Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara Episode: Wildcard Weekend Preview, NFL Predictions Revisited & Storytime with Dave Wannstedt Release Date: January 9, 2025

Hosts: Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara

1. Road Trip and Personal Updates

The episode kicks off with Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara engaging in their signature banter, sharing updates about their current locations and personal lives. Matt is in Miami for the Orange Bowl, where he's been inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame. He extends gratitude to his teammates and Oklahoma fans, exclaiming, “Boomer. Sooner. We whooped that ass about 20 years ago” (00:44). Meanwhile, Jerry is enjoying a family vacation in the Bahamas, humorously describing his surroundings: “I keep sneaking off to the adult part... soaking wet” (02:25).

2. NFL Playoff Preview and Predictions

The hosts dive into the heart of the episode by discussing the impending NFL playoffs. They analyze various matchups, express excitement for specific games, and share their predictions.

• Favorite Games to Watch:

  • Jerry: “I’m really curious to hear yours. I’m really, really excited about that Steelers Ravens game” (08:56).
  • Matt: Highlights the excitement around Baker Mayfield and JD Daniels facing off, predicting a high-scoring game: “I think there’s gonna be a lot of points scored” (09:19).

• Betting Insights:

  • Jerry: Shares his betting strategies, focusing on moneyline parlays and prop bets, particularly rooting for the NFC games: “Anytime touchdown stuff, which is my favorite” (12:04).
  • Matt: Expresses enthusiasm for NFL incentives, comparing them to rewards earned in football, such as playoff bonuses: “You cash those checks, baby, let's go” (39:39).

3. Money Moments: Contracts and Incentives

In the "Money Moments" segment, Matt and Jerry explore the intricacies of NFL contracts, focusing on performance-based incentives and drawing parallels to the entertainment industry.

• Incentive Highlights:

  • Matt: Discusses Mike Evans’ incentive for crossing the thousand-yard mark, earning $3 million for achieving this milestone: “Mike Evans and he earned... by crossing the thousand yard mark on the final play” (33:03).
  • Jerry: Reflects on Geno Smith’s incentives, emphasizing how players are motivated by tangible rewards tied to their performance: “Geno needed over 185 passing yards for a $2 million incentive” (34:26).

• Comparison to Acting Contracts:

  • Matt: Explains how actors receive incentives based on nominations and box office performance, akin to NFL players’ performance bonuses: “When you have a career high in passing yards... you're going to get six mil” (40:10).
  • Jerry: Shares anecdotes from his acting career, highlighting the similarities between sports and entertainment contracts: “We did the first Most Likely to lose his Starting Job... it was like an NFL contract” (41:11).

4. Storytime with Coach Dave Wannstedt

The episode's centerpiece is the engaging conversation with legendary coach Dave Wannstedt, who brings a wealth of experience from his tenure with multiple NFL teams.

• Coaching Philosophy and Challenges:

  • Dave Wannstedt: Discusses the increasing volatility in NFL coaching positions, attributing it to younger, less patient ownership and the evolving media landscape: “You just have somebody that knows how to progress... that could really turn things around” (44:51).
  • Matt: Agrees on the prevalence of poor coaching at the highest levels, emphasizing the critical role of effective leadership: “You would be shocked... how many shitty coaches there are” (20:19).

• Team Culture:

  • Dave: Elaborates on the importance of setting foundational practices and ensuring alignment among coaching staff and players: “You're setting the foundation on how you want to run your program on a day to day basis” (46:47).
  • Matt: Reinforces the necessity of cohesive team culture, likening it to creating a successful project in the entertainment industry: “Just like in acting, it's about having a director who can turn everything into a hit” (20:19).

• Memorable Coaching Stories:

  • Dave: Shares a vivid story about his interaction with Jim Harbaugh, illustrating the intense and sometimes humorous dynamics between coaches: “He starts running onto the field...that's typical Jim” (57:09).
  • Matt: Remembers moments from his playing days, highlighting the impact of strong leadership from coaches and teammates: “He was the only player who could carry the team in certain moments” (56:32).

5. Dynamic Duos: Dream Hosting Teams

In a lighter segment, Matt and Jerry brainstorm their ideal hosting duos for the Golden Globes, reflecting on their favorite on-screen pairings.

• Matt’s Choice:

  • Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson: Matt expresses his desire to see this iconic duo host, drawing from their chemistry in movies like "Wedding Crashers": “Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson doing some type of like bit in the monologue” (75:02).

• Jerry’s Choice:

  • Jamie Foxx & Ricky Gervais: Jerry envisions a dynamic combination where Jamie Foxx leads with his comedic prowess, complemented by Ricky Gervais’ sharp wit: “Jamie Fox is going to lead us through for the entertainment... Ricky Gervais” (76:07).

6. Throwback Three: Iconic NFL Playoff Runs

Matt and Jerry reminisce about some of the most unforgettable NFL playoff runs, highlighting teams that exceeded expectations and left a lasting impact.

• Matt’s Picks:

  1. 1985 Chicago Bears: Praises their dominant defense and historic Super Bowl performance: “The 1985 Bears with the greatest playoff run of all time” (84:54).
  2. 2011 New York Giants: Celebrates Eli Manning’s leadership and the team’s underdog triumph over Tom Brady’s Patriots: “Nick Foles, Eagles... beating Tom Brady” (80:07).
  3. 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: Highlights Nick Foles’ remarkable performance and the iconic "Philly Special" play: “Nick Foles catches the touchdown... the Philly special” (80:14).

• Jerry’s Picks:

  1. 2001 New England Patriots: Emphasizes the emergence of Tom Brady and their unexpected Super Bowl victory against a formidable opponent: “...the entrance into the greatest quarterback of all time” (80:05).
  2. 2008 Arizona Cardinals: Remembers their impressive run led by Larry Fitzgerald and Joe Mixon, despite not reaching the Super Bowl: “Larry Fitzgerald had an incredible run... amazing run” (86:06).
  3. 1985 Chicago Bears: Agrees with Matt on the Bears' unparalleled playoff dominance, solidifying it as his top pick: “The greatest playoff run of all time for defense” (84:54).

7. Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Matt and Jerry extend their well-wishes to listeners amidst the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, reaffirming their support and hoping for everyone's safety: “Thoughts to everybody out there in LA. Please stay safe” (89:35).

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Leinart: “You would be shocked... how many shitty coaches there are” (20:19).
• Jerry Ferrara: “Anytime touchdown stuff, which is my favorite” (12:04).
• Dave Wannstedt: “You're setting the foundation on how you want to run your program on a day to day basis” (46:47).

This episode of Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara offers a comprehensive blend of personal anecdotes, insightful NFL analysis, engaging stories from a seasoned coach, and lighthearted segments that encapsulate the hosts' dynamic chemistry. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or someone interested in the intersections between sports and entertainment, this episode provides valuable perspectives and entertaining content.