasn't even a thought of like ah, ah he now he understands that everything he does is being watched not only by the public eye and the media, but by his teammates and by people in the building and people that maybe have an investment stake in the Indianapolis Colts. It's like that two week period there where he got benched for Joe Flacco. And even though Joe Flacco didn't play how we thought Joe Flacco sure was going to play, I think it was a massive moment for the development of Anthony Richardson and behind closed doors, behind closed doors, we're being told like night and day here. Now we got a different, different operating procedure. And I think if you're Shane Steichen, you should be pumped. If you're a Colts fan, you should be pumped. And if you're Dan Campbell in the Detroit Lions, I think we should be maybe some scaredy cats up there. I think the Lions should have a little deeper purr maybe going on this week because you got a mad Colts team that can still get in. Everything is still very much in front of us. Now, the Lions, oh, yeah, we know they're Super Bowl.

[Ty Schmidt]

They're juggernaut.

[Pat McAfee]

It is super bowl or bust almost conversation every year for the next 10 years for you guys. Amen. But with the Colts, you're talking about like a desperate team. They cannot lose another one. And it's at our house. And I'm not saying that that means anything with this Lions team. They don't play with their food either. They beat the out of people. They do what they got to do. But I think Anthony Richardson, if he's going to continue to be invested in the team, seeing that he's invested. So they all know that they have a chance to really win these games. It's going to be a good battle. It's going to be a good battle. And historically, Lions haven't been great against running quarters. So if AR is making good decisions and running the ball without Anzalone, that might be a little bit of an issue. So we'll see what happens. Scaredy cat. Not afraid of any team in the NFL right now. Not afraid of any team. Okay. Well, there's a team in the NFC that beat you guys last year. Ty Schmidt has a question for you.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, Lambo, one of those teams on the NFC side you didn't mention that is on the bubble, but could still also win the division. The 49ers, they've been banged up week in, week out, and for whatever reason, they just don't look like the same team as last year. Obviously they have a tough game this weekend against the packers in Lambeau, but what do you, what do you think of this 49ers team? Like, should we, should we write them off yet or do, do we expect them to kind of get back to where everyone thought they were going to be, you know, before the season started?

[Michael Lombardi]

Well, well, they're so depleted injury wise. Just take their defensive line. If Bosa doesn't play this weekend, the four starters from the last time they played Green Bay in the Divisional round aren't even going to be on the field. They're not the same team defensively and offensively they're just still not where they need to be. McCaffrey is coming back off the injury. Jordan Mason averaged over five yards of carry. I think. I think they need to kind of use McCaffrey kind of a little differently because he's below 4 yards of carry so far. Where Mason was really power. They need that power run game a little bit. And I think not having Kittle last week was hard. You don't realize you have to go back to the Dallas Cowboys and 2000 before you can find a team that had had a lead in the fourth quarter by four or more points that lost it to divisional rivals. And that's what's happened to the 49ers. Had a 10 point lead against Arizona, had a 10 point lead against the Rams, had a 74 point lead against the Seattle Seahawks and they lost it and their defense couldn't get a stop. Now Bosa got hurt. They didn't control him in the pocket. This will be a hard game. Look, Green Bay is really a good team, but there's some deficiencies with Green Bay. They lead the league and drop passes at rece. Right. They're not a great third down team for as good as they are skill wise and as good as the offensive line pass protects. But the issue with Green Bay more than anything is that they're very good on second down. They're the second best team in the National Football League in converting first downs and two downs. I call that Canadian football. And when you play Canadian football, you're good. That's when you're really good. You get momentum, you get going. But I think they're going to need a great game out of Jordan Love, who's not as accurate as he was last year. And remember in that game they played out there in the divisional round, Jordan Love, they only had three first downs in the fourth quarter. They couldn't. They had a turnover, they had a missed field goal and they had a punt and so they really couldn't close that game out and they met. They're going to need Josh Jacobs to duplicate what Aaron Rodgers did. He had eight. Aaron Jones, excuse me, he had 18 carries for 103 yards in that game. I think this is a hard game for San Francisco because of where they are injury wise.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And also let's not discredit that. The Seattle Seahawks, good team. Yeah. The entire NFC west, very much better this year, I think than they've been in years past and obviously packers are going to be a tough challenge every single year. But maybe the Niners just calloused a little bit. You know, maybe they've been through it. Coming off a loss, not the place I would want to play the Niners. But the Green Bay packers aren't worried about nothing, are you?

[Ty Schmidt]

No, but I mean, like Lambo said, like, you got to stop turning the fucking ball over. You know, that's kind of giving. Giving these teams, you know, five, six extra possessions. You know, you can't beat everybody doing that.

[Michael Lombardi]

You know where Green Bay is not very good, Pat. And this is what makes playoff team. Playoffs are always decided by third and fourth and short and always at the end of the half scoring. Green bay is the 31st team in the National Football League and handling third and four, third and short on defense. They're not good there. They're the 31st team in the National Football League and stopping people from scoring in the four minute at the, at the middle eight. So they don't play really good. And then what makes them really challenging is they're the worst. They're the third 31st defense on first down, pass defense on their defense. They have six first round picks on defense. So they got a lot invested in this defense. But they don't play to that level all the time and they haven't turned the ball over recently like they did early in the year. This will be interesting. I think San Francisco comes out throwing. The key to this game for San Francisco is they got to play from the front.

[Pat McAfee]

I didn't.

[Michael Lombardi]

They can't get into a drop back pass game.

[Pat McAfee]

I didn't know that stat about third and fourth and short for the Green Bay packers. Because if you think late midwint in the NFC playoffs, third and fourth and short is a guaranteed go.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And we're talking about the Eagles here and that's automatic. That's just. You might as well just continue running that entire thing. And then first down, he said past defense, not great at all. So they're staying on schedule in this entire thing. And then middle eight.

[Michael Lombardi]

No, they're bad. They're. They're bad on. They're bad. You can throw the ball as good as anybody against them on first down. They're very generic on first down. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

You can't set up for a third short. That's set up for a third and fourth and short, you know. So like whenever you talk about. And obviously being able to win games now matters. I'm not saying it doesn't because getting into the dance but in the dance now, which we should all start thinking about, it's like, does your team have what it takes to be able to win whenever it comes down to it. I didn't know that was a Packers deficiency. I guess you guys are seeing that every week.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. Like Lambo said too like it. It didn't really show up earlier in the season because they were turning the ball over so much. So it was kind of. You just kind of went with it. But like Jair Alexander, it's kind of a. Willie won't he every single week to play. Like he's been on the injury report for the last like five weeks and they're down another cornerback right now. So they're playing some of their backups and they just. They have it. I mean last. The Bears kind of ran it down their throats last week and it's been like that the last couple weeks and they haven't been turning the ball over.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, let's pivot away from. Go ahead.

[Michael Lombardi]

No, they just never stopped Caleb from running the rhythm. Caleb ran the spacing rhythm. Passing game last week and the packers really never stopped it.

[Pat McAfee]

Caleb.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. They won, though. So you know, what a year.

[Pat McAfee]

I know, but what a year. Yeah. I couldn't even fathom.

[Boston Connor]

They're four and two.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. From one team that has already fired a coach, you know, the offense coordinator. Let's go to a team that has fired their coach, offense coordinator and general manager. AP tone is a question for you. Yeah.

[AP Tone]

Let's talk about the. The dumpster fire that is Florin Park, New Jersey and the New York Jets. Patches said it. Everyone's fired. So what happens now, Lambo? Like does the new. Do you think the new GM like do they meet with Rogers and Devonte or do they make that decision on the. On their own and do you. Do you think they're going to keep them?

[Michael Lombardi]

Well, I think the reason all this happening now is because Woody Johnson, the owner of the jets, his wife and Melania Trump, Trump's wife, are best friends and we know he's going to go back to becoming an ambassador of some country. I don't know which one. I'm trying to get the ambassador to Italy. But he's probably.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't think that's how you get ambassador role. Okay.

[Michael Lombardi]

It's a. It's a great house. But here. So I think what he wants to do the last time he left town to become an ambassador, his brother hired Robert Salah and they already had Joe Douglas. I Think what he wants to do is hire the gm. He'll probably listen to the league office. He'll get names from the league office, he'll hire the gm, and then those two will pick the next coach. And I think once they do that, then the decisions down the road, do they pick up the $35 million option on. On Aaron Rodgers for next season? What do they want their team to look like and how they're going to move forward? Look, here's the reality of the Jets. I mean, they have not won over the last 12 years. There's a reason for that. Whether it's John, it's like Mike McKagan, you know, Joe Douglas, it doesn't matter. They've all lost. I mean, the coaches, Adam Gase, Todd Bowles, you know, Robert Saleh, you know, they've not been able to win. And there's a reason for that, because the owner is involved. He's involved in everything. I mean, the other day he's having a meeting. You know, the best thing about this is he has a meeting with Salah and Douglas and he doesn't like what they say, so he adds more people to the meeting. And you know what happens when you add more people to the meeting? You get leaks, they get lit. All of a sudden. Now we know he was trying to bench Rogers for Tyron Taylor. I mean, like, this is dysfunction at the highest level. And so when you. When you realize they can't win, don't be surprised and don't think they're going to hire somebody with a magic wand, because everybody else who's been in there hasn't been able to turn the tide either.

[Pat McAfee]

So whenever we say a team is cursed, it could potentially be a curse, but from a person, maybe. And whenever you said, no question, when you said Woody is going to want to hire the next GM before he goes and becomes an ambassador wherever. Before you and Chuck both started pitching. Get us back to the boot. Get us back to the boot. You said the lead. We'll give them a list of names. What does that mean? Is that how the process works?

[Michael Lombardi]

Yeah, what they'll do is they'll hire. So they hire Jed Hughes, who represents the league. He works for some. Some search firm. I don't understand it. Don't ask me why. It's complicated. You have to be on that search firm's list. You know, it has nothing to do with how much football, you know, and how do you market yourself. And then he'll go to that list and he'll interview. Now he can do it because he's done. He has openings and head coaching and that. So he gets ahead of himself. Right. Because if you want to get the right guy, you want to get ahead of yourself a little bit. But he wants this in place before he's got to go over there after, you know, at a certain point. Because the last time he wasn't involved with the hiring of Saleh, he let his brother Christopher do it. But this is a bureaucratic organization. There's layers upon layers in this jet organization and there's no supreme commander at all. You've got a lot of people you have to answer to and it becomes a problem. Like, I think they're going to have a hard time attracting a really serious candidate. Really do. Why would Ben Johnson leave a great job at Detroit to come into this dumpster fire and work for a GM that you don't even know? It's really problematic.

[Pat McAfee]

Ben Johnson's already allegedly, if we believe all the news cycles from the past couple of off seasons, Ben Johnson has already potentially had a head coaching opportunity and said, nah, I am going to stay with the Detroit Lions. Yep. And I'm assuming that's going to become a more common approach, especially with these owners getting more money that are getting into the NFL, which leads us to, like, Cliff Kingsbury, Josh Harris, Magic Johnson and team. They literally have cash out the waz they will pay. Sean Payton potentially ended up with the Broncos because the Walmart family had more money than anybody. And they potentially were like, hey, not only will we pay you a shit ton, your assistant coaches that you want to get in here, we'll pay a shit ton. If we have success, we'll try to keep them. There's a new model happening right now. You know, the grass isn't always greener as a head coach for some of these coordinators. And the amount of firings I think is kind of shown now, there's only 32 of them, so inevitably you should take your spot whenever you get it. But I think some of these coordinators who have had opportunities year after year, like Aaron Glenn's name is going to be up. You know, Slowik's name is going to be up, even though people said his name has been out of the running in this entire thing, I think there is a chance for the ownership to be like, hey, maybe next year, right? Another year, another year, we can do this. We'll bump your pay another million, another 2 million, and you still live the good life as we try to do something special, which are certainly doing no spots let's talk about ownership and money, though, because something close to your heart and another Italian's heart is certainly happening. Go ahead, coach.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, Salamba. I see where Mark Davis sold off another piece of, you know, his team, his organization, another 15%. He's already sold 10% to Tom Brady, as we know. There's a lot of noise coming out of that place. There's a lot of noise now, some different noise coming out of that locker room. As far as players wanting to hold assistant coaches, head coach, whatever, accountable about organization, different things. What's your thoughts on that? What's your thoughts on Scott Turner? What'd you see against the Dolphins? What'd you see with Scott? What did you see with Norv going in there and trying to infuse some life into this Raiders offense? And do you think AP survives this whole thing? Thing?

[Pat McAfee]

Whoa.

[Michael Lombardi]

I, I, I think it's hard, going to be hard for AP to survive. And I think Mark missed his opportunity. He had Jim Harbaugh out there. You know, Jim Harbaugh wasn't a Raider assistant. We hired him in 2001. He was part of the Raider team. He was part of the Raider history, and he let him go because he listened to the players and he hired Antonio Pierce. I thought last week the Raiders offense actually looked good. I thought Philbin did a really good job of him improving their offensive line. I thought they got the ball out of Munchew's hands rather quickly. They didn't have the ball very often because Miami controlled it. The defense has really taken a giant mother may I step backwards. And they were playing better at the end of last year and they're not playing anywhere near as good this year. Miami had their way, but look, the problems for the Raiders have been they listen to the players, they listen to the alumni Mark Davis listens to. He has a group of people he listens to that are not necessarily understand pro football and what it takes to win. And if you're in a division playing against Andy Reid, playing against Sean Payton and playing against Jim Harbaugh, you better bring somebody to the dance that compete with them on an intellectual, strategic level. I'm not sure they have that right now. I don't know where they go. But it's interesting that Mark's selling off pieces of the team, you know, and certainly he should rely on Tom Brady to help him pick the next coach if he does make a decision. Because one thing Brady does know is what great leadership's all about.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, A lot was said there about the Raiders Obviously, you have a lot of passion about the Raiders. I think Endeavor got seven and a half percent of them.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Good deal.

[Chuck Pagano]

You know, that is.

[Ty Schmidt]

That is a good deal.

[Pat McAfee]

The brains at Endeavor, okay. TKO group, Endeavor. I mean, there's a lot of different things. They're big ones, they're smart, and they are. You know, I don't love what happened with Jersey Mike's. That's a whole nother conversation.

[Ty Schmidt]

You're right.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, Lambo, we only have about a minute left here. What are some of your picks we should be thinking about this weekend? Is your swinging a hot bat?

[Michael Lombardi]

I like. I like the. I like the Ravens to bounce back. I think you get Lamar on that carpet. Look, I love the Harbaugh ball. I think it'll be a really good game. I think both teams, but I just think the Ravens are the better team. They played better defensively last week. They needed to play that. I think certainly that. That to me would be a good play there. I don't. I think Arizona comes coming off the by. They can run the football against Seattle. Look, I don't love Arizona on defense, but I think if the weather's good in Seattle, and that's a big if, you got to check on that. I think. See, I think Arizona is of undervalued team. They're playing good. And I think James Connor has been one of the best stories. Harrison and Kyler Murray. So I like those two games.

[Pat McAfee]

Tyler said basically he didn't like that he wasn't allowed to play football last week during the bye week. Love that.

[Michael Lombardi]

Yeah, they're hot. They're playing well. They're playing well, Pat. They really are. But I think this Baltimore team, this is a must win for them. And it's a great. It's a great battle between the two, but I think Lamar, in this situation, is good to play.

[Pat McAfee]

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[AJ Hawk]

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[Pat McAfee]

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[AJ Hawk]

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[Pat McAfee]

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[AJ Hawk]

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[Pat McAfee]

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[AJ Hawk]

You were doing now.

[Pat McAfee]

Football one week from Thanksgiving. Wild. Yeah. Happy holiday season.

[Boston Connor]

Snowing out.

[Pat McAfee]

Happy football season.

[AP Tone]

Thrive.

[Pat McAfee]

Happy winter.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Whoa. Holy hell. Life is good. The toxic tables here at Boston Conner and at Ty Schmidt. Drake May I just watch Dan Rolofsky this morning would have been the number two overall pick for the draft if it was to go back instead of the third overall pick.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, and that's right now. Just wait till he puts what he's going to put on field this weekend. He's going to say Drake May should have been the number one overall pick.

[Pat McAfee]

Who's going to say that?

[Boston Connor]

That's my Orlovsky right there. You just got a little pre.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, I didn't know you had.

[Boston Connor]

I told you. I got these insiders. I got some of the people we talked to and that's one of them.

[Pat McAfee]

Dan Orlovsky did something with Andrew Hawkins. Hawkins is brilliant. Love Hawk. Hawk is a great football mind, obviously a great pundit and analyst on espn. He's al also a phenomenal entrepreneur. I think he has like a or some shit. I think for something he created he is into and then he also has a virtual reality game that he basically co created. Darius J. Butler is actually one of the voices on that particular game. Offense coordinator. It's his voice that's on it. You know. So obviously we got a lot of pride in how that whole thing and we love getting into the Oculus and doing our thing haven't been in a while. But you understand Dan Orlovsky did something alongside Hawkins virtual reality company and this was brilliant.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Like this was. If this was live, which we are. We have been told it is. We've been told this is live. It was live. Phenomenal work by the tech. Phenomenal work by Orlovsky and obviously Hawk setting the entire thing up hosting it. It was we. Dan Orlovsky takes it on the shins. Rightfully so. Yeah. For a lot of shit. Like a lot of. Because he steps into the batter's box. Box for everything. That's wild. You're talking about being the designated hitter for every topic that happens in sports.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

So they're just throwing them in a batter's box. Right. Then wind him up like he's Woody or whatever from Toy Story and just send them out there. Hey, we need you to. We need you to. We need you to. Hey, why don't you. Why don't you. And he just. Every time he. I'll do it. I mean he.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yep.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he's going. He's trying to hit hit home runs and everything. So naturally with his position he is going to put himself in spots to look like a. Like a dumbass Y And that dumbass Dan happens a lot. But whenever he gets into his bag and is really doing what he is best at, which is breaking down the film chit, chatting about actual football and decision making from a quarterback perspective, from a guy that you know, has been in a lot of quarterback rooms, has seen it happen up close and personal. Personal and a good communicator. It's like this thing. I assume they're going to win some awards for. They should. It was phenomenal. Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

And I'm not exactly sure if this. If it's the same exact programming or whatever, but actually earlier on in the year when Drake May wasn't playing Mayo and some of the offensive coaches referenced Drake May getting a lot of reps in the virtual reality headset. I don't know if this is the same exact one, but like even NFL buildings are using this and to what you said, breaking down the foam and everything. That is why actually when Dan Orlofsky talks about Drake May, I feel better about it because I know he is watching the film and does know what he talks know what he's talking about when it comes to that. Even though he is a dipshit and he does a lot of dumb things.

[Pat McAfee]

Not all the time. He is.

[AP Tone]

Because he did throw a hissy fit last week when Tight said his name About Coach Sirioni. Sorry, Dan.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, once again, that's on Dan, because that is what Dan was doing. So. So, you know, I feel like we're stern but fair with Dan Roloff.

[Boston Connor]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

I feel like that is how we kind of treat him, but whenever he does stuff like this, it's like, must watch. Hey, way to go, Dano.

[Boston Connor]

Way to go, Dan.

[Pat McAfee]

This wasn't the fourth and two of the one game. This was the third and nine. It set up to get to the fourth and two, the never. And now look. They're bringing pressures. That's what spag does. We don't have enough. We got a running back here. Okay, here's the running back, lights him up. See him? Here's Josh Allen's view. He's going to pick up this guy that's coming. He knows this guy is going to be free, and inevitably steps up.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's the problem. Yeah, you gotta handle that, dude. He was to be able to talk the way his brain.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Like, works, like, unbelievable. Talk through all that stuff. Point change. And I don't think he had highlight. Yeah. And. And not fly. Don't miss a beat and then know exactly, you know, what's happening.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't think he had one flub with the tech either.

[Ty Schmidt]

No, no.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, that's what Very most impressive. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Because we assume to your point about him sometimes being a dipshit.

[Boston Connor]

Dipshit. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And we know he has that iPad. That's where he kind of made his bones on that iPad. But in that thing, he had to go from, like, highlighter to, like, arrows to circles, to playing it, slowing it down. Back. Dan, way to go, buddy. That might be the future right there.

[Boston Connor]

People were saying he's got a lot of exceptions. Experience in the, you know, VR without the football.

[Pat McAfee]

What do you think there? What do you mean?

[Boston Connor]

Let's just say he's a big POV guy.

[Pat McAfee]

What do you mean?

[Boston Connor]

Talking about pornos.

[Pat McAfee]

He's not gonna be happy with you.

[Boston Connor]

Now, I don't know if that's true, but that's what people on the Internet were saying.

[Pat McAfee]

I've heard about a thousand ex NFL quarterbacks come out and say, porn's the devil. Yeah, you're right. Isn't that like, kind of the thing?

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, I co sign it, too.

[Pat McAfee]

Every once in a while, I'll just be scrolling through social media and just learn a lot about somebody very quickly that I've known for a long time. And, boy, I guess the bopping gets to a point where people just can't.

[AP Tone]

They couple punters too.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, that's. Yeah, yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Idle hands.

[Pat McAfee]

Always. What? Yeah, always the Watts.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, it is always the.

[Pat McAfee]

Always the Watts that are seemingly saying porn to the devil.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. Let's say it's like getting on a plane and thinking you're going to end up in Houston.

[Pat McAfee]

Houston.

[Ty Schmidt]

And then all of a sudden you get off the plane and you're in Washington and it's like, how did I get here? What am I doing?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. And then some people say, look, get a camera set up on yourself and how you look while you're doing. It's like, well, I'm just trying to do social media right now. Yeah, I'm just trying to view some photos. I learned a lot about you and what you're doing in there. That's a while that was, that's been a wild development for social media for me. Just like, maybe not people that I've met like personally, but I know of and we have an Internet relationship and I'm scrolling through and all of a sudden there's a full dedicated, like 1:30 in the afternoon. Yeah, just a full dedicated. Hey, stop watching other people have sex for your own enjoyment. It's like, holy. Okay, that's a real movement. So you're saying Dan isn't one of those guys?

[Boston Connor]

I. I'm not saying he's one of those guys. I'm saying to our point about how well he handled the tech of the VR, people on the Internet were saying, hey, is this guy handling the tech this well because of the fact that he's in there all the time doing some unsavory things? I don't think he's doing that.

[Pat McAfee]

No, we don't think that's the case at all.

[Chuck Pagano]

At all. BR has been around for a long time. It's been in football buildings for a long time. The backup quarterback, you remember how we filmed all the practices even back backup quarterback, that's how they got their reps was on that. So I think he was a backup for a minute. Maybe. I don't, I don't think it was long enough ago. Like we had still had VR available.

[Pat McAfee]

What was that room in the back of the indoor training facility?

[Chuck Pagano]

That was it. We had the military. Military come in and put that thing together and the virtual reality stuff. And you could program that thing so you could send, let's say you send the secondary and linebackers in there and you put offensive formation, shifts, motions this, that, and put a call sheet to it. Time in the off season.

[Boston Connor]

That's awesome.

[Chuck Pagano]

And he's got 50, 60 plays and they can sit in there and program that thing. And they had the bodies. Not X's and O, but real bodies. Break a huddle, come to the line of scrimmage, line up in a two by two motion from two by two to three by one. The call would be sitting there, so the linebacker could sit there. Secondary would be in the back. They'd be in the front just like they were lined up against this offensive formation. Okay, we're playing under 63 sky. They come out okay, two by two, we're playing six. They go this way. We're going cover three, boom, boom. Go through all that and get 50, 60, 70, 80 reps in. In.

[Pat McAfee]

In no time without any scout team guys having to mess up the card, without any run time or setup time. This is just getting plugged in and banging tear. Human error is in everything when you talk about just like those minutes that you save in the reps that you're able to get and the wear and tear on anybody's legs that you can save. Brilliant stuff.

[Chuck Pagano]

What year they built that was 15 or 16. And then when I went to Chicago, so when I went to Chicago in 19, 20, 19 and 2020, that new facility they built up there, there was meeting rooms. We had an indoor turf like this, and then this huge wall. And so we would go out there and do defensive walkthrough and we'd put on the program all the formations, shifts, motions, and all the calls. So we'd be standing there, make a call, they'd look at the wall, bodies would be up on the wall, two by two, three by one, bunch stacks, all different personnel groups, 12 personnel, 11 personnel. And we'd get through a shit ton of calls, just to your point. Like you didn't have to rehuddle, show a card, break a scout team out. You still did that outside some, but you could get done so much more.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, And I think whenever we went out to Stanford for a Thursday night football game, they actually had headset virtual reality. Not nowhere near how good that was there, but like a practice from the camera that you were talking about and basically just showing the quarterbacks were using it just to show what the looks could be. And then they would fire through. And then I think they were even answering questions like a quiz. So I think there was even like a quiz. Where are you going with the ball with this? Where you going with this? Why you put it through technology is why it's only making the sport better. Speaking of making the sport better, ladies and Gentlemen, from an attic in Ohio, a college football national champion, a Super bowl champion, a Ryder cup winner, in the all time leading tackler for the Green Bay Packers, AJ Hawk. AJ do you guys have any virtual reality or tech stuff like that?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

What Chuck was talking about in Chicago, they put that in Green Bay. It was the same thing. Like a small indoor walkthrough kind of facility with turf. And they had the big wall. And we do the same thing, defensive walkthroughs. You could put it up there, motion shift everything. It was. It's pretty sweet. I can't even imagine. I bet now it's. It's way better than it was because.

[Pat McAfee]

A whole entire defense can plug in.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, right.

[Pat McAfee]

A whole entire defense can plug in with the price of these things and how available they are. And you can still go through all your communications too, if you want to. Sitting down in a meeting room, people can be getting rehab, they can be getting literally ice and everything like that while going through. And the mental reps are the thing that you're trying to get the most. That's why some teams are a more walk through team. You could do walk through and meeting seemingly in one place. I didn't even think about that. That's a whole new ball game.

[Boston Connor]

Next level.

[Pat McAfee]

That is a whole new.

[Chuck Pagano]

Remember how we had to the beanies and we had the colored beanies and blue were tight ends, red were wide receivers, green was the tailback, yellow was the fullback. So all those colors were designated up on there. So once they saw them, guys could actually line up. Up and know, okay, where's the. Where's the passing strength? So the nickel knew. Okay, passing strengths over here. This where I go.

[Pat McAfee]

So practice squad, guys messing up the formation of the card. Awesome. Just like so expected, but so mad every time it happened. It was literally on the run it again. Defensive end, you're playing wide receiver right now. Okay, we need you to go.

[Chuck Pagano]

So it had a BN on it, right? For the wide. Wide out. Bn. Bottom of the numbers, right?

[Pat McAfee]

Yep.

[Chuck Pagano]

And he lines up TN top. Okay. Bottom of the numbers is towards the sideline.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's outside. If you look at the number. Okay. Top of the number is closest towards the hash. Yeah. Can we not read a card?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. That is. So I played quarterback for the first regime. Second regime didn't let me anything. Didn't let me do anything. Coach, they told me to go work on actual punting and kicking. That'd be cool. Worked out just for.

[AP Tone]

Just.

[Pat McAfee]

Just so we have it all fun. Just so we have an understanding here, you know, and even throw into the dbs. Used to do that.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Chuck comes over, excuse me, my game now. And he could spin it so, you know, hey, why don't you go work on punting in that whole thing? But whenever I used to play quarterback against the. Like, the linebackers, and in the second half or whatever, it's like reading the card and then going in and then knowing that a guy just ran the wrong route, just being like, yep, that ain't. And then defensive coach, one of them, whether it's the linebackers coach, isn't getting the right look or if it's the secondary coach isn't getting the right look. They're the most pissed, the quickest, because they are looking for this exact thing to happen. Like, hey, we need this. This exact play has to happen. Some guy who's been on the team for four days, not gonna make it five days, just ran the wrong way. He's cut. That guy's not even. I never see that guy. Never see him again.

[Chuck Pagano]

So I hang out at BE At Boise State on Tuesdays, watch practice and stuff. College ball. Because it's all. No huddle. It's all tempo, right? So they've got, like, three groups of scout teams. They've got five different card coaches, and they all have the same book, and they're showing. And the line. Got a white guy with whiteouts on this side, a guy with whiteouts, a guy with the backs. There's. It's unbelievable how organized.

[Pat McAfee]

How do you get a good look? Well, you do virtual reality.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

That's literally. I think that's the best way to.

[Chuck Pagano]

Get a good look for them guys to see that, though, at that pace.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

They're running a hundred plays in college ball.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so Jon Jones conversation will be moved, I think, to tomorrow. Something came up in the schedule. I have no idea what it is. From our understanding, it was just a scheduling thing that happens. We'll talk to Jon Jones tomorrow. Nice. Jon. Can't wait to chat with you. Hell yeah. Tomorrow, Whatever it is. Hey, I can't wait to ask him.

[AJ Hawk]

He's too. He's too good. He's too good.

[Pat McAfee]

I can't wait to ask him about that. Can't wait to just ask him about it. Hey, at what age did you just start? Like, how about that one?

[Boston Connor]

That'll work.

[Pat McAfee]

How about that one? You know how Larry Bird chose that one night? Just play left handed.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

I think Jon Jones should commit to a fight where he says, you know what? No fists. Just elbows the entire fight. I'm not even going to use my hands and just, I mean, he's probably too far along in his career now. The people he's going to fight are going to be way too good. I can't wait to talk about what's next for him. Is it Pereira, is it Aspinall, is it retirement and the whole thing? I guess that conversation will come tomorrow or another day. We cannot wait for that. Let's start talking about this game this evening a little bit. AJ Hawk AJ Steele Steelers Brownies AFC North Battle and whenever you think of this, you think hard nose football, you think tough football. Obviously there's the TJ Watt Miles Garrett storyline. Miles Garrett wins Defensive player of the Year and in his eyes, he didn't appreciate how TJ acted. Teach. TJ owes him an apology now. Once again, I do believe that was not a serious statement. He was just saying it in a, in a comment. When you read it, it can be definitely different than when, whenever you hear it. But this one feels like it's going to be a slobber knocker, as good old Junior used to say. AJ what are your thoughts on what the style of game will be tonight? Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

So if I'm not mistaken, Lambo said this is the coldest NFL game Jamis will have played in.

[Pat McAfee]

Is that correct? Yes. Yes. And we have not double checked that.

[Ty Schmidt]

No.

[Pat McAfee]

But we assume that Lambo is accurate in that particular stat.

[AJ Hawk]

I mean, either way, it's not like it's negative 20 tonight though. It's going to be okay. It's not going to be terrible. I don't think what's going to be.

[AP Tone]

Well, no, wouldn't. And we've always talked about this. Wouldn't you rather have it be negative 20 versus like 35 in rain?

[Pat McAfee]

Personally? Yeah, personally, rain is the, the worst part.

[AJ Hawk]

Rain, cold, rain is by far the worst. Cold rain is tough cold, snow.

[Pat McAfee]

I love. I actually feel like cold with snow feels warm.

[AP Tone]

It does.

[Pat McAfee]

It does.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Pat McAfee]

I, I feel like that is. And I don't know if it's just because optically you're like, oh, this is, this is really cool or why it feels that way. Just bitter, chilly, windy, cold.

[Boston Connor]

My God. Bad nightmare.

[Pat McAfee]

I think rain cold the worst. Bitter, windy, cold. Second then I think winter snow cold. Definitely the best of the options. And if it's rain and it's Cleveland, it's going to be windy. So this is rain, wind, cold, which is combination of, of all of it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Worst, the top lake, everything off mistake on the Lake, I mean it's whoa.

[Pat McAfee]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Boston Connor]

You coached there for four years, Charles.

[Pat McAfee]

That's his opinion on Cleveland and Tones and Knicks in the back. And my family's from Pittsburgh.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, that wind is going to be whipping off that leg and cold, bad. You know how bad it hurts. Like when you get a finger caught between two helmets when you're trying to tackle somebody every hit and they're going.

[Pat McAfee]

To find out early. You know, like this is a game and obviously Chubb's back, but this is a game where Naj, with his size and with how he's been able to run and Arthur Smith, obviously we know his style of play calling what he's been for the Steelers, what he was for the Titans way back whenever he had Derek, it's like there's a chance Naj has a night tonight where he really cements himself as one of the top backs in the league.

[AP Tone]

That would be awesome against this Cleveland rushing defense, which hasn't been great. And you know, it was a, it was. Taysum Hill was not exactly a running back, but he went off last week. But no, no, no. Had 300 consecutive hundred yard games in the middle of the season. He hasn't the last two games. So. No, it'd be nice if he got back to that. We just, you know, ran the, ran the ball 45 times and got out of there tonight and called it a day.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, Turnovers, Turnovers are going to be key. Right. And weather games. Right. Pitts +11, which is number two in the National Football League. University, Cleveland's -5. Pittsburgh.

[Pat McAfee]

Pittsburgh.

[Chuck Pagano]

Pittsburgh. Excuse me.

[Pat McAfee]

The university.

[Chuck Pagano]

I got you. Yeah, my bad.

[Pat McAfee]

No, it's okay. Hey, it's okay. You're not the only one.

[Chuck Pagano]

Pittsburgh is plus 11, which is really, really good. Cleveland's minus 5 turnover margin on the season.

[Pat McAfee]

Ah, are those fumbles? Are those picks? What are they? You know, I, I think, I don't know if Jameis is going to be given a lot of opportunities to throw picks tonight. Doesn't feel like any team is going to be providing a lot of opportunities to throw picks. Well, you never know.

[AP Tone]

Stefanski threw it 50 times in that one game against Steelers.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, but there was a little bit of a, there was something two time coach of the year. You know, Tallman's never won coach Coach of the year. That's crazy. That's not real.

[Chuck Pagano]

Heard that this morning.

[AP Tone]

He's the favorite right now.

[DeBone]

Never won it.

[Pat McAfee]

Stefani's got two. Riddle me that. Who votes on the coach of the year?

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, Tony, what the hell you been doing first year?

[AP Tone]

I don't want to tell you.

[Boston Connor]

It was you.

[Chuck Pagano]

Those are your people.

[Pat McAfee]

Those are, those are your peers.

[AP Tone]

Not before this year.

[Pat McAfee]

Speaking of your peers that do the. Mike Tomlin's never won. Coach.

[Boston Connor]

That's crazy.

[Pat McAfee]

That feels.

[Chuck Pagano]

I don't even want no losing seasons ever.

[Boston Connor]

That might be one.

[Ty Schmidt]

I think we're all thinking.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't wanna. I don't wanna. You know, that feels maybe this is even what's happening. I don't like that one bit.

[Ty Schmidt]

Is kind of fishy.

[Pat McAfee]

That is, isn't it? Little fishy there. I don't like that. Hey, I don't have a vote, but I would like to cast my vote right now.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

For reparations. What has happened.

[Boston Connor]

Amen.

[Pat McAfee]

Over the last 18 years of this entire coaching run for Tom. I like to vote him coach of the year because he should certainly have at least one piece of hardware in that desk, in that office, in this entire thing.

[Ty Schmidt]

Sounds like people are voting for him and his ballots may be going missing. Missing in the mail or.

[Chuck Pagano]

I don't know.

[Ty Schmidt]

Hey, never showed up.

[AP Tone]

He's on my list.

[Pat McAfee]

I got one.

[Chuck Pagano]

I missed the whole season.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. This guy. Once again, that's, that's exactly what we're talking about. So we got AP tones, 10 coaches up.

[AJ Hawk]

Here we go.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. One third of the league, 1/3 of the league is up there. Who you going to take out? Are these in specific order here? Like Coachman's up there on the top one position.

[AP Tone]

He is the favorite. So I don't know if, if, if D Bone did it by favorite or however he did it or whatever, but. No, I mean obviously this, this list started with 32 at the beginning of the year. And each course and each week they have whittled. They have whittled down. And now this is 10. And then each week, you know, I could probably drop one out after this week.

[Pat McAfee]

We'll see. We'll see.

[AP Tone]

I don't know who you going to take out though. They've all been great.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so you're not going to take out Coach Tallman? Well, what, Coach, Wait, do we find out before.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, I, I'm not going to, but it sounds like Tomlin might as well not even be on the ballot cuz he can't win.

[Pat McAfee]

That's unfucking believable.

[Ty Schmidt]

It is.

[Pat McAfee]

I. That's just one of those ones you just assume.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. Oh, he's got three of them and.

[Pat McAfee]

He can't do that. I guess in this world that we live in.

[Boston Connor]

Could take McDermot out. There'll be nine left. He'll love that.

[Pat McAfee]

McDermot. Yeah. Okay. All right.

[AJ Hawk]

Is this awarded before the Super Bowl? Is this awarded before everything's done?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. When do you put your vote in?

[AP Tone]

Right after the Wednesday after week 18.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. The Wednesday after week 18. So it's a full season playoff. How you operate and perform there doesn't matter, which makes no sense.

[AP Tone]

Maybe awards night is the Thursday before the Super Bowl.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

You just give it to the super bowl winning coach. You would think a lot of times.

[AP Tone]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Hey, who's the best coach?

[Boston Connor]

I mean, has Bill Belichick ever won it?

[Pat McAfee]

Because I.

[Boston Connor]

If I.

[Pat McAfee]

Bill Belichick has never won it. I remember.

[Boston Connor]

I know. At least in the last, like, 15. Bill's only one executive of the year. I don't know if he's won the.

[Chuck Pagano]

Coach, bill's won it three times.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah. The last 15 is what I was. Okay. 2010.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

So we talk 15.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, coach Tomlin, I'll tell you what. You should have been had one.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And we hope that happens.

[Boston Connor]

Amen.

[Pat McAfee]

Hang in there. Hey, keep coaching. Maybe one day, Coach. It is a tough field, though, when riverboats got to. Hey. Shout out. Shout out to Carolina Panthers. Actually, qc Poor house. It's Carolina Panthers sports bar down there in Charlotte. And maybe one of their coaches frequents that watering hole.

[Ty Schmidt]

Sure.

[Pat McAfee]

And sent him a bunch of merch up here and said, if you wanna. They love it, baby. And I can't wait to stop by this place down in Charlotte. Great logo, sun footprint, obviously there sword, great sweatshirt. Fits well. Not crop.

[Ty Schmidt]

Good Crew neck, not crop.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Feels pretty good in there. So shout out to riverboat Rolling. Are you getting a big win for the Panthers? Tomlin has no shot.

[Boston Connor]

No, he's not winning.

[Pat McAfee]

That is insane. That's a mind blower. I can't believe that's the case. Well, there's some things that need to change, obviously, in the NFL, and there's only one person we want to ask to do that. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a new segment called Commissioner Ch. That's right. Yesterday, obviously, we had a question on the hashtag AskJ that said, JJ, let's say you were the commissioner for one day. What was the first thing you would do? Well, that carried over into a conversation today because coach Chuck Pagano came in and said, you know, there's something they need to change a little bit. There's something they need to extend. There's something that has gotten Better, but needs to get better. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for Commissioner Chuck to plead his case.

[Chuck Pagano]

I think we're headed in that direction.

[Pat McAfee]

I think so.

[Chuck Pagano]

As far as getting better, you know, because a year ago, a year ago this time, the competition committee got together and ruled in favor of this replay assist, which we're all seeing, you know, in real time. Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, whatever these guys. Officials are getting together, flags on the ground, and Fishers are getting together, and all of a sudden, flags picked up. Hey, replay assist is no bueno. You know, it wasn't a hit to the head and neck area. Speaking of hits to head and neck area, we've got plays, Pat.

[Pat McAfee]

Yep.

[Chuck Pagano]

That we. That we want to take a look at. And this was huge. This was, you know, early in this Minnesota at Tennessee. And this got a lot of attention. So just in real time, like, in real time, how many flags got thrown in there? Right?

[Pat McAfee]

Three.

[Chuck Pagano]

All three. Like, boom, boom, boom, everybody. Because it looks like a unnecessary rough roughness hit to the head and neck area of this defenseless receiver. Right? But when you slow this thing down and the league talks about all these plays, you slow this thing down. The defenders are doing a great job of using the shoulder, taking the head out of the play, which we want, and tackling in hits like this, lowering the target. And you could see that the result of it looks like he got hit in the head and neck. But he didn't.

[Pat McAfee]

Just a ram truck. That's just a ram truck.

[Boston Connor]

Like, he stayed on the ground, too. He didn't jump up and hit his.

[Chuck Pagano]

Head because that's a big. That's a great point. When you launch and you leave your feet. That's one of the things.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so that's one play from.

[Chuck Pagano]

And this led to Coach Callahan. He got unsportsmanlike, too. Another 15 yards. Add the insult to injury because he was livid. Because we're all looking at the video boards and we're watching it going. He didn't hit him in the head. He didn't use his helmet. He didn't hit him in the head and neck. That was a shoulder to the midsection. Okay? So you look at Denver and Atlanta, and this is a bang, bang play, right? And it looks like this guy's cage got rattled. And we got a forearm to the back of the head. But when you slow this one down, he lowers his target and it's all shoulder perfect. And just because in the video and the guys on the telecast, they're talking about, hey, he brought the flipper through. That's why they called. You can't bring a flipper. Well, that's not a, that's just a byproduct of a guy putting his shoulder in there.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

And he's not using the flipper to hurt this guy. And then the last one was the Dallas, you know, Cowboys and Texans. And it's kind of a bang bang play again, right? Oh, and you watch.

[Ty Schmidt]

Good hit.

[Pat McAfee]

That's, that's Ram Truck.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, it's a great hit. But you watch Petrie, right? Both those guys at shoulder, keeping the head out of, lowering the target area and delivering a blow. This is, this is what they want. They want the head out of it. They don't want hits to the head and neck.

[Pat McAfee]

But these flags. But we still want big hits.

[Chuck Pagano]

But we want big hits.

[AP Tone]

Those flags couldn't.

[Chuck Pagano]

Absolutely, we want them, but it's bang bang play and you can't. So they need help. So the thing right now is replay assist. You get a hit to the head and neck area of a passer, a guy in the pocket, a quarterback in the pocket. I mean, flags thrown, they can get involved. That's one of the components of that. Illegal man downfield. That's one of those hits. Out of bounds, that's one of those things. So what they're going to do after, you know, three of these happen on, on the same, you know, weekend of pro football, they're going to probably go look at this and say, hey, look, just like college reviews, targeting all the time. And they come back say, yes, it was, no, it wasn't. Pick the flag up. Kid gets to stay in the game and keep playing. Hopefully competition committee gets back together this spring at the owner's meetings and makes decision. Hey, let's add hits to the head and neck area down the field, outside the pocket. Add receivers, defenseless receivers to this so we can fix these big penalties.

[Pat McAfee]

15 yards. That's good work. Commissioner Chuck Commish. That's good pitch there. I think it should be on everything, no matter what. Everything.

[AJ Hawk]

Why wouldn't it already be in the. Why wouldn't it already be there, though?

[Pat McAfee]

And why is it on everything?

[AJ Hawk]

College does it.

[Chuck Pagano]

There's, you know, there's so subjective on these things, you know, and they're trying to, as hard as it is for these officials to officiate the game and follow the rule book in real time, it makes all the sense in the world. Again, timing a game. They don't want to slow down. They don't want to slow down the game to a Certain point where, you know, we're throwing a flag on everything or we can challenge everything. Belichick talked to you guys about it. Every owners meeting I ever went to, he's like, hey, give everybody two challenge. Let us challenge anything and everything. But they don't want to take that out of the officials hands. They don't want to make, you know, because a lot of these calls, AJ Are subjective and they're not all objective. So there's a lot of interpretations.

[AJ Hawk]

I think these aren't. I don't. I don't think these are subjective. They're not subjective. Like, there's a clear way on how they're teaching you to tackle and keep your head out of it, not launch all that. So that's. It's not like PI, where you can say, ah, you know, his hand was down around the hip. Or you.

[Chuck Pagano]

Maybe a better way to bang.

[Pat McAfee]

Bang.

[Chuck Pagano]

Plays that need to be able to.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, they need help though, because in real time, these look nasty. But they're actually.

[Pat McAfee]

Commissioner Chuck, we appreciate the fact that you see how hard of a role Cleat and the boys have in the ladies that are NFL refs, which is why we think this replay assist is brilliant. Just let it be for everything. Yeah, just have it be a full time thing. Literally everything. What are the subjective calls out there now at this point? Because they're trying to take this objectivity out of the calls completely. Right. Because we don't want different calls in the fourth quarter.

[Chuck Pagano]

Offensive holding.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, there's.

[AP Tone]

That's the one call the big time.

[Chuck Pagano]

You can't. Like when you, if you go. Because it's like, because everything's over. It's like once you, once you open up Pandora's box and you start adding this, you start adding that, then it's like, okay, so they're, they, they're really reluctant to like pass interference like this.

[Pat McAfee]

Because the tugging so hard.

[Chuck Pagano]

Right, right. So hard. So once you open up Pandora's box, we say now you got to go, well, we got to add this, then we got to add that. Then you're at that point where, okay, everything is going to be replay assist or everything can be challenged. And they don't want that.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, I understand, like the holding for offensive lineman. And if AQ was here, he'd be saying, we, we don't need to be slowing down and zooming in on if every play is offensive holding or not. And I think corners would say the same thing. Same thing. Because that's a part of being a good corner is being Able to get away with, you know, a little hold grab whenever you know where the ref is looking, where the ref isn't looking. So if you were to get a all 22 view of that and it's in there, that would certainly change that. But there has to be some sort of sentiment for if it's egregious, like if you're egregiously wrong, like there should be a way for the replay assist. Just be like for the good of all of us, including the sport in which we refer. Pick that flag up. Like, you know, like there is.

[Chuck Pagano]

And they're going to come at times in games that are going to cost.

[Pat McAfee]

Thursday Night Football three weeks.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah. Cost one loss. Cost you. You know, you should be the seventh seed.

[Boston Connor]

Geez, Falcon.

[Chuck Pagano]

But now you're at the eighth seed. You know, what was that?

[Pat McAfee]

Vikings. Rams.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Vikings rams. The face mask thing. Darnold, dead safety. See, it's over. That was like. That was a very clear, very obvious, very important part of the game. It's like if we have somebody up there already watching and they have access to get to the ref's ears, they should be able to go, nah, nah, nah. That was obviously hands. That was a face pass. That's 15 yards going the other way as opposed to game over for the Vikings.

[Chuck Pagano]

I think that's why they're willing to like open this thing up to these that are so obvious. Like, especially because they don't have like we're sitting at home watching on these big screens and all the technology we have now, we're like, that's a mess.

[Pat McAfee]

Got big screens all over.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's a miss. How. How can we miss that? But in real time, two eyes. I mean, it's really, really hard.

[Pat McAfee]

Which is why we fast. The game replay assist is great and it has been a great development and a great addition to, you know, the sport. Let's just, let's. If that person has direct access already to an ear.

[Ty Schmidt]

Exactly.

[Pat McAfee]

And if every single call they're going to kind of anyways have to talk about it. Those egregious ones, I think they should fix. Personally, I think they should. Don't you think, aj, don't you think they should be given a green light?

[AJ Hawk]

I. Yeah, I assumed honestly that they had more freedom than they actually do right now. Like, I really. I assume if they're there. Yeah. Like some of the.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

It seems like common sense, but I know there's a lot more to it.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know.

[AJ Hawk]

Do they not trust Some of the replay assist people to make a decision that quickly, do they feel like you have to look at it more?

[Chuck Pagano]

Again, that's got, that's got nothing to do with it. You know, whether they trust that guy or not, it's just like opening up Pandora's box. How much slowing the game down.

[Pat McAfee]

The slowing the game down.

[Ty Schmidt]

That is what I feel.

[Chuck Pagano]

Well, if they got a stop and look like if that's. If it's an easy one.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes, that's what I'm saying.

[Chuck Pagano]

Those are easy.

[Ty Schmidt]

All the ones that they've done this year though, like when they have picked up a flag, it's been almost instantaneous, like they're not going and looking at anything. So like it's, it's like that's a cop out. It's like, well, you know, everyone bitches when we do this because it slows the games down. Like the replay assist stuff has not slowed the game.

[Chuck Pagano]

And you got to remember like these things are only going to get involved too. If there's a flag on the ground, if those hits happen, there's no flag on around, there's no replay assist. It's not like the other side of the ball can go, hey, that was hit to the head.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. So they say, hey, you guys missed something big there. And then they just take.

[Chuck Pagano]

Got to be a flag on the ground.

[AP Tone]

So like if, so like they can't. Like if there's a clear and obvious face mask and no flag is around, which is.

[Chuck Pagano]

They couldn't make it. That happened the other, you know, three week. The one you're talking about.

[AP Tone]

They can't go that way.

[Pat McAfee]

You blew it.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

And so hey, that's a face me. You guys missed that throw a flag and the guy's sitting there, haha. Okay, put it back on. No, that's not happening. Happening.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, because I guess that could lead to situations.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, can you imagine? Hey, yeah. Drop a flag, we're like, yeah, that close.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Especially in a big moment that potentially swings a gambler. And all of this is the reason why it's also heightened when it hasn't been in the past. And not that people haven't cared in the past, but there's no replacement refs happen in this era. No. With the amount of money that's being gambled on, every single game can't happen. So whenever there's like things that are egregious that are taking place, that are swinging millions and millions of actual dollars, it's hard not to get into the script talk. Whenever it's like the ref who's supposed to be the representative of not only the league but the sport as a whole is the reason why it goes there. Like that's why the replay assist I think is so valuable in this current era. Do they not let them turn on the mic? Like they, they're like not allowed to chit chat with the refs if there's no flag down or if it's not something that they're allowed to talk. They're not even allowed to turn on the microphone. Got it. So they're no.

[Chuck Pagano]

They have, they have the, the set of rules right now. What replay assists can, can get involved.

[Pat McAfee]

With right in front of them.

[Chuck Pagano]

Right in front. Yeah. Everybody knows what that is.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

So like for the holding ones, like I get offensive lineman, there's holding on every play. You don't want to be replaying, assisting that. But couldn't they just, just say like hey, penalties of 15 yards or more. So like then at least it involves like a pass interference that's 40 yards down the field. And then you're not nitpicking like oh well this guy was this close to or this much off size. He timed the snap up and they didn't call it. But we need to review that. So couldn't they just make that type of stipulation? Because like a 5, 10 yard penalty, of course it's yards, it hurts. But like that's so much different than a 15 yard penalty like you were saying or a 30 yard PI or a Kyle Pitts end of the game against the Chiefs. Because that was like the first blunder that the refs had was when Kyle Pitts fourth down against the Falcons and the Chiefs.

[Chuck Pagano]

You know, everyone's saying you said he got held.

[Pat McAfee]

No, he got the pace. It was a face guard.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah. And the guy turned the ball.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Clear. Cleared off.

[Boston Connor]

Point game, no holding.

[Chuck Pagano]

As long as there's no flag, there's no flag on the field. That's never going to happen. So where they're going to be able to come in and commissioner us.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Is saying Commissioner Chuck. Commissioner Chuck is saying, hey, here's reality. That's what commissioner Chuck just said. We need to add this to stipulations. Commissioner us. Right. I think we're, we're saying if it's common sense and it's obvious, replay assist should be able to.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

No assist in the entire thing.

[Boston Connor]

Or even like inside two minutes. Like couldn't there be some sort of. Obviously you can't challenge play inside two minutes. Couldn't there Be like a, hey, inside two minutes, we can replay assist the shit out of this so that there isn't a situation where we screw this game up with the entire game on the line.

[Chuck Pagano]

I don't ever think they're going to take it out of the officials hands to that point, you know. And again, I can't reiterate enough having the opportunity to do what I did in 18, the year I set out with the officials. Like, we all got great respect for how hard that job is. But even more so now working with those guys hand in hand for a year. My God, is it hard.

[Pat McAfee]

Which is why.

[Chuck Pagano]

And they bust their. They do a great job. They bust their asses.

[Pat McAfee]

We think they should be full time.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yep.

[Pat McAfee]

And we think they should get the assistive technology in. 8K. Yeah. For everything. So they're not getting their asses booed out of.

[Chuck Pagano]

We can't even get cameras every state, every angle yet.

[Pat McAfee]

What's that, A.J.

[AJ Hawk]

Don'T they. Don't you think refs want. They want the replay assist? I know the couple refs I've asked in, in games, they say, I, we just want to get the call right. Whether they're lying or not. Like whether they have to pick their flag up or not. Like they just want it. The right call.

[Pat McAfee]

What was that game we were at earlier this year? The lo House? We saw a ref get his penalty overturned.

[Chuck Pagano]

It was the Steeler Steelers Colts.

[Pat McAfee]

It was so it was a Steelers game in the end zone. Yeah. This dude picks up his flag, it gets overturned. Really? Yeah. For the next probably 45 seconds, just standing over there on sideline, just not happy.

[Chuck Pagano]

Well, they get graded.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

You guys know that, right? And it costs some playoff games. It cost some Super Bowls. It costs them all those guys, you.

[Pat McAfee]

Don'T have to answer any questions ever about their grades, which is another big part of the problem.

[Chuck Pagano]

I think they'll eventually come around to be more transparent, you know, and be able to like.

[Ty Schmidt]

No, they won't.

[Chuck Pagano]

I know. It's always been a big gripe. Hey, as a head coach, you got to stand before the firing squad.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes.

[Chuck Pagano]

And just, you know, explain why you did what you did. Why'd you give the go ahead on the fake? Certain, certain. It's a great question. Scratching my head. I'm asking myself. I'll be asking myself that for as long till I put six feet under. It'll still probably come back to haunt me.

[Pat McAfee]

That's a good question.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's a great question.

[Pat McAfee]

Next question. Hey, I got a question about. With that One. So what was the. Oh, that's a. It was never supposed to get snapped. You see, it was supposed to be a false start. If anything or too many men on the field, then we're just punished back up. But you would never stand up because we snapped it with 14 people over top of the thing. Yeah. So. And then turn the game. Yeah, we get it. Yeah. Next question.

[Chuck Pagano]

I got up, right. He was hurt, so we had the back of long. Why. Why did we even talk about it?

[Pat McAfee]

Well, you had a guy from Stanford. You see, normally Stanford people are super intelligent, which this guy certainly is. He's done everything for us. He's been a jack of all trades with. We put him in a position. Probably shouldn't have done that. I guess now hindsight's 20 20. You do the whole thing. Next question.

[Chuck Pagano]

I screwed.

[Pat McAfee]

So you put somebody, you put somebody that hasn't been in practice. And once again he wants Stanford. He is done.

[Chuck Pagano]

I think we should move on.

[Pat McAfee]

But these refs, these refs, if they do, you know, they do the pool reporters and then it's typed out. We never see a video of it. It's never really. There's never any real follow up. It's just here's our answer. Take it. And then we're gone.

[Boston Connor]

It's a ton of words on one sheet of paper.

[Pat McAfee]

Just the most. It's the most old school boring media that there is is those refs and the pool reporters. Because nobody knows where it happens, how it happens. We just see this shit getting typed up or whatever.

[Boston Connor]

Might just be Pellisro.

[Pat McAfee]

It might be.

[Boston Connor]

I think he'd say this.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. It might not even be the refs. Give it an answer. Yeah. We still have no idea. But we think that the technology should help them and we think that they should have to answer some questions to J point. We think they should be full time. We think they should be a team and we think we should hold this ref team. They should be a team in themselves. 33rd team. Who is it? The refs. They should be held in very high regard. Shout out to you, Commissioner Chuck. Now, ladies and gentlemen, let's go from the state of the NFL to the world of the NBA. I believe there's going to be some news that is broken a matter of moments. Joining us now, senior NBA insider for espn, the ever handsome seam Charania.

[DeBone]

What? What? What I need is Pat McAfee arms is what I need. I'm. I'm getting in the gym, baby.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. You saw it. You saw it. Thank you for following along. Yes. Ryan Clark said on Monday night, I believe when he was talking about Daniel Hunter's fit, which was gold jacket, he said, have you ever seen the way Daniel Hunter is built? Which is very valid. He said, if I was built like him, I would only wear tank tops. I'd be Pat McAfee, but with actually muscular arms. And I was listening, watching at home. I'm like, what the wait. Danielle Hunter, definitely. Absolutely Jack, no doubt. But I think I have some muscular. I've been, I've been getting on. So I just let Ryan Clark know that he was the inspiration to me getting after it yesterday. Morning. Morning. And he will continue to be. Going forward can always get better. I appreciate you doing that, rc. Just stacking it up, you know what I mean? Sean's just stacking them up over here.

[DeBone]

I, I don't know if I'm at your guys level, but next time I'm in the Thunderdome, I might be inspired now to really get in the gym and then I'll, I'll, I'll be, I'll be in a white beater when I'm, when I'm there or it's a tank top.

[Ty Schmidt]

Easy.

[Pat McAfee]

Don't wear one of those, don't ever be one of those jeans, Louise. I don't know what you're doing. Thunderdome. You, you showcase your phenomenal jobs. Can actually shoot.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Clean John's can actually shoot in a sport like a button down.

[DeBone]

Come on now. Come on. In a suit. In a suit.

[Pat McAfee]

It was full suit. All right. I think he took the jacket off, but neither here nor there. You can get after it in the hawk house. Come out, make some jumpers. And we'd be lucky to chit chat with you about the NBA. I think you said there was some news potentially about this All Star Game. Now we learned yesterday, I believe on the Internet or maybe a few days ago that the NBA All Star Game is going to go the route of like the NHL. There's going to be like four teams this year as opposed to two teams. Is that accurate? And what else do we know at this point, chums?

[DeBone]

It's a massive change, Pat. They're changing the All Star Game from obviously east, west. And then it was let's, let's do drafts and draft teams and captains. It's going to be a four team tournament for the All Star Game this year in the Bay Area, 2025. So it's going to be three All Star team teams. Eight players each, 24 total All Stars, eight players each and then one team will be comprised of the rising stars winner. That's a game against the rookies and sophomores comprise mostly of those players, some G leaguers as well on Friday night. The winner of that goes into Sunday. Three All Star teams, one Rising Stars team and they're going to play two semi final games up to 40 points and the two winners advance to the championship game game up to 25 points from what I'm told. So that's basically a quick burst. It's like street ball. It's like a pickup game. It's like you go to the gym and you're playing pickup basketball. You win, you stay on, you lose, you, you're obviously done. Single elimination and it's quick. There's not that time we saw last year in the all star game. I mean this was by all accounts, I think players said it embarrassing. I mean Adam Silver, publicly, privately there were a lot of people disappointed in last year's all star game in your guys home city. But the difference this year is I'm told Stephen Curry, other all star players, they had a voice like they were involved. They had an input in this process. They had an input in this tournament that's going to take place. And now there's not going to be that unnecessary time. Right when in the third and fourth quarter when LeBron James doesn't play or when players don't care or maybe you don't care, you're not going to have that anymore. It's a quick burst. Get right to it. And I do think we're going to see players motivated for it.

[Pat McAfee]

Is there like a financial. You might have sat there and I didn't hear you. Is there. What's the financial reward here? Because I think that's the easiest way to make anybody try ever like the NBA Cup. 500,000 bucks or 250,000 bucks, everybody on the bench. Just that financial reward seemingly made everybody heighten their intensity for this. Is there. Are they going to do that or how is that kind of plan on working out?

[DeBone]

I'm. I'm not quite sure yet on the prize money component of it. But I mean you're right that that's what has led, you know, NBA Cup. Now I, I will be honest. Some of the, some of the salaries in the NBA right now, I don't know how many players are fully motivated by just the salary when it comes to NBA Cup. I think coaches are very motivated by the NBA cup prize money. But I do think anytime you add money into the equation, guys will have an increased level of motivation. And I think the league, the nbpa, the players union, I think they're all trying to figure out exactly what the prize aspect looks.

[Pat McAfee]

Get a sponsor in there, make real money on that thing because then you'll get those teams actually trying. And if it's just quick burst single elimination, you know, you can go on a little bit of a run. It's not too taxing on the body either. Hey Nick, when the NHL did this multiple team thing, did it make the NHL experience better? I don't remember. I think so, right? Absolutely. Absolutely.

[Chuck Pagano]

It was a big hit right away.

[Pat McAfee]

Because it was so different. It was fresh, it was, they, they went to a 3 on 3, multiple team tournament format and it just speeded everything up. It was, it was fresh, new, exciting and it got a lot of eyes on it. And I think you can get exposed if you're not trying. Like there's going to be some teams that are going to try like naturally going to try clearly. So then you get kind of exposed quickly and then you're kind of out. Like we don't even need to really deal with you. I think this is a good idea by the NBA because they're all star.

[DeBone]

Game and you got the rising stars. Like imagine losing the rising stars, right? They're the team of first and second year players and you're going to lose to them as an all star team. That's. You don't, you don't want to be the team, the all star team full of eight all stars losing to the rising stars. But I do think the fact that this is quick, it's right to it. It's like a pickup game. I do think that's going to bring some added incentive to have a level of competition.

[Pat McAfee]

Will this change anything else around?

[DeBone]

You add single elimination, it'll be like that.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, absolutely. If you know some teams just going to want to lose. We watched that last year whenever we were at some of the skills challenges there was clearly a couple teams that did not want to win. But with the skill challenges, is this going to help the whole weekend? Connor has a question for you.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, Sean, we're thinking about the three point contest, the dunk contest, the stuff that used to be so great, you know, back in the day. Are there going to be stars that do that type of stuff? And then at the three point contest, is there a chance we see like Caitlin Clark appearance like we did with Sabrina last year?

[DeBone]

Yeah, I mean I think Stephen Curry, Sabrina Yanescu, I, that was the highlight. I was there all star weekend. That was the highlight to me, I think to a lot of people watching All Star Weekend was that shootout that took place between those two. I'm told the plans are there for them to bring that event back with them as obviously the, the two people returning. But they're, they are working actively. Stephen Curry, Sabrina UNESCO. I think they're doing some recruiting right now to bring in from the NBA side a guy like Klay Thompson. We know about him, he's the other Splash brother, played in the Bay Area. So you bring him into the mix and then Caitlin Clark is the player that the, that the league, you know, the participants here are, are involved in and trying to recruit her into this. So imagine that you have Stephan Curry, Klay Thompson on the NBA side. Then you get Sabrina UNESCO, Caitlin Clark on the WNBA side. There's definitely efforts being made to make this happen. I think we'll see this event. The question is who exactly will be in it. And, and that's all going to be.

[Michael Lombardi]

A work in progress.

[DeBone]

But that was the highlight of the weekend. And so if you can make it a two on two or let's say you do one part of the event on Saturday night, you leave the other part of the event Sunday night. Like imagine having like Clay versus Caitlin Clark or step occurring against Caitlin Clark on one of those other nights like that could add some extra excitement as well.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Getting Caitlin there will certainly be a boost for the NBA. No doubt Caitlyn anywhere. It's big time boost. She will not be doing that three on three league.

[Ty Schmidt]

No, she will not.

[Pat McAfee]

Remember we talked to be Stew. Yes. Beastu whenever this league was announced and I said do you have Caitlyn? Is Caitlyn Clark a part of this? We, we have a lot of names involved. Obviously we're going to try. And then allegedly they made a big push to get Caitlyn and I guess Caitlyn said I'm going to pass on that whole thing. Now I'm worried about the league. Yeah. Oh, now I'm a little bit weird. Not that they won't be able to hold it own. 303 basketball obviously has done great.

[DeBone]

We've seen there's some big players in that league. There's some big players like Asia Wilson's in that league, Drew Lloyd's in that league. Like there's some, some big, big WNBA obviously starting to start like Nafisa Collier. There's a bunch of all stars.

[Pat McAfee]

That playoffs continued too after the Fever stopped playing. It did it, didn't it?

[Boston Connor]

It did it sell out?

[Pat McAfee]

It did it, did it continued afterwards? AJ has a question for you about the NBA Shams.

[AJ Hawk]

What's the latest with Luca? I hear rumors about him going around. Good stuff.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[DeBone]

Luka Donic, he's, he's out tomorrow. They have that big game against Denver on espn. He is out for that game. He's going to be out at least a week. He's got a right wrist strain from what I'm told. What's going to happen here is they're going to immobilize his wrist over the next few days and then starting, you know, latter part of the weekend, early next week, he's going to have to strengthen that wrist.

[Ty Schmidt]

So.

[DeBone]

So could be a week, could be more potentially. He is a quick healer. He does try to push through injuries sometimes, but this is a situation now the Mavericks are going to have to deal with injury wise. They've been beat up lately.

[Pat McAfee]

So not good stuff. From that AJ had been hearing.

[AJ Hawk]

I read the wrong stuff. Shams. That's my bad.

[Pat McAfee]

And AJ I like that you have a completely optimistic stuff that you read but that obviously not good stuff. And then we hear there's also some Chris Middleton stuff happening around, around the NBA right now.

[DeBone]

Yeah, Chris Middleton, I reported yesterday on NBA Countdown he has been medically cleared to play. He has not played yet this season. He has, he had bilateral ankle surgery in the off season and he's trying to get back out on the court. For him it's. He physically doesn't feel ready. So you know, as an athlete you have two, you guys play like you have two different sides. You have the medical side. Medically he's cleared. Physically he's done three on three. He's been trying to ramp up for the last month. He just does not feel there. They need him bad. He wants to, when he wants to come back on the court, he wants to be Chris Middleton. He doesn't just want to be a shell of himself, but this is a team that obviously needs him back in the lineup. I'm curious from your guys perspective, like let's say the doctor says you're medically cleared and if you don't feel right, like what's the push and pull there?

[Pat McAfee]

So if you're medically cleared in the football world normally you're just going to get like that is kind of how it goes in the NBA though with how long their season is, you know how much it is. I can understand why some of the guys are very much like, let me get a little bit healthier here before we start this Journey, but that's be who you can afford to be. You know, I assume in basketball, there's also a lot of guys on those teams that can't just be like, nah, actually, I'm not gonna play.

[Ty Schmidt]

No.

[Pat McAfee]

And then they're like, okay, well, that's not the case. Be who you can afford to be. Chris Middleton has obviously earned that. Speaking of this similar type situation, Ty has a question for you. Shams.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, Shams, you came on the show the other day and broke the news about the big team meeting with the Sixers. And then Joel Embiid said yesterday, like, hey, whoever leaked that was a piece of shit. So I'm curious. You don't have to out your source, obviously, but are you worried that, like, Joel Embiid might have the beam set on you, he might want to beat your ass now?

[DeBone]

Oh, I mean, I'm just. I'm literally, literally. I'm just literally doing my job. That's literally all he cares.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't care. He hates your job.

[AJ Hawk]

Joe.

[Boston Connor]

Don't give a.

[Ty Schmidt]

He's American now.

[DeBone]

Okay, I. I do think. I do think there's a level of respect on both sides, but I, I would say I don't think so. That in every situation, there are dozens and dozens and dozens, dozens and dozens of people with knowledge of anything. And I literally every day just want to do my job.

[Pat McAfee]

Do you hate, though, that whenever you get this piece of information, you immediately know that this team's culture is crop, like, obviously the insiders. And whenever they leak information, that is a good tell for us who have ever been a part of a team. Like, oh, they have a loose. They have somebody over there that is loose. Now in the world that we're in, there's somebody that's going to let something out. Seemingly everyone. But, like, the great teams don't have this type of happen, let alone in the meetings, but then have it get leaked. As soon as you get that information, you immediately know, like, I should not know this. And also, this is not great news. Do you have that thought or. No?

[DeBone]

I. I mean, you, you, you. I guess you think about it a little bit, but honestly, like, when I. When I heard after the game the Sixers lost in Miami on Monday night, Nick Nurse, it takes him an hour and a half to address the media and he announces that the team had a team meeting meeting, the first thing that comes to my mind is what happened in that meeting. Like, I want to go dig up what happened in that meeting now. What I did dug up might not even it might be nothing. Nothing was said. We sat and looked at each other for an hour and a half. That could be it. And then there's nothing to talk about. But there was some substance and this. It's been a tough year for Philadelphia, Right. When you think about it, a lot of injuries. We know Joel Embiid, his shape. There's a lot made there where they need to get healthy. First and foremost. They need to build chemistry on the court, and I think they're trying to do that right now. But, you know, it's like every single day, there's something else with them.

[Shams Charania]

Right.

[Pat McAfee]

Paul George got hurt, right?

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, he just got hurt.

[Pat McAfee]

Paul George got hurt again. So good luck over there, Philly. You're gonna figure it out. And to Gumpy's point, why did Joel flop on that free throw? I don't know basketball well enough. Every once in a while when I'm shooting here, I'm like, ah, he was doing that same. That what he was doing, or do you have pain?

[DeBone]

I. I personally think, like, when I watch that, I feel like. Like I'm just picturing myself shooting a free throw. I think his reaction was more like, dang, like, I'm about to miss it.

[Pat McAfee]

I.

[DeBone]

Maybe he thought he was missing the free throw. Just like. So you have that outward reaction. But again, only. Only Joel Embiid can answer that. So maybe that information should leak. Maybe that information should leave.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, I. I think anytime you hear about a team meeting and you say, I want to know about what's happening in there, and you said, sometimes there's no substance, and then sometimes. Oh, there's a lot of stuff. I think anytime. Oh, there's a lot of stuff. That means that team didn't talk about. Well, we're going to talk about two people whenever they ask about this particular meeting. Which leads to. Oh, no. For the Philadelphia 76ers, ladies and gentlemen, a man who just quite literally does his job in a beautiful fashion. Sham. Sh. Member of NBA Countdown. Yeah. I'll tell you what. We're going to follow the NBA season closer because chomps.

[Boston Connor]

I mean, we don't have to. We know who's going to win.

[Pat McAfee]

Who?

[Boston Connor]

Your Boston Celtics, baby. 19 is coming home.

[Pat McAfee]

Huge win over the Cavaliers.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, massive. And it was closer on the scoreboard than it really was.

[Pat McAfee]

What's going on with this team?

[Boston Connor]

They stink out loud, brother. Hey, last year's run was fun. You better hold on to that thing.

[Chuck Pagano]

Hold on tight. Boat rang, raced last night.

[Pat McAfee]

I guess everybody who I don't Houston I don't watch it, but I just get a lot of people telling me they stink from every other team's fan base.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, we'll be back tomorrow. Reacting to tonight's game. Goodbye. Nailed it. Just hit it right on the screws.

[Boston Connor]

Houston's good.

[Pat McAfee]

Houston's very good.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, just.

[AP Tone]

Just 11 4.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, that is a tough bar.

[Pat McAfee]

Just to be clear, they always win at home.

[Boston Connor]

MAU the guy who.

[AJ Hawk]

What's different about the Pacers, though? I I the same squad.

[Pat McAfee]

Right. I just think they're not playing good. Like the shot that were falling last year aren't falling this year.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, they'll be all right. They'll be fine.

[Boston Connor]

They do play a lot of guys. I don't know if that's always been their M.O. like I looking at the sheet yesterday and who knows, you know, when some guys were playing, but they played like 13 dudes.

[Pat McAfee]

They're pretty banged up. They've lost some guys to big injuries as well. Okay. So the tweets that I'm receiving every single time the Pacers play any team from that team's fan base are a little bit out of context. You know, maybe not giving me the full story. Maybe the Pacers get healthy and maybe they play a lot of guys because they play a style, you know, that's very quick. And later in the season, these teams are going to be banged up and tired. They're not going to be able to run with these Pacers boys, you know, because the Pacers set the pace.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, they do.

[Pat McAfee]

It's in the name they do run.

[Boston Connor]

I think the reason. And Houston's going to be loud all year. I think the real reason they're talking a lot of junk is because our prince, the guy who, you know, holds pomade big puma, he. He hasn't been playing too big as of late and. But sometimes, to be honest. Yeah, sometimes. His costume last night didn't help his. Casey.

[Pat McAfee]

What? I did see his costume last night.

[AP Tone]

That was a good costume.

[Pat McAfee]

And he says they're not costumes. Of course. That was a game costume.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Had to be.

[Pat McAfee]

I don't want to call him and ask him what the going on.

[Boston Connor]

No, I don't think so.

[Pat McAfee]

He was like, tyrese has a good jovial vibe about it.

[Boston Connor]

Great mocks.

[Pat McAfee]

That is a part of who Tyrese is. You could tell when he was in here for the city thing, he was not necessarily thrilled to. To be doing that.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And then talking to him afterwards, I don't know what the hell's going on, but Then whenever he.

[Boston Connor]

That's why it's such a bummer. Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

When he just lights this place up, it's like it's over. He's back. He's all the way. He'll find his time.

[Boston Connor]

No doubt.

[Chuck Pagano]

So they start slow last year.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

What's that?

[Pat McAfee]

What's what?

[Chuck Pagano]

Who's that?

[Ty Schmidt]

Farnsworth. Bentley.

[Pat McAfee]

No, it's not. That's Tyrese Halliburton.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh.

[Boston Connor]

I like to shoot.

[Chuck Pagano]

You know, if I'm. If I'm Phillies. What? 2 and 11, 2 and 12, I believe. 212. If I'm 12, 2. 13 and 1. Cleveland, 15 and 1. Now, you sport whatever you want to sport, but other than that, if I'm not. Not like doing. I'm laying low.

[Pat McAfee]

You're saying Tyrese needs to slow down his fashion.

[Chuck Pagano]

Charles, I love his fits. He can do whatever he wants to do.

[Pat McAfee]

That's not a fit. That is a costume. We all know that's costume. He told me I wear it to. Again. I'll wear it anywhere else. It's like, no, you wouldn't.

[Boston Connor]

Which is like a no, you wouldn't. Then why haven't we seen him?

[Chuck Pagano]

He's got it. You know what he's got to do.

[Pat McAfee]

Looks cool, though.

[Chuck Pagano]

He's just got to go out the next job and imagine that he's in the Thunderdome.

[Pat McAfee]

Bingo.

[Chuck Pagano]

I already started burying bad baskets just like he did. What I witnessed.

[Pat McAfee]

I sent him a damn. I sent him a motivational text saying, hey, just light it. Next shot's best shot. Unconscious.

[Boston Connor]

He does need to take more shots.

[AP Tone]

You don't stay away from. Take 10 left Joe Burrow's closet.

[Pat McAfee]

Or that is fashion. The fashions. They do the fashion stuff. They know the fashions.

[AP Tone]

You're right.

[Pat McAfee]

Right. That's something.

[Chuck Pagano]

They said Joe looks like some somebody.

[Pat McAfee]

No, they said he hasn't.

[AP Tone]

Joe's. Joe's moving to England, Is he?

[Pat McAfee]

No. Oh, no, he's not.

[Chuck Pagano]

Bingo.

[Pat McAfee]

That is not. There is people on the Internet.

[AJ Hawk]

What's that about bingo?

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know everybody. A lot of people move in England, I guess.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah. Things.

[Pat McAfee]

Next. Talk show.

[Chuck Pagano]

Things go. Things don't go your way. Just flee.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Boston Connor]

Okay, tell us what you said.

[Pat McAfee]

There is people that since the Internet started saying that that the record of the team that Joe Burrow's been on has not been that great. With that being said, though, Joe Burrow is.

[Chuck Pagano]

Ain't his fault slinging the rock where. Where what you want adds a guy.

[Boston Connor]

To place a little wager on MVP because If they go on a run and they make the playoffs, if he's still first and everything.

[AP Tone]

His numbers are absurd.

[Pat McAfee]

He might.

[Boston Connor]

He might sneak away.

[Pat McAfee]

He. He is having like a career year.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And their team just can't win.

[Ty Schmidt]

So is Jamar Chase.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes. And he still got four years on his contract. We found out he still had another year. And then he's got a franchise tag year.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And then he's got another franchise tag here. So that's never getting settled. That feels like that's going to be a dog chase, tail situation whenever you talk about contracts, but it's like what Joe Burrow has been doing statistically through the air this year. Special. Yeah. Special. I think that's a good way to describe it. Special.

[Chuck Pagano]

Because that defense, Jesse Miner, what he's doing with that defense, I mean, they. They only let up 13 points a game going into this one.

[Pat McAfee]

How's that guy go from college into the NFL and be able to do that? He was in the NFL earlier, so.

[Chuck Pagano]

He was in the NFL that. He comes from the Raven system, so. And his dad was a longtime coach, so he's been around ball for a long time. So I think that system translates. Translated very well to the personnel that he had there, you know, with the Chargers. But he's. He's really good. He's really good.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

And like, the guys, they have. Their defense hasn't been great, though, to Minter's credit. And then, like, he comes in there and all those dudes are back playing unbelievable again.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, let's get to a break. On the other side, Kevin Oconnell will join us, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Can't wait to catch up with John. Bo.

[Boston Connor]

Me too.

[Pat McAfee]

When I came through the year, I was up something.

[Chuck Pagano]

We had our. I couldn't wait. We had Arthur, his older brother, dude.

[Pat McAfee]

Artie. Love Artie. Saw already in the comments this weekend, we were posting about John. I love that family. They said something popped up, he would join us.

[Boston Connor]

I got Faith is the curse back.

[Pat McAfee]

I know. We promoted it.

[Boston Connor]

That's all I could think about.

[Pat McAfee]

Soon as I put the tweet up, as I was typing it up, I'm like, we've gotten triple stamp confirmation. Yeah. We should let people know that this person's gonna be on the show for sure.

[Boston Connor]

You have to.

[Pat McAfee]

There's actually something happening at ESPN where, like. Which is pretty cool. This is like a cool thing that's happening. Some people reach out and said, like, hey, if we would have known that you guys were doing the juju commitment thing. We would have talked about that. And then I have to explain the whole situation about, like, how we can't do it.

[Boston Connor]

Sorry.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey. Part of our show's thing is, like, nine times out of 10, whenever we promote something, somebody's coming on. It's just like, we don't even really promote Aaron Rodgers Tuesday.

[Ty Schmidt]

No.

[Pat McAfee]

You know, that's like five years. Like, we're. You know, we don't want to put it out. And then it end up inevitably not happening, which has happened a lot for our show because our show is very much a people getting booked at 11:25am before shows go live. Thank you to Mike Foss. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

What a weapon.

[Pat McAfee]

What a weapon. Mike Foss is just running the show. He sent a text. Can we stop with this? Come on. Can we? False. Good guy. He's a good guy. I can't wait to be in Columbus tomorrow, brother. Should be fun over there in your state.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, yeah. Should be fun. People are. People are pretty pumped, man. I'm sure Indiana people are already filing in. Should be good.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, don't let the who.

[AJ Hawk]

Big weekend who.

[Pat McAfee]

Take over. They're gonna.

[Boston Connor]

They might.

[Ty Schmidt]

It's a done deal.

[Pat McAfee]

I think so, too.

[Boston Connor]

It's a close drive because I respect.

[Pat McAfee]

The hell out of the Ohio State people. But they'll high State people before their game. They have tailgate things that they do. You know, they have, like, their own plan. It's like the IU fans are traveling over. We can all just meet Skoda at this. Yeah. Age is everything. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

State fans will be. They'll be in their seats and ready to. To watch the squad.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, we'll go inside, too. We. Which is unbelievable to be on the field for that.

[AP Tone]

Actually, I saw a tweet that there's a little bit too much sitting down at the shoe.

[Pat McAfee]

It has been a quiet barn this year. Ohio State fans.

[AP Tone]

Some Ohio State fans are pissed at other Ohio State fans for not staying in the whole game.

[Pat McAfee]

Wait, is that the video that I saw from the Ohio State team from their social media, I don't know, saying, fans, we need you loud on Saturday. What's going on, A.J.

[AJ Hawk]

I didn't see that. Who put that out? I didn't see it.

[Pat McAfee]

It was like the team. It was like the three offensive linemen, I think then it was like a running back, and it was like a wide receiver and everything.

[AJ Hawk]

It's collaborative effort, just letting the fans know, hey, you're part of this. You guys are part of this.

[Pat McAfee]

I agree. Yeah. I think it's Good for the entire state to come together.

[Chuck Pagano]

They had a game recently in that where they've needed them the fans like a tight game.

[Boston Connor]

Nebraska.

[Chuck Pagano]

How long ago was that?

[Pat McAfee]

A couple weeks, two, three weeks?

[Shams Charania]

Is that the one?

[Chuck Pagano]

They were throwing traps on the field.

[AP Tone]

That's the new trend.

[Pat McAfee]

You guys were throwing trash on the field over there.

[Boston Connor]

If you wanted call to be changed.

[AJ Hawk]

What did happen?

[AP Tone]

Thanks a lot, Texas.

[Pat McAfee]

You tell me. You were there. Probably.

[AJ Hawk]

I was not there in person.

[Boston Connor]

Bobby Carpenter actually was in the front row.

[Pat McAfee]

Throw, throw, throw. You started.

[AP Tone]

He showed up to the game with.

[Pat McAfee]

The pound water bottle. He grabbed trash, threw it up. Now, now he's going into trash can.

[Boston Connor]

Took out his sword.

[Pat McAfee]

I love, I do love that the eyes of the entire college football world are on the Big ten this weekend in Columbus, Ohio on Indiana and Ohio State. But also precedent for the new college football playoff forever.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Is kind of on the eyes. And there's no better place to do it than in Columbus. Columbus, Ohio. So you want to be a marketer?

[Ty Schmidt]

It's easy. You just have to score a ton.

[AJ Hawk]

Of leads and figure out a way.

[Ty Schmidt]

To turn them all into customers.

[Pat McAfee]

Plus manage a dozen channels, write a million blogs, and launch a hundred campaigns all at once.

[Ty Schmidt]

When that's done, simply make your socials.

[Pat McAfee]

Go viral and bring in record profits.

[Ty Schmidt]

No sweat. Okay, fine, it's a lot of Sweat.

[Pat McAfee]

But with HubSpot's AI powered marketing tools, launching benchmark breaking campaigns is easier than ever. Get [e-mail] marketers. This episode is brought to you by Etsy. Oh, hear that? Okay, thank you. Etsy knows these aren't the sounds of holiday gifting. Well, not the ones you're hoping for. You want squeals of delight? Happy tears? How did you. And spontaneously written songs of joy. I am so happy. Oh, yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, yeah. Um, okay, the song needs a bit of work, but anyway, to get those reactions, make sure everyone on your list feels heard with handmade, handpicked and designed gifts from small shops on Etsy. Gifts like personalized jewelry, custom artwork, cozy style items, vintage pieces, and home decor to celebrate all of your favorite people and their specific kind of special. For original gifts that say I get you, Etsy has it. It's awesome. That's AJ Hawk. The talks and tables here at Boston Connor. And that's I Schmidt, one half with a hammer. Don Cowboys. AP Tone is here. A man who has 36 years of football coaching experience. 18 in college, 18 in the NFL, and a guy who needs to get off the schneid against the spread this evening for Pittsburgh Steelers Cleveland Brown Thursday Night Football Week 12 kickoff game ladies and gentlemen. Chuck. We're going to see you coach. You're not the only coach on the show right now, I'll have you know. Joining us now, ladies and gentlemen, is the man who leads the 8 and 2 Vikings who have a big one against the Chicago Bears this weekend. I believe we just got off of peloton. This man's in phenomenal shape. He's a former player, great jawline, super attractive, but also a massive football brain. Ladies and gentlemen, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O'Connor. What's up man?

[Shams Charania]

Hate to say it, man. Peloton is collecting some dust as over these last few days.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, no. What do we do? Do you, do you do any working out throughout the season? It get difficult? Do you put on a bunch of weight? What is normally the MO for this time of year?

[Shams Charania]

No, I, I, I try to get whatever I can, but no, it's you get into November, December just kind of feels like any and all time where I can be with my family, I'm going to be doing that and then I'm with my family here in this beautiful building pretty much every other moment of my existence, which I absolutely love.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, that's head coach of football team. There's only 32 of them. You happen to be a phenomenal one. Still up for AP's vote. AP Tone's vote for coach of the year. Hey, just want to let you know that we have an AP vote in the building. He wears a cowboy hat every day. He is actually in control of one of the votes for the ap. You are on the watch list still. Just have you know that in so all the time you're spending away from your family, well worth it. Yeah, well worth it in AP tone's eyes. And obviously a lot of coaches are having a great year. You guys are no exception. Let's chitchat about it. I we pulled some stats about your team and obviously it's very easy to talk about Justin Jefferson. I think I saw you give an answer about Justin Jefferson the other day about how if you were playing basketball, it was five on five. Imagine if three of the people on the other team were just focusing on one of your players. That is kind of what's happening with Justin Jefferson. He still produces and your offense is still able to do that. But there's a stat that we found that I think is a really glorious one. The vikings ranked number one in the NFL with 16 interceptions in 21 takeaways on defense. First in allowing only 74.4 rushing yards per game and have held opponents scoreless in 17 quarters this season, which is number one in the NFL. Can you tell me about why this year's Vikings team, with how this defense is doing, is poised for an actual run? They're doing historic stuff right now, coach.

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that. Just because, you know, Pat, it's one of those things where, you know, we've probably not played a total complete game truly yet. You know, you can make an argument the Houston game earlier in the year was, was close, but I would say our defense and forcing those turnovers, that doesn't count a ton of fourth down stops. When teams are trying to drive the ball to, you know, late in the game to recapture the lead against us, and our guys are just stepping up. It's an unbelievable collection of unique players, a great defensive coordinator in Brian Flores and a great defensive staff half. But it's awesome on a daily basis to just watch those guys work. And then on game day, between the veteran presence of a guy like Harrison Smith and new additions that we added to the defense this year, Bernard Van Ginkel, Cashman, you know, and, and then the, you know, the three corners stepping up and really solidifying a position that we, you know, we're in some turmoil at, at times with some things that have taken place here. Feel great about the defense, feel great about our ability to compete because of those guys. And we're going to, we're going to find a way to play our best football here down the stretch, which is something kind of three years in this job was a real goal of mine coming into this year, was to progressively build. Even when nobody thought we were going to be very good, I didn't really care. It was just about working and trying to get better because my belief in this team has always been there.

[Pat McAfee]

You know, Thanksgiving's next week and everything you're saying kind of echoes the sentiment that, that Bill Belichick always said, like, it's the football after Thanksgiving where you got to be playing your best, have your best team and matters the most. Sounds like you guys are trending in that direction. Let's talk about the offensive side now that obviously your big ass brain is in charge of JJ McCarthy. News happens before the season. So we're basically told, okay, Sam Darnold is going to be the starting quarterback for this Minnesota Vikings team. And I think JJ Got another surgery. Godspeed, brother. Godspeed in recovery for all that. That's no fun. Anytime they're going to cut you open, there's obviously things that can happen. Hopefully he comes back full go. Where do you stand with Sam Darnold right now? Just, I don't want to say, like, personal relationship, but how do you think you and Sam Darnold have grown this year and what have you seen out of Sam?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, I think Sam's done so many great things year one in the system, you know, kind of taking him from where he was at in his career. This guy started a lot of games and coming into this offense and really just having him focus on the day to day and the minute to minute. And Sam's really talented. He's, you know, pushed the ball all over the field. We've been pretty darn explosive with him at the helm. You know, clearly there's been some times where we've had, you know, maybe been too aggressive and had some decisions backfire from a standpoint of turnovers, but not without having some real moments of growth. And I thought he played one of his best games of the season against, you know, a really good Tennessee defense last week. One of the best fronts in football. Those interior guys are, no joke, good edge players on the road, just kind of running the show, resolving conflict, you know, taking plays when they were there, just spitting a bunch of completions out there to some pretty darn good players on the perimeter. And I think it was big time growth for Sam and now it's just about stacking it. He's had some real stretches of high, high level football and how consistent can I be? Coaching them is the most important thing because I know I'm going to get the best out of Sam here down the stretch and it's going to help our team.

[Pat McAfee]

Justin Jefferson, obviously phenomenal, but there's a tight end too that is obviously chatted about a lot. Go ahead, Tone.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, coach, you talk about, you know, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and those that wide out room is, is loaded. But you get TJ Hawkinson back a few weeks ago. How big has that been for the offense with, you know, him going down the middle a ton?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, I think, you know, you saw it a little bit versus Jacksonville a couple weeks ago when, you know, we're getting some pretty unique coverages where TJ is getting, you know, drawing a lot of linebackers in coverage and, you know, winning in the middle of the field. That middle of the field kind of inside out passing game has always been a huge part of what we do and it's grown bigger just as we've kind of experienced the inventory of coverages that Justin gets and Jordan gets. So having TJ Back has been huge. I do think Josh Oliver has had a phenomenal year just from a standpoint of being a true blocking. Why that impacts the pass game. There's just not a lot of, a lot of guys like that walking the face of the earth. And he's been really good for us. But having TJ back, I think half of his targets have been kind of third down conversions or close to it since he's been back. It's a big part of our team, Pat, and it's a great question because if we can really find, find that balance between all of those guys and still run the football with Aaron, Aaron Jones, who's been a huge impact for our team, I think we're going to have the kind of balance couple that with our defense playing well and doing some good things in the kicking game. I like where we're at.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey, on that note, shots of the kicking game. Amen. But you just mentioned the running back there that you guys added in the off season. Ty has a question for you.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, coach. You guys are eight. No. When you're out rushing your opponents and you're Also, I think plus 4, 20 in rushing yards differential, which is 6 best in the NFL. As a Packers fan, obviously I knew what Aaron Jones was going to be. I don't think anyone thought he was really going to fall off, but how important has he been to the offense to kind of unlock a new dimension? Cause it seems like you guys are kind of leaps and bounds better in that department than you have been in years past.

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, Aaron's made a huge impact. It's just, it's one thing he gets so, he gets credit for being so versatile, having an impact in the past game. And we've, we've thrown him a bunch of different kind of routes and concepts that not a lot of running backs are doing. And that's great and that's huge. But Aaron Jones is a really, really good runner. And I think his vision, his toughness, he's not the biggest guy in the world, but his play style is off the charts. His vision, you know, all the things that made him so hard to play against, you know, playing for your packers for so many years, having such an impact, it was why I was so excited to get him here. And then you actually get him in your building and you realize what an unbelievable human being and just how he's kind of taken. You know what I think is a pretty darn Good culture around here. Aaron Jones has made it better. He's made this building better. We're so fortunate to have him on our team. And, you know, he's. He's had a huge impact, no doubt.

[Pat McAfee]

They say his vibes are immaculate. Yeah. He's unbelievable. Yeah. Has that remained. I know Green Bay's cold, but I never been in a colder place than Minnesota. We had our first snowfall here in Indianapolis this morning. We woke up there. Snow on the ground. How is it over there? I see you're in a puffer jacket in your office. Is it a. Is it already. Are we already at that point in Minnesota?

[Shams Charania]

We are at that point, as we speak, about to head out to, you know, practice to get ready to play outside in Chicago. I know they got some snow today. Don't know what Sunday is going to be like, but our boys will be ready to roll. Not something we're not used to around here, but I will say, very fortunate to have U.S. bank Stadium about 10 miles away from where I sit right now.

[Pat McAfee]

What year was that Brett Favre was playing? I think when they had to play outside, I think we all remember what, like, all of us, we were all in different parts of the country right there. We all responded. We're like, oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. We remember that. I mean, it gets cold as in Minnesota. I wonder why. Why. Why is it. Why is it so cold there versus other places?

[Ty Schmidt]

10,000 lakes. I don't know.

[Pat McAfee]

So it's lake effect everywhere.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, north is.

[Pat McAfee]

It is north of.

[Boston Connor]

It's like Canada, basically.

[Pat McAfee]

There's a lot of north of places. It feels like Minnesota just really gets the quote anyways. Beautiful town, though.

[Ty Schmidt]

Beautiful.

[Pat McAfee]

The whole place is connected in tunnels because of it being cold as you can walk. Not. Not that we're talking like malls or in tunnels, Elevated. Elevate.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, word for me.

[Boston Connor]

Sue me.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, I get it. AJ Has a question for you, Kochi.

[AJ Hawk]

You mentioned you guys have not played a complete game yet, and obviously you guys are 8 and 2. So I guess. Is that something you address with your team when you speak to them? Hey, like, we haven't put everything together yet, but ultimately that's a great thing. If we still have eight wins and we haven't even really figured out how to put it all together. Is it something that you. You think is trending in the right direction?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, it's exactly. You know, very similar to. To. My message this week was really, in a way, where I think we've become a mature team because we figured out unique ways to win We've had different sides of the ball, and our defense step up huge in games where we haven't put the ball in the end zone enough or haven't have had more turnovers than we. We would like when we're moving the ball all day. You know, there's been multiple times where the defense has had kind of a closer's mentality, which has been huge. But I think it's. It's a challenge to the group and understand that we all feel very fortunate to have the group. We do. These guys love you, love playing with one another and working like we're, you know, like we're doing each and every week. But what does it really mean if we can't go out and put it all together consistently? Because down the stretch here, that's what you're going to need to do. There's a lot of really good teams in the nfc. We're going to have to play really good football down the stretch here to put a stamp on. On a year that we all should be proud of, but at the same time means absolutely nothing right now, in my opinion. And that's where I do think we got the right kind of guys, and I think our best ball is in front of us. You know, as you kind of navigate November, December, which, you know, I do believe has been in my mind, probably from Coach Belichick, but also looking back on what we've been here over the first two years of my career here, it's something that I made a note of it coming into this year. It's been part of our process, and we've talked about it, but as I told the team, the time is now.

[Pat McAfee]

Your time is up. Our time is down.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Shout John Cena. I didn't know you're quoting John Cena there, too. That voice. I love that.

[Chuck Pagano]

I was.

[Shams Charania]

I was inspired by. By getting a chance to see that WrestleMania from you, man. That was unbelievable.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey, thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that. I saw you were forced to watch that because we put you on the call and then we're running that video. So we apologize for that. But we did get to see your reaction during it. I live the dumbest life of all time, brother. I mean, that is just. That is just a matter of fact, very lucky to do a lot of the things that I've gotten to do, including, you know, play in the NFL, because I get a chance to listen to great leaders speak, you know, and Chuck will have a question for you about that here in a matter of moments. But for me, I wonder for you, how long are you talking to the team? How often, often do you talk to the team and like, night before game, what is the speech? Is it. Is it a gipper or like, what is your style when chatting with the team? Because obviously you've been in the audience for a lot of those.

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, I think the night before the game is really important. If you've had any kind of consistency to your messaging all week, it's a great opportunity to put, put a stamp on it, put a bow on it, and make sure these guys wake up with, you know, total confidence and clarity to go play and be at their best. And I talk a lot about what it's going to take to win the game early in the week, you know, try to give them tangible, real things versus each opponent. That I think is important. And then you got to have that post game, you know, real talk where, you know, you highlight a lot of really good things. And there's been plenty of that for, you know, an 8 and 2 football team. But at the same time, it's also important that you're honest and you're real and you're authentic every single day. I'm sure you talk to Justin or TJ or Harrison Smith. They'd probably say they've heard about enough of me. But that's the beauty of being the head coach, man. They. I put team meeting on the board. They got to show up, otherwise there's going to be consequences and they got to listen to me talk all day long. And until they tell me otherwise, that's what I'm going to be doing.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, you got a full crowd anytime you speak. Anytime you want.

[Boston Connor]

Hell yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Anytime you want. You know, especially if you have good culture, you got everybody showing up on time, hopefully, which has creeped into professional sports. Seriously, have you heard about this? There's like people that are late to team meetings and. Yeah, exactly. You have not.

[Ty Schmidt]

Don't want to hear it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, that's not. That's not a real thing. But that's happening in professional sports other places. Obviously not in your culture. Let's talk about your culture. You think you're funny, Koc? You think you're some funny guy. I see what's happening over your shoulder up there. Look at that. Look at that. Yes, please put him. What's this, Koc? What's this here? Oh, that just so happens to be hanging over. That just so happens to be in the shot. What game was that, koc?

[Shams Charania]

That was one of the worst coaching halves I've ever Been a part of in the first half. So you, what you don't see is on the back of that ball it says the 30, 33 to nothing first half score of that game. But the part you can see, it does happen to be the greatest comeback in Spartan.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, that was pretty great.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, and I like that you keep the side that's good for you, you know, because there's some people out there that would have the bad side out there.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yep.

[AP Tone]

Ruined Jeff Saturday's career.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, you did.

[Pat McAfee]

You ended coach Saturday's career. I hope you're happy.

[Chuck Pagano]

He's very excited that you did.

[Pat McAfee]

Now, speaking of coaching, a coaching change was made on the other side. Chuck has a question for you.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, coach. The Bears have moved on from Shane Waldron a week ago and Thomas Brown is now calling the offensive plays for them. It looked to me, at least from what I saw, like the run game was, was a little bit better. They were a little bit more efficient on offense. Quarterback looked to be playing in rhythm. How big a challenge is this to you and your team and specifically Brian Flores and that defense as far as, like, I don't know how much you can change at this point, you know, with your, with your play calls and your terminology and things like that, but what kind of challenges do you face?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, Coach, it's a. I saw that's the same thing you did. Just from a standpoint of. There was a real mindset to get playmakers involved early with some, you know, kind of ball out plays where, you know, you can get DJ more multiple touches. You got that clearly got swift in the, in the run game going, which he's as, you know, as talented of a back as I think we have in our league. He's a really good player and they've got, you know, Keenan Allen, they've got Rome on the outside who clearly has a great rapport with Caleb as rookies that come in together. And then I, and then I just think Cole commit and working the inside of the field. They've got multiple weapons and then a quarterback who, you know, let's face it, you know, studying that group last year, it was a great quarterback group. There's a reason why Caleb was the first pick in the draft and everybody in this league is so excited about him because the talent, you know, his ability to play on schedule, off schedule. I think he's seeing the field like all young quarterbacks do. They grow throughout the season and experience, you know, different things than what they experienced in college. I think he played really well last week. Put them right in position to be a field goal away from beating a really good Green Bay packers team. So I think Thomas Brown did a really good job and it's going to be a challenge because I know Thomas well coached with him in la. He's, he's built a, you know, he's going to build it. No matter how much time he has leading into this opportunity, he's going to build it with really good principles of offensive football, starting with the run game, making life easy on the quarterback when he can. And when those weighty downs come around, they've got skilled players all over the map to, you know, throw the football to and make it hard on you. So I know flow and our defense are, you know, really looking at this game as they do pretty much every week in this league, but they're looking at this as a major, major challenge to go on the road and defend a group like this.

[Pat McAfee]

And I assume Caleb Williams is viewing this as a major, major challenge of a beef low defense as obviously, obviously humming. Can't wait to watch it. Who's your special teams coordinator? I should know. Who is it?

[Shams Charania]

Matt Daniels.

[Pat McAfee]

Is he going to do the double push over the long snapper block field? It seems like that's available. It works against the Chicago Bears. What an ending two weeks walk off block kicks. Coach?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah. Unbelievable. I mean, it just, it just goes to show that when we as coaches stand up there and, and you know, I know Coach Pagano can vouch for this. It's got to be 60 minutes and sometimes more, takes everything you got. And if you never know when that one play is going to happen where either don't have the play style or the technique fundamentals and your opponent shows up and makes a play, it could change the whole day. It just so happened that that was the last play of the game and a huge play. As you know, as we saw it in the NFC north, they're all going to be close. All the teams in our division are good, talented football teams, physical football teams. So it's going to take everything you got as an organization, especially when you're going on the road trying to get a win. So we know that and we know what we're signing up for and we got to go do it.

[Pat McAfee]

8 and 2, second in the NFC North. 8 and 2, obvious. Obviously behind the Lions. Whenever you say the NFC north is good and coach the play don't care who makes it. That's right. I've heard that from Chuck about a thousand times. You know, it's not it's not every play is going to be the play that's going to bust it open, but the play that's going to matter don't care who makes it. And that is Franco Harris.

[Chuck Pagano]

All he said when he caught the Immaculate Reception was, I was just hustling. And I was at the right place at the right time because I was just hustling.

[Pat McAfee]

You think that ball touched the ground?

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, he caught it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Definitely.

[Pat McAfee]

Definitely.

[Chuck Pagano]

He doesn't touch the ground.

[Pat McAfee]

No, I think so, too. I. I'm from Pittsburgh. I think he caught it. It's right there at the bottom of the airport, right next to George Washington. This guy founded a lot of questions.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Replay is just would say Franco, though, right next to. Welcome to Pittsburgh. We got the founder and the savior here. Okay. And that's. That's how you kind of keep it rolling. Replay assist would have potentially said that thing skimmed the ground, but speaking of replay assist, 2024 is a wild time. We've been learning a lot both through Dan Orlovsky segments and also the evolution of what coaches have had. Connor has a question for you.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah. Coach Dan Orlovsky ran a little segment about, you know, VR with quarterbacks and how they use it. Is that something you guys utilize and how often are you guys going in there and kind of getting mental reps or actual reps with the VR headset?

[Shams Charania]

Yeah, it's. It's become a huge part of. A lot of the younger quarterbacks kind of have come up with it through college and the expectation is like, let's use all the resources we have. So we actually, we have a VR program and then we also, you know, Sam and the rest of the quarterbacks will wear GoPros at practice, recording, you know, kind of their vision point, the audio, all those things that then in a year like this where you've got your first round pick quarterback, you know, doing great, by the way, healthy, getting to a great spot, but he's got a lot of reps he can take behind the scenes. In a year where truly he's getting the chance to grow and really become a master of the system without having to be, you know, tested each and every Sunday for three and a half hours against, you know, NFL defenses, he's getting that time via all those resources. I didn't get a chance to see that with Dan, but I'm sure it was awesome. And that's, that's part of what you try to do, is maximize the technology and the resources. We got great owners that provide us with the ability to have a lot of those things. So it really is a tool that I think can steal a lot of time on task for these quarterbacks to get ready to go.

[Pat McAfee]

Dan will appreciate the fact that you just assumed it was awesome because he was a part of that. A lot of people don't do that at all. So he will be very. He will be very thankful. Didn't even crack. Love that. That's good for Daniel. That's good. Friend. Dan Orlofsky. Koc. Good luck this weekend and the rest of the way. We thank you for taking time.

[Shams Charania]

Yeah. You guys are the best. Thank you.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey. Turkey, ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes.

[Shams Charania]

Both.

[Pat McAfee]

Boom.

[Boston Connor]

Great answer.

[Pat McAfee]

Apple pie, pumpkin pie.

[Shams Charania]

Oh, man. I'm gonna. I'm gonna probably have some real things to answer for for this, but neither for me.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow. That's why he's got that.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, exactly.

[Pat McAfee]

On protein.

[AJ Hawk]

He wants protein.

[Shams Charania]

That WrestleMania performance, though, man, inspired me. I'm jumping on this bike behind me right after I get off.

[Pat McAfee]

You're the man. You saw some fat on me there. That was. That came together very last minute. You're the man. Ladies and gentlemen, the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin OConnell. He's cool, dude.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Foreign player.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Tana bomb said, sit down before you do your cut.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Ty Schmidt]

You just never really got to where we thought you'd get.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. That's on us. More so than. Yeah.

[AP Tone]

It's not your fault.

[Ty Schmidt]

Stay stink.

[Pat McAfee]

He's literally just sit down. You're cut. Okay. And you stink and. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Better.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

Why don't you stand up and get.

[Pat McAfee]

The out of here? Dana.

[AP Tone]

Bob was wrong.

[Pat McAfee]

We don't know. He might. He might have been very right. I. You know. No, he's definitely wrong. Oh. Kevin O'Connell. I heard he could spin it.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. He said more athletic than he give him credit for, too. A lot of people said, right. D. Butcher.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

With him drafted to New England, I think they're the same draft class.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Debut. Like he could spend a. I think he can move, too, a little bit.

[AP Tone]

Athlete.

[Pat McAfee]

He's got that jawline, though, on him. Done it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Unbelievable.

[Pat McAfee]

He's got that jaw.

[AP Tone]

He ran at San Diego State. Where the hell he went.

[Pat McAfee]

I think. Speaking of running, we've been running this segment every single week, and it's become one of my favorite things to not only find the clips, but for people to send in when they happen during college football games. Aj, I. I know you're not very active on X or on your phone because you got 100 kids, and you got a lot of things going on. But these college football games have become infinite, infinitely more exciting, because I'll open it, I'll see somebody with a hashtag Ram truck, and then I will search for that on X and I will find somebody getting obliterated. Now, people still don't understand completely that it has to be a legal play. That's right. Okay. Has to be illegal play. There cannot be a flag on the play. We do not want to promote a like, legal hits and, like, cheap shots and things like that within the rules of the game. Can you still smack somebody if you can, we like to call that a hashtag Ram truck. Okay, the way this segment goes is there are three contenders each week of a hashtag Ram truck play that will take on our reigning, defending undisputed Ram Truck champion from the week before. The only champion this segment has ever known is the Mount Union Mount Boom. That play will be a part of this week's four contenders for the Ram Truck challenge. After we show these four, we will put them up on X. There will then be a poll immediately underneath. It will be you who will decide which play will win the Ram Truck play of this particular week. He who has the title at the end of the season will win a brand new 2500 heavy duty rebel Ram that's been sitting outside of Thunder them for the last couple months. And I'll tell you what, you got a little snowfall on it today. So nice. That is a truck you want? Yeah, with a little snow on it. Look mean, look clean, look durable, look physical, look tough. Just like these four entries into the hashtag Ram truck challenge. Let's get to it. Ladies and gentlemen, the first play from uab. This is Jonathan Allen. More like Ramothorn Allen. Absolute decleader. Whenever you talk about, you know, utilizing brute force to stop somebody's momentum from going forward and taking them directly, boom.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, man.

[Pat McAfee]

Boom. Perfect form. Perfect form. Got the head out of the way, shoulder. You're running full speed. Huh? Huh? Zero miles an hour. Negative speed. Mile an hour. You are going backwards quickly. That is a hashtag Ram truck. Let's go to the second one. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the second week in a row that a punter has been put into the hashtag Ram truck challenge for the biggest hit of the week in college ball. A little bit of a low punt, but players can make play. Let me throw my body. There is a flag on the play, but not on the punter who gets up and flex on them. This is Ryan Eckley.

[AP Tone]

Boom.

[Pat McAfee]

Boom. I mean, that's awesome.

[Boston Connor]

Unreal.

[Pat McAfee]

That is what putters do. Okay, this is two weeks in a row now. Punters have been on the Ram truck segment. And that is my exact tackling technique. If you watch some of my film, it was, I'm trying to get shoulder and I'm trying to go full body out there because if. If you're able to run through me now, I was a little heavier than ECKLEY. I'm about 230, 240 right now. 255. So if you were able to run through my full body because I didn't want to have to do the whole power game because these people are all more powerful than me. Good on you. And there was a guy from Kansas City that did just that. It was freezing cold. I left the ground, I thought I had him. And I felt a tingle from my head to my right down my spine. And I was sent into a blender and he continued to run. So I appreciate what E did. And those two are up for for a brand new 2500 heavy duty rebel Ram. Look at the snow sitting on top of that Rebel Ram. Wow. Look at the majesticness of that Rebel Ram. That could be one of these four dudes at the end of the hashtag Ram truck season. Let's go to the third finalist on this particular week. This one's from San Jose State. More like Ram Jose State. That's Floyd Chalk iv. There had been three before, but never one that did that. San Jose states all over the news. Yeah, all over the news, everywhere. Hopefully changing the future for the much better for all of sport. But the Ram Jose State run over is the one of the first running back entries. Yeah. And I will have you know that that was a Chuck Pagano entry. Oh, Chuck Pagano actually recorded his TV at his house and texted it to me and said, this is my Ram truck. And even gave play by play on that whole thing. If you don't often see a running back be able to do that to somebody. That was out of a movie.

[Boston Connor]

That kept going boom.

[Pat McAfee]

That was out of a movie right there. Now some people say he loaded his helmet, did the whole thing. There's no flag.

[Boston Connor]

No flag, no flag.

[Pat McAfee]

So it's not in. The reigning champion, obviously is Weston Arthur out of Mount Union. The helmet gone, man. Pitch over Weston Arthur. Mount Boo has been our reigning champ. Will any of the other three take the crown from Mount Boom? You will be the judge of that. You will have to go on to X, find that particular post. And then underneath there will be a poll. You vote on which one you think should win the hashtag Ram Trucked playoff the week. And the winner at the end of the season will win a rebel ram 2500 heavy duty four wheel drive for that snow. Yeah. Four wheel drive high and low.

[AP Tone]

Yep.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Ty Schmidt]

Clean.

[Pat McAfee]

Depending upon what you want to get through. And then if you want to go to a parking lot and just do some donos, donuts and fish tailing. That thing's got two wheel drive. Obviously. You just put them in the back there and you can just go ahead and spin that thing if you want to. Now I'm not saying you should. Okay. You should not be reckless with this entire thing. No. Well, you certainly could.

[Ty Schmidt]

Without a doubt.

[Pat McAfee]

You certainly could with the power that this thing has. And whenever you hit the gas pedal, all you hear is good looking Chuck Ram. Jose State Ram punt Ramoth and Allen in Mount Boom. Can one see who it is?

[AP Tone]

I audibly gasped when I watched the UAB one.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[AP Tone]

The first time I saw it.

[Pat McAfee]

That might be Weston. Arthur and the Mount Boom have had quite a. Quite a rain on this.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Like an 11 seed.

[Chuck Pagano]

Has it been close? Has any.

[Pat McAfee]

The Mountain Union people have been showing up. It's. I think it's been within like 10 to 15, 10%. But I think that that UAB Ramoth and Allen, I mean that one has.

[Ty Schmidt]

A great form tackle.

[Boston Connor]

Don't sleep on Ram, Jose.

[AJ Hawk]

This is teach tape. Teach tape on how to tackle.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm good. I'm good. I'm good. The guy just runs right by him too. His lead blocker just runs right behind. Go back to that from the side angle there. The guy who's his lead blocker runs right by this guy. He knows. Hey, I want. Yeah, I don't want any ran Allen. No way. Hit suspension. Got him. Look at the big guy. Let me. I'm not that guy.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, no.

[Pat McAfee]

There must have been something in his eyes. I'm going to miss that guy. That's somebody else's block. That's not mine.

[AJ Hawk]

Long snapper is about to get him by.

[Boston Connor]

Not like the pun returner.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh my God. And he's locked up to arms.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Captured. Yeah. Back bump. It's over.

[AP Tone]

There was a lot of E submissions too. I believe he's very popular at Michigan State because they punted a lot last year and he was made the first team freshman all American team last year.

[Michael Lombardi]

So.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[AP Tone]

They big fan of him up there.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. I like that. Maybe. Hey, I'll tell you What? Up there in Michigan, that rebel Ram 25. Oh, man.

[Chuck Pagano]

Can you imagine Carrot Top driving around in that thing?

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, my God, what a time.

[Chuck Pagano]

So sweet.

[Pat McAfee]

What a time.

[Boston Connor]

The comedian.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Didn't you see a pit photo of him? Good looking.

[Boston Connor]

I only know one Carrot Top. It's only one Carrot Top in this world, brother.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he's jacked.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

See him?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. He's got red hair.

[Boston Connor]

Ginger.

[Chuck Pagano]

We get it.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow. Geez Louise. The Italian can't take the Scottish or the Irish.

[Chuck Pagano]

I love them all.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, of course.

[Boston Connor]

Even the terrorists.

[AP Tone]

Northern Italy.

[Pat McAfee]

No, no talking about.

[Chuck Pagano]

What is wrong with you?

[Pat McAfee]

What is your problem? All right, ladies and gentlemen, congrats to the finalists there can Mount Boom continue to ring supreme. We shall see that. That Rams and Allen.

[Ty Schmidt]

That's a big.

[Pat McAfee]

That was. That one came through. I didn't see that one on the Twitter. I didn't see that one on the Twitter. There was another one from that game.

[AP Tone]

Yes, the Memphis running back, I think.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. There was another one for. There was two in that game. Oregon, I believe. Yeah.

[AP Tone]

Young Concrete, I believe his Twitter handle and nickname.

[Pat McAfee]

He had a close to finalist hit, but it was from Oregon standards. And Oregon's been on the Ram truck segment a lot. It wasn't like. It was certainly a big time shot, but it wasn't up to Oregon standards there. That Rams and Allen one, when it got texted to me and I looked at it, I was like, holy. That might be. That might be the most amount of force you're allowed to have in common football right now. Yeah, probably right, because no brace missing either at all.

[AP Tone]

Well, how often does a detachable because he was part of the PP wall. Do they get a go and just.

[Pat McAfee]

Square up a wide receiver and catch him Square? Yeah. Completely clean. And it's like the perfect form tackle. Mount Boom might have it. I mean, it might be in it for. But it was a hell of a rain. If it is the end of Mount Boom.

[Boston Connor]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Western AR this. We're not saying we don't. We would love for it to go to mount unit.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

We think that's kind of what the Ram truck thing is all about. But the reality is Ramoth and Allen here. This is. That's exactly what we thought whenever we thought of the Ram truck segment. The wall. That is pretty much it. All right, ladies and gentlemen, it's time. Okay. It is time. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Can't wait.

[Pat McAfee]

There's been a man on schneid.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, boy.

[Pat McAfee]

For a little bit of time, but it's tonight. Tonight he turns the tide. Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

Now no one and we mean no one.

[Chuck Pagano]

Out.

[Pat McAfee]

Pizza's the hut. But what has this man who's been incredibly butt at picking picks is going to do now? Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for coach Chuck Pagano to get off the schneid in pick against the spread for this Thursday night football game. Chuck, what are some things we need to be looking at and what is your pick, pal?

[Chuck Pagano]

Let's look at the tail of the tape first. We've got some plays.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes, we do.

[Chuck Pagano]

We look at the tail of the tape and you can see the. Against the spread. Pit comes in eight and two. Cleveland's three and seven. Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh. God, no.

[Pat McAfee]

So I think what happened here.

[Chuck Pagano]

Fine. Next time you can find me. Next time.

[Pat McAfee]

No, no, Chuck, I think what happens is everybody on earth does that. Everybody. But then people from Pittsburgh are like you're doing it wrong.

[Chuck Pagano]

That we got too many ins. I. I mean there's too many insers. Disrespectful. Oh yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Connor's from Boston, Massachusetts.

[Chuck Pagano]

Him and Sako.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, exactly. Grew up with.

[Boston Connor]

Good, good call back brother.

[Pat McAfee]

That's good.

[Chuck Pagano]

Family looking for photos.

[Pat McAfee]

Right?

[Boston Connor]

We're getting them.

[Pat McAfee]

We need them.

[Chuck Pagano]

Medford.

[Pat McAfee]

But yes, traveling to Cleveland.

[Chuck Pagano]

So points per game. 23.3, 16.2. Not. Not very many points scored over there in Cleveland per game. Points allowed. Pit's defense is outstanding. You could see that turnover margin. We talked about that already. You couldn't even hear your body is plus 11.

[AP Tone]

You got it stupid Raven blooded you.

[Chuck Pagano]

Total offense. You can see the numbers. Total defense, rush. Why is rush offense up there and rush defense? Weather, weather, weather, bad weather game that's going to come into play. Right. And you can see where rush offense. Pittsburgh, eighth ranked and 29th for. For Cleveland. 88 yards a game. Not very good. There's only three most.

[Pat McAfee]

Second most. Okay.

[AP Tone]

In the. Yeah. In the league.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

And they got two good backs. They got Chubb and they got Ford.

[Pat McAfee]

Sure.

[Chuck Pagano]

And they've got a third string left tackle starting tonight. He's not a third. He's former or number one overall overall pick.

[Pat McAfee]

Cleveland. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

What's that cat's name that's going to.

[AP Tone]

Jones or no Jones.

[Chuck Pagano]

No, Fetty. A fetty. So. So Joan. So Wills was starting.

[Pat McAfee]

What? What?

[Chuck Pagano]

Pat Wills was starting. Wills got benched.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm not. I have no idea what the last name. I'm not doing it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Okay.

[Pat McAfee]

Do you want to do it?

[AP Tone]

I thought you were talking about the clip where you know one of the Cleveland people said, you know, he's not in great shape.

[Pat McAfee]

No, I didn't. I didn't even know that. Jeez, this guy wants to take a no dun.

[Boston Connor]

No, no, no. Windmill dunked on him.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, good. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

So Duan went in, he went out. Will lost his job to Jones. Lost his job to Jones.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

But he's got a knee. Some people are saying it might be the T.J. watt flu. So Fetty, Germaine Fetty's going to. He's going to start at left tackle.

[Pat McAfee]

So good luck.

[Chuck Pagano]

See how that goes.

[Boston Connor]

Get him, Feddy.

[Chuck Pagano]

He's former number one. He's got nine years in the league. I mean, he's a vet. He knows how to play football. So we'll see.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, you don't just fold in nine years.

[Chuck Pagano]

And then rush defense. 90 yards a game given up by Pittsburgh, fourth best in the league and 131 a game against now. You know, Schwartzy does a great job with this defense. They've been asked to do a lot because of the offense this year. So those are the numbers. You can see the quarterback comparison. Obviously, you know, one's won a Super bowl. And Jameis, I mean, he threw for a bunch of yards last week.

[Pat McAfee]

He did bunch of that.

[Chuck Pagano]

Pass defense for New Orleans is 29th ranked pass defense, keep in mind. And then he threw for some yards against Baltimore, which is the 32nd pass defense.

[Pat McAfee]

I think I know which way you're going here. It sounds like a pitch starting to get.

[Chuck Pagano]

But you gotta keep in mind this record, this Pittsburgh record, Thursday night, over. All I saw was over, like. So let's look at some of the players that are going to play key roles in whether this team, you know, pulls off a major upset in Cleveland or, you know, Pittsburgh wins this game, which everybody thinks they're going to. So Naj, they got Naj and they got Jalen Warren, two great backs. Naj can take it the distance. He's one of those guys like, you just keep giving them ball, giving them ball, giving the ball, and eventually he's going to bounce off some dudes. Stiff Armadu, bounce to the outside, taking the distance.

[Pat McAfee]

Geez.

[Boston Connor]

Okay.

[Pat McAfee]

Nah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, that's pretty good.

[Pat McAfee]

I like that.

[Chuck Pagano]

So we got, we got. They got firepower. They got firepower. This was a great throw and a great catch. This is George Pickens. He's. Ever since, you know, Russell's been inserted as QB1, they found a connection and nobody throws a better moon ball.

[Pat McAfee]

Nasty.

[Chuck Pagano]

Dropped it in the bucket. That was a great body, control, athleticism. Adjust there. So George. George is obviously going to play a key role. I think that. Because you got to run the ball. What did New Orleans have success against this defense last week to doing QB run. This is the signal for it. What does that mean?

[AJ Hawk]

Screen.

[Chuck Pagano]

If I do. Thank you. So if I do this, alert the draw and that screen.

[Boston Connor]

Okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

They got screened the out of them. Right.

[Pat McAfee]

Cena.

[Chuck Pagano]

What the frick.

[Pat McAfee]

You can't see me.

[Chuck Pagano]

So screens are going to play. And this little cat can run. He's a great screen back.

[Pat McAfee]

He is.

[Chuck Pagano]

He can run a ball, but he's great on screen. It's a tight end screen.

[Pat McAfee]

Mo.

[Chuck Pagano]

They got Moose. We don't have a highlight of. We know Muth is going to be big in the middle. Middle of the field. I think we got a shot of another wide out coming up. So Warren. Warren's going to be big in this one. You good?

[Ty Schmidt]

You good?

[Pat McAfee]

I don't good. You good?

[Chuck Pagano]

Who's good?

[Pat McAfee]

We don't have another wide receiver. We got another quarterback though, for sure.

[Chuck Pagano]

Okay, so the X factor.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes, Stop.

[Chuck Pagano]

Hold the press. X factor tonight. If they're going to say this team struggles in what part of the field? Pittsburgh. What?

[Pat McAfee]

What.

[Chuck Pagano]

What is their struggles? Six field goals last week. Right. So why not insert this cat. This is week three against the Chargers. Right. They inserted him late in the game against the Ravens.

[Pat McAfee]

Right.

[Chuck Pagano]

And he got a. Got a first down late or came up, but whatever. So let's, let's keep an eye out. I think Justin Fields Anytime touchdown would be a good.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow.

[Chuck Pagano]

I think, I think, I think they get in the red area and I think they put this guy in, especially.

[Pat McAfee]

With Taysom Hill last year.

[Chuck Pagano]

And they run. No, absolutely. And you do a quarterback design run. You know, the AR sweeps the two touchdowns that Anthony Richardson scored last week in a big win over the Jets. I mean, he's perfect for that. Here's an rpo. He pulls it and scores. So X factor. They're going to use them in certain situational stuff and it'd be great. That's very, very. That's great football. And you got to plan for it. You got to, you know, you got to take time out of your practice time to get ready for that. And I'm sure, you know, Coach Schwartz and the Cleveland defense has done that.

[Pat McAfee]

I'm sure. Yeah. Hey, Justin Fields touchdown. What is the. What are the odds?

[Boston Connor]

I'm assuming that's got to be at least plus 550.

[AP Tone]

I was just looking on a book and I couldn't even find It.

[Pat McAfee]

So really, that's a big.

[Chuck Pagano]

Hey, that might count as two people are asleep.

[Pat McAfee]

That might. That might. That might count as two, brother. In fact, if you get that one right, I mean, that might. You know, especially if it's plus 500. Plus. I mean, that's all.

[Boston Connor]

It definitely is.

[Chuck Pagano]

What's Friarmouth? Because he. He's definitely getting in muted.

[AP Tone]

Plus 460.

[Pat McAfee]

Plus 460 is Moose. Justin Fields. Got to be. What? I mean, it's not on any side.

[Boston Connor]

It's not on here right now.

[Pat McAfee]

No, I got. I don't got it either. Either. What?

[Chuck Pagano]

Well, you know why they're trying to screw us. You know, snaps he's played since they've inserted Russ at qb. One, two. It was it two. I thought it was one. So.

[AP Tone]

No, the slide. And then he was in on the N. First down.

[Pat McAfee]

R. Wow. Coach Pagano says tonight's the night.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, it's not anywhere.

[AP Tone]

He was really good when he played in the red zone at scoring touchdowns. Steelers fans have been clamoring for this to happen.

[Pat McAfee]

Chaka tell you, if this happens, you should feel very good about yourself.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

You should feel very good now. If it doesn't, people are going to say they're going to kill you. Look at this guy. Yes. He's invented.

[Chuck Pagano]

Well, if you could find it and you get plus 650 or plus.

[Pat McAfee]

Throw.

[Chuck Pagano]

A couple bucks on it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. That's all. Why not?

[AP Tone]

The longest one you could find that's listed is plus 2200.

[Pat McAfee]

So he would have to be more than that. You would.

[AP Tone]

You would think. I don't know. I don't know. Why not on there?

[Pat McAfee]

It's. It should.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, it should be somewhere between like a thousand and two thousand, but I can't find it.

[Pat McAfee]

There's books actually replying online saying they're not offering it.

[AP Tone]

What do you mean?

[Pat McAfee]

Which books? Like, actual books? Bet365 has replied to somebody and said they're not offering it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Well, I'll tell you what.

[Pat McAfee]

We're not doing it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Tell everybody. All right, I'm going to take everybody's action on it.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, look, they don't. We're not betting against you. We're not enough barbecue sauce in the world. We're not betting against you. All right, let's go to the defensive side for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, my Lord.

[Pat McAfee]

This guy's awesome.

[Chuck Pagano]

Let's have a plan for number 90.

[AJ Hawk]

Not that I don't know.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, let's have a plan. You don't leave these guys on an island. You got to put a tight end over there. You better have a back over there. Highsmith's out tonight. Both teams are relatively really healthy. Highsmiths out for the. For the Steelers and then the tackle Jones and Wills for Cleveland. So they're all pretty healthy. But you better have a plan for this dude. We know that he's the first guy they put up in the team meeting.

[Pat McAfee]

He's won two games already, right? Just himself. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

He's just sick.

[Ty Schmidt]

That one was Dan Jones's fault, though, right? They did have a plan. Then he decided not to slide the protection over.

[Pat McAfee]

He's actually playing. Yeah. I remember because he was supposed to send somebody emotion. He knows that he's. He feels terrible crying.

[Boston Connor]

Right.

[Chuck Pagano]

Hey, we're.

[Pat McAfee]

He's playing safety right now in the practice.

[Chuck Pagano]

Mink of Fitzpatrick. I would. I would think that Joey Porter Jr. Would probably follow Judy around. Judy had a big game. We're going to see a play. Here's her big. Coming off the back end for. It's going to fumble.

[Boston Connor]

Gotcha.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's on a guy that doesn't fumble. Right.

[Pat McAfee]

Is what AQ shows the difference about this Steelers.

[Chuck Pagano]

This guy's out in a year. Youth, right? Hey, we're two socks, two sacks in this game.

[Boston Connor]

Beast.

[Pat McAfee]

What is that, A.J. that's unbelievable. Long arm.

[AJ Hawk]

Look at that power with that. That left arm, that long arm. That's how you do it, man.

[Pat McAfee]

That's what Nick Saban said he was going to do to me.

[Chuck Pagano]

You did have that in your chest, didn't he? Yeah.

[AP Tone]

Did do that.

[Boston Connor]

You got the Cam Hayward long arm.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. I just want to let you. From Cam Hayward.

[Boston Connor]

From Cam. Hey.

[Pat McAfee]

You almost put me into a brick wall. I was like, all right, we're just keep content, bro. We're hanging out. We're doing this for a video. Yeah. Okay. Just want you to feel the force a little bit. And I certainly did. Yeah. Saban kind of long army there. I was thinking the Dion Dawkins. Yeah. Could you have face first?

[Chuck Pagano]

Him on his nose? Oh, no.

[AJ Hawk]

Face first.

[Pat McAfee]

Breaking the nose.

[Chuck Pagano]

Double snatch.

[Pat McAfee]

AQ saw the aq saw the clip on there or whatever. And he was like, actually not bad. Pass it. You know, because he judges my. I've been doing public pass sets because of AQ Shipley for maybe the last 13 years. Can't do it as much now because obviously anytime I'm out and about, it's a little bit of a scene, which is a good thing, which is a cool thing. I'm never gonna bell, but it was nice whenever People didn't know who I was in some places. And I would just walk up in public while they're walking down the street and just pass that like, seven, eight times, just, like, right next to him, like, never got it, and just leave. It was always when AQ was around, you know, and then I would ask him to judge it, and I told him. I was like. I immediately thought of Dion dockets as soon as he did that. Just doing the.

[Ty Schmidt]

Gets up.

[Pat McAfee]

He's got a bloody nose going back. Well, that was literally right here. Like, as soon as he did it, it was like, whoa, the chop down. This chop down right here.

[Chuck Pagano]

Don't do it.

[AP Tone]

Have you told him this?

[Pat McAfee]

I love Coach Saban, man. Who? Dion Dawkins? No.

[AP Tone]

You told Coach Saban you thought I.

[Pat McAfee]

Was gonna save it for tomorrow. Hey, you don't even know. I've been watching an actual film on this move. We're trying to save it in the NFL right now because they're calling it. Coach Saban is the man. I cannot stress that enough for, like, his stature of who he is now. Obviously, everywhere he goes, it's just like, holy. Everybody just holy shits. Holy shit. Holy shits. But he's just football guy. Like, you know, he's a football guy, humble dude. And how much he has invested into doing game day is, hey, you're the man. You are the man, Coach, which is why you didn't feel.

[AJ Hawk]

And he'd had a counter, he'd have countered you.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, my God. Yeah. As soon as I do that. What if he does punches me?

[AJ Hawk]

You guys getting a full. You guys getting a quick, like, 10 second real fight.

[Boston Connor]

And they're go, okay, here we go.

[AJ Hawk]

Here we go.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, clean it up, Clean it up. Take it off. Okay, special teams. Now. Let's talk a little bit about that. Danny Smith up for assistant coach of the year right now for the Steelers. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

So the heart and soul of this Pittsburgh team has been the defense and the special teams. Block kicks. Here's Austin on a punt return for a tutty.

[Pat McAfee]

Save it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Block discipline. Save it. Block. Not hitting in the back, roughing the kicker.

[Pat McAfee]

There was one of those. I think they picked up.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, they didn't call that, huh?

[Pat McAfee]

I saw the flag. Didn't they pick it up?

[AP Tone]

No, that was. He went down for formation or something on them.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay.

[Boston Connor]

Oh, he got blocked.

[Chuck Pagano]

It was.

[AJ Hawk]

He did.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Of course it was.

[Chuck Pagano]

Special teams will play. Play. Yeah. So there's two refs right there. Pick it up. Replay assist.

[AJ Hawk]

His landing, his land leg.

[AP Tone]

That was It.

[Chuck Pagano]

Because when they showed the other angle.

[Ty Schmidt]

He barely grazed them. But Pat pointed out you got to.

[Chuck Pagano]

Give him a spot to land.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, that's like a part of the rules. You got to give him at least a place to come back down to earth.

[Chuck Pagano]

This was in Pittsburgh, right?

[AP Tone]

Thought this was football.

[Pat McAfee]

It was in Pittsburgh. Of course it was. There's the engine. Don't you even think about it.

[Boston Connor]

Play right again.

[Chuck Pagano]

Are you kidding me? You want to get out of here?

[Pat McAfee]

All right, let's go to Cleveland, shall we?

[Chuck Pagano]

Come on, let's look at the brownies.

[Pat McAfee]

They got a weapon, Judy. Allegedly. He was going to the jets, right?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, yeah, for Alan Lazard.

[Chuck Pagano]

But they said.

[Pat McAfee]

And a second.

[Chuck Pagano]

But who. Who nixed it?

[Pat McAfee]

Ambassador John. This guy's got his.

[Ty Schmidt]

He's in these guys hands and everything.

[Chuck Pagano]

Dude, if you're gonna leave, how you gonna h. Like if you're planning on going like. I don't think you gotta. You got.

[AP Tone]

I don't think it's run very well.

[Chuck Pagano]

No, I don't think so.

[Boston Connor]

To. To be fair, Alizard's been like one of their few bright spots.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, exactly. So then him trying to. They kind of went down the. When Lazard got placed on the ir Lazard was fun to watch. Always has been, always has.

[Boston Connor]

That touchdown against the Niners, week one on the offsides.

[Pat McAfee]

Thought we had it for you.

[Chuck Pagano]

See the one he had on these dudes last week?

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, I see. This one here from Jack.

[Chuck Pagano]

Am I thinking right?

[Boston Connor]

It's a great throw.

[Chuck Pagano]

Look at this. Big game for. For Judy. They're going to need him to come up big.

[Pat McAfee]

Weather the way it is though, you just assume.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah, you can throw him off screen too. He's quick as a cat. And when he gets the ball, see run after catch.

[Boston Connor]

What a ball.

[Pat McAfee]

James through for 400 yards.

[Chuck Pagano]

390, 95.

[Pat McAfee]

Geez Louise.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, let's go to another offensive weapon. Moore.

[Chuck Pagano]

Elijah Moore.

[AP Tone]

Another Jet.

[Chuck Pagano]

Another Jet.

[Pat McAfee]

James Winston extended to play with his legs.

[Chuck Pagano]

They're blaming Joe Deef for this. Joe Deeb drafted some good people up there. He's on the street, right? Would he let him go? He drafted. This guy's doing well here. Yeah, I don't want to hear that.

[Ty Schmidt]

Why did he get rid of him?

[Chuck Pagano]

I was with Joe D in Baltimore. Jo know that. No, he comes from that tree with Aussie in them. You like Joe D. Unbelievable.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, Joe D's got me smart.

[Chuck Pagano]

Great football. He's a football guy.

[Pat McAfee]

I. I said I want. I went to bat for Joe D. Pretty Good.

[Chuck Pagano]

You would love Joe D. Well, I.

[Pat McAfee]

Think Joe D. Knows that I went to bat for him pretty good, you know, and then I also threw another gm, who happens to be pretty good. Very good. Guts under the bus in the same sentence, you know, and here we are just a couple years later, and, boy, that got. That got thrown in my face. You talk to Joe D. Let him know, hey, it was an honor. Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Went to battle with.

[Pat McAfee]

It was an honor to go. It was an honor to go through that. And I think what we're all learning about the jets from those of us that didn't grow up caring about any New York teams or New York sports radio or New York anything. Sure. Which. There are those people that exist. I know there's some people that don't know that this jets team's.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah. It's just going to suck forever.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, unless they put in the JJ rule. JJ rule.

[Boston Connor]

True.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

If you lose 15 years straight, no playoff wins. You got to sell the team. That is not a bad. That is not a bad rule.

[Chuck Pagano]

I was kind of down with it.

[Pat McAfee]

Me, too. I think. You know who wouldn't be, though? It'd be a problem because they're the ones that would have to vote it in.

[Ty Schmidt]

All.

[Pat McAfee]

All.

[Boston Connor]

All 31.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. So let me get this straight. I might vote myself of this cash cow just because we're. Oh, it's fun. Okay. Yeah.

[Michael Lombardi]

Okay.

[Pat McAfee]

That's gonna be a no for me. Good luck getting 24 votes in this entire thing.

[Chuck Pagano]

You know, it's stupid. And it's set up so that teams that struggle, you pick first, you got the easiest schedules.

[AP Tone]

Sure.

[Chuck Pagano]

You're supposed to, like, eventually come around trying.

[Pat McAfee]

The league is trying to make you better, but you just can't do it. What was it? 21 years we saw. Was that the Raiders. Whenever we pulled that out. Dolphins, dolphins, 21. Until last year, the lions were over 30 years. Holy. Yeah. And the difference was when Sheila Ford Hamp took over. And then all this happened.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah.

[AP Tone]

The Bengals, Browns and Lions were up there for a long, long time. And they got off the stein. So now it's Dolphins.

[Pat McAfee]

Dude. I.

[Chuck Pagano]

Definition of purgatory.

[Pat McAfee]

I love that rule. Here it is, 23 years. Dolphins, Raiders, 21 years. Commanders 18. But they got new ownership. Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

And they made it to the playoffs not too long ago. They got beat by the Bucks, and the, you know, damn near beat them. The year the Bucks went to the.

[Pat McAfee]

Super bowl, Chicago Bears 13 win.

[Chuck Pagano]

It's not just making it right. That's a win. That's A win.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, that's a win.

[Pat McAfee]

Which is what I think what JJ was saying and I think he said 20 years as opposed to 15 years. I dropped that thing down to 15. Like if we're going to do it, let's actually do it. But that'll never get better. Best no ever. So it's all just.

[AP Tone]

That's fun though.

[Boston Connor]

Fairy tale end is fine.

[Pat McAfee]

How about the kids of owners better.

[Chuck Pagano]

Keep an eye in NFL teams.

[Pat McAfee]

That's awesome. Good for them.

[Chuck Pagano]

85 for the Browns can play.

[Pat McAfee]

What's that, bro?

[Chuck Pagano]

He's an alien in Joku.

[AP Tone]

Oh, yeah. Tends to play well against steers.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yes, he does. He's kind of been their kryptonite.

[AP Tone]

Yes.

[Chuck Pagano]

If you can't find fields, Tug. Anytime, Tutty. Let's go ahead and lay a little bit on N'Joku.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, so that's three touchdowns.

[Boston Connor]

How many guys are scoring tonight?

[Pat McAfee]

Charles, everybody.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Sounds like you like the over. 36 and a half is the.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, I like the under.

[Boston Connor]

Okay.

[Chuck Pagano]

17. 17, 14. Now if you parlay 1710, you can get a touchdown and a field goal by.

[Pat McAfee]

I like that. You're predicting every human that's going to score. There's no. No other. He's just scratching guys getting one winner today.

[Boston Connor]

We know that scratching.

[AP Tone]

He's going to.

[Pat McAfee]

Just like I said. Yeah, you're right. I think you see in the field.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

I think you watch more film this week because of the Schneider on. I think he's saying.

[Boston Connor]

This is also obvious to me with the gambling algorithm. If you were to parlay three guys to score with the under, it would be fucking massive.

[Pat McAfee]

Let's go, Chuck.

[Chuck Pagano]

Let's go.

[Pat McAfee]

We can't get Friar Moon and Joku though, and undo under. Yeah. So that's two touchdowns headed under. That's still.

[Chuck Pagano]

I like that.

[Pat McAfee]

I think the odds would still be pretty good.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

On that. That particular plus. What is it?

[AP Tone]

Plus 11,000 for N'Joku. Firemouth and under.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah. Who couldn't use that this time of the year?

[Pat McAfee]

Well, yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Get yourself a couple turkeys.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Now there's a guy that's going to be stopping touchdowns from happening. Miles Garrett. This guy is.

[Chuck Pagano]

He's like. He's like TJ on the other side. Right. You better have a plan. These guys tried to get two on him and. It doesn't matter.

[AP Tone]

Thursday night in Cleveland.

[Ty Schmidt]

I was gonna say, let's hope he.

[AP Tone]

Keeps his helmet on.

[Ty Schmidt]

I think he might have.

[Chuck Pagano]

Yeah. I think he went after Mason. He went after Mason with that baby.

[Pat McAfee]

I guess we because we brought it up, too. There's a chance we never get him on the show again.

[Ty Schmidt]

I guess it was any of our decision to fucking bonk Mason Rudolph on the head with the helmet. He should do it again tonight.

[Chuck Pagano]

Do it to R. Don't do it.

[Pat McAfee]

Could you imagine Russell's helmet getting ripped off? You're not getting that thing off.

[Chuck Pagano]

How about him scurrying to run away?

[AP Tone]

That would have. There'd be like an Angels in the outfield situation. Come down and stop that helmet from.

[Boston Connor]

God himself might come down. Angels in the outfield.

[Pat McAfee]

I never seen a person dressed like a bigger than Conor yesterday. Did you see what he was wearing? No. Oh, my God.

[AP Tone]

Was he wearing an angel in the outfield?

[Pat McAfee]

He had a softball shirt on. He had a softball shirt on for a team that he played for. What was the name of the team?

[Boston Connor]

We were the Virgins.

[AP Tone]

Nice.

[Pat McAfee]

The Virgins in the outfield. Here, I'm going to send this over.

[Boston Connor]

So we made our jerseys look like the Angels in the outfield, and that just says Virgins on it.

[Pat McAfee]

I respect that.

[Boston Connor]

They're making fun of us, calling us virgin. So we said, okay, fine.

[Pat McAfee]

We will be the. Yeah, we are. So what? Zito, I just sent it to you. If you want to get this up there, because it should be talked about. Just everything from. I'm looking at this. Look at this guy. Everything. Socks don't match. Shorts, asinine. Shirt says virgins. And then just look.

[Chuck Pagano]

How about some calf raises?

[Boston Connor]

I'm trying.

[Pat McAfee]

He's gonna say, hey, the virgin Virgins in the outfield fell victim to a wagon yesterday.

[Boston Connor]

I mean, absolutely. But the Virgins in the outfield are also champions, so.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, in softball. Yeah.

[AP Tone]

Are those boxer shorts or normal shorts?

[Boston Connor]

Those are. Those are bird dogs I've had for so long that they just lost all color.

[Pat McAfee]

Those just have red stripes.

[Boston Connor]

They used to be red.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Well, you got to show off those quads, especially whenever you're doing a stair Master. And I'll tell you what, your distraction ability dressed like that was hot. Me and Foxy locked in. We had a good week. We really did. Me and Foxy have got Back to form, A.J. we've gotten back to form. Yeah. And I'm gonna be honest. There was some internal questioning going on for me if we were ever going to get back to form and just keep shooting.

[AJ Hawk]

Always keep shooting.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, I was. And it wasn't going in. That was the. That was the.

[AJ Hawk]

That was getting. Are how. Like, are you guys getting a decent amount of points off of tips.

[Pat McAfee]

Yes. That's actually where I think we win. Yes.

[AJ Hawk]

I mean if you can find it and you're, you're willing to hustle, you can get some points.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh yeah. And that's why, you know, a couple weeks ago you said, yeah, you gotta be able to read where the rebounds. It's like. Thank you. Yeah, aj, thank you. That's.

[AJ Hawk]

I, you can't take that for granted. Because I realize some people don't do that. They don't watch the flight of the ball.

[Pat McAfee]

Not in Thunderdome, not in 33. If you're doing that, you're losing because if you sacrifice a point underneath, it's going to come back and get you. The games have been two point games.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Literally coming down to it, every single time. Every game's been closed and the belt has gone back and forth so many times. It's a title and it will remain with us. It will, it will remain with us for, for the foreseeable future. We are, we are in our Roman Reigns era, right? We are. All right. Not forget the other match that took place. Couple polar bears went at it.

[AP Tone]

Couple polar bears went on the court yesterday.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, I heard Debone, who is, I guess he's one in like a hundred, I guess in game games in the Thunderdome. Yep. He's actually driving forklift right now. Yeah. He's dressed like what? He dressed like he's working outside.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Like he's a construction worker. He's a car fur vest on top of a hoodie with a beanie on. So I've never seen anything like it inside. He's got a water break after even. Yeah, exactly. Even Chuck has not dressed as such in there. So Debone is certainly unique. We will say he is a unique person. So he's like 1 in 100 in here in games. Okay. And that one was to me and Foxy. So we have to kind of, we have to live with that.

[Boston Connor]

He won two because me and Debon also beat you and Foxy.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. So he's 2 and 100. Me and Foxy have to live with that same week, back to back days. So sorry, I tried to eliminate that second one. It's even more of an embarrassment. But nonetheless. So he is a competitive individual. You know, he's a competitive person. So like 24 year old classic. You know, we, we've only been running this company for seven years. We kind of have a way of doing things. Here he comes. He goes. We gotta play one on one. I won't play one on one with people you won't play one on one because he's trying to get what? Yeah, he wants to play one on one basketball in here. Okay. And it's like, all right, we're not doing that. Like the reason why we play the game is because we don't want to do the running. So Yesterday he got AQ. He said, you want to play one on one. AQ and AQ obviously just dogged. Yeah, I will actually. So AQ though, 38 years old. Okay. D bone, 24. 4 inches taller. Definitely longer reach younger than this. But we all knew that AQ would rather die than lose. Okay. Especially in basketball. Boy, they came out, it's supposed to be the father. Then the first couple series, they were really going hard. We're talking about Jocelyn underneath full on, Turn around, spin fade. 005 minutes into this thing. Neither, neither one of them can breathe. Okay. They're now they're completely gassed. Debone starts trying one legged one handed runners because he's tired. I mean it was eight.

[AJ Hawk]

That'd be fun to watch.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh, it was. We did we reset a. It was a. Probably 13 minutes to get the three points. AQ won three nothing. I mean it was just. But it was a battle with.

[AJ Hawk]

I thought you say they, they were going to play to five but they ended up playing to like 15. But no, they actually ended up playing to three.

[Pat McAfee]

Three. Yeah. It was a quick agreement. About seven minutes in when it was 00. Still like you want to play three instead. Maybe one to do this entire thing. But three pointers were two. AQ stole one. Sure. And then he was up to nothing. Nothing. And then all of a sudden he, he saw blood in the water. But there was a chance a fist fight was gonna. That's how that game was gonna end. And I don't think Debo knew that. Like, I don't think Debo knew like really.

[AJ Hawk]

He didn't understand. Yeah, yeah. You know, you challenge aq. Yeah. It could end badly.

[Pat McAfee]

So Foxy talked about this. Foxy and Debut used to play one on one and they played a three and Foxy would get up two nothing and then Debut would three two. You know, that's a lot of game games too. Exactly. Yeah. And like D Bone, I told, like Foxy said that because I told D Bone, I said D Bone, AQ was never going to lose to you. Just, just want to let you know that like that was either ending in a full fist fight and that game is unfinished or AQ was going to win. And then Foxy told that Story about D. But he was like, I was up 2, nothing. Then debug comes back and wins 3, 2. And debone goes. Yeah, it's like when I play against Matt Brown, I'm like, D. Ben, you just shut up. What we're saying. Hold on, wait, what's that?

[AJ Hawk]

Debon does that against Bruce.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, well, we don't know because we don't see that game. But.

[AJ Hawk]

But I'm saying he said that.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, he thought he was a professional athlete is what we were trying to Bruce. We were trying to let him know, like, hey, there's levels to this whole thing. You know like when people say like, I hate losing, it's like, okay, you do, you do. You hate it enough to. AQ would drop bombs.

[Ty Schmidt]

He's going to knock you out.

[Pat McAfee]

That is like. And debut was never going to lose the foxy. No, Foxy would be on his way. Massive foul is coming. There is no. What are you going to fight? Is that what you're going to do?

[Boston Connor]

Just do it.

[Pat McAfee]

You know you want to check ball. Okay, that's what I thought. You were taking free throws like that. Like there was no chance it was going to happen. And I hope De Bone gets play AQ again. But boy, the boys retired. I mean, it was swe Bolt. Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

D Bone said he ripped the quad off the bone maybe blimping around him here today.

[Pat McAfee]

He was trying his best. He was trying his best. They were going at it.

[Chuck Pagano]

We got insurance, banging body. Are these guys covered?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, I mean, we got on site insurance. I don't know if they were to both go into cardiac arrest. Sure.

[Ty Schmidt]

Phone's still on his parents.

[Chuck Pagano]

We got a deep fib though.

[Pat McAfee]

Got a defense shout out to Demar Hamlin in the NFL for sending us those through his entire thing. It's right there in the gym.

[Chuck Pagano]

Clear.

[Pat McAfee]

We should have had. We should have. But now that they're here, thank God because yesterday was potentially a need for him. Yeah, right there above the Grinch.

[AP Tone]

It's almost time.

[Pat McAfee]

It is almost time. Shout out to tomorrow. All right. It is time for you to make a pick. Feels like everything you have said.

[AP Tone]

Don't this up, Chuck.

[Pat McAfee]

Has led us to believe that you like the Pittsburgh Steelers a lot tonight. Steelers are favored by three and a half in Cleveland AFC north battle on Thursday night. Chuck, who do you like?

[Chuck Pagano]

That record scares you a little bit. But I think they get off the sides tonight. This they're just the better team top to bottom. So I'm taking Steelers. I'll give the points.

[Pat McAfee]

All right.

[Boston Connor]

Okay.

[Pat McAfee]

He says that the Pittsburgh Steelers against a divisional opponent on the road on Thursday night get off the Schneider night and he's going to do it alongside of them. He has lost four straight.

[Boston Connor]

I believe so.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, four straight.

[Chuck Pagano]

Six and one and six and five. Now right.

[Pat McAfee]

@ some point you got to get back to. Oh, it's.

[AJ Hawk]

Here we go.

[Pat McAfee]

He's ice cold. That's not just because it's cold in Cleveland. It's because his pics. Okay, so he's on Steelers minus three and a half. AJ who do you like? How do you like it?

[AJ Hawk]

I so it's three and a half. Tone, are you surprised that it's only three and a half? Did you think it might be no.

[AP Tone]

Division game on the road, short week? No, I figured okay, should be eight.

[Pat McAfee]

All right.

[AJ Hawk]

I think. I don't know what it should be but I'm taking the Steelers and the Steelers to cover here. I'm not. I don't know. The elements are going to cause something. I think you're going to feed Naj and then Russ is going to throw a few of his patented moon balls. Whatever you want to call it, Teach will have an impact for sure. Give me the Steelers.

[Pat McAfee]

What's up to him?

[AP Tone]

I just had to give a one.

[Pat McAfee]

One moment because I think Pizza Hut's here.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, that's that driver. The driver's looking message.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh man, it looks like his back is about to break too. That's a lot of pizza.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, well we appreciate that. We appreciate that. Hey Bone. Hey, Bone. Bone on the hop, Bone.

[AP Tone]

Front door.

[Chuck Pagano]

Front door.

[Pat McAfee]

We get eyes on Bone too with the way he's dressed. So we can please. So the people see how he is dressed. As if he is working.

[AJ Hawk]

Is he limping?

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, I forgot about the quad. Yeah, he might not be able to get out, Bone.

[Chuck Pagano]

He might be asleep.

[AP Tone]

I mean Bruce was halfway there.

[Pat McAfee]

Bone went out the outside. Why did he go outside that? Bone?

[Boston Connor]

The. We got rules here.

[Ty Schmidt]

Bones of mor.

[Pat McAfee]

I think he parked his forklift out front.

[Chuck Pagano]

Unfor.

[AP Tone]

No, it's phone and talk there.

[Chuck Pagano]

Out front.

[AP Tone]

It's a meeting of the mind out there.

[Pat McAfee]

Oh well, as long as that pizza gets in here. Cuz no one.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, and we mean no one.

[Pat McAfee]

How pizzas.

[AP Tone]

And now they're locked out. They can't get in.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, they don't have their keys. They're going to have to go around.

[AJ Hawk]

Awesome.

[Pat McAfee]

Way to go, boys. I'll tell you what.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh yes.

[Pat McAfee]

When people write stories about this particular business in the future, people are going.

[Boston Connor]

To be baffled as they should be.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Thank you. I'm happy Talk said, you know what? I'll handle this.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[AP Tone]

Without a code, he's going to catch a cold.

[Pat McAfee]

He's probably going to come back in sniffling.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Fingers are black.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Shoes are going to frostbite.

[Pat McAfee]

All right. At the beginning of the show, I said three and a half was too much. But after everything that I've learned and heard, I am also on the Pittsburgh Steelers -3 1/2 this evening. Feels like this is a different Pittsburgh Steelers team. That's just. It feels that way. Now, granted, I said that about Penn State whenever they put against Ohio State. I said this feels like a different time, a different year, a different team. And then Ohio State beats Penn State just like they. Whatever the year before and the year before that and the year before that, a year before that in that particular game. So maybe my feelings have not been great. I have been seeing the field pretty well here in the NFL on this one. I am very conflicted, though. This one is a tough one, I think because of everything that's at stake. Because it is an AFC north rivalry game. Because the weather is going to be shite.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

Three and a half feels like a lot, but 24, 20 is a win.

[AJ Hawk]

Yep.

[Pat McAfee]

I would take the Pittsburgh Steelers. My three and a half. You like the Browns?

[Boston Connor]

I mean, I just think this is a nightmare game.

[Pat McAfee]

That's what I'm saying. This is a.

[Boston Connor]

It sucks for you guys, but I. I probably would. I would probably take the Browns.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Plus three and a half.

[AP Tone]

If this game was on Sunday. No one's picking it.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. This is a stay away game. Except for us, A.J. because that's what we.

[AP Tone]

We pick them all.

[Pat McAfee]

Because that's what we do.

[AJ Hawk]

We'll do it.

[Pat McAfee]

We dare.

[Chuck Pagano]

They're beat up. They are beat up. You don't have to keep their.

[AP Tone]

You made your pick already.

[Chuck Pagano]

I don't want my friends to lose.

[Pat McAfee]

No, he's not betting. He's betting on parlays.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, I'm only. I'm just gonna do chub.

[Pat McAfee]

Not a lot of people are signing up to bet this game because this is a weird. Yeah. The weather and everything like that.

[Boston Connor]

It's a full chub now we just.

[Pat McAfee]

Do it because it is full chub. It is full Chub night. Speaking of full chubs, do you want to get one of those and maybe give 30 people 500 bucks by winning?

[AJ Hawk]

Yes.

[Pat McAfee]

A contest here.

[Chuck Pagano]

Be a good time of year to do it.

[Pat McAfee]

Why not right before the holidays? Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, it Would help with Thanksgiving and then Christmas right around the corner.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. For folks that potentially give bonuses to people before Thanksgiving is time to give it, you know, because it's in time for the holiday shopping. You know, some people give like Christmas, Christmas vacation, movie. Yeah, like that's where a lot of people give bonuses. I, I from my understanding, from chit chatting with people, you move that up a few weeks, you really help the entire certainly does make thing in this sense. So why don't you win 30 people 500 bucks? Chuck, why don't you put a football into a hoop? Which way are you going to be throwing it? Bell. Okay, we're going smart. Near hoop, near hoop. Now. Did you warm up before the show started? I did not. How'd it go?

[Chuck Pagano]

Really good.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Chuck said he's feeling really good. Ball's coming out. He's spinning it. Jim Harbaugh say, coach really spinning it today. Wow. That a way to spin it. Way to fire that thing. He's awesome. Coach, 30 people, 500 bucks a week out from Thanksgiving. Why don't you make some holiday seasons better? Boom. You are. I like it. Hey, he's really spinning it today.

[AP Tone]

Come on, Chuck.

[Pat McAfee]

He's really spilling it today. A.J. hawks in Ohio. He has a little motivating message for you before your next throw.

[AJ Hawk]

Chuck, don't worry about anything, any, any negativity. You're going to win tonight and you're going to drain this next shot. We know that first one was a very confident stroke.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, absolutely. There's no negativity needed at all, actually, only positivity because 30 people are about to win $500 when Chuck Pagano puts that football into that hoop.

[Ty Schmidt]

There it is.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, man.

[Pat McAfee]

It'S coming out strong. Gumpy in the back, who is a big fan of yours, has a message for you before you throw this ball for 30 people to win 500 bucks before the holiday season. Yeah, Coach, you're going to get off the schneid tonight. Steelers going to cover and you're going to hit this shot right now, brother. I like that. That's the Canadian profit. Bubba G. Here we go, 30 people, $500 alone at the top. Oh, God.

[AJ Hawk]

Good ball. Good ball though.

[Pat McAfee]

Chuck, is there a cover on that hoop? Boston Connor, who note notably loves you and everything about you, has this message to say before you make 30 people's lives better.

[Boston Connor]

Coach, you did great today. You didn't bitch about the cold once. You didn't act all cold. You just kind of were sitting in the pocket having a good Show. If you don't make it, it's gonna ruin everything.

[Pat McAfee]

No.

[Boston Connor]

So.

[Pat McAfee]

No, no, no. You had a great show. Late.

[Boston Connor]

No matter what, you better make it.

[Pat McAfee]

And I am pretty pumped that you didn't about the cold the whole morning. I just. It's not bad in here, right?

[AP Tone]

No, no, it actually is warmed up.

[Pat McAfee]

During the show and looking outside with the snow falling during the break there, it's amazing.

[AJ Hawk]

Pretty nice, I thought.

[Pat McAfee]

Wow. It's actually pretty good.

[Chuck Pagano]

Very grateful to be able to come into this.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. All right. Too much. You want the opposite way there. The. The thing about it is I do.

[Chuck Pagano]

Believe we're like, unlike some people we know, like, take going to a facility for granted.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, you're right.

[Chuck Pagano]

Mail it in like you're just entitled. Like, this is my right, you know?

[Pat McAfee]

No. People do that around places at work. Not here, though. That's why we're lucky and thankful you're in here.

[Chuck Pagano]

This group.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

This group. No.

[Pat McAfee]

Every time we see. Every Thursday, we get jacked up. Every time those Jack Stoneuts come in here. Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

Shout out to Eric Nicole Patton.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, absolutely. We know. Thank you for the work, General Patton.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

George.

[Pat McAfee]

George Batten over there. Peyton.

[Boston Connor]

George Strait.

[Pat McAfee]

George Strait. Congrats. Last night, everybody honored him. Yep. Oh, yeah. That was really good. Parker McCollin with the hat with the thing standing like. Yeah. Look good right in the. Why the.

[Ty Schmidt]

Wasn't he nominated for anything?

[Pat McAfee]

I don't know. It feels like the same people win every time. I watch.

[Ty Schmidt]

If the same five people got nominated for. I mean, why we. Why don't we just do one category then? If you're just gonna make up categories and nominate the same five people for.

[Pat McAfee]

Every single thing, I will say I respect and appreciate all their contributions to the music. Without them, I never listened to any of their music, though. But I am not the country music genre that's voting on this awards.

[Ty Schmidt]

Cody Johnson, Jelly Crush.

[Pat McAfee]

What are you saying?

[Boston Connor]

He's a star.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, I guess. Cody Johnson's the next big thing. I've never heard of the.

[Pat McAfee]

Leather's a great album. Leather's a great album.

[Ty Schmidt]

It's unbelievable. His album here.

[Pat McAfee]

How about Jelly Roll? Had people crying out there. Took him to church. And his jawline. Hey, did you see Jelly Roll's jawline?

[AJ Hawk]

He looks good, man. He's on his path.

[Pat McAfee]

Proud of Bubba down there. Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

And Payton. Payton killed it.

[Boston Connor]

Cody Johnson's awesome.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. What is your problem?

[Ty Schmidt]

I'll be honest with you guys. I didn't watch a second of it. Saw it this Morning on Rolling Stone. We just got to check it. I don't give a.

[Pat McAfee]

You know.

[Ty Schmidt]

Go, Johnson. Knock yourself out, brother. Album of the year.

[Pat McAfee]

Congratulations.

[Boston Connor]

You did it.

[Ty Schmidt]

You did it.

[AJ Hawk]

Was he like newcomer or album of the Year?

[Pat McAfee]

Album of the year.

[Ty Schmidt]

Album of the year.

[AJ Hawk]

Who got Newcomer.

[Pat McAfee]

Licking leather, I assume posty, but Morgan Wallen, one entertainer, which is a big one.

[AJ Hawk]

Nice.

[Pat McAfee]

But he was not there. He was not there. I guess that's a. He's been on tour, so I guess they wouldn't let him win for a while because.

[Ty Schmidt]

Too good.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

Oh, wow.

[Pat McAfee]

But he's been selling out stadiums, you know, selling out stadiums for a long time now. And he. You're talking about entertainer like that dude. Sprinting and running around the entire thing. So congrats to him.

[AP Tone]

Megan Maroney. One newcomer, actually, should.

[Pat McAfee]

Megan Maroney. I thought she's been around, like, cuz she's. I thought. I didn't know she would be considered a newcomer. To be clear, she sang at game day down at Georgia. Was that Georgia, Tennessee a couple years back? Yeah, she sang down.

[Ty Schmidt]

She with Kenny or. No, she.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, she opened for Kenny when we went.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. So congrats to Megan. Congrats to Cody Johnson. Congrats to Jelly Roll. Congrats.

[Ty Schmidt]

Stapleton.

[Pat McAfee]

Chris Stapleton and Shaboozy Shabuzi performed. Do you know what he performed?

[Ty Schmidt]

Was it the Whiskey song?

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. Let him play his other songs. I figured this guy's got this. This. No, this good news song that he has out right now. His newest song. Great. It's my favorite song out right now.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

It is a great song. Great message, great everything. And Shabuz is up there. Hey, do the tipsy thing.

[Boston Connor]

Hurry up.

[Ty Schmidt]

Let's go get another shot of whiskey.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay. Please. He's like, what about this other. It's gonna.

[Boston Connor]

It's really good. It just came out.

[Pat McAfee]

It's really good.

[Boston Connor]

People are gonna love it. If I sing it right now.

[Pat McAfee]

We don't want to hear it, Bob.

[Boston Connor]

Okay?

[Pat McAfee]

Please.

[Ty Schmidt]

Shut up. Drink whiskey.

[Pat McAfee]

Whiskey.

[Ty Schmidt]

Let's go.

[Pat McAfee]

Shabuzzi. Great performances, though. Everybody out there. Great performance. Yeah, it was a good show. It was a good show. I enjoyed it all. Peyton, Luke, Laney doing her thing.

[Boston Connor]

Bone. Excuse me? Bone burned down his house when Post Malone didn't win album of the year.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah, well, Gumpy took a dance in his face, too.

[AP Tone]

That's crazy.

[Pat McAfee]

For sure.

[Ty Schmidt]

Thought that was a shoe in the win.

[Pat McAfee]

Okay, Grammys haven't spoken yet. We'll see.

[Ty Schmidt]

That's right.

[Pat McAfee]

CMAs are a cool party vibe. It Looks I think everybody's having a good time down there.

[Ty Schmidt]

Seems like it.

[AP Tone]

They're like the. What's that cool one at the beginning of the year for Golden Globes.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah.

[AJ Hawk]

VMAs, MTG.

[Pat McAfee]

Musical work.

[Chuck Pagano]

There it is.

[Pat McAfee]

Best guess, are they still doing vmas?

[AP Tone]

I think so, yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

I think. Yeah.

[AP Tone]

They did it earlier in the summer.

[Pat McAfee]

When's award season? Are we in it right now?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, it's typically, it's. It's going to be in like January, February.

[AJ Hawk]

Something's right after the Super Bowl. Remember, usually like one of the stars from the super bowl presenting award. Maybe at the Oscars.

[Pat McAfee]

I appreciate the CMA seeing opportunity on a Wednesday night though.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

And doing it. That was rip. They did let it rip.

[Chuck Pagano]

What they against action too. Ripping and running man taking a chance.

[Pat McAfee]

I didn't see any action last night. Night that's on me. I need to catch up.

[AP Tone]

I have Bobcats and Buffalo Bulls.

[Pat McAfee]

Well, not DVR to games.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, smart move.

[Pat McAfee]

Skipped a commercial.

[AP Tone]

It was good.

[Pat McAfee]

I have my, my thing set up to DVR all college football games.

[AP Tone]

Yeah, that's a lot Storage.

[Pat McAfee]

And then all of a sudden Tuesdays and Wednesdays games start happening. You know, I'm like scrolling through. I'm like, God damn. I'm really testing the. The limit of this. This thing. You know, got to go back and eliminate some. But you know, can't. Can't DVR everything. But college ball is certainly worthy of the case.

[Boston Connor]

Sorry, TiVo needs to come back.

[Pat McAfee]

So like something will show up on a game day sheet. Like, hey, this is what the show is going to be. Pop on that dvr. Let me go find this team, you know, I mean, just go ahead and do my thing. That's my research. I don't give it too big of a glimpse behind the curtain.

[Ty Schmidt]

Sure, yeah, a little pixie.

[Pat McAfee]

But DVR is a weapon. It's a huge thing because they don't just have a service or a server that has all their on it. Like the NFL. All the games are findable. NFL plus premium NFL pro.

[Ty Schmidt]

It's like that is where YouTube TV comes in big the way college ball. Just any like anything you record, it catalogs. It's so, so nice.

[Pat McAfee]

I need to get in with you too.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, it's great.

[Boston Connor]

It's the move.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, I will. I absolutely will. It's gonna be hard to say goodbye to yesterday though, you know?

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

YouTube TV is so much better. I've had both. It was pretty easy.

[Pat McAfee]

All right. Hey. All right, let's.

[Chuck Pagano]

I went through the It's a couple days, and then you're like, thank God I did this.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah, that's exactly what it is. That's exactly what it is.

[Pat McAfee]

All right.

[Chuck Pagano]

I'm so fit. Like, I like how things are. I know how things are. I know how to run this. Okay. Change is hard. I'm comfortable. That is take. Take a leap.

[Pat McAfee]

Do it.

[Chuck Pagano]

Oh, my God.

[Shams Charania]

Yeah.

[Chuck Pagano]

And you save a lot of money.

[Pat McAfee]

Yeah. It's a new world. It's a new world. I need to get in there. I will. I will. And obviously, I got the DirecTV red zone. I got the that on YouTube TV Sunday ticket. Yeah, but that's literally, I only go over there for that. Sure. And then I don't go back. Yeah. Which is wild. So I have it already. You're saying I need to dabble.

[Boston Connor]

It's so much better.

[Ty Schmidt]

Make the leap full time. Time.

[Pat McAfee]

All right, I will. You know what? Deal. Boom.

[Boston Connor]

Deal.

[Ty Schmidt]

Boom.

[AP Tone]

Boom.

[Pat McAfee]

You got it.

[AJ Hawk]

Shake left.

[Ty Schmidt]

What are you doing?

[Pat McAfee]

I'm not shaking left here. I'm not shaking left hand. What an. I'm not. All right. 30 people. 500. Chuck, if you ever put that football into that hoop right over there. 30 people, one week out from Thanksgiving will be 500 richer. Oh, my God. These are your best performance.

[Boston Connor]

I thought you had no chance. Chance.

[Pat McAfee]

These are by far your best throws. You need to know that. By far your best throws before. Yeah. In past weeks, maybe months of this. It's looked terrible. Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Bad.

[Pat McAfee]

But there's a guarantee, I think, that this one's going in. And Ty Schmidt actually has something to say to you.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah, Coach. I'd hate for, you know, some of these families who are basically relying on you right now to be able to get a nice turkey dinner for Thanksgiving to have to eat. I don't know, scraps.

[Pat McAfee]

So, to be clear, winners won't be announced till Wednesday, and then they will not be paid until after Thanksgiving.

[Boston Connor]

Okay.

[Ty Schmidt]

So we will go ahead and.

[Pat McAfee]

Christmas ham.

[Ty Schmidt]

Christmas ham.

[Pat McAfee]

There we go.

[Ty Schmidt]

Also, maybe consider using the backboard, Coach. I like the aggressive approach. Just going right at. At it, but it ain't working. Use the backboard.

[Boston Connor]

He's finally dialed.

[Pat McAfee]

Got motivation and coaching from one particular message. 30 people to win. 500. He's finally dialed. Don't do that. He's finally dialed.

[Ty Schmidt]

You know, listen, sometimes doesn't work.

[Pat McAfee]

I appreciate that you're taking coaching. Yeah, I do. But don't just. You got to let fire that pink skin. Listen, Chuck, that football, that hoop. 30 people, 500 bucks. You put it in no thinking less dewy. Oh, my God.

[Boston Connor]

Oh, you might never get it back. Rim and that.

[Pat McAfee]

And then you were telling him to do something different.

[DeBone]

Well, yeah.

[Ty Schmidt]

I mean, he didn't. He didn't fucking make it, did it?

[Pat McAfee]

You're right.

[Ty Schmidt]

You know, you're right. It looked nice, but it didn't go in.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey, Paizon. On this particular Thursday, with the Pittsburgh Steelers playing tonight favored by three and a half, there's only one person that can deliver a message to you that's going to be good enough to make you win. 30 people, 500 AP tone, what is your messaging for Chuck Pagano?

[AP Tone]

Coach, the way that you're throwing the ball right now, you don't really need any motivation. But I didn't want to forget. You did tell me to remind you before you left today, your Viagra is in my jacket. So don't leave without that.

[Pat McAfee]

I like that. I don't know why it's in his jacket, but if. Tone, you're popping a little Viagra, too good for you with the Louisville Slugger.

[AP Tone]

He was cold, so he bought. He borrowed my jacket earlier today, and he said, hey, I just. I had to put this in there.

[Pat McAfee]

So don't fall blue pill down in here. Don't you worry about this. We're talking about those heavy bikes.

[Chuck Pagano]

They're lying. Tina.

[Pat McAfee]

Good call, Good call.

[AJ Hawk]

Smart.

[Pat McAfee]

Just put it. Almost dropped you into a war right there. Yeah, I don't need that. Yeah, don't need any of that. Listen, if you do. All right, holiday season. Blood flow is great, isn't it? It's all about. It is all about the blood flow.

[AP Tone]

Warms you up.

[Pat McAfee]

You have 30 people to win 500 bucks. The blood flow will obviously go through the roof one week out from Thanksgiving. Oh, that was the right one to miss if you had to. Because if that went. Nobody wants to hear about it. All right, Chuck, that's your last opportunity. No, this is it, okay? This is it. One week out from Thanksgiving.

[Boston Connor]

Chuck, come on.

[Pat McAfee]

50 people.

[Boston Connor]

Come on, Chuck.

[Pat McAfee]

500. Come on, Charles. Chuck.

[AJ Hawk]

Oh, my man.

[Pat McAfee]

Good show today, though. Good show today, though. Good show, good show, good show.

[Chuck Pagano]

You're all over. Damn it. Sorry, people.

[Boston Connor]

I wouldn't like that.

[Shams Charania]

St.

[Boston Connor]

There's minus three and a half.

[Pat McAfee]

That is something to think about.

[Chuck Pagano]

That's a lock.

[Pat McAfee]

Whoa.

[Boston Connor]

Oh. I would like it even less now. Why would you say that?

[Pat McAfee]

All right, Chuck, great work today, bub. We appreciate you.

[Chuck Pagano]

Thank you, guys.

[Pat McAfee]

Boy's gonna back really good work, Debone.

[AJ Hawk]

Yeah, where is he? I need to see him.

[Boston Connor]

He's pooping.

[Ty Schmidt]

He might still be outside.

[AP Tone]

They might still be stuck outside.

[Boston Connor]

Where's the door?

[Chuck Pagano]

Here he come.

[Pat McAfee]

Diva.

[Chuck Pagano]

He's coming up. He's coming up.

[Pat McAfee]

How cold are you in the Thunderdome? He's been dressed like that all morning. It's unbelievable. He said he took his dog for a walk outside. It was cold, so he decided to dress like this. And then he just wore it the entire day. Kind of makes me uncomfortable. But you're comfortable, right, D? How'd you feel yesterday taking on aq? How do we feel one day removed from that? You're hurt.

[Boston Connor]

Yeah.

[Pat McAfee]

Lucky for him those car hearts got knee pads on the inside. Great work, Debo. You're doing great. We appreciate you. Graphic department's doing a fantastic job. Debone, you should get in here with us. You should do this with us. For sure. Right there in the middle. Just dead center.

[Ty Schmidt]

Yeah.

[Boston Connor]

Get away from me.

[Pat McAfee]

Dead center. Dang.

[AJ Hawk]

You shoveling snow.

[Pat McAfee]

We're telling you, plow on the shoulders. He goes. I run hot, too. This guy says it's like you don't. Just want to let you know I don't know who's been lying to you, but you certainly don't post Malone. His album too new. Couldn't be nominated. Correct. That's what D Bun said.

[Ty Schmidt]

I like that.

[Pat McAfee]

So I like that.

[Boston Connor]

Good spin.

[Pat McAfee]

Hey, any messaging for. For the people here before we get out of here? You know I can go here. We got you.

[Chuck Pagano]

No Thursdays.

[Pat McAfee]

Tell the friends something nice. Might change their life. We're in this thing together. Team on three. Team on me. One, two, three. Team goodbye.