The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Stephen A's Take: We May See History in Jayden Daniels' Super Bowl Run
Release Date: January 26, 2025
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the NFL landscape, providing his expert analysis and bold predictions for the upcoming Championship Sunday. Focusing primarily on the NFC and AFC matchups, Smith examines player performances, coaching strategies, and team dynamics to forecast a potentially historic Super Bowl showdown.

NFC Early Game: Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jaden Daniels Shines Stephen A. Smith opens his analysis by highlighting Jaden Daniels' exceptional performance this season. With 17 games played, 568 passing yards, 69 completions, 25 touchdown passes, and only 9 interceptions, Daniels has proven himself as a dual-threat quarterback capable of both passing and running effectively. Smith remarks at [01:15]:

"Jaden Daniels is just balling out, brother. Spectacular."

Coaching Kudos Smith commends the coaching staff of both teams, particularly Dan Quinn of the Commanders and Cliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator. He praises Kingsbury's strategic mind, predicting a bright future for him in head coaching positions:

"Cliff Kingsbury is doing a hell of a job as an offensive coordinator. He’s going to be a head coach again in the National Football League someday soon if he continues to do what he's been doing." [02:10]

Defense Dominance The crux of the upcoming game, according to Smith, lies in the Philadelphia Eagles' defense. With Vic Fangio at the helm, the Eagles possess one of the league's most formidable defenses. Smith emphasizes Daniels' challenges against this unit:

"I'm looking at Jaden Daniels. 17 games, 568 yards, 69 completion, 25 touchdown passes, just nine interceptions and he can run with the football. It's going to be tough because he's a dual threat. But if anybody can handle him, it's the Philadelphia Eagles." [04:00]

Jalen Hurts' Injury Impact Smith also touches on Jalen Hurts' injury woes, noting that recent concussions have sidelined Hurts during critical moments. He highlights the Commanders' strategy to exploit Hurts' mobility:

"We concussed you a few weeks ago. Your leg is messed up right now. We gonna put a hat on you. That's what they saying." [04:45]

Saquon Barkley's MVP-Caliber Season No discussion of the Eagles is complete without mentioning Saquon Barkley. Smith lauds Barkley's outstanding performance, rushing for 2,000 yards, and speculates on his MVP potential:

"Saquon Barkley may have very well been a league MVP if he had run the last game of the season for the New York Giants." [05:10]

Eagles' Path to the Super Bowl Concluding his NFC analysis, Smith confidently predicts the Eagles' victory over the Commanders, setting them up as strong contenders for the Super Bowl:

"I believe the Philadelphia Eagles are going to win this game and they're going to go to the Super Bowl." [05:50]

AFC Late Game: Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes Shifting focus to the AFC matchup, Smith contrasts Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills with Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. While praising Allen's abilities, Smith questions the overall strength of the Bills:

"I love Josh Allen. I think he's great. I just don't think his team is that great." [06:00]

In stark contrast, Smith unequivocally lauds Mahomes as the premier quarterback in the league:

"Patrick Mahomes is just the best in the world. He just is. He's the best on the planet." [06:30]

Travis Kelsey's Playoff Prowess Highlighting the Chiefs' offensive weapons, Smith points to Travis Kelsey's consistent postseason performance as a key advantage:

"I have Travis Kelsey having some stuff to prove. ... Travis Kelsey ended up with about 32 receptions for over 300 yards in the playoffs." [06:45]

Coaching and Defense Smith credits Andy Reid's strategic acumen and the Chiefs' defensive coordinator Spagnolo for their team's success:

"You got Andy Reid coaching and calling plays. You got Spagnolo handling the defensive side of the ball." [07:00]

Bills' Defensive Weaknesses Criticizing the Bills' defense, Smith argues that their inability to contain Mahomes will be their downfall:

"Patrick Mahomes you’re talking about. Now, Josh Allen is .03 against him in the playoffs. ... Because the defense gives up an average of 35. That's their problem." [07:20]

Super Bowl Prediction: Chiefs vs. Eagles Wrapping up his AFC analysis, Smith envisions a Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and Eagles, forecasting a showdown in New Orleans:

"I got Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch for the Super Bowl. That's what I got going on." [07:40]

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Stephen A. Smith delivers a comprehensive breakdown of the key NFL matchups leading up to the Super Bowl. His insights into player performances, strategic coaching decisions, and team dynamics culminate in a bold prediction: a historic Super Bowl face-off between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith's passionate delivery and in-depth analysis provide listeners with a clear understanding of his perspective on the season's climax.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith [01:15]: "Jaden Daniels is just balling out, brother. Spectacular."
• Stephen A. Smith [02:10]: "Cliff Kingsbury is doing a hell of a job as an offensive coordinator. He’s going to be a head coach again in the National Football League someday soon if he continues to do what he's been doing."
• Stephen A. Smith [04:00]: "I'm looking at Jaden Daniels. ... he's a dual threat. But if anybody can handle him, it's the Philadelphia Eagles."
• Stephen A. Smith [04:45]: "We concussed you a few weeks ago. Your leg is messed up right now. We gonna put a hat on you. That's what they saying."
• Stephen A. Smith [05:10]: "Saquon Barkley may have very well been a league MVP if he had run the last game of the season for the New York Giants."
• Stephen A. Smith [05:50]: "I believe the Philadelphia Eagles are going to win this game and they're going to go to the Super Bowl."
• Stephen A. Smith [06:00]: "I love Josh Allen. I think he's great. I just don't think his team is that great."
• Stephen A. Smith [06:30]: "Patrick Mahomes is just the best in the world. He just is. He's the best on the planet."
• Stephen A. Smith [06:45]: "I have Travis Kelsey having some stuff to prove. ... Travis Kelsey ended up with about 32 receptions for over 300 yards in the playoffs."
• Stephen A. Smith [07:20]: "Patrick Mahomes you’re talking about. Now, Josh Allen is .03 against him in the playoffs. ... Because the defense gives up an average of 35. That's their problem."
• Stephen A. Smith [07:40]: "I got Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch for the Super Bowl. That's what I got going on."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Stephen A. Smith's analysis, highlighting key discussions and his confident predictions for the NFL's championship games.