← The Pat McAfee Show
The Pat McAfee Show
PMS 2.0 1390 - NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap, Ian Rapoport, Dan Orlovsky, Harry Douglas, Jeff Passan, & Darius Butler
02:28:22
Loading summary
Transcript1,198 lines
- [00:02]
A
Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Pat McAfee Show. I am, of course, not Pat McAfee.
- [00:13]
B
Football.
- [00:14]
A
Yes. See, I did a elongated break, so you guys would do. I tried to, like, tame. I try to do it properly, but it was. You did good. Better than the previous times.
- [00:24]
B
Yes, it was.
- [00:24]
A
I am Ian Rapoport. I am guesting for Pat today. I am very, very, very happy to be here. Pat is, of course not here. He is parts unknown abroad.
- [00:36]
B
Yeah.
- [00:36]
A
I have no idea. TBD could be literally anywhere.
- [00:39]
C
Yeah.
- [00:39]
A
Last time I was doing this, it was doing some sort of WWE thing in a place overseas or something, maybe drinking, I think, if I remember correctly.
- [00:49]
B
What? I honestly have no idea.
- [00:51]
A
Sounds about right. But he is not here today. I am here, as are my good friends, Boston Connor, Ty Schmidt.
- [00:58]
D
Thank you.
- [00:59]
A
Tone Diggs. Hell, yeah. And my second favorite cornerback that I've ever covered in the NFL.
- [01:03]
E
Oh, okay.
- [01:05]
A
That's not true. My favorite, Darius Butler in the house as well. He's actually.
- [01:10]
C
Who was the first?
- [01:12]
A
Oh, Devin McCourty.
- [01:13]
B
Dull.
- [01:14]
A
Yeah.
- [01:14]
E
He played. He went safety, though, so I jumped back up.
- [01:20]
D
Yeah.
- [01:21]
A
When I was in the Patriots locker room as a beat writer, this is exactly why the people tuned in today. Devin McCourty was a corner who was getting toasted by Steve. Stevie Johnson.
- [01:34]
C
Steve Largin.
- [01:35]
D
Buffalo Beatles.
- [01:35]
B
Sure. Yeah.
- [01:36]
A
Right. Oh, and I remember having a really awkward conversation with him in the locker room. Me not knowing anything, him being a literal NFL corner, saying, have you ever thought about moving to safety? And he was really offended.
- [01:50]
F
That's crazy.
- [01:51]
C
That's the worst thing you could say.
- [01:52]
A
It was so. And I was, you know, probably 28 or something and wearing, like, an oversized plaid shirt, just looking ridiculous, and he was so. But he's such a nice guy.
- [02:02]
E
Oh, yeah.
- [02:04]
A
And then, of course, he goes on to be a great safety, and I am the greatest football scout of all time.
- [02:08]
E
Yeah, you put him on. You put that little nugget. He's a pro bowler as a rookie. At corner, too. Sophomore struggles, but he was a dog.
- [02:16]
A
All right. I'm very happy to be here. As I said, we had a great week of football, which I know you guys were locked in, as was I, mostly. Oh, yeah.
- [02:24]
B
Okay.
- [02:25]
A
Spent some time on the phone talking about some various trade scenarios. The Trey Hendrickson thing we're going to get to.
- [02:32]
C
Yeah.
- [02:32]
A
There's a Micah Parsons thing we're going to get to. There's a Terry McLaurin thing we're going to get to. There may be some quarterback news. We'll see. I know, we got the Colts situation, which according to Shane Steichens, kind of rounding to a close, feels like the Cleveland Browns situation is getting close to their Saints.
- [02:51]
E
We'll see.
- [02:53]
A
Usually I'm on the other side of this. Usually you guys are like, rap. I got a question for you. So I'm here. What do you want to know?
- [03:03]
B
I mean, the latest in at least this spectacle. And I'll ask about it just because it's. Yeah. I feel as though the only real GM that's come out and said they'll trade a first round pick now is Elliott Wolf. He's kind of the only guy, at least in New England who's going out and you know that proclaiming, hey, we'll trade a first.
- [03:20]
C
Or is it for someone.
- [03:21]
B
Well, I mean, you're asking me. I'm not. I'm asking rap. I have no idea. I'm assuming everybody's kind of on the table, but is this even real? Like, is this a realistic, hey, we're going to trade a first round pick. Is he saying that because you. He wants all the other teams to kind of go away and so he can kind of slide in, or is this a reality where not. Not including Micah? Because I think everybody assumes if he does get traded that there will be a first and a second with Terry McLaren and Trey Hendrickson. Is there a real possibility that those guys are getting moved for first and second round picks and players like.
- [03:55]
A
Yeah. So from first of all, for Micah, it's going to be. If there is even a trade to talk about, which we'll see, we'll get to that. But it would be a lot. Okay. The Terry McLaurin would be not as much. The Tre Hendrickson would be, from my understanding, a really good young player. Like we're talking like a starter, someone you don't have to pay right away.
- [04:17]
C
Like second year. Ish player.
- [04:20]
A
Yeah, like someone's first or second rounder from last year who's really good.
- [04:24]
B
Sure.
- [04:24]
A
Right.
- [04:24]
B
Yeah.
- [04:25]
A
And then a pick for next year. Like, it would be for sure expensive. The Patriots have a young quarterback who I think is going to be really, really good. This is the window. Like you see teams load up. So normally I'd kind of be like, ah, you know, teams open to everything. I don't know, man. Like Patriots seem open for business. They seem to recognize that this is their window to do kind of what the Texans did. Right. Which is like just we'll trade for Stefan Diggs and we'll just, we'll get, we'll pass pay because we will load up and we don't have to pay the quarterback yet.
- [04:58]
B
But the commanders who are kind of in the exact same situation, just a much better team already. Like why, why is. Has it got to this point where, you know, because they went out and they did what you just said. They got Laramie Tunsil and Debo Samuel.
- [05:11]
A
And all these other Larry Tanto. Trade was like a. That was a great example.
- [05:14]
B
Yeah, but like why was this on the horizon for a long time? Like why wouldn't the commanders, you know, to your point, go all in while they have all these things like a rookie quarterback and you know, momentum kind of like why is this happening?
- [05:27]
A
I mean they're trying to, but it's really just a disagreement of value. So Terry McLaurin wants like $33 million. Like DK Metcalf. Okay. He's a little older, but same class, similar production, different type of receivers which like actually. All right, debut. Since you're a resident expert.
- [05:46]
E
Uh huh.
- [05:48]
A
Do you think as someone who may or may not have had to cover people just like this, do you think that they are similar threats? Slash, I don't know about value, but similar threat. Do you think they should be guys who should make the same amount of money?
- [06:01]
E
Yes, I would say similar value. I understand the age difference where Terry is though. He hasn't missed a game, I believe in like five years.
- [06:08]
D
Crazy.
- [06:09]
E
So being out there, we always say your best ability is availability in the National Football League, especially when you have a young quarterback. And early in the season Terry wasn't getting a bunch of targets and didn't become a problem or loud voice or a quote unquote diva like a lot of wide receiver ones do in the locker room. So he kind of stayed the course, was patient, let them go out and do the other things, let him pay it. But as far as threat wise, DK is more of a big play threat, like any play can be a 60, 70 yard touchdown. But consistently week in and week out, Terry McClaurin, he's going to show up and he's going to make those big time plays and he is one of the best wide receivers in the National Football League. At like the point of attack, like that moment of truth and the ball in his ear, he has always been that guy. So him being around that DK number, it makes sense. It makes sense to me, not only who he is on the football field, but in the locker room, in the community. Everything you want, you know, for a leader of your team.
- [06:58]
A
Yeah, I mean, so that's so that's the argument, right? That's like. It's like they have tried. The commanders are not there yet. They want to pay him. I just don't know. Like, my guess. This is just a guess.
- [07:09]
E
What do they want to pay him? Like, how much? What have they got?
- [07:13]
A
So my sense is it's around or a little under 30. So, like, if McLaurin wants 33 and the commanders want to pay him a little less, let's just call it. Not a real number, but let's call it 28 and a half. There's a deal to be made somewhere.
- [07:28]
C
That's what T's making. That's what T. Higgins is making.
- [07:30]
A
Right. Okay, so then, like, let's say it's 29 above T. That seems like a good deal.
- [07:36]
C
Almond raws at 30.
- [07:38]
A
Right. And if I'm Terry McLaurin signed a.
- [07:39]
B
Deal, what, two years ago? Yeah, yeah. The almond raw they did before the. The Lions draft.
- [07:43]
D
Right.
- [07:44]
A
But then if you're Terry's agent, you're like, well, hang on. That's two. That's two years after.
- [07:47]
B
Yeah, exactly.
- [07:48]
A
Brandon Ayuk was last year. That was at 30. So, like, they both have arguments, but I think they are trying to do it. And I think they're also in that all in mode because they got. I mean, they got the lottery ticket, too.
- [08:00]
B
Yeah. So the commanders, you're saying, are more so like, of the three, Micah, Terry, and Trey, like, the commanders and Terry are probably the closest of those three to actually getting a contract on. Because we've literally been talking about these three guys for five months.
- [08:15]
A
And I love them so much because it gets us through so many shows. And then when they get done, it's sort of like James Cook we talked about, and they get done. It's sort of like, okay, here we go.
- [08:26]
D
Yeah, but with, like, Hendrickson, like, why. Why now? Did they just assume that even after, like, he wasn't there that he was just going to play ball and be okay with everything? Like, why have they waited until the 25th hour to finally be like, okay, we'll trade this guy now? I mean, I guess, you know, maybe teams get more desperate and they're willing to give up a little bit more right before the season starts. But, like, this has been the exact same situation for. Since he was on our show at Radio Row. Like, this hasn't changed at all. So why is it all of a sudden now? Like, oh, I. I guess he is serious and he really is unhappy and he's not going to play. Play if we don't get him a.
- [09:01]
A
New deal, I mean, I think the reason is because somebody needs something to happen like we are. It's August 18th. The season is two weeks away. I don't have any answers about deadline spur action. Right. As a. Someone on Twitter said yes. And I don't know what the action is, though. And I think that's the problem is like, one side needs to bend. If another team comes in and says, like, hey, we're going to offer you a good player and a big contract and a pick next year, maybe the Bengals go, all right, if we can weaken our team on the edge, but strengthen our team at guard. I don't know, Whatever. Whatever it is. Tight end, who knows, Whatever it is, whatever, maybe that makes sense. But I think the problem for the Bengals is they are good. And if you're good, why do you trade a good player? Same thing with the commanders.
- [09:53]
C
Well, then why not pay the good player?
- [09:55]
A
Yes, that is the question. I think the frustrating thing is, like, this doesn't seem to me to be a deal that should be impossible.
- [10:03]
C
Right?
- [10:04]
B
The trade or the contract?
- [10:05]
A
The contract.
- [10:06]
B
Yeah, sure.
- [10:07]
A
Like he's gonna get a big raise this year. How much guaranteed next year and the year after is kind of what the question is. And because TJ's deal is so good and Miles Garrett's deal is so good.
- [10:17]
B
Crosby.
- [10:18]
A
Crosby. It's like, doesn't he deserve that? Of course the answer is yes. But then where.
- [10:24]
B
So is their asking price, though? Like, ridiculous to the point that teams aren't even going to reach out just because it's.
- [10:30]
A
I don't. So. I don't think so. We've done this before. We've. With Clowny got done at the cut down day, right? Yeah, there's been a couple.
- [10:40]
B
Bosa was weak of their first game.
- [10:42]
C
TJ was weak of. Yeah, I think the contract.
- [10:44]
A
Not the trade.
- [10:45]
B
The contract.
- [10:46]
A
Sorry. I was thinking trade, but yes, no, no trade. There it. There is time and generally like that last week of the season when all I want to do is be on my beach club hanging out sunning myself. These are generally the things that we. We will be dealing with. We got a lot more to get to. We got more football stuff.
- [11:05]
E
Oh, yeah.
- [11:05]
A
We have someone on the line right now who has been ducking me on the golf course for, I would say more than a year.
- [11:14]
B
Wow.
- [11:15]
A
More than a year. We play at similar places. I. I go to Connecticut sometimes to play with a good buddy of mine to lose to my buddies, Russ and Brent. Very annoying. Orlovsky sometimes plays at a similar course and has been refusing to play with me. Interesting. Anyway, I just said his name. Dan Orlovsky is here joining us. Dan. Why is it going on?
- [11:37]
D
He doesn't want to play from the red.
- [11:38]
A
I don't think you've.
- [11:38]
F
I don't. One, I don't think I've ever. I don't think you've ever invited me.
- [11:41]
A
To take off with you. Two, it's not true.
- [11:43]
F
I would 1,000% take you up on it. And three, I would feel very confident in playing against you.
- [11:51]
A
Why did he have to say that last part?
- [11:53]
F
I'm a yes.
- [11:53]
A
How many? Yes.
- [11:54]
F
Yes.
- [11:54]
A
Why did he say the last part?
- [11:55]
C
Well, he's just. I mean he's an athlete.
- [11:57]
B
He's a professional athlete. I mean, you two just can't stand next to each other on the tee box. So let's get that.
- [12:01]
C
No, you cannot.
- [12:03]
A
The thing about guys like Dan is you watch first.
- [12:07]
B
So offensive drive back to your box.
- [12:09]
D
No, I was going to say you'll have to. And then you'll have to drive 75 yards up to the red TE so he can teal.
- [12:14]
A
I can hit it. I can hit it a little bit. I don't know where it's going, but I can hit it a little.
- [12:19]
C
We fixed your swing that one day.
- [12:21]
A
My God, Orlovsky, what's going on? Thank you for hanging with us.
- [12:24]
E
What's going on?
- [12:24]
A
You watched a, a slate of preseason games. You watched a lot of interesting quarterback. Quarterback situations. We have all been kind of thinking about this in our brain over the last little bit. What stood out to you first and foremost? Like, what did you learn about quarterback play this weekend from. I think let's start with one of the young guys who stood out for you.
- [12:48]
F
Yeah, I'll go back to last night, you know, and the standout is coaching just. It matters so much.
- [12:54]
A
It's.
- [12:55]
F
And I'm not going to make like the oh my gosh, Caleb, Caleb Williams is going to go win MVP thing but if we're just taking off of what last night was, we're gonna. He's good enough to one day. If we're just taking last night off what it was, he was flawless. When it comes to what you wanted to see, no one wanted to say, man, I don't know if Caleb's is athletic enough to go run around and make plays in the league. But it was. Holds the ball too long, doesn't really get the ball out on time, is constantly, you know, hitching in the pocket. Not Seeing it and trusting it and letting it go, that wasn't the case last night. And there was a confidence, there was a conviction. You know, I looked at it and I said, he threw the ball 10 times. Two of the throws were throwaways. One of them was a bootleg. So for the seven throws that he threw within the pocket, six of them were either on his first hitch or no hitch at all.
- [13:50]
A
Wow.
- [13:50]
F
That tells me he's seeing it. That tells me he's confident. That tells me he knows what he's doing with the football. And is there a reality of like, yes, that number one option was open often, for sure, but that's not his fault. So then the coaching, you sit there and go, man, that was good. The one time when he got to his second hitch, he got to the second part of the progression. So overwhelmingly hopeful and confident. Impressed by what I saw last night from Caleb and just the man that, that coaching matters is there. Buffalo's playing as basic coverage as they can play. Reality to that, Yes. I mean, that was the most basic coverage he will see all season, but he did his job. And so the takeaway is, man, that coaching just matters. And tip of the hat to them and we'll see where it goes from there. I'm still sitting there saying it's going to take a long period of time for the ownership and the mastering of, you know, going to Cleveland. I was really impressed with what Shador did last week. I was equally, if not more impressed with what Dylan Gabriel did this weekend. I thought Gabriel was awesome. Yeah, I thought his tape was great. He made some really kite coverage, elite ball placement throws. I thought he moved in the pocket really well. They went under center, something he didn't do a ton at Oregon. I don't think the interception's all on him. Yes, he, at the end of the day, makes the final decision, but there's a lot that goes into that ball being picked off, let alone a pick six. The fumble I do put on him, but just some tight coverage throws that you're sitting there going, man, that's. That's really, really, really good. Ball placement versus coverage. That's pretty good. So I thought he was really interested. I think it makes the decision making even more interesting in Cleveland. And I think it's going to be, by all reports, Joe as the starter, but feels like. Like, who do they name as QB2? Like, who. Who's going to be QB2 then? Yeah, I'll go to Indy. I was really impressed with Anthony and I can't quit Anthony Richardson, for some reason man, I just.
- [15:51]
B
We're believe ours man. We're believers leave ours.
- [15:55]
F
And I just physically he looked really good and played fast and went ball went to the right place often. So you know, I don't know what they're going to do but it's hard for me to not name him the starting quarterback if I'm Shane Steichen.
- [16:10]
A
Wow. That is.
- [16:12]
E
Yeah, that was going to be my follow up for you Dan. Out here in India, obviously that's the biggest thing. We made a sign with Xavier Howard, but The quarterback naming QB1 is the hugest thing we're going into this season. What did you see preseason from both of these guys that will make an argument for either one to be QB1? I know you say you don't want to quit, you know AR we believe ours for sure.
- [16:31]
C
I believe ours.
- [16:32]
E
But where are you at what you need to see from either one of these guys to be named a starter?
- [16:39]
F
I go back to week one. Okay. So against Baltimore I thought Daniel was sharp. I thought Daniel got the ball because like D. But they got really talented guys right on offense there's three or four guys. You man downs is really good and AD Mitchell is really good and and Hitman's obviously a really big time player. And then they got Mo Ali Cox and then Warren looks things you're like just get him the ball. I thought Daniel did that in week one versus Baltimore relatively sharply. And then Anthony had the moment of the fumble and you're like God bless dude. Just figure it, figure it. The freak out.
- [17:09]
D
Yep.
- [17:09]
F
And you get that small body of work. And then this past week, you know, this past weekend I watched Daniel, you know, first quarter 8:28 misses a touchdown. First quarter 4:03 misses a touchdown. You know I thought the ball down the sideline. First quarter 208 to Warren. Nice throw. And so yeah, this ball. Nice throw guys. Wide open but nice throw. Okay, and then Anthony I go good out. Good keeper. Really good sale. Really nice clean stop. Played fast 40 yards, a 40 yard throw. The elite throw with 111 in the second quarter. So I'm just. I thought Anthony was really impressive this past week and I think D but I settle on this and I don't know the, the building enough well enough. If you name Daniel do you lose Anthony? If you name him do you lose him?
- [17:57]
A
Should that.
- [17:58]
F
And then the reality of like, like.
- [17:59]
A
Is that I mean I if they're even right?
- [18:02]
B
Because even on the other side like if you, if you start ar can you Ever go away from them then? Because then you lose them mid season.
- [18:09]
E
We always said the locker room knows because we only see the preseason games, which are, you know, it's a glorified live scrimmage practice. But the guys see both of these guys take reps at the ones, reps at the twos. You see them in and out of huddle. You see them interact with, you know, coaches and players, and just every. You see the whole thing. So when Shane names the starter, it shouldn't be a surprise to the locker room. It should be maybe to some people outside. But inside that locker room, Anthony knows either he won the job or he lost in the same thing with Daniel. So as the head coach, when you're making that, that's why you're getting to pay the big bucks.
- [18:41]
F
And it's also debut. It's also the variable of he needs to play. And so if. If you name Daniel the starter, like, my thought is you're kind of saying, all right, we're moving on for a moment, because if you're naming Daniel the starter, you're naming Danny the starter in the hopes that he plays well enough that your guys are winning games and you're a competitive football team and he's the guy for the year, well, then you're not. Anthony's going into year four without playing football. We're having a Trey Lance situation then all over again. And so I'm happy that I don't have to make the decision because, like, there's parts of me that sit there and see it in a lot of different ways.
- [19:27]
A
Man, I want to go to. I want to go to Tone in a second, but I think you're right, Orlovsky. And like, this is part of the issue is it should be who's the best quarterback. Play the best quarterback. That's not. I mean, these things don't exist in a vacuum. And so it's like, right. Like, if you. Let's say Daniel's a starter, then to me, it's like it's over. Like, Anthony Richardson is at some point going to be on another team. He is going to beat Trey Lance. Like, that's. It's the reality. It sucks. And I agree he needs to play, and I kind of would like to see him play. But if that's what's best for the team, then I think that's what Steichen has to do. But it is not like these decisions do not, unfortunately, exist in a vacuum. Yep. Tone, go ahead.
- [20:09]
C
Yeah, Dan, I had a question for you, because I Saw you guys talking about it this morning, but we were prepping for the show so I didn't really get to hear what you said. You guys were running the highlights of Justin Fields and you know, it didn't look great this weekend and there's been reports out of camp that it hasn't looked incredible.
- [20:25]
E
Have.
- [20:25]
C
What are you. Because I know you've always been a Justin Fields believer and I was last year as well. Has it reached a point where like, hey, this needs, like he, he needs to prove himself right now. What, what have you seen so far?
- [20:37]
F
Yeah, Justin was really disappointing the other night. I don't think he saw coverage. It was like he just got the ball and threw it instead of trying to read. He played slow. And my one thing with Justin as a passer that has always been frustrating is physically it just takes a long time for the ball to get out of his hands. That's why he's never been a quick game guy. I go back to the first start, you know, when they called a bunch of quick game and I'm like, what is going on? So that really hasn't grown. Which is one thing that as a passer I would like to see. I think he sees progressions fine. I think there's enough accuracy and all that. It just come on, man. Physically. So the other night was frustrating. The only thing I would say tone is this and while frustrating and I don't want to say concerning, I would be really surprised if this is the offense schematically they roll out within New York.
- [21:30]
A
Agreed.
- [21:30]
F
Yeah, like they, they haven't done anything when it comes to zone read. Very little RPO zone read stuff that we see out of some athletic quarterbacks. Very little, none designed quarterback read a run. And that should be the case. You would never want to show your hand in the preseason of what you're going to do. So I am, I am holding off a little bit of like, dude, this could be a situation where you know he's going to get 10 carries a game and they're going to be in the gun running all this zone read and the combination of stuff that we see with Lamar and Jamie Daniels and Kyler Murray and Josh Allen and so like if they're going to do that, I'm not as doom and gloom. There's one way for the jets to play this year. It's going to be great defense. Run the football 40, 45 times a game. Don't get down by 10. They get down by 10, I think they lose. So I'm not pressing the caution button or the panic button right now, just because I don't think what we've seen from them scheme wise is who they're going to be.
- [22:30]
A
And this is why the preseason is so. I love it. I really love watching football, football, even if it's preseason football. But like, I don't know what I'm watching because you're like, is this fake offense or the real offense? And obviously we'll see. But like, I would agree that if this is what it is, then they gonna have to play some very, very good defense. Ty Schmidt, question.
- [22:50]
D
Yeah, Dan, I, I'm sure people are probably sick and tired of hearing this, but at what point do you think the Stafford concerns become like legitimately real? Because it seems like again, you know, every week, hey, he's fine. If he had to play Week 1, or if he had to play tomorrow, if it was a playoff game or whatever, he's gonna go. But the more this carries on and we have questions about it, like, it seems like something is definitely going on here and he's not getting any younger. And a back isn't exactly a good thing for a quarterback. Like, if you had to put this on a scale of 1 to 10, how concerned would you actually be with Stafford's back injury right now?
- [23:27]
F
I'm a, I'm a as one. Like I, I don't have concern.
- [23:31]
A
Oh, wow.
- [23:31]
F
What you told me, wow. I don't, I don't. From what I know, from what I know, this is not a functional thing or a capability thing. It's just a, like a pain management, pain tolerance thing. I think that everybody knows he's like the toughest person on the planet type of thing. So that's not something that gives me cause for concern now if it gets to next week because I think the perspective you would know this well too is, dude, that season and that one game they added makes this season so long. I know it's only one game, but it makes it so long. And this is one of those teams that's probably the handful that like, they don't think they could play into late January, they expect to play into late January. And so, you know, trying to keep that long term vision of we want him as healthy as possible in December and January. So now if he doesn't practice by next week, yes, my concern level would go up. But right now I just, I'm, I'm not overly concerned with it.
- [24:47]
E
That's why, I mean, from the outside looking, that's why I'm so concerned, because of who Stafford is. And you. You spent time around him, you know, as a teammate. But I just noticed there are things.
- [24:57]
A
That Dan has seen that probably.
- [24:59]
E
Yeah, but like these franchise quarterbacks, like, I know it's a long season, but they don't like missing reps. Yeah. And if you're talking about a pain tolerance or pain threshold, like, that's like, that's like Andrew Luck, for instance. He was one of the toughest guys I ever played with. So when he started missing time and it was like, oh, he'll be back, but okay, it's an ankle, it's a calf. That was like, early on, it was like, concerned. Every day, every full practice he missed, it became more and more of a concern. I have the same feeling Whit. Matt, I know he's not a spring chicken, but, you know, these reps are valuable, especially getting new weapons in there. Every year it's a new team. But you got devonte Adams, like, you want to get on the same page with that. So I'm, I'm concerned, especially when he's, hey, he's going to practice this day and then he does it Saturday workout. Then it's kind of murky. I'm concerned until, you know, until he gets out there and hopefully it's. It's a bunch of. Bunch of nothing. But, yeah, I'm concerned about nine because he.
- [25:48]
F
We also. But we also don't know who is the end all be all and why he's not practicing. Is this Stafford going, I can't practice today? Is this them going, hey, there's no need for you to practice. You know, like, who's the person? Because I do agree with your point of, like, these guys want to be out there. Like, and he's one of those people that loves being out there. But we don't know if it's him saying, no, we don't know if it's Sean. We don't know if it's the doctors. We don't know the person that's making the final determination of saying, okay, you're not going out on the field today type of thing. And so that I agree with that point. I'm just not overly concerned right now. Maybe I'm jaded with my, are you.
- [26:37]
C
Not overly concerned because you saw stats and raising hell out there this weekend certainly helped.
- [26:43]
A
Hey, let me interrupt for a second. Let me interrupt. We have. I don't know if this is breaking news or not, but the Rams have just posted a little video. Matthew Stafford is now back at practice. So, Dan, good job.
- [26:57]
E
I'm down to a one.
- [26:58]
A
Yeah, I'm a one as well. And I mean there is right there. That's, that's great work right there. I mean that is a, that looks like a relaxed, chill dude who's going to have a nice casual day at practice.
- [27:07]
C
I'll worry.
- [27:08]
A
And you know, the Rams have been sort of providing updates on this and it's been interesting to hear because it's like he's going to throw. He threw a lot, then didn't practice that week and then wouldn't really say if he was going to throw Saturday. And my understanding of this was like they were like, we just want to get some, some improvement. Just like a little bit of improvement and then he can get back out there. Now he is back out there. So that is, I mean if you're a Rams fan or I don't know, let's just say someone who you're good friends with, Matthew Stafford, this is a very, very good sign right now that he is walking.
- [27:41]
F
Yeah, yeah, I just. And Ian, I think like D. But you grew up in the organization but like I remember our time in Indy and he, you know, much greater player than I was there type of thing. But like I remember when Peyton and them were in their heyday, how they approached the off season was directly correlated individually wise to how many snaps that person played in the previous season. So like if you were a guy that played X amount of snaps, you were allowed organizational mandate to start your off season training at a certain date. And then if you played 150 snaps more, you started your off season work X amount of days later and if you played X amount of snaps more. And so they kept pushing it because their whole philosophy was they were a team that fully believed that they were going to be playing 18, 19, 20 games. And so they wanted your off season to start later because they knew your season was going to start later and then in turn go into the next season. So I just think it's an organization that has this mindset of where they are. They know that this year is an all in year. They know that and they know they can win the whole thing. And so they could ruin January by doing too much in August. And you, you can't really ruin anything else by starting late.
- [29:01]
A
That's a great call. And really we have seen teams treat this thing differently with the 17 game because they have so much time. And like I was there for Cowboys Rams joint practice. The Rams defense should be feels like to me comically good. So this is a very, very good Team Boston. Connor has a question for you.
- [29:19]
B
Yeah, Dano, you mentioned them kind of expecting to play into late January, early February. And you know, granted, this is kind of just a opinionated question. August 18th is essentially the worst day of every year when it comes to the preseason. We're halfway through, we really haven't seen enough. And then also we aren't at actual football yet. So it's just one of those things. How do you feel about.
- [29:41]
A
I've always hated this day, just being totally honest.
- [29:43]
F
Some people think it's a great day.
- [29:45]
D
Do they?
- [29:47]
A
I haven't heard.
- [29:48]
F
Tiffany Lesher thinks it's a great day.
- [29:49]
B
No, no. I mean, it's not. It's not like it's a bad day. It's just when we're talking about fodder, like this is the worst day of the year by far. But to be honest, I'm kind of missing whatever you guys are talking about. But when it comes to the, you know, we'll just stay on the west coast. Even in that division. Dan it feels like the Niners are one of those teams that people have kind of forgotten about. And then you think of teams like the Raiders where, you know, Geno Smith, who's played really good football, and people aren't really talking about them because of the Chargers and Broncos and Chiefs and things like that. But what do you think of those types of teams that aren't getting as much conversation but definitely could turn out to be, you know, 11, 12 win type of team? Do you think the Niners are going to be back to that? Do you think some of these teams like the Raiders, like the, I mean Seahawks, even in that division as well, that's the team that looked very different.
- [30:40]
G
Yeah.
- [30:40]
F
So I'm going to start geographically. So I think two teams that probably have not been talked about enough that I think are going to be really good teams are Seattle and Arizona. I think Seattle is going to be awesome, man. Clint Kubiak, NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR they look in preseason they looked fantastic. Just what I watched them present the other night. It looked like a complete offense when it came to changing the snap count, shifting in motioning, different variations in the run game, changing the launch point of the quarterback, different past games. When it comes to sometimes they're trying to get the ball out quickly, sometimes they're trying to push the ball downfield, sometimes you want to play action concepts. So I watched that and I'm going like, man, they look. That looks to be a team that's under control. I think their defense, secondary wise Will be fantastic once again. So Seattle looks to be for a team for me everyone's talking about and I'm one of them Rams, NFC west division favorites. And I still, excuse me, feel that way, but I think Seattle is going to be very much so in that conversation. Arizona is going to be really difficult to play against. I think Arizona with Jonathan Gannon just has an edge to them that is going to be like physical. They're going to play violent football. Sometimes when I watch their tape off defense last year, I go, I have no idea what this defense is doing.
- [31:58]
A
In a way that got a good young coordinator, man.
- [32:01]
B
Yeah.
- [32:01]
F
And like they were hurt last year at the defensive line position with their young. I think Robinson, who they took out of Missouri, he's healthy this year. They signed Sweat. It's Marvin Harrison's second year. So like I think Arizona's a player in that division as well. So those are two teams. The Raiders. Yes. Gino. I'm a huge fan of Brock. Bowers is awesome. I still have concerns about the offensive line. I still have concerns about the defense, the 49ers. I'm a little hesitant on, man, I am, I am. I. I want to see how Brandon Aiyuk is when he comes back. When he comes back. Jennings has got a contract situation and some health situation that's going on. That offensive line has been depleted. That's the thing that probably hasn't gotten enough notoriety when it comes to the fall off of some of their talent. Their offensive line took some significant shots. That defense has lost a lot of talent. So, you know, obviously I have a tremendous amount of respect for who they've been and who they're going to continue to be. As far as long term, I don't know if they bounce back as quickly as maybe public perception has them. I still think I'm a little bit hesitant to see what they're going to be.
- [33:14]
A
That's interesting and I think you're right. You rightly point to the offensive line is like, all right, if a team is going to falter a little bit, like let's say the Raiders, who I think are going to be better, or the 49ers, like, that's where the focus goes. Dan, you have been awesome. We appreciate you. I just have one last thing before we let you go. Yes, sir. Do you have any. Any plans for today? Are you gonna just like, do you want anything interesting going on today?
- [33:41]
F
No, I am working from like 7 to 10 tonight, so.
- [33:45]
A
Are you really?
- [33:46]
B
Oh, my.
- [33:47]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [33:49]
F
Long day Long day.
- [33:51]
G
Long day.
- [33:52]
A
No, no.
- [33:52]
F
Nothing interesting is going on.
- [33:54]
G
Sure.
- [33:54]
A
Should we? Should we?
- [33:56]
C
That feels like a present.
- [33:57]
A
Maybe. Yeah.
- [33:58]
F
I would love a present.
- [34:00]
A
We don't have a present, but we do wish you happy birthday.
- [34:04]
E
Happy birthday, Dan.
- [34:07]
F
Appreciate you.
- [34:07]
A
I waited to the last possible minute because birthdays are still a little bit weird because we're all grown. But I'm very happy for you for your 32nd birthday and you are awesome and thank you very much for having 32. Yeah, I assume he's 32, right?
- [34:21]
E
He looks at 30.
- [34:22]
A
42. Well, whatever. 40, 42.
- [34:25]
B
That's you.
- [34:25]
C
Imagine playing quarterback at 42 still.
- [34:27]
A
I can't.
- [34:28]
F
No, dude.
- [34:29]
A
No, no.
- [34:30]
F
I say no.
- [34:32]
G
No, you can't.
- [34:32]
F
No, you can't.
- [34:33]
C
I say all the time, but I'd root for one.
- [34:36]
F
No, I don't know how he does. God bless him.
- [34:38]
E
We just saw you spin trouble.
- [34:41]
D
Yeah.
- [34:42]
E
40.
- [34:42]
B
Yeah. You embarrass everybody else, remember?
- [34:44]
E
Yeah.
- [34:45]
A
Oh, my God. Goodbye, Dad.
- [34:47]
F
I can't stand you.
- [34:48]
E
Love you.
- [34:49]
B
Take it easy, brother.
- [34:51]
A
I'm on your birthday. Do you think he was wondering if we were going to wish him happy? He must have been right.
- [34:56]
C
How long we're here to talk ball. No, you're right.
- [35:00]
A
He had to be. The whole time he was like, are they going to say it had to be eventually, maybe.
- [35:06]
D
No, Dan seems like the guy. He would have squeezed a Michael Scott in there if he really had to and been like, hey, Connor, I didn't know it was your birthday today, too. I think that would be kind of the move. Oh, it's not. Oh, okay. So.
- [35:18]
A
Yeah, the.
- [35:18]
B
You had an interesting reaction to something he said, which was when he was talking about the jets, about how they're not actually running their offense, you kind of perked up a bit. Is that happening around the league right now? With some of these teams, it does.
- [35:31]
A
And, like, so I had the same reaction to him. Like, you see Justin Fields, you watch the jets, you're kind of like, all right, like, and I know it is. I think for jets fans, they went all in with Rodgers. It worked out. Obviously. How it all worked out feels like a small bit of a reset or a big bit of a reset. So, like, as far as what I'm expecting, like, if they win seven games, I'd be like, very solid. No doubt, very solid. But then, you know, you watch them and you're kind of like, all right, like, that wasn't great, but their offensive coordinator is supposed to be really good. Fields, I personally felt last year, like, should have probably kept Starting.
- [36:10]
D
I don't know.
- [36:11]
A
That's what I felt I would have liked to. What do you think?
- [36:15]
B
Yeah.
- [36:15]
C
At the time, I thought when I go back to week seven or whatever it was, I thought he should have.
- [36:20]
B
Yes.
- [36:21]
A
So.
- [36:21]
C
But then Russ played really well for those first six weeks and then fell apart.
- [36:24]
A
But.
- [36:25]
C
Yeah, so you could look back on it. But, yeah, I remember at that time, week seven, being like, yeah, let's just keep this going.
- [36:29]
A
And that was kind of what I was. And so, like, you know, I think they should be better, but then you're watching them, and you're like, they're not. And so what? I never know. And this is why the preseason can be so frustrating, is like, what am I actually watching?
- [36:40]
B
Yes.
- [36:41]
E
Practice.
- [36:42]
A
Like, Right. But then it's like, Caleb goes out and plays. I mean, I'm with Dan. Like, he looked good. Like, that was when I was at Bears camp. It was a struggle. Like, I know he was dealing with a lot. They intentionally gave him a lot. And I, like, you know, was sort of like, let's see what he can deal with, and then we'll narrow it down as we get closer. And I'm kind of like, how is this gonna look better? And then you look last night, and it really looked better. I mean, these are some good throws. Quick decisions, decisive. But then it's sort of like, what am I actually watching?
- [37:14]
E
Yeah, Dan said it, man. Like, we all know it. Coaching, like, it matters. But, like, this is. It's hard. You know, it's tough to, like, especially you talk about a guy like Justin Fields like he's on another team, another offense. So you're. You're learning a different language. So, yeah, everyone has the ability. Everyone that goes out there and trots out of the tunnel with a. With a helmet on has the ability to play whatever position they're signed to play. But actually learning that, creating a relationship, creating a rapport with your play caller, your weapons, all these different things. You look around the league at all the good quarterbacks. A lot of them have some type of continuity with the play caller or the system in place. So when you're going and jumping around from place to place, like, that's tough. That's a lot to handle. So I appreciate, you know, Ben Johnson coming and putting a lot on his plate and then kind of trimming it down. And Caleb, we know he has the ability, but you want to just react out there. You know, you don't want to be thinking. And so it's tough, man. I hope he figures it out. All these guys who are in new place. Sam Dona, he's over in Seattle. Gino, like, all these guys are in new places. So it is allowed on their plate. But, you know, hopefully the arrow's still pointing up.
- [38:17]
B
Yeah. Like, even Rogers, you wonder with Aaron if they had some sort of agreement. Like when, you know, clearly the Steelers knew that Aaron was going to be the qb. You wonder if Aaron would. Was aware of the offense or, you know, how long he's actually must have been.
- [38:32]
A
I mean, I know there are rules, but like, he can still. He can go study Arthur Smith's stuff. He's smart enough to figure it out, right?
- [38:38]
B
Yeah. And because when you talk about having a lot of offenses, like how many OCs has Rogers had in the last three years? Yeah, like with. But with the jets first. I mean, Hackett was the OC when he first started there, and that feels like it was, oh, my God, 15 years ago @ this point with the entire situation. So if the Steelers come out on fire, you might look at that and be. And think to yourself like, damn, we really do have the smartest coaching staff in the history of football.
- [39:04]
C
Yeah, I can see it. I can really see.
- [39:08]
A
I mean, I spent some time with. Spent some time with Arthur when I was at training camp there, and he was in a. He's the best. He was in a very good place. Also still rocking the mustache, which I blame you guys for that.
- [39:19]
C
What do you mean?
- [39:20]
D
What do you mean?
- [39:21]
C
You don't want it to be.
- [39:22]
A
Yeah, no, I'm just saying, like, I thought that that was just kind of like a fun thing, like a Movember or wasn't that. Why.
- [39:28]
B
So he was doing it as the Falcons coach. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [39:31]
A
But then.
- [39:31]
C
But then he realized he looks incredible with.
- [39:33]
B
Yeah.
- [39:34]
D
And then he shaved it and he was like, well, this dog won't. I need to grow that thing back.
- [39:38]
C
Foxy. Is that a video of Artie? Because did you see the.
- [39:42]
A
He was making waves.
- [39:43]
C
You see what he was singling in this weekend? That's a.
- [39:46]
E
That's.
- [39:46]
C
That's the best player the playbook.
- [39:49]
A
I would like to know more on this.
- [39:51]
B
The next play. He's doing the next play.
- [39:53]
C
No, they scored a touchdown on that. They did score a touchdown on the next.
- [39:57]
E
A lot of good.
- [39:57]
D
A lot of good memes.
- [39:58]
E
I thought it was a hurry up.
- [40:00]
C
I think. I think it might have been.
- [40:02]
D
But going back to your point about Fields and like the preseason, that's why it. Like it's important. But it ultimately doesn't matter because after the Packers Game. People were acting like he was Warren Moon. You know, he had that one drive and it was like, oh, my God, look how good this guy looks. And I think he knows, too. And they're not going to do in the preseason, like, if the jets are going to be their most successful version of the team, like, he's got to be a weapon with his legs, and he's probably going to have to rush for a thousand yards, and they're obviously not going to have him, you know, taking a bunch of hits and running a bunch of keepers and read option and all that kind of stuff in the preseason. So, like, the book's still out on him, but it's week to week, you know, I mean, I said this on Friday with Caleb. Like, if he played the way he did last night, obviously everyone was going to say, this guy's unbelievable. It's working. Ben Johnson, unbelievable. If he would have played terrible last night, he would have been getting killed today. And it would have been like, hey, this guy is not going to work with Ben Johnson is. His offense is too complicated. He doesn't get it. He, you know, he can't, you know, check, check his. His attitude at the door, all that kind of stuff. Like, it's so weak to week. Like, we really. We're not going to know any of this stuff until week one.
- [41:03]
C
Correct.
- [41:04]
B
It's good. He played well, too, because the bag man is a problem.
- [41:07]
D
The bag man is a problem.
- [41:08]
B
They're back. Tyler Bajan is legitimate.
- [41:10]
A
Did you hear what Ryan Paul said? He's like, nobody works harder than Tyson Bajan. Nobody works harder.
- [41:16]
C
Except for his father, maybe.
- [41:16]
A
Except for his father who humiliated Tom Pelissero on NFL Network.
- [41:21]
C
Did he arm wrestle Tom?
- [41:22]
A
I take full credit for it. Have you never heard the story?
- [41:25]
E
No.
- [41:25]
D
It was at the Senior bowl, wasn't it?
- [41:26]
A
It was at the Senior Bowl. So we. We were out. Snap his arm on like a Tuesday or compound fracture, literally.
- [41:32]
B
It was gonna play the base for two months. Broke his heart.
- [41:38]
A
Broke his heart was the worst. I mean, that was the. The humiliation was the worst thing. But so we were out having some drinks the night, like on a Tuesday night or whatever. We run into Tyson Mason's agent and his dad. Yeah. And so I'm like, you know what you should do? Because Tom. Here it is right here. Because Tom is our silent reporter for Senior Bowl. I'm like, you should arm wrestle Tom. And Tom kind of laughs. I'm like, no, you should actually do. Now, I didn't know that this guy was basically Like a WWE Superstar with the mic. Like, I had no idea. But the humiliation here, like, at some point he just starts like laughing. And look at Tom. He had like. I think he went two hands at 1.2. There he goes, right? Yeah.
- [42:19]
B
How many times have you watched this?
- [42:20]
D
200.
- [42:22]
A
I mean, so many. Like literally so many. And then Tom's face is like. You think he'd think it's funny? Does not think it's funny. He's like, give me the. Give me the mic. Give me the mic. Yeah, I take full.
- [42:33]
D
Guys laughing. I mean, what was.
- [42:34]
A
Was.
- [42:34]
D
Was Tom expecting to go in there and like go over the top like, you know, Sylvester Stallone and break his arm? I mean, come on. So does he think he is Lincoln Hawk?
- [42:44]
A
No, you never know. But like, don't you think that he thought he would be able to like maybe move it like a.
- [42:49]
B
No, no, no, no.
- [42:50]
D
You do not think the guy's like a seven time national champion?
- [42:54]
A
No.
- [42:55]
D
You kidding me? Of course not. But I like the Pelissaro thought he was gonna go in there and I'm gonna. I'm gonna be. I'm gonna.
- [43:02]
E
Yeah, I do like it.
- [43:03]
C
Can I do.
- [43:04]
D
I like that a lot.
- [43:04]
C
Can we finish Ask Rap since it got cut off early by Dano.
- [43:08]
A
Yes.
- [43:09]
D
Yeah, I want to go back to Micah Parsons because over. I can't remember if it was Friday or over the weekend, but Ricky the dog on Twitter report and he's usually. He's got his sniffer up to things.
- [43:21]
A
He was very mean.
- [43:22]
D
Yeah.
- [43:22]
A
Mean to me on Twitter recently.
- [43:24]
D
Well, you know, hey, that's the insider game. Sometimes, you know, it's vicious. But there were reports that of all the teams out there, like the packers actually put together somewhat of a serious package or were interested and they called the Cowboys and said, hey, let's do this. Is there any truth to that? And if Parsons does end up getting dealt, do we have any kind of timeline and is it is the expected, like package it would take to receive him? Kind of like what it was when the Bears traded for Khalil Mack?
- [43:51]
A
Yeah. Okay, let's start with the sec. The last part, I do believe that would be the offer now. I think for Mack it was like a one, a future two with a pick going like it was. I remember at the time being like, this is the biggest trade I've ever seen. It was for a player was. It was massive. And that was. I mean, was it two ones when then a two.
- [44:10]
C
It was two first round picks, a third round pick and a Six round pick to the Raiders. The Raiders also received a 2020 second round pick.
- [44:19]
A
Okay.
- [44:19]
C
And a conditional 2020 fifth round pick.
- [44:21]
B
And did they swap? Did they swap as well?
- [44:24]
C
Yeah, the Los Angeles starters for a 2022 second round pick.
- [44:27]
A
Yeah. Okay, so it was two ones with a two. Two ones plus with a two coming back, which is like, like, look, if the Cowboys are going to trade Micah Parsons, like that's what it's going to be. It's going to be all of the picks. I don't believe that the Cowboys have received any official offers because I don't believe that they've accepted or engage with anyone. Okay. Because to have it, I mean you could, I was gonna say fax over an offer. You could text over an offer if you wanted to. I don't believe it's gotten there because teams usually don't make offers until they know that like we're talking. I would expect that the packers would be among the teams interested and I would say I would expect the packers would be among the teams really interested. Okay. They have paid Jordan Love. They have a bunch of really good young players, but they haven't. There's some guys like Quay Walker, they have not paid Dakdam. They paid, but they have money to spend and they are really good. And so that's the kind of team that I would say if Micah was going to be traded, that he'd be going to. Because it's like we need one final piece. This guy is an absolute dog. He's worth all the money. So pay him all the money. I mean, God only knows what Mulagueda would make that contract. It'd be all of it. But it'd be worth it because you'd get Micah Parsons and there'd be some other. Like think of all of the really good teams, playoff teams who have money and a spot. Like there's a lot of them. It's like those are the teams that'd be interested. All of the teams.
- [45:57]
B
We were talking about Jerry a little bit last week. Is there any sort of sense that he has lost it whatsoever when it comes to the business inside of it? Cuz someone actually released the. The amount of money he lost by waiting for Dak and waiting for CD and it's like $65 million over, you know, two different deals. Like is there any sense of that? Like is there any sense of Steven Jones be becoming more serious? I forget who we had on the show. Maybe it was Trager. Oh, Swagu. And Swagu basically was like, hey, we need to just. The Cowboys need to completely separate the two, like, when it comes to front office stuff and then like the cowboy stuff, like the tours and, you know, the practices and things like that.
- [46:38]
A
Like Swag just laughing thinking of Jerry giving tours.
- [46:41]
B
Yeah, exactly that. But that was Swag's point, which would.
- [46:43]
A
Actually be an amazing, like Jerry giving a tour of the stadium.
- [46:46]
D
People would pay top dollar.
- [46:47]
B
Yeah, that sold out for months.
- [46:49]
A
Absolutely amazing. Count me in on that.
- [46:51]
B
But, but is he like, is there any sense like that, like, is Stephen Jones. Is that plan already kind of in place? Is that going to happen sometime soon if this keeps going terribly wrong?
- [47:03]
A
So I think it is happening. I think Stephen Jones and Will McClay are now, you know, there's sort of an eye roll, I'm sure, because it's like the son of an owner. But Stephen Jones is very smart, very well versed, great at personnel and very good at value. And like, figuring out, like, dealing with the organization. You, you know, you call him the president, you'd call him the coo, which is his actual title. Whatever. Those guys have been basically in charge as the Cowboys have built themselves into a, like, draft and develop pay your guys organization. But I just. Jerry is, is the boss. And until he decides for himself that he is not going to be, he is the boss.
- [47:45]
D
Do you think other GMs, like, right now though, are thinking like, oh, this guy's gettable now. Like, if there's ever a time to go do something like this, like, now's the time to do it because Jerry's kind of got his.
- [47:55]
C
Because it never happens.
- [47:56]
D
Yeah, exactly.
- [47:57]
A
No, because I don't think, first of all, you're right. Like, no players this good are available ever.
- [48:02]
E
Ever.
- [48:02]
A
Like, and that's why the, the trade value is so crazy. It's like, even Stafford, like, when he was traded, like, the. It was like two ones and they threw in a golf, which is ridiculous, but that's what it was. It's like these guys are never available. So, yes, I think teams are like, oh, my God, could we get Micah Parsons? But then you talk to these teams or you talk to the Cowboys, talk to people involved, and it's sort of like, he ain't going nowhere. They don't talk like he's going like, the Cowboys have not engaged. They have not said deal done.
- [48:33]
B
Yeah, but exactly. And like, you just said that they, they've turned themselves into, you know, like a draft. Grow your players, take care of them. Like, sure, they've. They. They are that. But like, they do it wrong. The line we just Talked about Almond Ra getting paid $30 million a year, and that looks like the cheapest wide receiver deal of all time. Like, the Lions are a team that do that. They draft and develop, and then they pay, and then they save money because of it. Like, the Cowboys are the opposite of that. They. They don't pay guys. They make it a huge stink, and then it gets done. Like, see, we're a year removed from CD Lamb having Hollywood Brown and Kyler Murray as his, you know, profile picture, whatever the hell it was. And people thought he was going to Arizona. Like that. That's what happens with the Cowboys every single year.
- [49:18]
A
So, like, at CD Lam, one never made sense to me. I mean, a lot of them don't.
- [49:23]
B
None of them do.
- [49:24]
A
None of them do.
- [49:25]
B
I mean, Dak Prescott had had his leg cramp up on the field, and then he got paid after. It was like, if you're going to franchise Tiger, you know, your quarterback, the future of your franchise, the reason you do that is just in case they have some, you know, terrible, terrible injury, because then you don't have to pay the guy a ton of money. And that's exactly what happened. But then they paid Dak, you know, a massive contract anyways after he got hurt. Like, it just doesn't make any sense.
- [49:50]
A
Yeah, I mean, I think the. The way the Cowboys see it and it sounds. I hate to say this sounds weird explaining it, because it. And this would not be. I would do things more like the Lions do, no doubt. Like, and even now, like, you know, whenever they engage on Aiden Hutchinson, like, I expect it to be a deal where it's going to be a lot, everyone will be like, oh, my God, I can't believe they paid. And then Michael will come in higher. Like, they are generally very, very proactive. But I think what the Cowboys think is, like, all right, if we pay him early, that's just more money. We pay early. Let's keep the money in our pockets as long as possible. Pay him when we have to pay him. And, like, if we have to pay a little more, we have more information. That's generally the thought. But, like, that does cost them a little more.
- [50:34]
C
Does the locker room care.
- [50:35]
E
Butsy, I mean, it is good for, I think, the. Just the overall morale and like, the. That we always talk about the buzzword culture, like, how, like how the Eagles do business. Like, hey, you know, you guys, you do your job, you come in, you're good on the field, you're good in the locker room, you get paid. Say, Kwame, get a bump. Jordan Lane, Johnson.
- [50:54]
A
Don't you think that Saquon contract, everybody was like, oh, yeah.
- [50:58]
E
You look at him like, okay, the second contract. Yeah, that's Saquon. You know what I mean? And that's how I'm sure everyone views Micah in the Dallas locker room. Because even last year when they were pretty much out of the playoff run, Dak was hurt. He was still out there, you know, playing hurt. CD Lamb, who just got paid, he was still playing hurt. So I credit that a lot to Mike McCarthy, McCarthy, who's there as well. But to Jerry's credit, to Steven's credit, they do draft well. Like, they, they find good players and they just, they pay him late. Jerry's in his mind, it's like, okay, if I pay him early? I guess you're getting one year closer to that next deal anyway if it's going to be a guy. So you're going to end up paying them big time money. Paid Trabon Diggs early, I think in his third year, he was the second round pick. But you know, Micah after his third year. Yeah, he's one of the easy guys. I feel like he's done everything thing right from the beginning. He's been an all pro defensive player of the year candidate every year. Like, just, just get that one done. Because he, you, he's not going there. You have his leverage. You have his rights for the next three years. Fifth year option, he can franchise him twice. So, I mean, get that deal done to us. It makes sense. We're not writing the checks. I, I get that part. But I mean, we never see a player like this available or a player like this play on their fifth year option. Like, never. You never see that.
- [52:11]
D
Well, and they can't really lean back on the, like, hey, we'll just keep this extra money in our pocket right now in case you want to improve the team, you know, more. Because you look at what they did last offseason, that's what everyone bitched about. It's like, we guys didn't do anything during free agency to make the team any better. Well, yeah, exactly. Now we're at the point of the game where it's like, okay, you've just alienated your best defensive player. And yeah, it's not like there are guys like Mike Parsons out there who are available to get, you know, in the interim. Like, it's just not going to happen. It makes no sense.
- [52:40]
B
And it's, it's hard to imagine right now, but this is going to get louder because the Cowboys Netflix show comes out tomorrow. Yeah, on Netflix. And so maybe this whole entire thing. And if this is the case, then I take back everything I've said about Jerry Jones. He's a genius. Maybe he's waiting to sign him tonight so that everybody knows that this cowboy show is coming out on Tuesday. And it's great promotion for. For it. And this whole thing was just, you know, a joke, basically. But there's going to be a clip that comes out where Jerry's probably not even talking about Micah. But something gets said and then people link it that he's talking shit about Micah like people did with Dylan Gabriel after his, you know, game. People said, I saw that he took. He took a shot at, you know, Shadir Sanders. Obviously he didn't, but people will do that with stuff that comes out from this show tomorrow because it's.
- [53:29]
A
It's basically just about Jerry. I didn't realize it's coming out to him. I actually watched it. I watched all eight episodes. Yeah, it's kind of awesome. No, it's all the way. It's. It's the whole. The whole how Jerry built the cow.
- [53:43]
C
Like the Chiefs. Like the Chiefs. One that just came out.
- [53:45]
B
Yeah. Yeah. Like the kingdom.
- [53:46]
C
The kingdom.
- [53:46]
A
That one I have not seen.
- [53:48]
B
It was good.
- [53:48]
A
I didn't get the sneak peek for that one.
- [53:50]
E
So is it him dealing with, you know, Emmett Smith?
- [53:52]
C
Oh, yeah.
- [53:53]
A
And like, you know, the Emmett Smith. Hold up. There's a lot of Michael Irvin stuff. Not going to spoil it. Michael Irvin is a rock star.
- [54:00]
B
Crushes it up.
- [54:01]
E
I love that playmaker.
- [54:02]
A
If there was like a. If there was like an mvp, it was.
- [54:05]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [54:06]
C
It's not a shot.
- [54:07]
B
Yeah. That's incredible.
- [54:08]
E
Yeah. You want Michael Plant. You want him in there playing football because, you know, it's nothing like getting into football shape. I think Jerry came out, said, I wouldn't bet on him out there week one. Like, you don't want to do that if you're a Cowboys for fan. You want Mike out there. I mean, I, I really, really hope they get this, this deal done. It just does not make sense. But to your point, if he does.
- [54:26]
B
Do it, I mean, that would be.
- [54:28]
E
It would be an alltime Jerry.
- [54:29]
B
That would be an all time Jerry move. And I, I like, I feel more bad for, like, Ty at this moment now because as a non packers fan, I'm imagining Michael Parsons on the packers.
- [54:40]
D
Like that.
- [54:41]
B
That would be so cool.
- [54:43]
A
It. That would be.
- [54:45]
B
It would be like Reggie White.
- [54:47]
A
It would Be just like Reggie White minus the two month long free agency tour. All right, before we get to commercial.
- [54:53]
C
Yeah, real quickly because we were talking about the commanders a lot earlier with Terry McLaurin and them going all in and stuff.
- [54:58]
A
Yeah.
- [54:58]
C
There was a report this weekend that they're potentially looking at trading their starting running back, Brian Robinson. Is that. Is there any. Is there legitimacy? Legitimacy to that?
- [55:08]
A
I would say there is some legitimacy. I don't like the term shopping because to me shopping is like if you're shopping a player, you're going to cut him if you don't like.
- [55:16]
C
Yeah, he's not getting cut.
- [55:17]
A
I don't believe he's getting. I mean, he's a starting running back. So my sense of this one is like they got a good young running back, right? They have Austin Eckler. They are probably not going to extend it.
- [55:30]
C
I think they have a good run.
- [55:31]
A
They think they have.
- [55:31]
C
He's a rookie.
- [55:32]
A
Yes. Right. They're not going to extend him. So if you're not going to extend them, let's see if we can get something for him now. Like it's interesting. I'm sure they'll be able to get something. I'm sure there is a market. Like I wouldn't be surprised if he's dealt. It's just interesting because like they're really good. He's their starter. So it's like how unbelievably confident do you have to be to trade your starting running back before the season?
- [55:58]
C
In the rookie.
- [55:59]
A
Right? In the rookie or in like we're just going to make it work with 31 year old Austin Eckler who is so jacked. I follow him on Instagram for I don't know why and he. All he does is pull ups.
- [56:11]
B
Yeah, yeah. He is jock.
- [56:13]
A
He is like.
- [56:14]
B
I mean, you gotta keep in mind when you're looking in the mirror, Austin Eckler is basically looking back at you. He's just much more jacked and worked really, really hard. But you guys are like the same.
- [56:23]
C
You could look like Austin Eckler.
- [56:24]
A
I do the peloton. He does the pull ups.
- [56:26]
B
Yeah, yeah. He does real stuff really quick. Just because there's only 30 seconds is Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Is that a real running back? One battle or fantasy?
- [56:36]
C
Is that a quick fantasy?
- [56:37]
B
No, no, no. I'm genuinely asking.
- [56:40]
A
That is a great question. And if only we had a couple more hours to discuss. Put a pin in that one. Okay.
- [56:48]
D
That is a good.
- [56:49]
A
In the business. Stay here. I mean, not here. But basically here. Yeah, we'll be right back on the Pat McAfee show with a lot more football talk, some fun guests. Anyway, don't go anywhere. We'll be back. Football is finally back and so is the hard hitting Gridiron action on prizepix. Kick off the season right and get $50 instantly inside credit when you play your first $5. With millions of members and billions of dollars awarded in winnings, prizepix is the best place to put your takes to the test. The app is super simple to use. Just pick two or more players across any sport, pick more or less on their projections and if you're right, you could cash in. Prizepix is also available in 40 plus states including California, Texas, Florida and Georgia. Prizepix is the most fan friendly daily fantasy app to make your picks. Most importantly, we don't play about your money. All transactions on the app are fast, safe and secure. Don't miss any of the action on prizepix. With preseason football underway and college football already kicking off, download the prizepix app today and use code TPMS and get $50 instantly in site credits when you play $5. That's code TPMS on prizepix to get $50 instantly in site credits when you play $5. Win or lose, you'll get $50 site credits just for playing guaranteed prize picks run. Your game must be present in certain states. Visit prizepix.com for restrictions and details.
- [58:04]
C
You've seen the headlines, heard the debates.
- [58:06]
A
The three point ball has created a.
- [58:08]
D
Monotonous rhythm to the game.
- [58:10]
H
Has the three pointer ruined basketball?
- [58:12]
C
And how did we get here?
- [58:14]
D
The rise of the three point shot.
- [58:15]
F
Can be partially traced to an eccentric.
- [58:17]
A
Kansas genius named Martin Manley, whose story.
- [58:20]
H
Didn'T turn out quite the way he he imagined.
- [58:23]
B
I decided I wanted to have one of the most organized goodbyes in history.
- [58:27]
C
30 for 30 podcast presents Chasing Basketball Heaven. Available now wherever you get your podcasts.
- [58:38]
B
Football.
- [58:39]
A
The pause was a little too long.
- [58:41]
D
It was.
- [58:41]
B
It's okay. It was.
- [58:43]
C
I mean you'll hit a cooler next hour.
- [58:44]
E
You'll one for two.
- [58:45]
B
It was a cooler lead line.
- [58:46]
A
Well, this is last chance. I've done this like four times. I've not even come close. Close to hitting it once.
- [58:50]
D
You're pretty good. Hour one.
- [58:51]
E
Yeah.
- [58:52]
B
And you saying, you know, you wanted Pat.
- [58:56]
A
That was good.
- [58:56]
D
I'm not Pat. Yeah, Little Adam Shine esque.
- [58:59]
B
Yeah, that was a little shiny.
- [59:00]
A
Sometimes I run into Adam Shine at the local one of the local restaurants. We get some soup dumplings Together.
- [59:06]
C
There was a bit of a shine to it. I like that.
- [59:08]
D
Yeah, so do I.
- [59:09]
C
And you broke new. Broke news during the break, so that was cool.
- [59:12]
A
We have some breaking news. The Cleveland Browns have named Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback.
- [59:21]
D
What?
- [59:23]
A
No, I would agree it is not a surprise, but it is reality. Joe Flacco is their starter. They have now.
- [59:31]
C
Wait, why are you so surprised?
- [59:33]
D
Watch week one of the preseason.
- [59:35]
A
Christ.
- [59:38]
D
Is what some people would say, but not yet. Yeah.
- [59:42]
A
All right. I know you guys have just heard this news. I know you are quickly digesting it.
- [59:48]
C
Yes.
- [59:49]
A
I want immediate and deep reaction on what this means and how surprised you guys.
- [59:54]
C
You heard it.
- [59:55]
B
Jerry Jones is going to have. Jerry Jones. Jerry Judy is going to have 2200 yards and 25 touchdowns because Joe Flacco is going to throw it as far as possible. And he finally has a receiver that will get under every single thing. And his name is Jerry Judy.
- [60:09]
D
Ike's right. I mean, I think we knew this was gonna happen when Joe Flacco signed with the Brown.
- [60:14]
A
So I think that's probably really.
- [60:15]
D
That. That crazy of a story.
- [60:17]
A
No.
- [60:18]
B
Yeah. This goes back to the August 18 thing where it's like we're halfway through and all the stuff we already know hasn't been announced yet, but it's about to be announced, so I don't know.
- [60:25]
A
What it feels like.
- [60:26]
B
Yeah.
- [60:26]
C
It's like for this, for this quarterback battle in general, like, we always knew it was going to be Joe just because he was. He did so well in the same Stefanski offense. He hasn't played any of the preseason games because they're not worried about him playing in the preseason games. They know how good he is. They probably were never going to start a third round pick or a fifth round pick, rookie quarterback, will they? Later in the season maybe. And Kenny Pickett was hurt, has been hurt basically all preseason. So, I mean, the writing was on the wall always for Joe here in this quarterback battle. Now some of the other quarterback battles, I am not so sure who's going to win it, but this one, it felt like it was. It was always Joe's.
- [61:03]
B
Yeah, Joe and Stefanski, I mean, you have to keep peanut butter and jelly.
- [61:06]
A
I like how all the highlights are just Colts, Joe.
- [61:09]
C
Oh, they're from last year.
- [61:10]
A
Yeah, Yeah, I know, but I'm just saying, like we spent all this time talking about the Colts and then it's like. I mean. Right. Yeah.
- [61:16]
E
It's reminded me that I. I jumped on a sword for Joe last year.
- [61:20]
B
Yeah.
- [61:21]
A
So take Us through it. Go ahead.
- [61:24]
E
Buddy Anthony stepped out and he did the whole thing. Hey, let's go with the guy. He gives us a chance in the locker room. Same thing's going on with Cleveland. He is the guy. Week one, we. We all expected to be the starter. Do I expect to be the starter? Week 12, I think he would have to play really, really, really well. And then the rookies. Both rookies will have to be not developing and not playing well in practice.
- [61:46]
A
So you don't think this is like the whole year?
- [61:48]
E
I don't think this is a. I mean, it's tough to commit to. What. How old is Joe now? 40.
- [61:52]
B
40, probably. 40. 40, 40.
- [61:54]
D
Yeah.
- [61:55]
A
This is where I talk about how old he is, and he's younger than me, but go ahead.
- [61:58]
B
Yeah.
- [61:59]
C
I mean, and look how playing quarterback.
- [62:00]
E
He's played quarterback for a long time, so he could have a good year. We talked about Jerry Judy and the other weapons he has around him. Could have a good year. But I think you got to find out with the picks that they have next year, you got to find out what you have in one or two of those young quarterbacks. And I think Kitty Pickett may be the odd man out. Didn't really give himself a chance this preseason of two to kind of battle or compete. But happy for Joe, he got another opportunity to start in the National Football League. You can't overlook that ever. And he is a pros pro, so let's see if he'll. He'll figure it out. But young guys continue to take those reps and take advantage of the opportunities.
- [62:32]
B
You also have to keep in mind here that when Joe Flacco was in Cleveland last, he did the unthinkable. And, you know, he beat out somebody who died on the field to win comeback player of the year. So when you're thinking of Cleveland and Joe Flacco, you kind of do have to go into that thought of. Hold on, kitten. Joe Flacco took them to the playoffs and Jerry Judy and now Isaiah Bond. I mean, they got all these guys who are so fast, and they got the strongest arm in the history of the NFL.
- [63:00]
A
Man, I was there for training camp, and I stood in the end zone while they were doing red zone. And not only was it like a. Like it was on the money, it was like he. He looked. He looked good.
- [63:12]
D
Talking about Joe Flacco.
- [63:14]
B
Yeah, I just said some schmuck.
- [63:16]
A
I just remember when he was with. Do you guys know that Joe Flacco played for the Broncos?
- [63:21]
D
Yeah. Yeah, he was Actually, he was on the show when he was on the Broncos. Yeah, he was.
- [63:25]
A
Yeah.
- [63:26]
D
And, God, circa 2019, I want to.
- [63:30]
B
Say, when he was on the game.
- [63:32]
A
Yeah, what was it?
- [63:34]
B
McManus had, like, a game winner, and.
- [63:36]
D
McManus was all, yeah, he was on the show. And Joe walked. He just said, hey, Joe, say hi. He did.
- [63:42]
C
So, yeah, we were highly aware of Joe's.
- [63:44]
A
And he's still. I mean, I just don't know. It's just like the weirdest career ever. Like, super bowl winner, starter up here, gets replaced by. I forget what happened to the guy who replaced him, but I think he's pretty good.
- [63:56]
B
Yeah.
- [63:56]
C
Yeah.
- [63:57]
A
Which is fine. I mean, that was, you know, great job by Baltimore.
- [64:00]
C
He made the right move.
- [64:01]
A
I think they made the right move.
- [64:02]
B
But it was weird. You're right. Like, after that happened, he just kind of fell off.
- [64:07]
D
Well, the jets happened, people.
- [64:08]
B
Yeah, but people just kind of.
- [64:09]
A
Wow.
- [64:10]
B
Wrote him off.
- [64:11]
A
Forgot about that.
- [64:12]
E
Yeah.
- [64:12]
C
A lot of quarterbacks go to the jets, and then they go to other organizations to be revived and thrive and make the playoffs.
- [64:19]
A
Oh, really?
- [64:20]
C
Yeah.
- [64:21]
A
You're just speaking in general.
- [64:22]
D
That's a flat code.
- [64:23]
A
Not related to anything.
- [64:24]
C
But Chad Pennington did okay. That's what fits. Magic Darnold, Brett Favre, Farre.
- [64:30]
A
Magic won 10 games with the jets.
- [64:32]
B
But it's actually a pretty decent little.
- [64:33]
C
List we got going on. Left the jets and then did better at their next Eagles.
- [64:38]
A
I don't remember. Is this weird?
- [64:40]
B
I think Eagles was just a, you know, can of corn. I don't think he actually played because.
- [64:44]
C
That'S the same year as Jets.
- [64:46]
A
And then I remember with the. I. I think it was with the Browns in 2013. He was signed in week, like eight or something like that, right? Some. And then 2023.
- [64:55]
B
2023. Yeah, yeah.
- [64:56]
A
2023, right. Yeah.
- [64:57]
B
He was off the couch. Yeah.
- [64:58]
A
He only. And nobody. I remember talking to his agent, Joe Linta. Nobody offered. No one wanted him. It was literally over. And then he signed with the practice squad because they.
- [65:07]
D
They reached out to the Jets, I think, because Rogers had already gotten hurt and Zach Wilson wasn't playing good. And the jets basically said, like, nah, yeah, we're not interested.
- [65:14]
A
Yeah.
- [65:15]
B
It's crazy.
- [65:16]
A
Joe Flacco, also a good dude.
- [65:19]
D
Great, great, great.
- [65:20]
B
Joe's the man.
- [65:21]
A
I have room for Joe. I have. Yeah.
- [65:23]
C
Never lost his accent either.
- [65:27]
G
Joe doesn't have an accent.
- [65:28]
D
Yes, he does.
- [65:29]
B
Crap.
- [65:30]
A
Nope. Are you guys making fun of me now?
- [65:32]
B
No, he has stopped.
- [65:33]
A
No.
- [65:34]
D
Look up Joe Flacco saying The grass isn't always greener on the other side.
- [65:40]
A
Can we get that? So I can.
- [65:41]
B
You just heard it. You actually just heard it.
- [65:44]
A
See, I can't. The problem with you guys is I can't tell if that you've, like, had a discussion about this beforehand. You're like.
- [65:49]
C
I mean, we've definitely had to say discussions. We have discussions about everything. But this one's real.
- [65:54]
D
He's got a very thick, Philadelphia adjacent accent.
- [65:58]
C
He was a blue head.
- [65:59]
B
Yeah. When you.
- [65:59]
A
When Bluehead, I knew about.
- [66:00]
B
When you hear it, you're gonna feel really dumb about what has happened the last minute.
- [66:04]
A
I mean, I felt pretty dumb with Arlovski laughing about my golfing skills and talking about how much he's gonna beat me, but that's probably true also.
- [66:10]
C
So what if you go out there and just shove it up his ass?
- [66:12]
A
Could you imagine?
- [66:13]
D
Yeah, I could.
- [66:14]
A
So happy. The problem with playing golf against the. These guys who are, like, actual athletes is I, like, work so hard and I'm so mediocre. And he's, like, gonna be much better than me.
- [66:25]
B
Yeah, see, maybe not.
- [66:26]
D
He's a foot taller than you.
- [66:27]
A
He is a foot taller than me.
- [66:28]
B
The real problem is when, you know, you are thinking about playing golf again, and then you see, like, Scotty Scheffler chip in and you're like, oh, okay, so I could never do that. So I'm not gonna play golf. That'd be stupid.
- [66:40]
A
I didn't even understand. I went to. This is definitely why the people are watching.
- [66:45]
B
Well, Scotty Scheffler won the BMW championship. I don't know.
- [66:47]
A
Yeah, Scotty Scheffler won the BMW championship, chipping in with a absolutely ridiculous chip that you're seeing right here on the 17th. 17th in, like, the most beautiful, elegant chip that you've ever seen. Perfect. Like. And what I don't understand is that at some point, his caddy, who's actually on a different caddy right now, his caddy's like, all right, land it here, and it's gonna roll 40ft. And he's like, got you. Like, if I have a caddy say that to me, I'm like, yeah, bro. Cool.
- [67:18]
B
Yeah, well. And it goes back to, like, what Bryson was saying last week about how, like, his, like, his distances. And granted, obviously, he's not, you know, 500 yards on the tee box hitting a driver, but, like, he knows exactly, you know, how hard and to hit the ball. It is just insane watching not just Scotty, because there are a bunch of dudes I Mean, Akshay Bhatia had a.
- [67:39]
C
Home one from 225.
- [67:41]
A
Yeah.
- [67:41]
B
Like, all the guys are just so good.
- [67:44]
D
Bobby Mack, Robert McIntyre arguably was like, the story of the entire tournament was just on fire. And then, you know, that's the difference between him and Scotty Shefford as they get paired together. They're in the final round and he boge three of his first four holes. Scotty birdies two of them, and it's like, wow, that's a eight shot, six swing there. Start Sunday.
- [68:01]
C
Scotty has that ability.
- [68:02]
E
Yeah.
- [68:03]
C
Cuz. Yeah. Bob Mack was up. I think he was -14 going into Saturday, and SE -7 was second place. Like, just unbelievable first two rounds and then you're standing next to Scotty on the first te and everything starts falling apart.
- [68:17]
E
Inevitable.
- [68:17]
C
It is inevitable.
- [68:19]
A
Golf is the worst like that, though. Like, if you're like, I know you're supposed to be like, all right, you're playing the course and you're playing your own shots, but, like, you're obviously not. This is why, like, match play. I mean, this wasn't match play, but it sort of kind of was like, it's the worst because, you know, you bogey, he birdies, you feel like you lost a million. You know, so much ground, and you're like, how do you not watch this great golfer just humiliate you on the court?
- [68:42]
B
Oh, and that's how the Ryder Cup's so awesome to. To everything you just said about, like, you know, it's you and it's just, you know, you're doing.
- [68:49]
A
That's a pretty good group, by the way.
- [68:51]
B
Yeah. They are going. This is going to be an incredible tournament.
- [68:56]
A
I got to get out there. Just one day.
- [68:58]
C
You'll be out there.
- [68:59]
B
You'll be.
- [68:59]
C
Yeah. Close to your house.
- [69:01]
A
Right. It's. It's about an hour away.
- [69:03]
D
You've paid. Yeah. You've played.
- [69:05]
B
Yeah. What'd you shoot?
- [69:07]
A
I shot 170. No, no, no, I played it, I think, four times. I shot 89 one time.
- [69:13]
D
Pretty good.
- [69:14]
A
But it is so much like, first time I played it, I wasn't driving the ball well at all. And I was in the rough every and like, tough. Yeah. I'm like, all right. In the rough. Six iron to an elevated green. 185 away. I'm like, yeah, it's not. That's not.
- [69:28]
D
Might as well just punch that out.
- [69:30]
A
So I ended up punching out the whole freaking round.
- [69:33]
D
That's a lot of fun.
- [69:35]
E
What? What?
- [69:36]
A
Te played from the whites.
- [69:39]
B
Smart.
- [69:40]
C
Very smart.
- [69:40]
A
You Know, like. But it's. It really is like, it is one of my favorite golf club. Everyone walks and then the. You know, by the end you get to like, I think 16 is. It is like from an elevated tee box. And so you have to walk all the way up there with your clubs. You're so tired. It's like a beast of a golf course. And you're like, three more holes. Like these guys are going to do it the most intense, you know? And 18 is so fun too. 18 looks like a stadium hole, basically. It's short bunkers all lined down, green up top. Like everyone drives it in the bunker and it's like high drama. It's gonna be very fun.
- [70:18]
B
Yeah. When is it exactly?
- [70:20]
C
It is the week four of NFL season. Oh, end of September, I believe.
- [70:25]
A
Yes.
- [70:26]
C
Yeah.
- [70:27]
A
And I think it's Thursday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Right? Yeah, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. So.
- [70:32]
B
Oh, come on.
- [70:33]
C
Friday, Saturday is best ball and alternating. And then Sunday, all 14 guys go out.
- [70:39]
B
Speaking of.
- [70:40]
E
Yeah. You can't talk big time golf without talking live Indianapolis. I mean, they delivered. I don't know if you watched. You was watch. You were watching BMW.
- [70:50]
A
I did not. So my son Max. My son Max is here. Max, say hi. He's not. He's watching YouTube.
- [70:55]
C
Got a baby.
- [70:56]
A
Max, maybe.
- [70:57]
C
No idea we're even talking.
- [70:59]
A
My wife is going to literally kill me because he's not supposed to be watching YouTube. But it's fine. Unless he's watching the show.
- [71:04]
B
Better than a different tube.
- [71:09]
A
He's 12. But he's not 15. Not in this state. That's right. Yeah.
- [71:13]
C
You're not allowed to in this.
- [71:14]
A
Definitely not. And he goes basketball.
- [71:16]
G
And there's ways around.
- [71:17]
B
Yeah, we got a guy.
- [71:18]
C
That's why Bill. That's why Bill's got that Chicago VPN ready whenever.
- [71:24]
B
Yeah, sure.
- [71:25]
A
I have no comments. I have no comments.
- [71:27]
C
Go ahead.
- [71:28]
A
Sorry.
- [71:29]
D
Your boy's a real live head is what you were saying.
- [71:31]
A
He. We're walking through the course and he goes, wait, was there golf here? Yeah. And I'm like, yes. He's like, could we have seen it? Like, yes, could have seen it. And he had like, no idea that the live tournament was literally here.
- [71:44]
E
Yeah, they came. They came here.
- [71:45]
A
Were you there?
- [71:46]
E
I was not here. I was. I was home. But a couple of boys, they went. They sound like they had a great time. Rom won, which kind of has some people, you know, because he won. But Joaquin won like five events. John Rom didn't win any, but he's been like, top five didn't win any. He is one back to back now. Champ. Yeah. Didn't win any event. So the point system, which is, you know, something to be talked about, but they deliver. I think they sold out all the tickets here. They'll be coming back next year.
- [72:13]
B
Oh, yeah.
- [72:14]
E
I think they have one more in Michigan next week to kind of wrap up the team championships.
- [72:18]
C
They have the in person thing figured out. They need to get the. The TV thing figured because there's more people on the TV than there is at the club.
- [72:25]
E
Yeah.
- [72:26]
B
Nick said. Nick for now, who was like the last person I expected to enjoy it, said it was awesome.
- [72:31]
A
Really? Yeah. And I think it was cuz I've.
- [72:33]
C
Been to, like, PGA events. Like, I've been to the US Open at Oakmont, and the live thing was just so relaxed. It. It just felt comfortable. It was cool. The music wasn't too loud. It was a nice vibe.
- [72:43]
A
You could get a great seat, great sight lines.
- [72:46]
C
And Zito was there too, and I know they hooked him up a little bit. And it was just a.
- [72:49]
D
It was totally awesome.
- [72:51]
A
You guys weren't.
- [72:52]
C
You guys weren't sitting together. I went on Saturday, Z1 on six Sunday. Oh, okay.
- [72:55]
A
All right.
- [72:55]
C
But you guys didn't see sit in the same seats.
- [72:57]
A
I will tell you.
- [72:58]
B
People were parachuting in to tell you on the leaderboard.
- [73:01]
A
It was one of the coolest things of all time. And then the fireworks.
- [73:04]
D
I don't live.
- [73:05]
A
Is that a euphemism or like I literally Parachuting. Yeah. To tell you who's the lead and who's the second. Like, I feel like this is like the Joe Flacco accent thing.
- [73:14]
B
I'm. I'm on the same page as you here.
- [73:16]
E
Real guys live.
- [73:17]
A
Nope.
- [73:18]
E
Out of the box.
- [73:20]
B
They do.
- [73:21]
A
It is golf, but louder.
- [73:24]
B
Why John Rom drinking milk like he just won. Yeah.
- [73:28]
C
Yeah.
- [73:28]
B
Okay.
- [73:28]
E
They had a pace car.
- [73:30]
B
Okay.
- [73:30]
A
So I thought everyone was cool with that.
- [73:32]
B
Yeah, yeah.
- [73:33]
D
Do it as the locals. I think they asked him before the tournament, like, if he would consider doing that if he wanted.
- [73:38]
E
Yeah, he shot his thing a 60th too.
- [73:41]
C
Yeah, that course was very good.
- [73:43]
B
Yeah, I thought that's why they did it. But I wasn't sure if it was something like, hey, at the end of live, the champion drinks milk.
- [73:49]
D
It's pretty cool.
- [73:50]
E
Every. Every stop, they do different, you know, different gimmick, you know, for the locals.
- [73:55]
A
I'm not gonna. Not gonna make fun of it. All right. I love golf talk. We have a little football talk on tap for us. Our good friend Harry Douglas. Hell, yeah. Has been waiting patiently while we talk about golf. Thank you for joining us, former Fox former superstar. Thank you for hanging with us today. Do you have any golf takes before we get to football?
- [74:19]
G
No, I'm not much of a golfer, although I just finished playing in Jim Kelly's charity golf tournament, Kelly for kids up in Batavia, New York. And man, I probably, out of all the holes, I probably hit the ball correctly three to four times.
- [74:34]
B
Okay, that's not bad start.
- [74:37]
A
How do you play like that?
- [74:39]
C
What do you mean?
- [74:40]
G
I mean, it's called drinking.
- [74:47]
C
You're familiar with it?
- [74:50]
A
I've heard of this, yes. All right, now we're. This is good.
- [74:54]
D
Now we're on the same page.
- [74:55]
A
This is great. I don't like to drink when I play golf.
- [75:01]
B
Dunked on you.
- [75:06]
A
That was as bad as it gets. Let's just be real. Harry, as you were coming on, as you're waiting, we got the news that Joe Flacco is the starting quarterback for the Browns. First of all, your reaction to that and second of all, what do you think now happens to the rest of that quarterback room, Kenny Pickett included?
- [75:27]
F
Yes.
- [75:28]
G
So number one, starting with Joe Flacco, it's exactly what I expected to happen him be the starting for starter for week one. Now, the reason why I would have went this route as well. When you look at their, their schedule, it's pretty daunting to start off. And the last thing you want to do is to have a rookie quarterback say, man, I got to keep up with all these teams that we have to play. Joe Burrow is week one. I believe in that mix you have Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens and and so on and so on. So I felt like Joe Flacco was the guy for the job week one. Now at some point, gradually, you have to figure out if, you know, is it going to be Dylan Gabriel, is it going to be Shador Sanders with the two first round picks in 2026? But at the same time, when you look at the number two quarterback now, that's up for grabs. Now I thought Dylan Gabriel this weekend in his first preseason game had a solid showing outside of the turnovers. And I don't want to downplay those because if Shador Sanders would have threw a pick six or Shador Sanders would have fumbled the football trying to hand the ball off to the running back, then there would be a lot of people right here today crucifying him. Now, Dylan Gabriel did some Great things going 3 for 3 on third downs in the first drive. Throwing the ball in tight windows where only his receiver can catch it. Yes, all those things are great. But at the quarterback position, the main thing that you're supposed to do is take care of football. I know in every offensive meeting that I got up to or I was in during my 10 years playing, the number one must that week was no turnovers. Take care of the football.
- [76:56]
A
Yeah.
- [76:56]
G
And then for a guy who touches it every single play, you got to be able to do that. So, you know, between the two performances, I will give the edge to Shador Sanders because he didn't turn the football over. And that's something that I'm not going to take lightly.
- [77:08]
A
Now, Harriet, before you were on, we got a little bit of news, another see very important piece of quarterback news. The boys are going to have some questions for you in a second, but I want to get to this. Matthew Stafford practiced today. He was on the practice field. You can see him now looking good, throwing some deep balls to Devonte and Puka. Puka, you're watching this now. You've obviously seen that Stafford is on the practice field. You've been following along like all, all of us. What do you think when you see this right here in front of you?
- [77:39]
G
Well, number one, yesterday was Sunday, so God answered a lot of prayers for that. That's, that's the first damn thing that comes to my mind. But this is a, this is a great sign because, you know, Friday I was concerned that Matthew Stafford, well, more than concerned, I was alarmed that he hadn't practiced up until that point. And when you have two receivers like devonte Adams and also Puk Dua and for a guy like Matthew Stafford, does he need those reps 1,000%? No. But you would love for him to get reps with the number 1A and 1B receiver that he does have because I picked the Los Angeles Rams to have the number one seed in the NFC as a conference this season. When you look at their schedule, everyone talks about the 49ers and their schedule, how easy it is. Well, San Fran only played, only played four games against teams that made the playoffs last year. The Rams only played five games versus teams who made the playoffs last season. So this is a team I felt like gotten better since last year. And if it wasn't for, you know, Jalen Carter dismantling an offensive lineman, we might be talking have talk about a different story within the Philadelphia Eagles going to winning the super bowl last year. So I really like the Rams and where they are right now as a football team. But the catalyst to it all has to be Matthew Stafford at the quarterback position who can still make every single throw on the field.
- [78:53]
A
Yeah. And it really feels like the conversation, like now that we look, we'll see tomorrow if Stafford, we'll hear from McVay, we'll get his schedule and see kind of like how hard they're going to, you know, push the button on him basically. But just him being on the field for me feels like the conversation has now changed. Like you see him, he's functional. He throws like I think the Rams are going to be really, really, really good. And now that he is at least back practicing, that can sort of, that can sort of kick off and, and keep us going in that direction. I know the.
- [79:28]
G
But Ian, let me say this though. Oh yes. Here's the catcher though.
- [79:31]
A
Go ahead.
- [79:32]
G
It's a good sign that he's out there practicing and he's throwing, but it's also imperative that he doesn't have setbacks. Right. That's the big thing when it comes to a back injury.
- [79:40]
A
Right. That's a good call. That's a good call. Especially Boyce have some questions for you. Tone, Go ahead.
- [79:44]
C
Yeah. Harry, good to see you. Reminds me that week zero is this week. We are basically back to football. But I wanted to ask you about your Falcons. Penck has not played in the preseason, but I know they've had two, at least two joint practices with two different teams so far. So he's got his work in there. How do you feel about Penck and the Falcons this year? Because I thought he looked really good at the end of last season. And then have you heard anything about those two young boys coming off the edge that are going to, that are going to be the difference this year for their defense?
- [80:13]
G
So let me say this about Michael Penck first. Last year was the bird call, right. When my Falcons were winning games. This year Michael Penix is. Michael Phoenix Jr. Is the quarterback.
- [80:22]
B
Yeah.
- [80:23]
G
Thumbs the gunslinger. Thumbs the gunslinger. Get ready baby. They're going to be fireworks all over the place. So what I love the most about Michael Pennix Jr. Is you want always want your quarterback to be a cool, calm and collected. He is extremely that in the pocket. You also want your quarterback to throw dimes and be able to make every single throw on the football field. Short, intermediate, deep outside the numbers. He's pinpoint accurate. He does those things as well. I think Michael Penix Jr. Is going to be able to unlock Kyle Pitts Jr. And that's exactly what all of us have Been waiting on Kyle Pitts to be unlocked and those two guys being very, very close golfing buddies as well. I think that's the last thing when it, when you talk about this Falcons offense, is Kyle Pitts really coming along and having a season even better than he did his rookie year. That's the only year he had for a thousand, a thousand yards receiving. But that's also the year that he had competent quarterback play with Matt Ryan as well. So I'm looking for a big year for Cal Pitts, also for Michael Pennix Jr. And you look at this defense, that's the chess piece because three of the last four years, 31st, 31st, 32nd and second, the quarterback. That's why you draft a Jalen walker in the first round. You give up your 2026 pick with the Rams and you go and get a James Pierce Jr those guys are going to have to be ferocious and I don't think they have time to ease into it because a lot of people are are telling me that the Falcons need to catch up to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. People are people forgetting that the Atlanta Falcons had like a three or four game lead in the NFC south last season and if it wasn't for Kurt Cousins throwing nine interceptions is just one touchdown in like four games. We're talking about a different story in the NFC South. So a lot of people are forgetting that the Falcons had a three or four game lead in that division on top of beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So if that defense and you don't have to be world beaters, you don't have to be great, but you have to be able to not allow the quarterback for the opposing team to be comfortable in the pocket. And we all know D Buzz, you know this.
- [82:24]
A
Yep.
- [82:24]
G
The pass rush and the secondary go hand in hand.
- [82:27]
E
Oh yeah.
- [82:27]
G
If you're not getting pressure on the quarterback, I don't care who you have in your secondary, they're not going to be able to cover for five or six seconds.
- [82:34]
E
Yeah, speak. Speaking of the guys that are going to have to get covered, a lot of rookie wide receivers. I know you're tapped in the college football game and obviously NFL. A lot of rookie wide receivers going to be on the board. You know, Travis Hunter, Matthew golden out to Green Bay A book it down in Tampa Bay. TMAC in Carolina. Who do you I guess expect the most out of this year? Early on, I think only golden. I would expect to probably be wide receiver one and maybe TMAC down in Carolina. The other guys have other counterpart parts but who's kind of in that best position that you expect the most production going in this year.
- [83:05]
G
I'm going to go with Matthew going golden for Green Bay because finally, you know, Jordan Love has a number one wide receiver. This is a guy that for the last six games at Texas last year, he led Texas in receiving yards and he was their big play guy. SEC championship, big games down the stretch. It was Matthew golden that Quinn Ewers went to time and time again. So I'm really looking forward to seeing him. He has the size, he has the speed, he has the explosiveness. He's a hands catcher. He's strong at the catch point as well. So I'm really looking forward to him taking the top off and also intermediate on crucial downs, third and three to five, third and six and seven, running that slant, catching the ball strong with his hands, not worried about the safety hitting him, looking forward to Matthew Golden. Here's another chess piece guy that I'm looking at too. When you look at the New England patriots and Josh McDaniels going there and you go back to his history being the offensive coordinator for the Patriots, it was always that, that slot guy, right, that. That really got off. So they drafted a receiver in the third round by the name of Cal Williams.
- [84:07]
B
Oh, hell yeah.
- [84:08]
G
Cal Williams is the guy that I, that I really, really love. He's like a human joystick. But when the football's in the. Is in the air, he's accelerating, going to get it. If he can get the playbook down and show Drake May that he can be trusted. Cal Williams is another guy that I'm high on.
- [84:25]
B
Okay, I like it.
- [84:28]
A
Let's stick in the receiver world. Ty has a question for you.
- [84:31]
D
Yeah, Harry, We've been talking ad nauseam about the Terry McLaurin situation and how, you know, he's been kind of like the. The poster child, consummate professional face of the franchise for Washington back when they were dog. Not just last year, you know, when they went to the NFC Championship. What do you ultimately think is going to happen with this situation? It seems like they're, you know, a couple million dollars on part on where he sees himself and what Washington is willing to pay him. What do you think's going to happen with this? And do you think. I mean, there's no way that Washington can go where they want to go without Terry McLaren this year. Right?
- [85:05]
A
Yeah.
- [85:05]
G
So first things first. This might be one of the dumbest situations in the National Football League right now. From who you're talking about. Well, from the Front office of the Commanders. Like, you have a guy in Terry McLaren who is your number one wide receiver. They were six on third, sixth, and third downs last year. And converting. They were first on fourth downs. So if I'm fifth Kingsbury, if I'm Dan Quinn, if I know we go for it on fourth down frequently, do you think I want to go for it? If I don't have my number one wide receiver out there with me, with my quarterback, I have Jaden Daniels as my number one guy to win MVP. But if Terry McClure's not out there, I don't have Jaden Daniels as my number one guy. And here's another part to it. Jaden Daniels was so good last season. You know, he covered up for a lot of deficiencies that the Commanders actually had. Why would you add another deficiency to Jaden Daniels and put that on his plate if he doesn't have a number one wide receiver? He already led the team in rushing last season at the quarterback position. The defense was 30th versus the run. That's something a lot of people don't talk about. He covered up for all these deficiencies at the quarterback position. Why would you put one more thing on his plate by not allowing him to have his number one wide receiver? And for a guy like Terry McLaurin, who had 82, 83 catches, well, 56 of those catches went for first downs, fellas. So my thinking is, why would you not pay Terry McLaurin for the next three years and extend him when you have this window of your quarterback being on a rookie contract? I think Jaden Daniels, the next three years totaling, I think the total is like $31 million. He's counting against the cap. Why not capitalize on this opportunity right now? Because, no, they're not contending for anything, in my opinion. If Terry McLaurin is not out there on the football field with Jay Nails.
- [86:52]
A
Well, the other thing I keep thinking is, like, you mentioned the runs. And there were times last year, it was late in this. It was in the playoffs. There was a couple games late in the season into the playoffs where he got hit. And each time he got hit, I'm like, oh, God. You know, and not just because I'm someone who reports on injuries, but also, like, can we just keep this guy healthy? And so, like, what you would sort of think is less run, fewer runs this year, and more spreading it around to the weapons. But that's one of the best weapons. And, you know, they need to get Terry.
- [87:22]
E
Yeah, I mean, got to have especially you go and trade for a guy like Debo. Like, from a defensive back standpoint, if Terry's on the field, that makes Debo 10 times more dangerous because you can't really focus in on him. He's the guy. You get the ball in his hands. And you mentioned the fourth downs. Like, they also do a lot. A lot of hurry up, you know, a lot of hurry up, a lot of fourth down. Keeps the offense off balance. But how important for the people that don't know are these reps? I know Terry's a savvy vet, but he only played one year, one season with Jaden Daniels. How important are these training camp reps for a wide receiver and a quarterback?
- [87:56]
G
On the scale of 1 to 10, I'm going to say 11.
- [87:59]
C
Okay.
- [88:00]
G
Because at the quarterback. At the quarterback position, right, You. You want to have that rapport with your number one wide receiver. Now, they had it last season, but remember, it didn't start off that way. It gradually worked into that. But if. If my number one guy isn't practicing the entire offseason because he's dealing with the contract situation, he's not going to be ready to go Full Throttle Week 1. How that's humanly impossible. There's nothing that anyone can do away from football to get in game shape. And D Buzz, you know this. There's nothing a player can do to get in shape at home that he can do going against his guys every single day in practice. So just him not out there doing that. I think when he does come back and he practice, once he gets his contract, you're not going to be able to put him out there for an entire game and play the. Or take the bulk of the load that he's normally taken, I would say. But also, guys, I want to ask y' all this. Who else on that roster from a receiver position, and I'm saying this with the. Like, in a humble way, who is the guy that y' all think that can line up and be the number one wide receiver against the team's number one corner and get open frequently?
- [89:07]
C
Maybe for Washington, maybe just Luke McCaffrey. That's the only guy. Like, honestly, I was looking at their depth chart earlier. Like, right now, it's.
- [89:17]
A
Give us a.
- [89:18]
H
It's Terry.
- [89:18]
C
Noah Brown is hurt. Correct. Debo, Chris Moore, Luke McCaffrey and Jalen Lane, the rookie out of Virginia Tech. Like, that's. Yeah, that's really.
- [89:27]
E
You need.
- [89:27]
C
They need to.
- [89:28]
A
Harry, we got one more. I know Boston Connor wants to get to you, but for, for Terry. Now he has been practicing. He has been practicing by himself. He's been kind of. Now he's slowly ramping up. How long do you think it takes to get him from right now, which is like, kind of been doing some work to like ready on the field. Let's go.
- [89:50]
G
Two and a half, three weeks. Okay, think about this, y'.
- [89:54]
A
All receiver.
- [89:55]
G
A receiver runs 60 yards, doesn't get the ball, runs back 60 yards, right?
- [89:59]
A
Yeah.
- [89:59]
G
Receiver could run 20, 20 yards, catch a bench, rather deep out. Okay, then you got. But they go. No huddle though too now. So this is a, this is pimple type offense. So all these things you have to factor in when it comes to being in game shape with Terry McClaune at the wide receiver position.
- [90:15]
A
All right, One more for you.
- [90:16]
B
Yeah. Harry, love what you said about Kyle Williams. I'm Patriots fan. I think what you really need to, and I'm sure you probably already know him, but this guy's taken over. His name's Effton Chisholm. You know, you mentioned Josh McDaniel. Offenses a huge key to those offenses. Small, no name white guy catching passes that no one's ever heard of before. And that is who FT Chisholm is. But also undrafted guy. But aside from that looking at you over there, you got that Louisville Cardinal above your head. A guy that you started college with, Tyler Schuck, is currently in a QB battle in New Orleans. What's the word? So mean you're hearing about Tyler Schuck. And realistically, if you're a Saints fan and you're looking at this season, I mean, we already talked about the Falcons, we mentioned Tampa, things in Carolina seem to be turning around. What really are you kind of looking for if you're just a Saints fan going into this year with Kelly Moe in his first year.
- [91:13]
G
So number one, if I'm Kelly Moore and the season started today, Spencer Rattler would be the quarterback that I start.
- [91:17]
A
Okay.
- [91:18]
G
And the reason why I say that is because when you look at Shub, you see some great things. Last week he had to pick six and then came right back, double move through the touchdown pass. But even yesterday versus Jacksonville, you see moments where he might be holding a full football a little too long. Right. And, and, and that's just what you can't do in this league. Caleb Williams has, has understood that now with Ben Johnson coaching him, if you want to be productive in this league, you got to go through your reads precisely right. You have to throw with anticipation. The minute you sit there and you're like, then that's when you're going to get sacked. That's when force fumbles happen. So I just saw from a the standpoint of Spencer Rattler, I thought he looked better in yesterday's performance. Let's see what the third preseason game gives us. But you know, Tyler Sugg, he's going to be a good quarterback in this league. I just think right now I will go with Spencer Rattler as my starting quarterback.
- [92:08]
A
And at least if you do that, like, you can. You can say, all right, like, not that you want to bench Spencer Rattler, but you could do it. You could say, I bring on the rookie. It's time to do it the other way. Seems more challenging, right? Like, to do it the other way.
- [92:22]
B
Same with AR and Dan Jones. That's damn near.
- [92:25]
A
Yeah. I mean, it's. Yeah, that's exactly right. Because when you do that, it's like, you know, how do you.
- [92:31]
B
How do you go back to kill his confidence?
- [92:33]
A
Yeah, that's exactly right. Harry, great stuff. Appreciate you, man. Thank you for the talk. Thank you for the knowledge. And I would say we will talk to you soon. I'm sure these guys will talk to you very soon. I might not, but then again, I might, so. Thank you, man. Great stuff. Appreciate you.
- [92:50]
G
Yeah, also, Ian, don't be scared.
- [92:52]
A
Don't be.
- [92:53]
G
Don't be scared to drink on the golf course, man. It's okay. You won't be crucified for it.
- [93:01]
C
He's got a flask behind the mic.
- [93:02]
B
Right now driving him to the airport. He's only 12.
- [93:07]
A
This is like. It's like Happy Gilmore where it's like drinking everything.
- [93:09]
E
Exactly. Boom.
- [93:10]
C
The mic turns into boom.
- [93:12]
B
There you go.
- [93:14]
A
I appreciate the words of advice. Thank you, Harry.
- [93:16]
B
Thank you, Harry.
- [93:20]
A
You guys are right. I do have. That was great stuff, by the way.
- [93:22]
B
Yeah, he's awesome receiver.
- [93:23]
A
I mean, that was.
- [93:24]
E
It's locked in.
- [93:25]
C
Yeah, locked in.
- [93:27]
A
I also appreciated the Tower Shook Louisville line.
- [93:30]
D
Yeah.
- [93:31]
A
I do have my son Max here. You guys mention it. Can I bring him up to say hello? You guys okay with that?
- [93:36]
D
Real quick?
- [93:36]
B
He ain't my boy.
- [93:37]
A
Come here, Max. Come here.
- [93:39]
D
Come on, max.
- [93:41]
A
Max is 12. As you guys know, he has been in Fiji at sleepaway camp. Mac, say hi to everyone. Hello.
- [93:48]
D
How you doing, Max?
- [93:50]
B
Good work, Max.
- [93:51]
A
He has been. I promised him a year ago that I would take him on a trip to Indianapolis for the Pat McAfee show, not knowing whether or not I would be back here.
- [94:01]
C
Sure.
- [94:01]
D
Nice.
- [94:02]
A
So now I have the opportunity. He's back from summer camp.
- [94:05]
C
He's very polite, I'll say that.
- [94:06]
B
Yeah, he is.
- [94:07]
A
I would not say that.
- [94:08]
D
He's good a.
- [94:09]
A
He's all right. His mother did a very nice job.
- [94:11]
B
Yeah, he definitely played you.
- [94:13]
C
No, instead of.
- [94:13]
A
Right. I mean, I spend most of my time holed up in my basement making phone calls, yelling at people to give me scoops.
- [94:19]
B
Yeah, no, he's very, very polite, very kind.
- [94:21]
C
Boy, have you learned anything here today?
- [94:25]
A
Were you paying attention? Be honest. No. No.
- [94:30]
B
Okay.
- [94:30]
E
What was your favorite moment from camp?
- [94:32]
A
What?
- [94:32]
E
From camp.
- [94:33]
A
What was your favorite moment from camp.
- [94:34]
C
When your parents shipped you away for three months?
- [94:37]
A
Seven. Yeah, my favorite moment was probably doing the regatta in the camp wide color war thing.
- [94:46]
C
Oh, you got a regatta? That's what you used to say back one.
- [94:49]
A
First place.
- [94:50]
E
Oh, hell, yeah.
- [94:50]
B
Yeah, no big deal. All right.
- [94:53]
A
All right. Thank you, Max.
- [94:55]
B
Boy, Max.
- [94:56]
C
So is he destined for, like, the navy now?
- [94:58]
A
I have no idea.
- [94:59]
B
I don't think so.
- [95:00]
A
I'll tell you what. That's actually really mean. No, I think about this all the time. Like, I have two kids. They play sports. Like, both are pretty good athletes. And I think about all the time, like, all right, what would I do if one of them is, like, great, Right? Like, so, like, we're raising him. He's eight. He's nine. He's playing. All of a sudden, he's like, the best in the world. It's like, how would I do that?
- [95:24]
B
Yeah.
- [95:25]
A
And I've never really wondered about that one with once. I've realized, I mean, these guys are good athletes, but they're not, you know? And now Max is a great sailor. It's like, what if I have to turn him on to, like.
- [95:35]
C
Well, you were a great sailor, too.
- [95:37]
D
Well, you got to get a. You got to get an oar in the boy's hand. He's got Rowan crew in his blood.
- [95:43]
C
Does he know about your coxman history?
- [95:44]
A
He. Not Koshman. He does know, and he loves. And he loves nature, and he loves being out. And so crew is amazing because you're out there in, like, the world.
- [95:55]
B
Oh, yeah.
- [95:55]
A
And so, like, I think it would be great for them.
- [95:57]
D
Build a boat house in your backyard.
- [96:00]
A
We. We live in a town that does have water.
- [96:02]
D
Okay.
- [96:02]
B
Okay.
- [96:03]
A
And they do have some. Some yacht clubs and some other sailing things. They have a good crew.
- [96:07]
B
I mean, the northeast for. Shoot, I know we're kind of joking around, but the northeast for Rowan is like a very, very. Yeah. High school. Rowing, I mean.
- [96:17]
A
Oh, yeah.
- [96:17]
B
Like, it's like a damn near a pipeline. It's really just California and the Northeast.
- [96:22]
A
Yeah. I mean, I think about it as a parent who would love to send their child to like the greatest school you could possibly, like, just be a rower.
- [96:30]
B
Yeah.
- [96:30]
D
Actually, I was going to say Iowa actually has a fantastic rowing team.
- [96:35]
E
Really?
- [96:35]
D
Yeah. Boathouse is beautiful.
- [96:37]
A
Is this like the Flacco accent thing?
- [96:38]
D
No, I'm dead serious.
- [96:40]
C
The Flacco accent thing is real. And so the Iowa boathouse.
- [96:43]
D
Yeah, I used to power wash the deck on that thing all the time in summer.
- [96:46]
A
Did you actually. Oh, yeah.
- [96:48]
E
I don't know if that's real. I think he's.
- [96:50]
D
This is what I'm saying. They don't have a men's team, unfortunately, because of title nine. But you know, it is, you know, they do have one no.
- [96:57]
C
Against Georgia. Iowa's the Hawkeye, so.
- [97:02]
A
That's right. Yes. So anyway, Max is here hanging out. He has been paying, I would say not very much attention to the show.
- [97:10]
B
No, no, he paid. He paid a good amount of attention. He was letting us know how much time we had left before the break was over. And that really pissed me off. So it was definitely fun. Someone should tell him, I'm gonna beat the hell out of his dad if he keeps talking.
- [97:23]
A
It sounds about right.
- [97:24]
D
He's been loading his gullet full of Taco Bell and playing mini clip games on his laptop, acting like a normal 12 year old.
- [97:31]
A
He did say to me before, before the show started, he was like, everyone's kind of like running around before the show. And I'm like, yeah, that's like, yeah, that's.
- [97:40]
B
That's kind of how it goes.
- [97:42]
D
Controlled chaos.
- [97:43]
A
Controlled cat.
- [97:44]
E
You guys actually missed the best chaos. Oh yeah, but it's fun. Fun morning.
- [97:51]
B
There was a fun Monday morning.
- [97:52]
C
There's a big old storm this weekend here in Indianapolis. High winds, high lightning, high electricity.
- [97:58]
B
Yeah, let's just say 4 hours ago we were not gonna be able to do a show.
- [98:01]
A
So actually serious.
- [98:03]
C
And there was.
- [98:03]
B
Oh yeah, yeah, that's actually. Apologies to the start of the show cuz our ears were hearing some ringing noise, so hopefully no one else did. But like that's how bad it was. Everything got shut down before you got here.
- [98:15]
D
I'd say we were up on the stage for probably like an hour and 10 minutes testing everything and the. The boys in the back were basically just scrambling to try to fix everything.
- [98:22]
B
These guys were sweating back there because they were running around plugging stuff in.
- [98:26]
A
Yeah, Zito rebuilt the whole studio.
- [98:28]
B
Good work. Boys, shut up.
- [98:29]
A
Which is what?
- [98:29]
B
Great job, boy.
- [98:30]
A
Great job. Great job.
- [98:31]
C
Mid had an unexposed wire in one hand and unexposed wire in his other and the currency was just flowing through him. That's kind of how we got there.
- [98:39]
B
So we just told him to put him in his mouth and just stand in there. So he's just got two wires hanging out.
- [98:44]
A
I just. Of all of the things that, like, I exist in a world basically full of chaos. Like, I'm doing this show now and my phone is buzzing and it could be literally anything. And so it's like I am used to that when the weather screws things up, I want to lose my mind. Yeah. It is like my training camp tour, which was like 16 flights in 16 days. Every day was like, how's the weather going to screw up my day? Like, and I can't. Did it.
- [99:11]
B
Yeah, it's a real pain in the ass. Especially when, you know, weather cancels baseball games.
- [99:17]
C
That. That does stink.
- [99:18]
D
It does.
- [99:19]
B
We're trying to connect the jet. We're going to talk. We're going.
- [99:22]
A
Yeah, that was good. I noticed that too. We. We're gonna. We're gonna talk a little baseball. We are going to talk a little baseball. Not just because we got literally going on. On the main thing and we're on the other thing, but also because it's baseball season and my Mets are. They're going to be better. They're going to be better.
- [99:39]
D
Have you gone to any games next year?
- [99:40]
A
I've been to a couple games.
- [99:41]
B
Did you use SeatGeek to buy your tickets?
- [99:46]
A
So what happened is.
- [99:47]
B
Yeah, you did. With over 30 million downloads, SeatGeek is the number one rated ticket in Nap. Each ticket is rated on a scale of one to ten. So the green dots, green means good, red means bad. Week zero is coming. $30 off all tickets with code PAT. That's just code PAT. P A T. $30 off tickets. But remember, actually if tickets like 28 bucks, they're not going to give you two dollars. So you can go a game. Okay.
- [100:10]
A
They're not. Or they are.
- [100:11]
B
They're not. You're not gonna. Restrictions apply to the $30.
- [100:15]
D
So move yourself down to field level and then get $30 off that one.
- [100:18]
A
Bingo.
- [100:18]
B
Yes.
- [100:19]
A
So that sounds like a great company.
- [100:22]
B
Phenomenal.
- [100:23]
A
Yeah. What I do is I call people and they give me tickets.
- [100:29]
E
Oh, it's a good move too.
- [100:31]
B
But you can't really go to games, can you? Cuz you have to. I mean, you kind of fall into that.
- [100:36]
C
You can't Even take a shower.
- [100:37]
A
Remember, it's so I take a shower but the phone is in the show. I missed. What did I miss when I was in the shower? And oh, cuz. So at my, in my house I have like a stand. So idiotic. I have a stand for my phone in the shower.
- [100:50]
D
Oh, that makes sense.
- [100:51]
A
And so, so sometimes people will call me and I answer all. Every phone call. Yeah. Except sometimes like Pat Will FaceTime me, which that does not get answered. Right. But it's like when I was a training camp, I didn't have my shower stand so I missed the Kyron Williams contract extension immediate. Because of the shower. One person who also showers with his phone, I assume. I don't know, let's ask him. Our good friend Jeff Passon.
- [101:21]
B
Yeah, baby.
- [101:22]
A
Jeff joining us on the Pat McAfee Show. Jeff, thank you for joining.
- [101:27]
H
What kind of loser has a stand for his phone in the shower?
- [101:34]
A
Is this not what people do?
- [101:36]
D
Yes.
- [101:38]
A
I knew it. See, this was like the flat, dude. I have, I have. Take me through it. Give us, give us it. Take us to it.
- [101:45]
H
Yeah, listen, you have to adjust the shower head just so because it's the little droplets that you worry about like getting into the bottom of the phone right there that can blow the whole thing up. So you got to make sure that that's up against like a side and covered and you gotta sorta angle the shower head so that the blowback isn't too bad. And yeah, I have broken news in the shower before. I'm not proud of it, but kinda proud of it.
- [102:14]
C
But you guys are the best at what you do.
- [102:15]
D
Bingo.
- [102:16]
A
I appreciate you guys saying that. You should be proud of it though because like why I'm not proud because it's embarrassing.
- [102:23]
H
What kind of lives do we lead where we have to take our phones into the shower?
- [102:28]
A
Like that's terrible.
- [102:29]
H
That's not quality of life.
- [102:30]
B
It's the world we live in.
- [102:31]
A
God, I just, I just feel bad for the fans who would miss out on having news 30 seconds before they otherwise would. Just so I can shower. Like they deserve the news. Yeah.
- [102:44]
C
And there's no other news breakers that would break it.
- [102:46]
A
I hate all of you.
- [102:48]
B
Well, no, there's that dog, Ricky.
- [102:50]
D
Ricky the dog, baby.
- [102:51]
A
He's probably going to be tweeting at Jeff, so first of all, thank you.
- [102:54]
C
Hold on.
- [102:55]
H
Do you, do you compete with the dog for news?
- [102:57]
A
Yeah, I compete with everyone. There's people, there's landmines all over.
- [103:01]
D
He out scooped rap this weekend actually. You can admit it. He did.
- [103:06]
A
My God. Joins a long list of dogs who have out scoop me. So I'm a Mets fan. I love baseball. I'm a Mets fan. I did watch last night. No, it's good. We're in a good place now. Starting, starting this weekend. Are my Mets going to be okay? Please tell me my Mets are going to be okay. I saw we called up one of our top prospects for the minors. That was very good. His help on the way. Did we do enough at the trade deadline? Are my Mets going to be okay?
- [103:37]
H
I think if they're going to be okay, it's more because the rest of the National League is just kind of mid and. And they could back their way in. I will say this, Nolan McClain coming up was really good for them. And not just because he threw five and a third shut out in his first start, but because the Mets were 45 and 24 in on the strength of their starting pitching. And they're starting pitching in pretty much the same number of games since then. Has been among the worst in Major League Baseball. On top of that, their bullpen has been leaky. The top of their lineup is great. It's going to continue to be like to me, their biggest strength. When you've got Lindor and Soto and Alonzo in Nemo, like, they got guys who can hit up there, but if they want to win in the postseason, they need to stabilize their pitching. And I don't anticipate that we're going to see a whole lot from the prospect ranks beyond Nolan McClain.
- [104:34]
A
So I'm not getting Jonah time.
- [104:37]
H
Probably not. He's thrown a lot of innings this season, struck out a lot of dudes. He is probably more like a May. You know, depending on how the off season goes, I would anticipate him being like a May 2026 guy. There's a chance he breaks camp with the team. I mean, if. If the Mets really feel like he's got a good chance to win Rookie of the Year in Major League Baseball. If you are a top 100 prospect, you start the season with the team and you have a full year of service there and you get top two and Rookie of the Year, you get a draft pick. So yeah, the incentive to bring a guy up before the season is strong in that regard. And it's why you see a guy like Sam Desallo with the Baltimore Orioles not coming up until after August 15th because he maintains his rookie eligibility. Having less than 45 days on the big league roster and in all likelihood fewer than 130 plate appearances. So he will still be eligible for that prospect promotion incentive pick next year.
- [105:45]
A
Interesting. Interesting. All right, that's enough nerd. Nerd met stuff for me. There's been some really fascinating macro Major League Baseball team issues that we want to get to. Ty Schmidt has a question for you.
- [105:58]
D
Yeah, Jet. I don't know if this is just kind of like a known thing, but it was kind of shocking when the commissioner of mlb, Rob Manfred last night basically said like, hey, yeah, expansion is coming and we're also going to have to look at kind of reformatting, you know, the divisions and everything where in a. Potentially in a world, you know, the Yankees and the Mets will be in the same division maybe with Boston and you know, Philly who, who knows how they're going to do it. Was this like expected? We know this was coming this soon. And what kind of timeline could this potentially be? Because hearing that last night I, I genuinely was like holy shit. I didn't realize this was so close on the horizon.
- [106:38]
H
Let, let's start with the timeline, Ty, because that's the most important thing here. This is at minimum like four years off. I think there is a possibility. And all of this goes according to do the A's move to Las Vegas as planned and expected. And what of the Tampa Bay Rays? They just are in the process of selling right now, so the likelihood is that they will remain there. There would be two expansion teams if owners go forward with it. And look, owners want the 2 plus billion dollar expansion fee that they're going to get same time. They also understand that this next television contract after 2028 that they expect to sign that they want to cover everything in baseball, not just national tv for the World Series and for the postseason, the All Star Game and other things like that. But they want it to be all of the local television rights as well and to pull those and get an enormous number that they can then distribute out to every team. So they have to get their ducks in a row. But expansion just makes sense because of the windfall that would come from those expansion fees being redistributed out to all the other teams. And listen, I think Nashville is almost a shoo in at this point. Yeah, you've also got, you've also got Salt Lake City which has really impressed people at mlb and they've got ownership in place, they've got stadium plan in place. 3 Des Moines is not going to be. But Midwest represent. Don't talk, don't talk on the Midwest. I, I don't Want to hear a single word from your obnoxious coastal ass as if the Midwest is any less worthy of baseball than you turds out on the coast. Anyway, beyond that, the, the realignment thing to me is the most interesting part because the question is, what does Major League Baseball want? Does it want to realign into eight divisions with four teams each, or does it want to radically realign to eight divisions with four teams each? And the radical sort of realignment that I'm thinking of is putting the Yankees in the Mets in the same division. It is putting the Dodgers in the Angels in the same division.
- [108:57]
A
Division.
- [108:57]
H
It is putting the Cubs in the White Sox.
- [108:59]
C
Geographical.
- [109:00]
H
And the idea of destroying the American. Yeah, I mean, it's rap. It's going to be within the realm of possibility. When you are, when you are talking about realignment, that makes sense. And Rob Manfred, I don't think it was an accident he talked about geographical realignment. When you assign the word geography to realignment, what else would you think other than they're going to find those little metrics, area pockets and that northeast pocket right there with the Red Sox, the Yankees, the Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, or potentially you could do.
- [109:34]
A
These are all the teams, dude, listen.
- [109:37]
H
I know, but beyond that, the issue to me that is really at hand here, are we going to have an American League, International League, and is it going to look anything like it has? Historically, like baseball fans have been willing to accept a lot over the. These last few years, and I think most of the moves, frankly, have been great. I adore the pitch clock. I think it's fantastic. I think abs, the challenge system with automated balls and strikes is going to be a net positive. But, man, if you do anything to mess up what has been in place since the advent of the game and the lens through which fans view that and the rivalries that exist right now, I think there will be significant pushback on MLB if they entertain the idea that there cannot be A New York vs New York World Series. If they were to split up the Cubs and the Cardinals from the same.
- [110:31]
C
Division.
- [110:33]
H
When they realign guys, they're going to have to be judicious, thoughtful and understanding of these things that fans hold.
- [110:42]
A
So, dear God, I hate the Yankees so, so much. I would hate him even more if we played them more. But that just seems.
- [110:48]
D
Well, it weakens how special it is when the Yankees and Mets play each other right now. But I guess that's, that's the Jeff's point. You know, it's like, hey, that's just something you're gonna have to get over with.
- [110:56]
A
And I mean I got over like pitchcock has been amazing. Manfred is, has been controversial and I think really, really good in a lot of ways. Like pitchcock. I don't know about saving baseball, but that has been an all time. So like, I don't know. I want to get to, I want to talk about one of my favorite Mets who no longer is a member of the Mets. Tone Diggs has a question for you.
- [111:19]
C
Yeah, Jeff, you reported yesterday that Zach Wheeler has a blood clot near his shoulder. Believe went on the 15 day il. I mean the Phillies are, I believe they're second right now in odds to win the World Series. Do we have any more information on Wheeler? Because this would be a ginormous low for them in their World Series hopes.
- [111:38]
H
Yeah, they're doing more testing right now and they are going to reassess and try and figure out is this something that can be mitigated, Is this something that can be fixed before the end of the season. I mean if he were to need to go on blood thinners, for example, the likelihood would be that his season is over. But we're not there at this point. Regardless, not having Zach Wheeler changes things for the Phillies because you know, they went out and got Joanne to run at the trade deadline and that was a really good move for them. It gave them that closer that they desperately needed, particularly with Jose Alvarado out for the postseason after a positive PED test. But if the Phillies were going to win, it was going to be because they rode their starting pitching. It was going to be because Zach Wheeler was there in game one. And Christopher Sanchez, who has been as good as the best pitchers in baseball this year, was going to be pitching game two. And they could go with Ranger Suarez or Aaron. No, like they have a deep, deep starting pitching roster which is going to allow them to be okay without Zach Wheeler. Will it allow them to be great? That's the question. And something to keep an eye on. I'll be curious to see if they call up Andrew Painter among the top pitching prospects in baseball. A guy who just was off limits in trade talks at the deadline.
- [112:54]
A
I used to love Zach Wheeler as a member of the Mets. I don't like him so much anymore. But you just this is the worst and you hate it. And I don't know where the answers are. And there's been a couple of these in football. Christian Barmore has been one. Trae Smith coming out was certainly a blood caught question. The Chiefs figured it out and he has been one of the best players in football, so it is possible, but you just hate it.
- [113:21]
D
Yeah.
- [113:22]
A
I mean, Zach Wheeler is Mets. Never should have let him go, but he is awesome.
- [113:25]
C
And happened with Wemby in basketball this year, too.
- [113:27]
B
Yeah, that's right.
- [113:29]
H
Dame Lillard too, right?
- [113:31]
A
That's right. Got it.
- [113:33]
C
Figure out.
- [113:33]
A
Anyway, Jeff, great stuff. Thank you very much. Appreciate you hanging out with us. I kind of wish you had given me a slight small bit more Mets like positivity, especially after the big win last night in front of all the literally kids who were trying to trash talk Pete Alonzo, which was ridiculous, but they literally were screaming in his face. Despite that he's Pete Alonzo and they're not. But you're.
- [113:56]
H
Can I say one more thing? Just as long as we're being negative right now.
- [113:59]
A
Gumpy, how tall are you?
- [114:02]
C
Breck and Jeff are six, three. All right, take it easy, Jet.
- [114:05]
E
All right?
- [114:06]
C
Relax. I mean, bro, those are two legendary footy players, brother. 63. I stood next to you, J. Come on.
- [114:16]
A
That's not fair, Guppy Gumpy.
- [114:18]
H
They may be 63, but you make them look seven foot like that.
- [114:23]
C
Not standing on a box like you, Jeff.
- [114:25]
A
Stand on. Sorry. All right.
- [114:32]
H
See you guys.
- [114:34]
E
Good fit, Gump.
- [114:35]
A
Holy. I was kind of mean that he. That he dunked on Gumpy like that.
- [114:42]
B
Yeah, well, I mean, of all things to do it. I mean.
- [114:46]
C
Also, you're underselling the height of those two. I think they're taller than 6:3.
- [114:49]
B
They're definitely taller than 6:3. And Gumpy, you snuck it in there.
- [114:52]
D
But Jet's on skyscraper.
- [114:54]
B
Jet ain't eight feet tall either.
- [114:56]
C
I've stood next to Jed at a basketball game. You know, he's not towering everybody.
- [115:01]
A
Flip flop.
- [115:02]
C
Yeah, you're totally the Jet.
- [115:03]
A
So I'm. We hung out at Ridiculous. Where. I mean, what, jets on a box there, too?
- [115:13]
D
Boomer played left tackle in the NFL for 28 years.
- [115:16]
B
Sorry.
- [115:16]
D
He's 7ft, weighs 475 pounds.
- [115:23]
C
This episode is brought to you by LifeLock. Between two factor authentication, strong passwords, and.
- [115:29]
A
A VPN, you try to be in.
- [115:30]
C
Control of how your info is protected. But many other places also have it, and they might not be as careful.
- [115:37]
A
That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions.
- [115:39]
C
Of data points a second for threats. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed, or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com podcast for 40% off terms apply.
- [115:52]
A
This isn't just another ESPN fantasy football season.
- [115:56]
D
It's your shot at greatness.
- [115:58]
A
With a refreshed design, the ESPN fantasy app is sharper than ever.
- [116:02]
D
So you can draft like a pro and dominate your league.
- [116:05]
A
And introducing gridiron gauntlet, a new game mode where the best compete to be crowned the number one fantasy football player of 2025. One app, one shot, one champion.
- [116:16]
D
Download the ESPN fantasy app and sign.
- [116:18]
A
Up to play ESPN fantasy football today.
- [116:26]
B
Now, Kirk should.
- [116:26]
A
On the other hand, Kirkjin is not very tall.
- [116:29]
D
Kirkjin's an old man. Okay.
- [116:33]
B
That's true.
- [116:34]
D
In his heyday.
- [116:34]
A
Is he.
- [116:35]
D
That's 6:1. He shrank a little bit. Now he's 5:4.
- [116:38]
A
The thing I always heard about kirkjin, and I'm pretty sure this is true.
- [116:41]
D
He's a goat.
- [116:42]
A
Yeah.
- [116:42]
D
It is true.
- [116:44]
A
You know what I'm gonna say.
- [116:45]
B
No, Jimmy K. No.
- [116:46]
C
He said he's the goat.
- [116:47]
A
He is the goat. He is a great basketball player. No, like, he was like.
- [116:56]
B
Both of you, watch your mouth.
- [116:58]
E
It was a battle.
- [116:59]
B
You see this T.R. right here?
- [117:01]
E
Yeah.
- [117:01]
B
Bobby won.
- [117:02]
E
Why is that trophy still sitting there?
- [117:03]
A
What is that trophy? Did you guys 3D print that?
- [117:07]
E
No. You need to ship that to OKC.
- [117:09]
B
Oh, you don't know? You should know. When you win a title, you keep the trophy. The next team gets a different.
- [117:14]
E
I know, but it just missed for this show.
- [117:16]
C
It feels like it shouldn't be sitting up there.
- [117:18]
B
Well, that sucks, boys, because it is.
- [117:22]
C
Yeah.
- [117:22]
D
What are you saying about Kirksen, though? He's like a dog.
- [117:25]
A
So in my revolutionized game in my previous life, I was an intern at ESPN Classic. Wow. Like, a long time ago.
- [117:35]
B
Yeah. That was channel 48 for me.
- [117:37]
E
I love that.
- [117:38]
A
Yeah, for me, it was. It was so cool. So I was between junior and senior of college, I was the 1 intern for ESPN Classic. And what I did was do, like, log tape and do work for their sports century documentary. Sure. And so I worked on the Billie Jean King documentary classic, where I developed a crush on Billie Jean King, which. Then when I met her at a mets game, I said, I had a big crush on you when I was, like, 20 from watching all these old tapes. And she said, I wish I had met you sooner. Which is one of the greatest lines I've ever had anyone tell me ever in history.
- [118:12]
B
That is sweet for many reasons. I'm pun for you.
- [118:16]
A
It was the great.
- [118:17]
B
How many people did you text?
- [118:19]
A
Everyone I know.
- [118:19]
B
Yeah.
- [118:21]
A
And then the other one was the Cal Ripken sports century. And so I heard from Kirk that Cal Ripken would have, like, Pick up basketball games, and Kirchen would just kill everyone. He was like the best point guard you reach.
- [118:33]
B
I teach.
- [118:34]
D
He used to be saying that all day long. People slapping the.
- [118:38]
B
Is that right?
- [118:38]
A
Slapping the floor. Yeah.
- [118:40]
E
I got to see the Timmy K tapes.
- [118:42]
B
Yeah.
- [118:43]
A
I mean. I mean, you could. You had some game.
- [118:45]
E
Yeah, but I'm. I'm. No. I'm.
- [118:47]
C
No, the Internet is telling me this is true.
- [118:48]
B
I mean, the Internet saying it's true. Yeah, The. The crossover from Timmy K. Yeah.
- [118:54]
A
See? Yeah.
- [118:58]
B
What did he say when he hit that corner? 3 to win the league championship for?
- [119:03]
D
Yeah, it was something like. Like, you can't sniff my jock strap.
- [119:09]
B
He said.
- [119:09]
D
I think he said it to Cal Ripken.
- [119:10]
B
Oh, that's what it was. Yeah. Yeah. He was chirping. Ripton. Yeah.
- [119:13]
D
He did the big ball dance all the way down. Tim Kirk, come on.
- [119:17]
A
Oh, my God. Yeah.
- [119:19]
B
Do you know what Tim Gershon sounds like or no?
- [119:21]
A
Yes, I for sure did.
- [119:22]
B
Then how the hell did you just ask, who is this?
- [119:25]
A
Because I didn't know if you guys are punking me again like you did previously. Since we've been talking. Sean McVick, stressful show for you.
- [119:33]
B
Just because there's so much news that could break very soon, and you just.
- [119:37]
D
Wow.
- [119:38]
A
Look at. I mean, that is Holy Hurley.
- [119:43]
B
Yeah.
- [119:44]
E
The kicks are clean. Both of them.
- [119:46]
A
Look how sweaty Ripken is. I like how ripped that is.
- [119:50]
B
Ripped. They're going hard.
- [119:51]
E
You can look at a freeze frame and know if you got a hoop or not. Like, bingo.
- [119:55]
A
Boom.
- [119:55]
E
One more dribble, spun back to the right. Fade away off the glass.
- [119:58]
B
Yeah. McConnell.
- [120:00]
E
And.
- [120:00]
A
And, jeez. Yeah. I mean, that's.
- [120:02]
C
So Carson was a dog on the basketball court.
- [120:05]
B
Yeah. Played with John Shire.
- [120:06]
A
I was telling someone this the other day. One of my great regrets in life is I have no basketball game whatsoever and will have never played pickup basketball.
- [120:13]
D
You're a wrestler.
- [120:15]
A
Yeah, but, like, you'd think I could be able to, like, join basketball.
- [120:18]
B
Why would you. Why would you regret that?
- [120:20]
A
Here's. I'll tell you exactly why. When was it? The Super Bowl? Here I was. I was here at an event, and somebody was like, we're going to Butler or something like that. We're going to go play pickup. Do you want to come? And I'm like, that would be so cool. No.
- [120:36]
B
No chance.
- [120:36]
A
Can't do it.
- [120:37]
B
Smart.
- [120:37]
A
Yeah. Can't do it.
- [120:38]
E
Damn. When did you start golfing, though?
- [120:41]
A
When I was 10.
- [120:41]
E
Okay.
- [120:43]
A
So when I was, like, 10, like, when I was Max's age. I was really good, and now I look like someone who used to be good. But basketball, never.
- [120:50]
C
Fine.
- [120:50]
A
Yeah.
- [120:50]
B
At least you're good at some point. What news were you about to Talk about with McVeigh?
- [120:54]
A
McVeigh talked to reporters after practice.
- [120:56]
C
Okay.
- [120:57]
A
Gave an update on Matthew Stafford. And as far as I could tell from the Internet, he said things went good.
- [121:02]
B
Okay.
- [121:03]
A
Which, like, I don't really, you know, of all the things he could say, it's just like, it went well.
- [121:08]
D
I mean, he's not going to say if things went bad either.
- [121:11]
A
I mean, he would say, yeah, you're right.
- [121:12]
B
That's probably just.
- [121:13]
A
I mean, the only thing that matters to me is, like, does he get back out there tomorrow? Is he able to continue? And, like, you know, the weird thing is, like, you know, you talk to all these people, you talk to McVay, talk to all the. And they're like, we love Jimmy Garoppolo. We got a lot of confidence in Garoppolo. And, like, the reason Jimmy signed is because they think he can compete. And he goes, and he's going to want to be a starter next year. If he plays, he could sort of reinvent his career, and that would be awesome, and it'd be great. And everyone in the world hopes that that does not happen.
- [121:45]
D
My big thing with him is just, like, week one, if he's out there and he gets blindsided and gets sacked, like, is his back going to be able to hold up?
- [121:51]
A
Yeah. Yeah.
- [121:52]
D
You know, it's like, your back when you're that age, like, that's not something that's going to get.
- [121:57]
B
Just.
- [121:58]
D
He's not going to wake up, and it's just going to feel better. Like, that is increasingly probably going to feel worse over the course of an NFL season.
- [122:05]
B
Yeah. That's why, like, even him practicing today, like, who cares? What. What are we talking about?
- [122:10]
D
He.
- [122:11]
B
He should go every other day, every. Every third day, damn near.
- [122:15]
A
Like, whatever.
- [122:15]
B
Until. Until. Yeah, until next. You know, I guess the day after the last preseason game, like, it really does not matter. And maybe it's just kind of hitting me now again. But you forget how little this stuff matters for the Staffords of the world now, like, for everybody else is. I mean, the most important time of their lives. But, like, when you're Matt Stafford and you've been in the league forever and you've already won a Super bowl, it's like, it's August 18th. You definitely need to throw. Yeah, you need to throw.
- [122:44]
A
He's never played with Devonte's Body get through.
- [122:47]
E
Like, you got to feel.
- [122:48]
B
I agree.
- [122:49]
E
Football condition. And, and it's not only him, it's the guys, you know, the other 10 guys in the huddle. You know, you get to use, you know, hearing his cadence and the voice and the play calls and the shifts, especially in that offense. I, I mean, outside looking in, it's a lot of moving parts. You saw we had P on. He was, I think, running into one of his linemen or some in the backfield. So all of those things definitely matter. And to Ty's point, if you're managing it at this point, where, hey, you got to go every other day, like, it's not getting shorter with an 18 week regular season in the NFL. So we hope, like Harry said, there are no setbacks and he is, you know, I can go out and help and be somewhat healthy. We know Matt, if he can walk and throw the ball, he's going to play football. So hopefully, I mean, it seems like they're being cautious right now, which is good. To Your point is August 18th. No, no, November 18th. We'll look back on this and hopefully he's, you know, they're in a good spot because they are out of a damn good football team right now on paper.
- [123:42]
A
I keep thinking about you guys talking about like, oh, you know, Stafford, like, he's got to get his, you know, connection with devonte and like, this is so my life is weird, as we discussed with the shower thing and many, many other things. So I broke the devonte to the Rams news. I was extremely happy. Went, thanks. It was a great moment. I didn't have the picture ready, so I had to just tweet the words and then add the picture later, which I hate. Whatever goods.
- [124:06]
D
So you just.
- [124:07]
C
And you just post whatever the agent sends you, right?
- [124:09]
A
I cannot comment on who sent me the news. But then you go out to the joint practice and I have to like, remind myself like, oh, devonte. Yeah, like, you know what I mean? Like, that's like of all the preseason things, it's like, wait, this guy's on.
- [124:23]
B
This team with McVay with.
- [124:26]
A
And so like chatted with McVeigh beforehand and he was like, Devonte is like, he is.
- [124:31]
E
Yeah, but so good at football.
- [124:33]
A
Yeah, I mean, that's. I think that will be. Well, that will be a fun one to keep track of.
- [124:39]
B
All those guys on the jets, they. They really do just get an immediate bad rap. Like it's, it's not even funny. And not that devonte needs to prove himself at all, but I do feel like because of last year, there is this thought that like, oh, so what? Devonte's on the Rams. It's like people do forget how dominant he is, is when he has a quarterback that can throw it just near him.
- [125:02]
D
And he was a guy who, like every year was not only, you know, a top three receiver in the NFL, like going to the playoffs. Like, he's been on shitty teams for the last like four or five years of his career. Like that.
- [125:14]
A
Those Raiders clips.
- [125:15]
D
Oh my God.
- [125:16]
A
In, in the Netflix show. I was like, I was feeling for him.
- [125:20]
B
Well, that's why people are talking about like, the Rams. Like, oh, the Rams. Really like Jimmy G. Well, guess who doesn't. Devonte. And everyone's going back to those, you know, clips saying stuff like that. But like the, the Rams or sorry, the Vikings fall into like the category of Kevin OConnell's there. So we have faith in them. And it's almost like we forget with the Rams that McVeigh is also one of those guys just because he's got Stafford.
- [125:42]
A
We didn't even talk about the Vikings. I feel like. So I was texting with a Vikings person before the show.
- [125:46]
B
Who Source.
- [125:48]
D
Oh, okay.
- [125:49]
A
It was Kevin Palisar.
- [125:50]
C
Doesn't count Kevin.
- [125:51]
D
Okay.
- [125:52]
A
Cuz I was, I was actually wondering, like, has JJ been as good as we've heard? Like, that was. Which is like, he, he. I guess he lit up the Patriots pretty good in their joint practice.
- [126:04]
B
Yeah. Day two.
- [126:05]
E
He.
- [126:05]
B
I guess the pat's going to get a stop in the second day. Dumb.
- [126:08]
A
And that was when I started getting texts like, hey, like, this guy's. This guy's going to be good. And you know, it was kind of like, see, he's got a long way to go. But like, no one's talked about the Vikings at all. All they did was add a starting quarterback and, you know, watch their other starting quarterback get paid by someone else. Like that could be good.
- [126:25]
B
Got O line and D line. They got Jonathan Allen.
- [126:28]
C
Depends on the quarterback position.
- [126:29]
E
Yeah.
- [126:30]
C
Just which is.
- [126:31]
E
I mean, if he plays decent. NFC championship.
- [126:34]
B
Even if he doesn't play.
- [126:35]
D
That's right.
- [126:36]
C
Daniel G. If he's anywhere between 15 and in 18. As far as, you know, ranking quarterback.
- [126:43]
A
Yeah, I think that's right.
- [126:44]
C
NFC championship.
- [126:46]
A
Yeah. I mean, some, some of these, some of these highlights are like, I wish we had better film of the joint practices.
- [126:54]
B
Yeah.
- [126:55]
A
Yeah.
- [126:55]
E
Because you see more in joint practices.
- [126:57]
A
Like when we cover them, like, as a. Like. And they cut off.
- [127:00]
E
Yeah.
- [127:01]
A
You know, they cut off when you can video them.
- [127:04]
C
And some venues are really hard to. Like there's some practice. I want to say it's either jets or the Eagles or something like that, where they're sitting under awnings and there's just poles, like actual, like, metal poles that. That you have to film. Yeah, they're not very good.
- [127:16]
B
I mean, the Pats. The. When the Pats had their first joint practice, when we were on break, when Vrabel got all bloodied up, like, there wasn't one video of that entire thing.
- [127:27]
A
What do you mean? We haven't seen the. Have we not seen. Why he.
- [127:31]
C
We saw the second one.
- [127:32]
E
One.
- [127:32]
B
No, he saw the second one. But the first time it happened, when it was reported, like, Mike Vrabel bloodied up in, you know, Patriots joint practice after getting in a scuffle, like, there or scrum. The only thing that came of it was a photo of him, like, walking away with, like, an ice pack or a towel.
- [127:49]
A
It should not be that.
- [127:49]
B
That. That's it right there. Yeah, it's. It's interesting, though, to your point. You do, because I. I only saw the day one JJ McCarthy clips were against the Patriots where it wasn't great. But then day two, all I see were reports about how dominant he was. He was like 15 at 17 or something. But I didn't see any videos aside from that long screen.
- [128:09]
A
Yeah. See, I don't know what I mean.
- [128:10]
D
It's just impossible. It's impossible to know. Like I was saying, I was following Colts, packers joint practices, and it's like, from all the packers beat reporters are saying, hey, they're dominating the day. And then you go and you look at some of the Colts, Berlin Porters, and it's like, man, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Dimes have looked unbelievable today. It's like, okay, so, you know, both these teams are gonna be in the Super Bowl, I guess.
- [128:31]
B
Yeah. Here we go. Yeah. Preview. Yeah.
- [128:33]
A
This is why, like, again, like, I love the preseason, but it is an exercise in frustration.
- [128:38]
E
Oh, yeah.
- [128:39]
A
It's like, I still. Even though, like, I'm so interested, I still feel like I don't know anything. Like, watch. Watch the Giants, like, and Jack. And if you are a Giants fan and you watch, Jackson Dart looks really good. He looks really good. And you're like, why would you not start Jackson Dart. But it's like, we're not there.
- [128:56]
C
Like, Russ looks good, too.
- [128:58]
D
So did James.
- [128:59]
C
So Jamis.
- [129:00]
B
So James. But now the only thing I'm thinking, especially watching these clips, is like, okay, what teams are just walking out there. Hey, we're not going to show anything. We're just going to play all of them.
- [129:10]
E
Everybody.
- [129:10]
B
Three, four, cover two. Yeah.
- [129:12]
C
Literally every single one.
- [129:13]
E
All of them. You don't want to show any. The only thing preseason is getting out healthy. Obviously you got a percentage of the roster that's trying to make it is.
- [129:23]
A
Very, very important, but you're even still.
- [129:25]
E
That's a tough spot to be in, too, as a player.
- [129:27]
A
So few. Like, that's not that many players that are like, on the bubble. Like, how many bubble players do you think there are?
- [129:32]
E
Yeah, not many. I would say the teams know. What is it, 52 guys?
- [129:37]
C
They know more or less than 10.
- [129:39]
E
I would say that's around that number. Probably like seven to 10, depending on the team. And then some. Some coaches and some organizations are different. Where there are some places they know who. Who are going to play in what position and other places where you can literally go out there and really win a job. Where it's open competition.
- [129:57]
A
They said New England was always like.
- [129:59]
E
New England was. I mean, game week. Week four was open competition. You had a bad Wednesday or Thursday. It was a chance that you showed up on Sunday and you weren't dressed in that game because somebody else is doing something on special teams. And you were the third or fourth corner and like, nah, we're gonna. So, like, that was one of the organizations, but that was very different. That was rare in the National Football League. But I want to ask you, though, you were just talking about Texan KOC and you were a beat reporter, you know, when he was, you know, a quarter young quarterback in New England. How crazy that for you. How many guys are there now that you covered at that point? Now they're, you know, Dan Morgan in the front office or head coach.
- [130:38]
A
It's weird. I mean, especially for him. Now, first of all, I was hitting golf balls with my dad. I came back from a break in training camp, I was hitting golf balls, and Mike Reese broke the story that Kevin OConnell was released. These are the things I remember. And I was so annoyed that I. That I missed the scoop on that one, because he was like, a very important hot name. It's weird. And like, the craziest thing is, so, like, the one that did it for me was I was in Indianapolis at. What was before Prime? What was the name before Prime?
- [131:12]
B
No.
- [131:12]
E
Indian Elmo's?
- [131:14]
A
No, no, no, no. It was.
- [131:15]
C
No, I do.
- [131:16]
A
Whatever, whatever. I had a steakhouse with that same steakhouse, whatever it was beforehand. And I had a young Quarterback coach come up to me. Bosses and I had just. I can't remember. I just. No outback. I hate you. One time I did it. No, I'm not gonna ground round. I'm not gonna tell that story. Never mind. I had a young. I was like, you know, I just started NFL Network and had a young quarterback coach come up to me and be like, hey, are you Ian? And I'm like, yeah. He goes, hey, I'm. You know, I just started out, I'm the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Denver Broncos. My name is Adam Gase. And I was like, oh, hey Adam. Like, I mean, rap board. And like that's how I met him.
- [131:56]
B
Yeah.
- [131:56]
A
And I'm like, oh, like he's Peyton Manning's quarterback coach. Like that's cool. Like maybe that will be like a thing. And then he ends up being a two time coach in the NFL and leads the most prolific offense ever. And I'm like, wow, like this happens.
- [132:08]
E
Super forget.
- [132:09]
A
And so he did.
- [132:10]
D
I mean, were his eyes rolling around his head when he was talking to you then too, or.
- [132:13]
A
No, we were both a little.
- [132:15]
D
Okay, so maybe.
- [132:16]
A
Maybe. Yeah, but that's, but those moments are weird because it's like you go from like, all right, quarterbacks coach. And like, oh, he's kind of picking up. It's like, oh, he's the hot name. Like, I remember when Ben Johnson was in Miami and he was kind of like just a guy, you know, he was a good young coach. And then like. And it's just weird. Like you have to re. Evaluate who these people are all the time.
- [132:38]
B
Yeah. Think about Michael McDonald. I had no idea who Mike McDaniel was when he got hired. Didn't even know. No, genuinely, if you told me to pick out Mike McDaniel from a, you know, from, from a line, I wouldn't have been able to. When he got, when he got hired, he was a nobody. Yeah, when he got hired, he was. What was he? The run game coordinator? The 49ers. Sorry, not a nobody. But to like, typically you're thinking of like OCs, DCs, and you know, coaches who maybe took a year off or something like that. And he was kind of the first, like, hey, random run game coordinator is now the head coach. And then, you know, two years later, everybody's doing the motions or trying to do the motions that he like basically started. And it's just crazy how fast it happens. And it's also crazy how much like insane, insane knowledge is in the NFL in places that you wouldn't even, you know, guess.
- [133:31]
A
I mean, Mike Reaper. Mike McDaniel was the guy who Kyle Shanahan kept around because he was like his, like, run game guru, essentially. And, like, he would never, like, would never go anywhere without him. And I'm like, I don't know who this guy is, but I guess maybe Kyle thinks he's good.
- [133:49]
D
I just thought that was pretty interesting, too, you know, that, like, he got all the credit for the 49ers run game. When you're, like, you're running. You know, Shanahan's dad was the one who kind of, you know, did all that. But hey, you know, by all means, let's. Mike McDaniel is the genius. You want us to cry? Yeah, go ahead, cry.
- [134:04]
A
I mean, this is going to be a very interesting year for the Dolphins. Like, he's gotten. He is, like, extremely.
- [134:10]
B
Is he at the top? Is he the number one, would you say?
- [134:13]
E
Hot seat?
- [134:13]
B
Yeah.
- [134:14]
D
I mean, who else is really even on the hot seat?
- [134:18]
A
Giants would be a yes.
- [134:19]
D
Yeah.
- [134:20]
A
Bow. You know, Giants would be sort of there. You know, I don't think the Titans. Because if Cam Ward is.
- [134:27]
B
Yeah.
- [134:27]
E
You know, quarterback.
- [134:29]
A
But, like, the crazy. I mean, Indy. But I hate this because, you know, they haven't played like, Giants could be. Defense could be really good.
- [134:38]
B
Yeah.
- [134:38]
A
Russ, if he plays like the Russ from the first little bit of last year, they are going to be absolutely fine.
- [134:44]
B
You know, I got a question about one.
- [134:46]
A
Okay.
- [134:46]
B
Sean McDermott, like, how. How long in your mind? And again, if I. I'm a Patriots fan at this current moment, it'd be great to be a Bills fan. Okay, I understand that, but, like, how long do you think it's going to be? Because it's hard to imagine they ever just fall off and win seven games. Like, that's never going to happen with Josh Allen unless he gets hurt and something terrible happens. Like when?
- [135:11]
A
Even still.
- [135:12]
B
Like, even still. Yeah, like, they're going to be in it. How many times? Like, how many chances does he have? Like, actually.
- [135:20]
A
So this is a great question, and I. This is one that I think about a lot because it's like, it's the same way when you have a player, you're like, can't win the big one. I'm like, that is nonsense. Like, sometimes you lose. Like, I will never be convinced that Josh Allen can't win the big one. Yes. Patrick Mahomes is great. So like, sometimes, like, but there's nothing there that, like, stops him. Right. And so, like, well, he doesn't have.
- [135:43]
B
Like, what happens with Shanahan? Like, Shanahan, people say this, but the Niners, you see, like, the, like, people get hurt. They've been snake bit in multiple seasons. Like with the Bills also have been sneak snake. They've been snake bit in some senses. Yeah.
- [135:58]
D
But they just speciality.
- [136:00]
E
Yeah, that. And that may be. And I'm a Sean McDer. I think he's a good coach. I like, yeah, I think he's a pretty good coach. But as if I'm thinking from an owner perspective, that will probably be the one thing that will make me have a switch. Like, okay, I got to get an offensive guy.
- [136:16]
A
Yeah.
- [136:16]
E
Who maybe we just got, like, whatever the case, this is. This isn't working. We've had number one defenses. We've had this, we've had that. Maybe I'm moving from office guy, move on from Sean for an offensive guy just to get that extra whatever out of Josh Allen. But, I mean, if you're looking around the league, I think Sean McDermott is still easily in the top, you know, probably 12 of. Of coaches. But when you have an MVP caliber quarterback, an MVP quarterback, you know, you want to win a big one, you got to win it.
- [136:44]
D
Just get well in that sense, too. Then, like, what about Zach Taylor? Like, because it's like, hey, how long are we. Like that. That's awesome. You're, you know, an offensive guy. And a lot of people say that, you know, Burrow should have won MVP last year, but, you know, like, you got to make the playoffs, you know, you can't. You can't survive on, hey, we went to the super bowl forever. And like, they've kind of put. I mean, they're. They need to win offensively, but, like, if they start, oh, and three again or, you know, whatever the case, like, how much time does it get left?
- [137:14]
A
Yeah, I mean, Joe Burrow's so good, and I think the offense is going to be so good. And they made a change of defensive coordinator that was debated, like, hotly debated, like Lou Anarumo as a very good defensive coordinator. They chose. They wanted to go in a different direction. I think that surprised some people, including me. If they start, like. And they've done everything to start fast playing guys in the preseason like they're doing. So if it doesn't work, the Bengals have traditionally been very patient, so I think they'll be okay. But I see what you're saying, because at some point it's like, all right, like, you got Joe Burrow now. Zach Taylor helped make Joe.
- [137:52]
D
Right.
- [137:52]
A
But the Bills thing is also interesting, right? Like, because I was thinking about what you said. D. But like Sean McDermott I do not believe is in any trouble. Okay, let's just state. I do not believe he is in trouble at all, nor should he be. However, Joe Brady is their offensive coordinator. Joe Brady is going to be a hot head coach candidate this year. At some point they may lose him. So do the like. You know, this is the teams that faced this decision before the Bucs did it and they ended up with Dirk Cutter, which didn't work out. So it's like that's the only thing where I'm like, Joe Brady's gonna leave. If it's some sort of disappointing season, which I do not expect what happens?
- [138:30]
E
Bucks gonna have to deal with that this year again. Losing Liam, he had a great. Probably not. Probably a Baker Mayfield's best year. Then you lose. That's always the thing you're dealing with. Like Patrick Mahomes. You're never gonna deal with that until Andy Reid decides to. To A retired John McVeigh Stafford. Jalen Hurts has been successful with a bunch of different offensive coordinators.
- [138:49]
A
New one, new one this year.
- [138:50]
E
Yeah, you know, Sirianni has some, some input on the offense. So that's always for me a com. You know, Lamar Jackson's been, he's won MVPs with multiple coordinators. So you do have quarterbacks who can play with multiple any coordinators. But a lot of times it comes down to, you know, two minute drives, you know, getting field goal or a touchdown and having that quarterback play caller been on that. We always see all the behind the scenes with Mahomes and Andy Reid. Hey, let's call this play. Let's go to this one. So I mean it is important but you know, I think Sean's a great coach. I think they have good pieces in place. They, they built the teams. They've been in it at the end.
- [139:25]
A
Oh yeah.
- [139:25]
E
You know, it just comes down to a handful of plays and that, that always makes a difference. But you know, we have, you know, Michael Jordan in the league right now. It's gonna be, it's gonna be tough to get one.
- [139:34]
D
He's also a legitimate head coach coach. And I feel like that. Yeah, is like, like that was my biggest thing. I mean you talk about Zach Taylor like that was my biggest thing. With Floor before they got halfway, it's like, hey, I understand you're an unbelievable offensive mind. Like you're not the oc, you're the head coach. So like what the defense does is also on your plate. You can't just be like, well, my offense is unbelievable. My defense has been horseshit for the last. It's like, it doesn't work like that when you're. The head coach was a good hire. I, I believe great hire.
- [140:00]
A
I, I did not expect that. And I was like, but he's been really good.
- [140:04]
B
But, but that's the thing, like with the Bengals too. I mean, and you kind of threw in there and me and Ty chimed in a little bit like, Zach Taylor didn't make Joe Burrow first of all. But Joe Burrow won the heism.
- [140:16]
A
This is the same argument I have.
- [140:17]
D
With Belichick and touchdown.
- [140:20]
B
Again, that's my point exactly. Bellich and Brady Baker and Bowles. Like there's, there's a thing where you, if you have a corporation quarterback that is like a Joe Burrow, you don't need some fucking guru. You really just need a guy that is going to do what Joe Burrow says. And also, to be fair, when you, when you are a team, you know, and you have a quarterback and two number ones, which Tampa, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, you know, Bengals. Same. Same exact thing. It's like, hey, offense, as far as coaching goes, I know it's very important.
- [140:54]
A
Important.
- [140:54]
B
But when you have an MVP guy at wide receiver and quarterback, like, does it really matter what play.
- [141:01]
E
Yeah.
- [141:01]
B
Is coming through the wire even with the like matters. Like right now, when we're talking about Josh Allen and we're saying like, you know, Sean McDermott, he's a defensive guy. Do we, do we hang on to Joe Brady just in case. Like, that doesn't make any sense to me because Josh Han has had success before and after Joe Brady. I know he didn't win an mvp, but typically when we were talking about Josh Allen, it was more so like, hey, why the fuck is he throwing it across the field, 60 yards down the field versus, like, man, this play costs.
- [141:30]
E
I mean, part of that is on coaching, though, because the, usually the power dynamic in the organization, like that quarterback, once you're a franchise quarterback, like, you're, you know, you're. Unless you have an Andy Reid or Bill Belichick or that type of coach, but you also have to have a coach. And I was speaking to Joe Burrow, seeing more of him on quarterback and even like his personality, like, I love him, he's going to be a lead by example guy. But like Brady Manning Breeze, like, they'll get after guys. Like, they'll set the tone of the game that week. They'll off defense could be on the field and you're still hearing Brady talking shit as far as execution, things like that. Not to say that Joe Burrow's any less of a quarterback. That's just his different personality. So that's when you need that head coach or that whoever to kind of. Because we always talk about teams take on the identity of a head coach. It's what you, what people say you see in Miami and then what you see in Detroit with Dan Campbell. Like nobody would look at Dan Campbell and say, oh, he's a genius, but you know how his team is going to come out, compete week in and week out. So the talent, everybody's going to be talented. And obviously when you're talking about Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, those guys on a different level, talent wise. But the coaching still matters. Like game planning, like the tempo of the play calls, changing up tempos. Gotta have it plays too. Like Josh Allen's great player. You know, Ken Dorsey got fired. You know, you know that, that, that. God, that seems that never happened years ago.
- [142:54]
C
I mean, you mentioned it. Like Lamar changed completely when Todd Monkin got there.
- [142:58]
E
Yeah. And he needed that. It was time for him to. And he was an MVP quarterback with Greg Roman, but it was time for him to elevate evolution of his game. Steve Young came out years ago and was like, you need that. Like you need. He's going to need someone to put him in a sophisticated pass game to expand his offense because we saw him do it in college. It wasn't like a guy who ran triple option in college. Like he slung the ball with Petrino at Louisville. So you definitely need that. These guys are supremely uber talented, but you still need coaches to kind of set the tone throughout the week, throughout the game, throughout the season. And when you're a head coach, obviously that goes beyond, you know, just one side of the ball.
- [143:34]
B
When would you say like Brady Manning and Breeze and you might not know, but like when would you say that does settle in though, where it's like, okay, like this. Like do you think Burrow and Allen and Lamar and Mahomes are at the point now when like Brady and Breeze and Manning finally became like the. Hey, this is my fucking. I'm gonna say Pat's already there.
- [143:56]
E
Yeah, but Andy runs such a tight ship, is a lot that Pat. I was just from the outside looking in and we see so much more now too than we saw, you know, back in the day that. So like, I'm sure it's things that Pat doesn't necessarily have to do. But once Pat speaks, you know, everybody's gonna follow. That's the general. But I don't. I don't know. And it. All these quarterbacks that like, their personality are so different. Like Aaron Rodgers, he completely different personality than, you know, Philip Rivers. Like, these guys are good quarterbacks, but personality is a big part. Just like any workplace, like the CEOs or those people in position, like people are going to kind of follow that guy in the battle. You know, that's what it is on Sundays. But so Lamar, Josh, you know, Joe, all these guys are the unquestioned leaders of their team. But then we see Lamar, you see how he leads or like, like he leads in his very unique way. And I've seen him get after guys more. He gives that. But that's not the only thing I'm looking for. You can tell he's working his ass off Monday through Saturday because that's the only way you can talk to grown men a certain way and check them if you're showing up and you're being accountable, you know, day to day too well.
- [145:03]
D
And Pat tells the story. You know, he has a couple times about Peyton where it's like when he came in with the Colts, like he interviewed them, they didn't interview, which I feel like is very rare. So it's almost like he came in and he was like, hey, if you pick me, like, this is my show right away. So like, let's not get. Let's not get this cross at all. And obviously, like he's one on one. There aren't a whole lot of guys like that. Brady obviously wasn't afforded that opportunity, not being the first pick. But like the Burrow was. Yeah, but you obviously like talking about quarterback. Like you can just personality wise.
- [145:33]
E
Yeah.
- [145:33]
D
Joe Burrow is not Peyton Manning. Like, you know, he's much, much different.
- [145:37]
B
And that's like the change of the time too because, like, I'm assuming they were having the same conversation about Peyton Manning before he won the super bowl that we're having about Josh Allen. It took what, nine, ten.
- [145:49]
E
Yeah.
- [145:50]
B
It took a long ten, ten year just to win a Super Bowl. So it's not like crazy. It's not as if, you know, these guys are never going to win or one super bowl will be enough. But it's one of those situations where every year. But if it's Mahomes Allen, you know, Burrow in Lamar, like, there is a chance that two of those guys just never end up with one.
- [146:13]
A
Yeah.
- [146:14]
B
Because how Good. Mahomes is. It's crazy.
- [146:17]
E
So much around him got to go right, too. Yeah.
- [146:20]
A
It has to be like lightning has to strike.
- [146:21]
E
Yeah. It's like the defense. You look at my home, great defense, great special teams, great ownership. What's going on in Buffalo? I think they have a really good ownership. Philadelphia, good ownership, good front office, you know, so you're going to be Baltimore. They've always been great in the front office, ownership wise. So, yeah, the talent and the quarterback is a big part of it, but all the other shit that goes into it, because we can look at almost any playoff run. Rarely do you just see an offense just blow like. Like an Ohio State in the college football playoffs. No. Some point in time, a defense is going to have to win a game of a 17 to 13 game, and then an offense gets hot or something like that. Joe Flacco, when he went on his run, Joe Flacco got hot and played out his mind. Just hurt the ball with a good defense. So a lot of got to go right in football. It's not like basketball where it's like, all right, we got Bron, we got Wade, we got Bosh. We're going to be in the finals every year. Like, all that other shit organizationally has to, you know, be right in place. So that's the other thing to look at when you look at these, you know, quarterbacks that are in a position to compete.
- [147:17]
A
That's why this is the best.
- [147:18]
B
Oh, yeah.
- [147:18]
C
For 20 years. 20 years, it was.
- [147:20]
E
We almost here.
- [147:21]
C
It was Brady Manning and. And Big Ben and Joe had that one. One run like the Ravens. Like, if you're one of those teams, you have to have. Everything has to line up perfectly.
- [147:28]
E
Yeah. Oh, yeah.
- [147:29]
A
You guys are the best. I appreciate you very much.
- [147:32]
B
Great job. Much better today.
- [147:34]
D
Yeah, well done.
- [147:36]
B
Maybe much more comfortable. Yeah.
- [147:39]
D
Max, don't want to embarrass yourself in front of your boy.
- [147:41]
B
Yeah.
- [147:42]
A
Who paid very, very close attention, of course, but was so excited to be here and just walk around and play with all the things. You guys are awesome. No comments on whether or not I'll be back at some point in the near future.
- [147:53]
C
Okay.
- [147:54]
A
You guys enjoy whoever you have over the next couple weeks. And that's all we have from the Pat McAfee Show. I'm gonna say goodbye.
- [148:01]
B
So you put you could do like a team on three things.
- [148:05]
A
Three. You guys punk me again.
- [148:07]
B
No, no, no. We actually just had to watch that program every day.
- [148:09]
A
I watch until the end of the YouTube, obviously. I say what I clearly don't.
- [148:14]
D
Team on me. Team on three. One, two, three.
- [148:17]
A
Team on me. Team on three. One, two, three.
- [148:21]
B
Team.
- [148:21]
A
Yes. Nailed it.