H20man & Friends Sports Podcast
A podcast covering the world of sports with a focus on strategy. The goal: be entertaining and informative. The hosts each have nearly 50 years of experience combined following and playing organized sports in the New York/New Jersey metro area. Strong emphasis on NFL football. Good friends and one former sports journalist offer commentary with a pretty good chance of good-natured silliness mixed in. Dedicated to the memory of Steven Waterman, who was a passionate, ultra-knowledgeable sports fan with a great sense of humor who loved the NY Giants, Mets, Rangers and Brooklyn Nets, and adored his daughter, Lea and wife Andrea even more. He passed away unexpectedly in 2022 way, way too soon.
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S4 E1 2026 NFL Off-Season Observations
03/16/2026
S4 E1 2026 NFL Off-Season Observations
Segment 1: 2026 Off-Season is Underway, Observations (starts at 0:55) 4 players designated with franchise tags; Daniel Jones later signed a 2-year deal worth up to $100M with the Colts Free agency signings/trades Raiders very busy traded stud edge rusher Maxx Crosby to Ravens for two no. 1 picks...Baltimore canceled after the physical made three major signings quickly, including signing Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum to the richest center contract in NFL history (annual average average) Ravens lost 7 players on first day, apparently weaker on paper pivoted to sign edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (for less than Crosby's contract) plus they pick those two No. 1s AFC East Dolphins: turning over roster with new GM and head coach including cutting QB Tua Tagovailoa signed Packers backup QB Malik Willis (similar deal Justin Fields received from Jets last off-season) hard to believe: half of 2026 salary cap going to players NOT on the roster and dead money: $151 million! That includes almost $100M hit re: Tua and WR Tyreek Hill departures Patriots: cut WR Stefon Diggs, signed former Packers WR Romeo Doubs (4 years/$80M); signed Jets talented OL Alijah Vera-Tucker to nearly $50M contract despite concerning injury history (played in half the games) Bills: traded for Bears WR DJ Moore, resigned TE Dawson Knox Chiefs big move to fix running game: signed Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker III (after we taped this traded for Jets QB Justin Fields for a 2027 6th round draft pick); will be interesting to see how they use Fields and his skill set) NFC Niners signed likely HOF Bucs WR Mike Evans for less than TB offered Rams traded for Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie to bolster a very strong D Panthers signed two very good defensive players: Eagles edge Jaelen Phillips and Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd Giants very busy with a bunch of moves including bringing on Ravens TE Isaiah Likely, LB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Greg Newsome II, Commanders S Ar'Darius Washington, resigned LB Micah McFadden (good move) Segment 2: Insights on Jets Off-Season Needs and Moves (17:35) Off-Season Objectives rebuild the D signed and traded for two defensive linemen to stuff the run (a massive problem last season) traded for S Minkah Fitzpatrick (3 year, $40M), potential huge upgrade signed two edge rushers from the Bengals and Packers signed LB Demario Davis, 37, third time with team signed CB Nashon Wright from Chicago (tied for NFL lead with 5 interceptions -- 5 more than the entire Jets D last season) head scratcher: DL Micheal Clemons signed massive deal with the Colts after many penalties and other issues find a starting QB traded for QB Geno Smith for minimal draft capital and Raiders paying most of Smith's 2026 contract secure more offensive weapons franchised talented RB Breece Hall signed Raiders LG Dylan Parham; appeared in 64 games, starting 63; expected upgrade over departed LG John Simpson no major WR or TE additions, so we'll look to the draft next month ??? let very consistent K Nick Folk go to Atlanta, weakening Jets lone bright spot last season: special teams assimiliate 10 new assistance coaches including a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator which OC Frank Reich will show up? Super Bowl winning OC with the Eagles, or the coach fired in-season in his last two NFL (head) coaching jobs draft capital April 2026 Draft: two No. 1s, four selections in the top 44, 5 in top 103 received a 4th round pick and 5th round selection as compensatory picks for players lost last season including CB DJ Reed ($48M deal in Detroit) Segment 3: Jets QB Room (31:15) Jets approved on paper but... More to do, including adding another veteran QB and potentially drafting one next month, and playoffs at WR, TE Improvements on D, GM Darren Mougey proving very good at trades Combine performance vs. college game tape in terms of draft positioning (the later is more important though some teams fall in love with athleticism) Leave it to the Jets to have the No. 2 overall pick in a draft with only one certifiable college QB worth drafting that high Jets to take similar approach to the Giants trading up last year in the first round for Jaxson Dart? Alabama QB Ty Simpson apparently flying up draft boards, does not fit the bill (only started 15 games) Goal in draft should be to find starters not necessarily reach for a QB Team has a really good opp to refresh team with top talent and improve the team quickly, plus has 3 No. 1 picks in 2027 Hard for Jets fans to realize many agree they like the moves this month so far..."optimistic"? No head scratching moves...yet (although resigning S Andre Cisco after we taped this and giving average TE Jeremy Ruckert $10M for 2 years could qualify) Fans want the team to start winning during the season, not the off-season Discussed some clear ways to determine if they've improved (being competitive in every game, not always playing from behind two good examples to look for) Segment 4: Where will key free agents like WR Tyreek Hill wind up? (52:04) Imagine Hill joining the Eagles offense? Back to KC? Buffalo? Stefon Diggs? How high will Notre Dame stud RB Jeremiyah Love go in the April Draft? Could be in the top 5
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S3 E16: Special Guest NFL Great Eugene Robinson on Sam Darnold, suggested NFL rule changes and Frank Reich as Jets new OC
02/23/2026
S3 E16: Special Guest NFL Great Eugene Robinson on Sam Darnold, suggested NFL rule changes and Frank Reich as Jets new OC
Segment 1: Mr. Robinson's NFL Resume/Career Highlights (Starting at 0:50) Walked on to Colgate University's Football team, had academic scholarship; member, Colgate Wrestling Team (leverage and power needed was a strong background for playing football and tackling techniques) inducted into the Colgate University's Hall of Fame NFL Career 16 seasons: 250 games played, 232 started 57 Career INTs: exceeded by only 11 players, 4 of whom are in the Hall of Fame Seattle: 11 seasons, made the Pro Bowl twice had some great mentors, Dave Brown (RIP) and Kenny Easley (RIP) detailed film study helped him spot and digest tendencies started every game at safety from 1986-1995 (except 2 games in 1989) second all-time leading tackler, second in INTs in franchise history led the NFL interceptions in 1993 (9) named member of the Seahawks' top 50 players Not a fan of some key rules: pass interference calls when d backs do not turn around illegal man downfield change of possession after the offense fumbles into the end zone taunting penalty Suggests creating a new stat: accountability for receivers not catching passes that get intercepted Played in 3 consecutive Super Bowls 31-33 Green Bay (after trade) Reggie White called him and asked him if he wanted to join the Pack went to the Super Bowl both seasons, winning in 1996 vs. the Patriots injuries cost them against Denver; John Elway and RB Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe really tough; huge fan of Elway (all-time great) Atlanta made the Pro Bowl (third time), again started all 32 games those 2 seasons played in third consecutive Super Bowl (very rare!) made major game-saving play in the NFC Title game, breaking up a sure TD by HOF Randy Moss Carolina finished his playing career in 2000 with the Panthers, starting (you guessed it) every regular season game remained in Charlotte; color analyst on Panthers radio network until 2018 HS Varsity football and wrestling coach Co-host, Charlotte Today on WCNC-TV Segment 2: Super Bowl 60 Observations, Amazing Rise of Sam Darnold (17:40) Defense wins championships (Seattle D dominant) Key strategy: successful pass rush with four D linemen; will see a ton of copycating across the league Surprised Patriots coaching did not help O line stop the pass rush with extra linemen or TEs Darnold made believer of Eugene; rough time in Carolina, then played really well in consecutive years winning 14 games in Minnesota and then with Seattle Darnold great comfort level in Seattle; prediction: Darnold will finish career with Seahawks Segment 3: Top Questions for NY Jets Leading into the Off-Season, Thoughts on Frank Reich (25:02) Eugene a big fan of Reich Very good offensive mind, was OC with Eagles in 2017, great success with Carson Wentz and won the Super Bowl with backup QB Nick Foles Reich well suited to be offensive coordinator; feels he can be successful in the role Advice for HC Aaron Glenn: continuity needed to win especially w/young coaching staff, need time to develop players and coaches; need a strong O line and "dogs" (super talented playmakers) Eugene: don't be dismayed as a Jets fan Segment 4: Observations from around the League (27:02) Carolina Panthers a team on the rise; Bryce Young looking good Best QB option for Jets: trade for Joe Burrow if you can; he has proven himself on the NFL level
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S3 E 15: Super Bowl 60 Recap, Key Observations Leading into the Off-Season
02/22/2026
S3 E 15: Super Bowl 60 Recap, Key Observations Leading into the Off-Season
Segment 1: 4 Observations from SB 60 and the playoffs (0:45) Defenses win championships (4 down lineman to hit/sack QB winning formula) More head coaches to call defensive plays after Mike Macdonald's SB success in Seattle? Running backs matter! Seattle WR Kenneth Walker III best offensive player on the field, won the MVP without scoring a TD, credit offensive line, owned the edge 10 New NFL Head Coaches Hired: Which ones are best set up for early success? Segment 2: SB 60 Recap: Seahawks 29, Patriots 13 (13:40) Seahawks dominant D the top story; offense: 5 FGs, 1 TD Pats O Line challenges protecting QB Drake Maye continued; surprising coaching staff did not add extra help (TEs, additional O line) to stop the Hawks pass rush Sam Darnold first QB from 2018 draft class to get to and win a SB (not Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson); very happy for him given his challenging climb to get there; key: no major mistakes, leveraged a great D and strong running game; he did put on the cape vs. Rams in the NFC Title Game vs. NFL MVP Matthew Stafford (4,700 yards passing, 46 TDs) and in the 38-37 thrilling OT win in Week 6, after trailing by 14 in the 4th quarter Drake Maye on his back the entire game Defensive struggle through 3 quarters, then 30 points scored in the 4th Overall yards even, but Seattle had 2x the rushing yards and wore down very good Pats D Huge loss for Seattle: offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is now the Raiders head coach Do we still (unfortunately) need the Rooney rule? Spirit of the law vs. letter Segment 3: Hope Springs Eternal: Pitchers and Catchers Report to Spring Training (27:46) How to compete with the Dodgers' talent and bottomless budget? $700M for Dodgers star DH/P Shohei Ohtani Plus...$765M for Juan Soto, 36 players with at least $200M guaranteed contracts Lockout a definite possibility -- no surprise given such a huge revenue disparity between big market teams and small. Are we finally looking at a salary cap in major league baseball? lockout never good for a pro sport It's owners vs. owners in addition to vs. players...salary cap could be fairest move, could need a salary floor to wwork Interesting question: why is the NFL so much more popular vs. MLB? Top 5 questions for the Yankees and Mets leading into the season
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S3 E 14 Super Bowl Preview and Predictions, AFC/NFC Title Game Observations
01/29/2026
S3 E 14 Super Bowl Preview and Predictions, AFC/NFC Title Game Observations
Taped on Jan. 27, 2026... Segment 1: 3 Observations After the AFC and NFC Championship Games (Starts at 1:02) Surprise that Sam Darnold will be the first QB to make the Super Bowl from the 2018 NFL Draft class that included Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson Has Rams QB Matthew Stafford played his last NFL game after throwing for 4,700 yards and a career-best 46 TDs? Concerns about his previous back issues at 38 years old What are the Jets doing? Head Coach Aaron Glenn has fired 8 assistant coaches including both offensive and defensive coordinators...(Note: since taping, the Jets have hired Steve Duker as DC, not Wink Martindale, as Aaron Glenn reportedly wants to call the defensive plays in 2026) Segment 2: AFC and NFC Championship Game Highlights and Observations (10:40) Patriots 10, Broncos 7 Broncos likely win with QB Bo Nix on the field Denver Coach Sean Payton will have nightmares for years on his decision to go for it on 4th down and not kick a field go to up 10-0 with a backup QB that hadn't played in two seasons Nigel talks about how locally in Colorado fans disagreed with not kicking the FG in that situation...4 missed FGs in the game by both teams Weather a massive factor; Patriots HC Mike Vrabel outcoached Payton down the stretch in the blustery blizzard; we talk through the factors the coaches were pondering in real-time Drake Maye made a big difference with his legs and had the longest run of the game (28 yards) Hard to repeat as AFC Champs, and the road likely does not get easier: Massive number of comeback wins by Denver is not sustainable, Chargers have a new OC, should get their O Line healthy and the Chiefs should reload with higher draft picks in each round than in the past several seasons; Mahomes return from surgery TBD Discussion around when to take running backs in the NFL draft Seahawks 31, Rams 27 (27:40) Darnold played well: 3 TDs and no turnovers, Stafford 3 TDs and close to 400 yards passing Rams NC Sean McVay's decision to go for it on 4th down and not get it late in the 4th quarter was not game changing Seattle did a great job keeping the ball away from Stafford and the Rams offense after that decision Segment 3: Super Bowl Preview and Predictions (30:01) Rematch of Super Bowl 50: Pats 28, Seahawks 24 (last time Seattle made the big game); Pats CB Malcolm Butler jumped a route and intercepted Russell Wilson as Seattle was about to score and likely win the game with a TD late in the fourth quarter Both head coaches (Mike Macdonald and Mike Vrabel) are in their first year with their teams, rare to get to the Super Bowl, even more so that both coaches do it the same year First SB appearance for both Sam Darnold and Drake Maye Maye could become the youngest winning QB in NFL SB history Darnold led NFL with the most turnovers; last QB to lead league in INTs and make it to the Super Bowl: Eli Manning in 2007 3 keys to the game Turnovers Will Patriots' offense be abled to keep pace with Seattle's? Patriots averaging 18 PPG in postseason, Seahawks 36 PPG Patriot OL vs Seahawks D Line I(keep Maye upright and with time to throw), and covering Seahawks star WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba Prediction: Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak will be a head coach sooner than later (very good play caller) Prediction: Seahawks will win Segment 4: Coaching Carousel (41:00) Two NFL teams are still looking for their next head coach: Raiders and Cardinals After we taped this, the Browns announced the hiring of Todd Monken, former Ravens offensive coordinator Recent success of first year head coaches: Seahawks Mike Macdonald, Bears Ben Johnson, Jaguars Liam Coen to name a few...does this give long-suffering Jets fans hope??? Will the Bills and Ravens be better with their new HCs? Are they upgrades? Stefanski an upgrade in Atlanta Will there be a salary cap in Major League Baseball? Reminiscing about last NY Rangers last Stanley Cup in 1994
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NFL AFC & NFC Championship Preview, Divisional Round Review and Coaching Carousel Update (Bills fire head coach)
01/24/2026
NFL AFC & NFC Championship Preview, Divisional Round Review and Coaching Carousel Update (Bills fire head coach)
Segment 1: Divisional Round Game Top 3 Observations (Starts at 1:00) Niners at inflection point? Is there doubt about CJ Stroud being the long-term QB solution in Houston? Sit tight on contract extension? One example of surprisingly poor QB play this postseason Bears had a great first season under new Head Coach Ben Johnson; record setting number of comebacks, will be tough to win THAT many games trailing at the end of so many games (Nigel's return to the mean theory) in 2026/27 Segment 2: Divisional Round Detailed Recap (15:53) Broncos 33, Bills 30 (OT) Scored 30 points despite 5 turnovers, 4 by Josh Allen (2 INTs, 2 fumbles) very costly Many key drops including in OT by Buffalo WRs Bills rallied from 23-10 down after allowing 10 points in the final 30 seconds of the first half to lead 24-23 Bills robbed by INT call in OT on catch by WR Brandin Cooks? That call does Bills way, likely talking about Buffalo in the AFC championship game in New England and HC Sean McDermott would still be employed Broncos well coached; they don't beat themselves with mistakes; QB Bo Nix (only 5 letters, very efficient) makes plays deep in games; did not see the play in which he hurt his ankle Josh Allen: fumbled 14 times in 15 postseason games; 0-7 in OTs (odd); led team to 5 straight AFC East titles, two AFC championship games Seahawks 41, Niners 6 game basically over after first play, returned for TD by former Saints WR Rashid Shaheed Seattle up 17-0 after first quarter Second time in a month, Seahawks D held the Niners without a TD (Seattle D playing very good, consistent football) Patriots 28, Texans 16 Story: implosion by QB CJ Stroud: 4 INTs in the first half, 5 fumbles vs. Steelers Stroud: very inaccurate all game, missing best WR Nico Collins (concussion previous week) set NFL playoff record, first player with at least 5 INTs and 5 fumbles in a single postseason Pats D dominant for the second straight playoff week Great one-handed TD catch by Pats WR Kayshon Boutte against All-Pro CB Derek Stingley Jr. all over him Rams 20, Bears 17 (OT) Bears QB Caleb Williams historically great play on 4th and 14 on TD pass to TE Kmet to tie game at 17; threw key INT in OT; amazing sideline catch by Davante Adams in OT Bears D played very well, holding high-scoring Rams offense to just 17 points Chicago: great season at 11-6, won NFC North division; Segment 3: AFC and NFC Championship Game Previews (34:20) AFC: Patriots at Broncos All signs to point to the Patriots winning with Denver playing a backup QB who has not taken an NFL snap in two years. Mistake to count out the Broncos and HC Sean Payton? Can Denver take advantage of potential league MVP Drake Maye's lack of ball security this postseason (10 sacks and 6 fumbles in two games at home?) Broncos led the league in sacks Key matchup: underrated Patriots D vs. Denver's offense...will the Broncos be able to run the football? Couldn't against a mediocre Bills defense and Pats run D is way better Both defenses will try to make the opposing offenses one dimensional Patriots 8-0 on road this season, 1-4 vs. Broncos in the postseason NFC: Rams at Seahawks (third meeting this season) Seahawks playing very well in all three phases; overcame a 30-14 deficit vs. the Rams in Week 16 to win a thrilling 38-37 game in OT after a daring, successful 2-point conversion Stafford had over 400 yards passing, team forced 3 INTs, had none and STILL lost Seattle's lost loss: Week 11 in LA vs. Rams QBs: advantage Rams Rams have already beaten the Seahawks and have a battle-tested QB in Matthew Stafford up for league MVP; Seahawks playing better than Rams past month Sam Darnold playing in his first conference championship game; nice to have a strong running game and elite D; rooting for him as Jets fans (Darnold drafted by the Jets) Darnold 14-3 the past two seasons (in Seattle 2025, with Vikings 2024) Seahawks will be missing injured RB Zach Charbonnet (12 rushing TDs), does have WR Kenneth Walker III (close to 300 total yards vs. Rams this season) Rams have two really good WRs in Puca Nacua and Davante Adams, can't double team them both Segment 4: NFL Coaching Carousel (49:40) Bills fire Head Coach Sean McDermott (8-8 in playoffs) yet promote GM Brandon Beane??? ended 18-year playoff drought in his first season 7 straight 10 season wins, 98-50 record Last straw not getting to the Super Bowl with no Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson in the way this postseason GM never replaced the talent after WR1 Stefon Diggs traded Under consideration: Bills OC Joe Brady (also in running for other open HC jobs), Brian Daboll in the mix (from West NY, great job as Josh Allen's first OC, though challenge is his record as Giants HC (lost 2x as many games as he won) Giants have a new HC: John Harbaugh (5 years, $100M)...good work if you can get it will report to ownership not GM, similar to his arrangement in Baltimore; replacing majority of coaches under Daboll Titans hired Robert Saleh, great defensive coordinator; really needs a strong offensive coordinator to win; will he learn from his mistakes as Jets head coach? Kevin Stefanski the new Falcons head coach; retained D Coordinator Jeff Ulrich (former Jets DC); strong offensive talent (RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts), pretty good D; challenge: QB room, Penix oft-injured in college and now again in the pros, Kirk Cousins near the end Dolphins have new HC: Jeff Hafley, former DC of Packers; 8th consecutive hire with no prior NFL head coaching experience; last one: Dave Wannstedt Chargers hired former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, though interestingly still interviewing for HC jobs (After we taped this) Steelers hired Pittsburgh-native Mike McCarthy; potentially reunites with Aaron Rodgers from their days together in Green Bay Bills, Ravens, Raiders, Browns and Cardinals still looking for their next HC Raiders and Ravens have conducted over a dozen interviews each Nigel prediction: Mike Tomlin or Mike McDaniel to be named Jets head coach next year??? No major candidate likely to take Jets HC job without a QB with which he thinks he can win
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NFL Divisional Playoff Round Preview and Wild-Card Weekend Recap
01/17/2026
NFL Divisional Playoff Round Preview and Wild-Card Weekend Recap
Segment 1 - NFL Wild-Card Weekend Results (0:47) 3 Observations Bears building something potentially special offensively with QB Caleb Williams and first year Head Coach Ben Johnson Chargers QB Justin Herbert's 0-3 playoff record and play is raising questions Who would you prefer to QB your team: Herbert vs. Jordan Love? While...4 playoff QBs led their team to a win after trailing late in the 4th Q: Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, Caleb Williams, Brock Purdy Josh Allen willed the Bills to win against very good Jags team, but does he have the skill position talent around him to go to the Super Bowl? Rams 34, Panthers 31 QB Matthew Stafford's 54th game-winning drive in 4th Q/OT, 5th most in NFL history Not the Rams' best game; special team issues continue to be a problem, concern Panther fans should be happy w/division title, playing Rams well Bears 31, Packers 27 One of the biggest comebacks in the NFL playoffs since 2000 - down 21-3 at the half QB Caleb Williams threw 25-yard-TD with 1:43 left, and 361 yards Packers QB Jordan love threw for 4 TDs, 323 yards 34 points scored in the second half Bills 27, Jaguars 24 Fun to watch; Bills first road playoff win since 1992 Jags played well out of the game, chunk yards on the ground 4 lead changes in the 4th Q tied for most in NFL playoff history Major challenge by Bills successful, takes Jags offense off the field 49ers 23, Eagles 19 Niners will be a tough out; doing nice job dealing with many injuries Niners scored led to go-ahead and winning TD late in game Eagles offensive continued to struggle; QB Jalin Hurts threw into triple coverage on their last offensive play Major changes coming in Philly (O coordinator fired)...others? Saquan Barkley? Hurts? Patriots 16, Chargers 3 Pats D dominated, Chargers D played well QB Drake Maye struggled in playoff debut Chargers QB Justin Herbert now 0-3 in playoffs, injured O Line a big problem Texans 30, Steelers 6 Texans D dominated, scored two defensive TDs Houston surprised with a very effective running game, 92-yard drive! Where was Steelers WR DK Metcalf in the second half? If Aaron Rodgers retires, his last play was a pick 6 Segment 2: Divisional Playoff Games Preview: Final 8 are Set (38:45) Bills at Broncos Josh Allen experience, talent vs. 2nd Year QB Bo Nix playing best football of season Denver elite offensive line, strong pass rush and D, all-pro CB Patrick Surtain II Broncos had several comeback wins during the regular season; can run on Bills 49ers at Seahawks Rematch of Week 19 Seattle 13-3 win; Seahawks tough to beat if don't turn it over Niners w/out several starters (Bosa, Warner, Kittle) Seahawks one of best D's in league; QB Sam Darnold led NFL w/most turnovers (20) Texans at Patriots If Texans QB CJ Stroud does not play better, will be very hard to win Houston best WR, Nico Collins, left Steelers game with concussion Key matchup: Texans pass rush vs. Pats O line Rams at Bears Bears have 7 come-from-behind wins in final 2 min/OT, most ever; they can't keep doing that...or can they? Rams last game in playoff in freezing temps: 1983 (forecast low 20s in Chicago) Source: ESPN Key matchup: Rams strong O line vs. Bears pass rush Segment 3: NFL Coaching Carousel (47:02) 9 teams have head coaching vacancies Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin leaves after 19 seasons; reports he will take year off Broncos DC Vance Joseph and former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski lead candidates with 6 interview requests each -- Cardinals, Falcons, Giants, Ravens, Raiders, Titans Niners DC Robert Saleh next with five interview requests -- Dolphins, Falcons, Raiders, Ravens, Titans Combine Saleh (D) with former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel (O) could be very powerful combo Looking like John Harbaugh will be the Giants next head coach Segment 4: College Football Championship/Indiana dominant in win vs. Oregon, Plays Miami for Title (57:35) Undefeated Indiana crushes Oregon, plays U of Miami for national championship Jan. 19 QB Fernando Mendoza played really well, with strong running game, throws more TDs than incompletions, cementing himself at No. 1 overall pick in NFL Draft (Raiders) Oregon QB Dante Moore submarined his chance to be a first round pick in April's NFL Draft with his performance; made right decision to stay in college one more year, will reportedly make $7.6 million to play football for Ducks on Saturdays (not Sundays) next season
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S3 E11 NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview and Black Monday Observations
01/09/2026
S3 E11 NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview and Black Monday Observations
Segment 1 - (Cranky) Thoughts on Jets' Week 18 35-8 Loss at Buffalo (Starting at 1:05) Neil was wearing a shirt, JETS...Just Endure the Suffering Jets D allowed almost 500 yards of offense against Bills' backups 2025 was one of the Jets' worst seasons in franchise history Set two ugly records worst December negative point differential (-107) zero interceptions for an entire season (how is that possible?) Jets miss the playoffs for the 15th straight season Dismal performance led to securing the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft Segment 2: NFL 2025 Season Surprises (5:08) The success of the Seahawks, Broncos, Bears and Patriots The Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time since the Ice Age Detroit, after going 15-1 last season, not making the playoffs Segment 3: NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview (7:45) Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young play in their first NFL playoff games Unusual number of road favorites/underdogs in the playoffs vs. the spread Rams at Carolina (rematch of a month ago, Panthers winning that one w/3 turnovers forced), Rams WR Davante Adams practiced and is expected to play; removed from the injury report after missing three games with a hamstring injury Packers at Chicago (divisional rivals' third matchup of the season); Bears WR Rome Odunze expected to play after missing last five games Bills at Jacksonsville (Josh Allen's clearest path to Super Bowl w/Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes watching from home; Bills looking for their first ROAD playoff win since the 1990s) 49ers (were one win away from NFC No. 1 seed) at the Eagles (defending champs inconsistent, not sure of their performance week to week) Chargers at Patriots (both QBs looking for their first NFL playoff win) Texans at Steelers (Pittsburgh looking for its first playoff win in 10 years) Segment 4: Latest NFL Draft Team Order (31:30) 1 - Raiders, 2 - Jets, 3 - Cardinals, 4 - Texans, 5 - Giants, 6 - Browns, 7 - Commanders, 8 - Saints, 9 - Bengals, 10 - Chiefs Browns, Jets and Rams all have two No. 1 picks in April Jets have 4 of the top 44 picks, 5 in the first 103 (will they make the RIGHT choices) Giants dropped from No. 2 overall to No. 5 with their Week 18 win over the Cowboys; discussion around the impact of winning the game on an upnote Segment 5: Black Month Coaching Carousel Observations (36:34) Eight teams looking for new head coaches: Browns, Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons Giants, Ravens, Raiders, Texans Impact of John Harbaugh becoming available, really changes the coaching carousel landscape Ravens head coaching job very attractive for candidates (QB, front office) Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott job security in jeopardy if the team does not get to the AFC Title Game or Super Bowl? In playoffs every year since 2018 Ditto Nick Sitrianni in Philly if the Eagles don't go back to the big game despite winning the Super Bowl last year given beyond rabid fan base? Ditto Steelers HC Mike Tomlin (not one losing season since 2007, though no playoff wins since 2016)??? Belichick???
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Last Week of the 2025 NFL Season: 3 Key Games to Decide 3 Division Titles, No. 1 Seed in the NFC
12/30/2025
Last Week of the 2025 NFL Season: 3 Key Games to Decide 3 Division Titles, No. 1 Seed in the NFC
Segment 1: Quick rant about the Jets' disasterous season, not showing up to play New England in season home game finale (0:57) Pats 42, Jets 10: Jets D gave up TDs on each of the Pats' first possession Pats QB Drake Maye had 4 TDs and only 2 incompletions (one of which was a dropped pass) The team has regressed in all phases with the exception of special teams Jets playing with third string QB, traded away two best defensive players, missing best offensive weapon in WR Garrett Wilson, fired defensive coordinator...understood. Still, team unprepared to play -- unacceptable Have gotten blown out each of the past 4 games NFL considering draft lottery for bottom 5 teams to avoid tanking in future Segment 2: Latest NFL Playoff Picture Heading into Week 18 (7:47) Key matchups on Sunday to determine final playoff seedings AFC (Seedings leading up to Week 18): With the Chiefs eliminated from the playoffs, the AFC is wide open and will not go Kansas City for the first time in nearly a decade Broncos currently ranked No. 1 (would have first round bye) New England clinched AFC East, currently No. 2 seed able to retool with new, competent head coach (Mike Vrabel), a franchise QB (Drake Maye) and really good offensive coordinator Josh McMichaels Jaguars No. 3 Ravens at Steelers to determine AFC North, AFC No. 4 seed: chance the losing coach is looking for work after the game Texans currently have the No. 5 seed Chargers at No. 6 Bills No. 7 (will be on the road for all playoff games) NFC (Seedings leading up to Week 18): Surprising Seahawks are the No. 1 seed, leading the NFC West; will play the Niners in SF on Saturday for the No. overall seed and the NFC West title Chicago has No. 2 seed, winners of the NFC North Eagles seeded No. 3, winner of the NFC East again No. 4 seed: will be determined on Saturday as the Panthers play the Bucs in Tampa Bay Niners currently seeded 5th, but could jump to the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC by beating the Seahawks No. 6: Rams No. 7: Green Bay 7th seed Detroit eliminated in Minnesota with third string QB: historic loss: Vikings QB Max Brosmer only NFL QB since the 1960s to play entire game, finish with under 70 yards passing and sacked 7+ times AND STILL WON Segment 3: Latest (with one left to play in NFL Season) NFL Draft Order (29:47) 1 - Raiders 2 - Giants 3 - Jets 4 - Titans 5 - Cardinals 6 - Browns 7 - Commanders 8 - Saints 9 - Chiefs 10 - Bengals Segment 4: Debate: Should the Jets Draft their next QB from college (unproven at pro level), or trade for proven veteran? (31:15) Joe Burrow trade? Lamar Jackson trade? Reports out of Baltimore indicate Jackson and/or Head Coach John Harbaugh are going tired of each other...funny how we did not hear stories like that when Jackson was winning MVPs... Need a great QB to win in the NFL but the Jets need to add talent in a variety of positions. Give up major draft capital? Joe Burrow to have same level of success playing for the Jets? Team is NOT just a QB away from competing. Jets need draft capital acquired this season to replenish talent and fill many, many roster holes -- need WR, TE, defensive lineman, linebackers...build quickly through the draft given multiple needs QB plan: bring in stop gap for a season. then draft a college QB for the future in 2027 draft (Jets have 3 No. 1 picks, and two No. 2s in April 2027 draft)??? Segment 5: Has Jets First Year Head Coach Aaron Earned The Chance to Come Back for his Second Season? (41:05) Argument 1: Glenn to come back to see if he can mold a winning team with another offseason, and learn from his mistakes as a rookie head coach Argument 2: NYJ lost by 24 to Dolphins, Jaguars hung 48 points on them, Saints scored 29 and the Pats scored 42...the team is not competitive; this experiment not working out, and too many decisions (QB, defensive coordinator, in game debacles) should mean a new HC is needed If the team chooses to move on from Glenn, strongly recommend they hire an experienced NFL head coach with a resume of success and winning track record...challenge is will anyone with those credentials be attracted to this "empty cupboard" with this owner Last 6 Super Bowl champions have had offensive head coaches... Question: do you have confidence in Aaron Glenn to turn things around? Huge red flag re: several blowouts and being non-competitive Which coach would you prefer to have: John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin or Aaron Glenn? The Giants are a much more attractive team to coach because of rookie QB Jaxson Dart Jon Gruden an intriguing option for Jets head coach?
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S3 E9: Colts Sign 44-Year-Old QB/Grandpa; Is Eli Manning a Hall of Famer? NFL 2025 Weeks 15 and 16
12/14/2025
S3 E9: Colts Sign 44-Year-Old QB/Grandpa; Is Eli Manning a Hall of Famer? NFL 2025 Weeks 15 and 16
Segment 1: Jets 27, Falcons 24 Recap (starts at 0:53) 4 TDs and 2 missed FGs in second half Found a way to win late in game despite bad sack and two false start penalties Jets' special teams continue to shine, strong punt return sets up... K Nick Folk's clutch, game-winning 56-yard FG Jets 3-2 over five game stretch after 0-7 start Continue to evaluate first year head coach Aaron Glenn Segment 2: Dolphins 34, Jets 10 Recap (5:11) Interesting pre-game stat on Miami's previous games vs Jets that of course proved prophetic Miami up 21-0 after the first quarter, averaged 9.9 yards per offensive play...where was the Jet D? Dolphins QB Tua unbeaten vs. the Jets in his career Clear questions on the future of first year Jets D Coordinator Steve Wilks...who is taking responsibility for the D's season-long ineffectiveness? QB Tyrod Taylor hurt, rookie QB Brady Cook made his NFL debut, did not take first team snaps, 2 INTs, sacked 6 times 5 dropped passes including 2 by TE Mason Taylor Special Teams Excellence: Isaiah Williams made electrifying 78-yard punt return for TD; team leads NFL with 4 special teams TDs this season Jets D: 10 missed tackles, pass rush has disappeared Players are auditioning for jobs next season Calling this game ugly is an insult to the definition of ugly Segment 3: Preview of Weeks 15 and 16 (15:08) Week 15 Jets at Jaguars Rookie QB Brady Cook to start vs. Jaguars...bring back QB Mike White!!! Garrett Wilson eligible to return from injured reserve: do NOT play him rest of season after knee injury Jax on a 4 game winning streak, 9-4 atop the AFC South, No. 3 seed in the AFC QB Trevor Lawrence has 9 TD passes during the streak; working with this third head coach Jags D playing well, allowing just 13.3 points per game over the streak, leading NFL with fewest rush yards/game Games of Note: Colts Sign 44-Year-Old QB Out of Retirement to Replace QB Daniel Jones after Season-Ending Injury Chargers at Chiefs (Mahomes has never missed the playoffs)...Chiefs could get higher draft picks than over the past several years to rebuild the team)...historically KC finds ways to wins, especially close games, not in 2025 Bills at Patriots (rematch with Patriots victorious earlier in the season) Packers at Broncos, possible Super Bowl preview...Denver is winning most close games, not sure which Green Bay team will show up week to week Lions at Rams (huge game, if Detroit loses could ruin their playoff chances after being 15-1 last season) NFC West could produce three playoff teams (Rams, Seahawks, Niners) Colts at Seattle: Indy signs 44-year-old Philip Rivers (father of 10, one grand offspring) after retiring five years ago...knows the offense, played for Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen for six years with Chargers; backup QB Riley Leonard played in last season's College Football Championship game for Notre Dame, and did practice after hurting knee Really tough break for QB Daniel Jones, out (again) for the season Week 16 Jets at New Orleans Saints have really good offensive talent, including RB Alvin Kamara (hurt much of the season, 1 TD) and WR Chris Olave Stretch: fine with Saints winning, for better Jets draft positioning...another thought: would like to see the Jets win a few games to help build the program leading into next season Which teams with the worst records need a QB? Raiders for sure... Discussion around Browns QB Shedeur Sanders potential trade value Top Matches (Many Consequential Games for Playoff Positioning) Rams at Seahawks: clash for the NFC West crown Eagles at Commanders Packers at Bears, rematch from a few weeks ago Chargers at Cowboys should be fun game to watch Jax at Denver Steelers at Detroit Niners at Colts (Jets own the Colts next two first round draft picks, so the more losses for Indy, the better it is for the Jets come NFL Draft time) Bucs at Carolina (tied atop NFC South) Jaguars at Broncos Giants fans hoping Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is available after the season Segment 4: The Great Debate(s) New Segment! (40:05) 1: Mets' disasterous week and roster reset...lost closer and 1B/slugger on same day: Edwin Diaz bolts for Dodgers (3 year, $69M), home grown and franchise home run leader Pete Alonso is off to Baltimore on a 5-year, $155M contract, more years than Mets management wanted to spend; Alonzo NOT the reason for team's issues, it was pitching!; and OF Brandon Nimmo traded to Texas for 2B Marcus Semien; now the focus is free agent Cody Bellinger and others 2: Talk of Philip Rivers brought up another interesting topic: Is Eli Manning an NFL Hall of Famer? (Rivers traded for Manning); Eli: 2 Super Bowl MVPs, 117-117 career record; Giants/Manning had to win 6 playoff road games and defeat Tom Brady twice in 2007 and 2011; comparison to brother Peyton Manning, who transformed the position with pre-snap reads, one argument for Peyton to be in discussion for GOAT...
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What to Do with QB Justin Fields and Key Trends for the NY Jets
11/29/2025
What to Do with QB Justin Fields and Key Trends for the NY Jets
Happy Thanksgiving! Segment 1: Recap Jets losses to Patriots and Ravens (1:15) Patriots 27, Jets 14 (breaking two-game winning streak) After nice opening TD drive, 14 plays, 72 yards, little offense generated including three 3 and outs following the TD drive QB Justin Fields 23 passing yards in first half -- sixth game this season with less than 100 yards passing -- simply not good enough for an NFL offense Best passing offense: running the ball Questionable play calling continues Patriots currently No. 1 seed in AFC, 9-game winning streak, painful for Jets fans to experience Ravens 23, Jets 10 Had great field position over the first 3 possessions, no points Outscored 23-3 after taking 7-0 lead Jets D played very well, especially against the run Lamar Jackson: 11 yards on 7 carries Stud RB Derrick Henry: only 3 yards per rush allowed Strong performance after trading two of their best defensive players, DT Quinnen Williams and CB Sauce Gardner Great drive in the 4th Q ended inside the Ravens 3-yard-line when RB Breece Hall fumbled after two huge chunk plays, crushing the momentum; special player, one of few bright spots on offense According to ESPN, Jets have lost the past 10 games in which they scored first (historic) Justin Fields benched for backup QB Tyrod Taylor; end of the Justin Fields era? Segment 2: How to Approach the QB Position Now that Fields has been Benched? (11:00) Fields is an elite athlete, strong arm, but has ongoing challenges reading defenses and making decisions fast enough Stick with Tyrod Taylor (assuming he's healthy) to see if new WRs via trade, AD Mitchell and John Metchie III are long-term answers Bigger priority for new head coach Aaron Glenn: see rookie QB Brady Cook get NFL action, or stick with the veteran Taylor to help develop rookie TE Mason Taylor? Taylor a pro QB, Brady Cook has gotten precious view snaps and practice during the regular season Segment 3: Observations on Recent Team Trends (17:50) Trend 1: Jets rushing D turning things around the past three games Trend 2: Kudos to GM Darren Mougey for bringing in DL Jowon Briggs (Browns) and DL Harrison Phillips (Vikings), recognizing need for talent on the D line; and two WRs Metchie and Mitchell (too little too late though) Trend 3: lack of pass rush: Edge Rusher Will McDonald IV has no sacks in last 84 snaps and one tackle since his 4 sack game vs. Cleveland. Injured? Only player brought in over the past 10 weeks not contributing is former Cowboy DL Mazi Smith, part of the Quinnen Williams trade Trend 4: First time head coach Aaron Glenn clearly learning on the job Key Question: What to do with QB Justin Fields? guaranteed $10M in 2026 likely untradeable best approach: as suggested weeks ago: include a series of plays for Fields to take advantage of his elite running skills Signing him seemed like a good idea at the time, to take a flyer on him on a short-term contract Watch Fields go to a team like the Niners and be a great weapon with his legs Segment 4: Previewing Weeks 13 and 14 in the NFL (31:20) Week 13: Falcons at Jets Jets playing against 4-7 teams the next two weeks Atlanta coming off win over the Saints; impressive beatdown vs. the Bills on Monday Night a few weeks ago Falcons only 2 games back of Tampa Bay in their division and Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has a shoulder injury; TB on a 3-game losing streak Key: Jets D to shut down RB Bijan Robinson, keep the game close because they can't match points with Atlanta offense; backup QB Kirk Cousins to start...rusty? Games Of Note Chiefs at Cowboys (KC a 3 point favorite) Packers at Detroit (big divisional game for playoff positioning) Joe Burrow returns for the Bengals vs. Baltimore (to provide a spark?) Bears at Eagles (Philly coming off loss in Dallas after leading 21-0); Bears on 4 game winning streak, leading the NFC North); Eagles winning games despite series of mistakes Houston at Colts (Texans D really playing well); huge divisional game Rams at Carolina (Rams well-balanced team); QB Matthew Stafford MVP candidate, LA on a 6-game winning streak, No. 1 seed in NFC Vikings at Seattle: Minny in free fall, QB JJ McCarthy playing like a rookie QB Bills at Pittsburgh: huge game for both teams' playoff chances Week 14: Dolphins at Jets Dolphins beat the Jets in Week 4; Jets outgained Miami by 100 yards Week 4: Jets had 3 turnovers, and allowed TE Darren Waller to come out of retirement and grab 2 TDs Miami playing better football of late, beat the Bills, should get Waller back for this game after another injury Games at Note Cowboys at Lions Colts at Jaguars Steelers at Ravens Bears at Green Bay Texans at KC (at real risk of missing the playoffs for the first time in years) Eagles at Chargers Broncos leading the division and finding ways to win games, leads KC by 3 games Segment 5: Final Thoughts (54:34) Want the Jets to play well but lose for draft position Counterpoint: would like to see a few more wins to show development and improvement of rookie head coach Aaron Glenn; losing breeds losing! Evaluate talent to be on next year's roster Brutal to talk about the NFL Draft in November (October too) yet again, but...
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Record Setting Jets Win vs. Cleveland, Pats game preview, NFL observations through Week 10, Preview Weeks 11 and 12
11/13/2025
Record Setting Jets Win vs. Cleveland, Pats game preview, NFL observations through Week 10, Preview Weeks 11 and 12
Segment 1: A short tribute to veterans on Veteran's Day, and the late Steven Waterman Segment 2: Jets, 27, Browns 20 Recap and Analysis (1:57) Historic game: Browns lost a game for first time since 1950 with no turnovers and holding an opponent to 175 yards or less on offense; NFL teams had been 225-0 in that scenario First time Jets have scored on both a kickoff return AND a punt return in the same game (great special teams play continues) Browns did the unthinkable (special teams debacle) and unforgivable: two defensive penalties on last drive (defensive holding away from the play and getting drawn offside on fourth down) Stats: QB play: 6 for 11, 54 passing yards, most on one play: Breece Hall's 42-yard TD on a screen (Rams QB Matthew Stafford had over 200 yards passing in first half) 6 sacks, including Will McDonald IV's 4 sacks, season total now 7 Rookie TE Mason Taylor: 1 catch, 4 yards New WR John Metchie III (acquired via trade from Eagles), 1 catch, 3 yards WR Garrett Wilson reinjured his knee, placed on injury reserve (out at least 4 games, why have him come back and potentially get injured again in lost season Segment 3: Jets/Patriots Thursday Night Preview: Tough Challenge for NYJ (11:45) Jets to win 3 in a row (a boy can dream); two touchdown underdog Patriots 8-2, leading the AFC East, winners of 7 straight, tied for best conference record QB Drake Maye playing very well, in MVP conversations; offense averaging almost 27 points per game, second in AFC, best rushing defense in league Only weakness: poor recent defense inside the red zone Segment 4: NFL Week 11 and Week 12 Game Analysis (15:55) Week 11 Tampa Bay at Buffalo (both teams coming off a loss, Bucs vs. Pats, Dolphins beat the Bills) Seattle at LA Rams, tied for first place in NFC West, best record in NFC, both have 4 game winning streaks, could go a long way to winning the division and/or best NFC record Seahawks added WR Rashid Shaheed from the Saints, adding another weapon for QB Sam Darnold; Rams WR Davante Adams hurt? Detroit at Philly (playoff seeding implications) Chicago at Minnesota (Bears surprisingly tied for divisional KC at Denver (Broncos a home dog; great coaching on both sidelines, Mahomes vs. Bo Nix favors KC, no CB Patrick Surtain for Denver) Week 12 Minnesota at Green Bay (have lost two in a row) Indy at KC Tampa Bay at LA Rams (Bucs at risk of losing 3 games in a row, Pats, Bills, Rams) Rams solid all season, offense plays fast and elite D, fun team to watch (Colts too) Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, can one be an MVP candidate and underrated at the same time? Segment 5: NFL Division Showdown Insights (27:40) Discussion around Niners QB Mac Jones good play, another example of QBs playing well under SF Head Coach Kyle Shanahan; Sam Darnold spent time in Niners system, played very well in Minny and now in Seattle; turn around Jets QB Justin Fields??? NFC South: Carolina a surprise at 5-5, just a game and a half behind Tampa Bay The importance of backup QB play AFC North: Ravens on 3-game winning streak, just one game behind the Steelers Segment 6: Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll Replacement Discussion (33:00) No surprise given team starting 2-8 for the third consecutive season Final straws, losing in Chicago after having a lead, one of several games they lost after having a lead (Case in point: losing in Denver, allowing 33 4th quarter points after having a shutdown after 3Q), and exciting rookie QB Jaxson Dart's concussion against the Bears, and how it happened Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka now interim head coach, has a chance to impress as Daboll's replacement? Intrigue around Minnesota Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores as an option; complication: Flores' continuing lawsuit against the Giants and NFL (has previous head coaching experience in Miami, did not end well, apparently wanted Justin Herbert not Tua); great work with Vikings D, deserves another head coaching shot Bill Belichick? Browns Coach Mike Stefanski if he becomes available? John Gruden (having too much fun without having to work 20 hour NFL coaching work day) Last good head coach goes back to Tom Coughlin; Giants management has poor record of head coaching hires Segment 7: Jameis Winston gets the start for the Giants in Week 11 (43:25) Winston is fun to watch, perceived as an interception machine Last year as F/T starter in TB: 5,100 yards (!), 33 TDs, 30 INTs Comparison: Jets have only ONE QB in their history that's thrown for 4,000 yards or more; Aaron Rodgers came close last season Segment 8: Final Thoughts (46:55) Rumor carousel on potential Giants head coach candidates KC D Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo? 5 Super Bowl rings with Giants (2) and KC (3)...64 years old, multimillion dollar salary...go through head coaching fun again? Very likely Hall of Famer...stay pat, wait for Chiefs Coach Andy Reid to retire? Discussion around how it helps coordinators to be mentored by great head coaches...example, former Jets Head Coach and now TB Leader Todd Bowles under Super Bowl winning Coach Bruch Arians
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NFL 2025 Trading Deadline Analysis, Jets Make Big Splash
11/07/2025
NFL 2025 Trading Deadline Analysis, Jets Make Big Splash
Segment 1: Details of biggest splash: Jets trade two stars in their prime for major draft capital to rebuild core talent (0:40) Trade CB Sauce Gardner to the Colts for two first round picks (2026 and 2027) and WR Adonai Mitchell Trade DT Quinnen Williams to Dallas for a first round pick in 2027, second rounder in 2026 and DT Mazi Smith (Cowboys' first round pick in 2023) Jets now have 5 first round picks and 3 second rounders over the next two NFL drafts Segment 2: Trade Analysis (3:30) At 1-7, new Jets management -- first year head coach Aaron Glenn and first-time GM Darren Mougey -- makes the decision to go into full rebuild mode, likely not having the QB for next season on the roster Hope is a four letter word for fans The team now has the draft capital to bring in top talent to develop a new core to build around; decision made the current core was not getting it done (no winning seasons in years) Almost $80 million in salary cap space is created by the transactions over the next two seasons Discussion around which core players can management build around; offensive line the centerpoint; offensive weapons still needed, two cornerstones are D are gone Having draft capital is huge; the key is can Jets management turn around a long history of poor drafts to bring in the right talent and then DEVELOP it; being wrong on high draft selections can set back franchises for years. Case in point: former No. 2 overall pick QB Zach Wilson. Another example: the entire 2020 draft class is no longer with the team. Oof Defensive secondary goes from strength to weakness Will the Jets be able to incorporate the new WRs acquired in recent trades to contribute this season The Colts are all in, playing well with potential MVP candidates QB Daniel Jones and RB Jonathan Taylor; brings in elite CB talent in Gardner to sure up their secondary Dallas moves to improve a porous defense giving up more than 30 points per game Segment 3: Which teams did best at the trade deadline (21:25) Seahawks: Brought in talented WR Rashid Shaheed from the Saints to help an ascending team that has dominated at times Colts: in better position to get to the playoffs at the top seed in the AFC with Sauce on the team, significantly improving their defense to complement the NFL's highest scoring offense (only team with more than 300 points scored) Eagles: continue to improve talent; brought in Miami DE Jaelen Phillips and CB Jaire Alexander from Baltimore and slot CB Michael Carter II from the Jets; GM Howie Roseman class of the league Jaguars: acquire WR Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders to help add another weapon as they fight to make the playoffs Segment 4: Observations from around the league (30:50) How will the Jets learn from mistakes of the first half of the season? Make rookie TE Mason Taylor a bigger weapon on offense? How do the Browns position QB Sheder Sanders for a potential future trade despite no NFL regular season game tape? Can the Bengals win some games with QB Joe Flacco before star Joe Burrow returns from injury? What do the Colts do with former starting QB Anthony Richardson? Ravens expected to make a run at a division title after a very slow start and QB Lamar Jackson's hamstring injury Segment 5: The Challenges of Getting High Draft Picks Right, and the Travails of First Time Head Coaches learning on the job (41:30) Even great drafts don't guarantee GMs will last. Case in point: former Jets GM Joe Douglas hit the motherload with 2022 first round picks CB Sauce Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson, Edge Rusher Jermaine Johnson and second rounder RB Breece Hall. Then after continued losing, was gone two seasons later. Trades for veteran QBs can backfire big time, especially teamed with a first time head coach not up to the job. Example: Denver trading for Russell Wilson. First time Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett went 4-11, the team was not competitive and was fired before finishing his first season Going down Jets memory lane of backup QBs One of the worst Jets draft picks of all time? A QB taken in the second round from Penn State who never played a down in the NFL in the regular season was ...
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NY Jets and NFL Observations at Mid-Season 2025-26: First Win!
11/01/2025
NY Jets and NFL Observations at Mid-Season 2025-26: First Win!
Segment 1: Insights Through Week 8 in the NFL (0:42) Savor the win! Huge loss: former Jets legend Nick Mangold passes away at 41 due to complications from kidney disease; drafted in the first round in 2006 with fellow offensive lineman D'Brickashaw Ferguson. (BTW: Ferguson played for 10 seasons, missed only one play, a gadget play that took him off the field) Week 7 vs. Carolina: lost 13-6 Game was unwatchable QB Justin Fields benched after halftime (6-12, 46 passing yards, sacked 3 times) Backup QB Tyrod Taylor entered game in the third quarter, threw two INTs including in the end zone Jets D played well enough to win for second week in a row, offense did not handle their end Week 8 vs. Cincinnati: won 39-38 Great comeback, nice win for 0-7 team going into the bye week Luckily played a team with a worse defense, took advantage RB Breece Hall 3 TDs -- 2 rushing, 1 passing (game-winning play to TE Mason Taylor) Played against former teammate, QB Joe Flacco Came back from several deficits, including 38-24 in 4th quarter Scored 3 TDs and not one, but two 2-point conversions 39 points, 502 yards of offense and 254 yards rushing all season highs QB Justin Fields bounced back in big way after benching: 244 yards passing, 1 TD pass Credit the offensive line Central question: Take off point for the offense, or just a gift playing the worst defense in the league (most points allowed, over 400 yards allowed/avg/game)? Dallas D not far behind Cincinnati's Segment 2: The Jets at Mid-Season: Where Do We Go from Here (17:00) Recapping 6 Point Plan to Fix the Jets outlined last podcast Rookie TE Mason Taylor showing flashes of being a bigger part of the offense, weapon in the red zone in Cincy; still need another pass-catching TE! Reality: 1-7 team, decisions to make going into the trading deadline Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 4 pm ET One trade made: brought in WR John Metchie III from the Eagles (4 games, 4 catches this season in Philly; 29 games in Houston) for slot corner Michael Carter II. Carter very good, but injuries and play of newly acquired CB Jarvis Brownlee made him expendable; really wanted to leave: waived his multi-million dollar injury guarantee for next season One key goal: see more development and growth from QB Justin Fields and Aaron Glenn, in his first year as an NFL head coach; rookie offensive coordinator finding his way 9 game season now, play like jobs on the line because they are Breece Hall talented playmaker...keep him or trade him if the GM will not sign him long term, get some draft capital back vs. losing a good player without compensation Do not repeat Giants mistake with Saquan Barkley Segment 3: Look Ahead to Weeks 9 and 10/Games of Note (30:05) Next Game: Jets host Cleveland, Week 10 Tough assignment for Jets offense against stout Browns defense Browns struggling big-time offensively with rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Jets 0-5 at home so far Week 11: Jets at New England (6-2) Patriots lead the AFC East division on nice winning streak, including beating Buffao Second-year QB Drake Maye having super sophomore year (leading stats), courtesy of talented Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels Quite likely to win 10 games, have beaten four teams with losing records Week 9 Games of Note Vikings (QB JJ McCarthy to start, Carson Wentz hurt, should have kept Sam Darnold?) at Detroit Colts at Pittsburgh: 7-1 Colts favored, Steelers on 2-game losing streak to Bengals and Packers Marquee game: Chiefs at Buffalo (Bills a home dog, must win for Buffalo) Arizona on 5-game losing streak, at Dallas (Cowboys good at keeping both teams in the game) Future Prediction: Jets will trade for Jordan Love in a decade, to become third ex-Packers QB to come in their twilight (Favre, Rodgers and Love) Week 10 Games of Note New England at Tampa Bay Rams at Niners Steelers at Chargers Monday Night/Game of Week: Eagles/Packers Eagles getting calls from refs similar to the positive treatment Chiefs receive Jets fans should enjoy the bye week with a Jets win. Final Thoughts
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S3 E4: 6 Point Plan to Fix the NY Jets, NFL Insights Through 2025 Season Week 6
10/19/2025
S3 E4: 6 Point Plan to Fix the NY Jets, NFL Insights Through 2025 Season Week 6
6 Point Plan to Fix the NY Jets 2025-26 Season, NFL Insights Through Week 6 Segment 1: Recapping Jets games in Weeks 5 and 6 (0:46) Week 5 vs Dallas: lost 37-22, down 23-3 at halftime, scored 19 points after game basically over Cowboys doubled their sack total (5 to 10), Dallas missing 4 starters on offensive line and star WR Ceedee Lamb... and Jets could not take advantage After RB Breece Hall fumble, team seemed unable to deal with diversity Week 6 vs Broncos: lost 13-11 History setting offensive performance: negative 10 passing yards, one of worst in NFL history 9 QB sacks allowed; QB Justin Fields inability to process information fast enough on full display Inexplicable coaching decisions (run out the clock at end of first half after successful fake punt); last offensive play on 4th and long, 7 step drop against predictable all out blitz w/o additional blocking support Jets only winless team at 0-6, continually beating themselves Seeing anticipated growing pains of first time NFL Head Coach Aaron Glenn: need to give him at least two full seasons as he is unfortunately learning on the job Team has let 3 great chances to win slip away (Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay after big comeback, Denver) Finally get first interception, new CB Jarvis Brownlee played well Segment 2: 6 Point Plan to Fix the Jets' Issues (15:20) Change QB to Tyrod Taylor, create packages to use Justin Fields' running ability Go back to game plan used in Game 1 vs. Pittsburgh Trade or sign for veteran wide receiver to add weapons Trade or sign veteran tight end Find veteran leader in locker room to hold players accountable Be more aggressive with play calling, get away from wildly conversative approach Big decision: trade talent like WR Breece Hall (3 down back, averaging 4.7 YPC) at trade deadline either for a stud wide receiver or looking ahead to 2026? Trade Deadline: November 4, 4 pm Question: trust management's talent evaluations to hit on additional draft picks? Don't have next year's QB on the roster Note to Jets offensive coaching staff: check out how NY Giants are using rookie QB Jaxson Dart; why can't the Jets use a similar plan with Justin Fields to play to his strengths better, like Week 1 vs. the Steelers Segment 3: Look ahead to Weeks 7 (Carolina) and 8 (Bengals) (33:25) Panthers have their best record through six weeks since 2021, 4th best rushing attack Carolina 0-3 on the road this season, inconsistent QB play Rookie WR McMillan playing well Bengals 0-4 since QB Joe Burrow was injured Jets will face old friend QB Joe Flacco in Cincy Cincy relying on No. 1 WR Ja'Marr Chase given ineffective running game Segment 4: Week 7 and 8 Games of Note (41:01) Week 7 Can 40-year-old Joe Flacco lead the Bengals to beat the Steelers? Eagles at Minnesota The Giants, in Denver, are exciting to watch with rookie QB Dart and battering ram rookie RB Cam Skattabou Colts in LA to play the Chargers Tampa Bay at Detroit Week 8 Green Bay at Pittsburgh Commanders at KC (Future Hall of Famers at QB, Head Coach and D Coordinator (5 Super Bowl rings) Detroit at KC game Week 6: TD called back on procedural penalty on QB Jared Goff...rule change coming? Too many penalties in the NFL!!! (More on this planned in future podcasts)
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Analyzing NFL Weeks 3 & 4, Previewing Weeks 5 & 6: NY Jets, Across the League
10/05/2025
Analyzing NFL Weeks 3 & 4, Previewing Weeks 5 & 6: NY Jets, Across the League
Segment 1: Observations: Jets in Weeks 3 and 4 of the NFL Season (0:36) · Week 3 vs. Tampa Bay: Jets lost 29-27…brutal to lose game after scoring 3 TDs in 4th quarter, including defensive TD after trailing 20-6 at the half, 23-6 after 3, and still lose Season trend of trailing in games, making late comebacks and losing continues Strong 4Q, with backup QB Tyrod Taylor leading 2 TD drives, and edge rusher Will McDonald blocking a FG and running it back for a defensive TD Team’s going to win that game, right? Left way too much time for QB Baker Mayfield Where are the weapons in addition to WR Garrett Wilson? Rookie WR Arian Smith, speedster: 2 catches for 2 yards Defense had chance to seal first win by stopping QB Baker Mayfield and the Bucs' offense... · Week 4 vs the Dolphins: Lost 27-21, most winnable game on the schedule first month Jets continue to beat themselves: 3 fumbles lost, 13 penalties, including several offensive pre-snap infractions, killing momentum RB Braelon Allen fumbled as he was about to score going into the end zone late in Q1 Outgained Miami 404-300, including dominant night rushing, 23 first downs QB Justin Fields returned from a concussion, had more rushing yards through 3Q than passing yards; rookie TE Mason Taylor had a multiple catch game (5 for 65 yards) D let formerly retired TE Darren Waller to score 2 TDs, held Fish to 177 yards passing Injuries mounting: why have Braelon Allen returning kickoffs! Knee injury Segment 2: Observations over first Month of the Season (13:19) Many issues in all 3 phases: offense, defense and specials teams - stop penalties, fumbles! Is Justin Fields the QB for the short term? Figure out options to one dimensional offense D playing worst in years; free agent S Andre Cisco and secondary playing poorly; force some turnovers! Key trend: Jets outscored 50-12 in the first half over past 3 games Need more weapons in passing game Segment 3: Looking Ahead to Weeks 5-6 (14:48) Jets hosting Dallas in Week 5: Dallas D second worst in the league, should be able to score; to win, will need to win the turnover battle Week 6: Jets and Broncos in London: Denver D playing well, young QB with strong coaching; 6th year in a row the two teams have played Key question: do the Jets get a win before the bye week? Dallas, Panthers and Bengals up next. Prediction: Yes! Segment 4: Observations around the League Weeks 3 and 4 (24:39) Ravens 1-3, struggling, given up most points in NFL, major injury bug Giants surprise the undefeated Chargers 21-18, spark from rookie QB Jaxson Dart; Giants D played well and turnover free football played major role in the win; rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter leads all rookies in QB pressures; lost star WR Malik Nabers to ACL injury Biggest surprises? Steelers, Colts and Jags at 3-1, Ravens 1-3 Eagles not playing best football and still finding ways to win against good comp; Jalin Hurts 0-8 in second half in win over Rams; have not warmed up WRs; great fake tush push call Browns have started more QBs than any other team in league (41) since 1999; Flacco benched in favor of rooke QB Dillon Gabriel (team ranks 31st in scoring) Segment 5: Weeks 5 and 6 Games of Note (40:13) Week 5 Niners and Rams Pats at Buffalo Denver at Philly Chiefs at Jags Commanders and Chargers Bucs at Seahawks Giants at 0-4 New Orleans...NYG 2-3 after Week 5? Saints think THEY can get in win column Week 6 Giants host Eagles on Thursday night, play twice in three weeks; TOUGH schedule Seahawks at Jags (playing above weight class) Rams at Ravens (Lamar Jackson to return from hamstring injury) Niners at Tampa Bay Lions at KC, Sunday night game Colts dilemma: if QB Daniel Jones continues to play well, what do you do with QB Anthony Richardson; potential landing spots for Richardson
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Observations on First Two Weeks of the NFL 2025-26 Season
09/21/2025
Observations on First Two Weeks of the NFL 2025-26 Season
Segment 1: Breaking Down the Jets First Two Games (0:35) Week 1: Steelers 34, Jets 32 Balanced offensive attack, offensive line dominant/nearly 200 yards Stout run D (just 53 yards allowed); but 4 passing TDs allowed to QB Aaron Rodgers Steelers hit 60-yard-FG - welcome to the new NFL Unforgivable Jets fumble led to Steelers TD in the 4th quarter Offense and QB Justin Fields (16-22, 218 yards, 3 TDs, 1 passing, 2 rushing) exceeded expectations, optimism about competitiveness despite frustrating loss in Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn's debut Week 2: Bills 30, Jets 10 Key question: how does NFL team play a non-competitive game two weeks in the season? QB Justin Fields: 3-11 passing, 27 yards - 8 net -- and a lost fumble; left game with a concussion; 0-11 on third down Bills D, after giving up 238 yards rushing in Week 1 vs. Baltimore, held Jets to 100 yards rushing, 154 yards overall Jets rush D shredded by the Bills offense (224 yards rushing, 5.2 yards/carry) Jets D allowing 32 points per game, 4th worst in the league Injuries: QB Fields concussion Edge Jermaine Johnson II suffered ankle inury S Tony Adams (groin injury) Slot CB Michael Carter II hurt his shoulder Rookie TE Mason Taylor nursing high ankle sprain from preseason Some bright spots: rookie RT Armand Membou has allowed no sacks, has no penalties, Sauce Gardner has more pass breakups (3) than receptions allowed Segment 2: Preview of Weeks 3 and 4 (20:15) Week 3: At Tampa Bay Tampa Bay 2-0 (both wins on road), coming off late game-winning drive in Houston QB Baker Mayfield has 5 TDs through first two games, tweaked his knee vs. Texans Bucs dealing with a number of injuries on the offensive line Tampa Bay: run D a key strength, vs. Jets' goal of establishing the run QB Fields ruled out with concussion; Jets will look to bounce back after blowout loss with backup QB Tyrod Taylor getting the start Week 4: At Miami (Monday Night) Jets best chance to win so far this season Miami: winless, 0-2, 66 points allowed through Week 2 is second most in the league Dolphins D struggles: gave up points in 13 of the 15 possessions vs. the Colts (33-8 loss), vs. Patriots (33-27 loss) Lots of offensive talent: WRs Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, RB Devon Achane Segment 3: Around the League Insights, Week 3 Games to Watch (33:00) Insights on the AFC West, NFC East divisions 10 2-0 teams, 10 0-2 teams Rams No. 1 in league in points allowed Colts (2-0) biggest surprise in the league so far, with QB Daniel "Indiana" Jones leading the way Chargers and Packers most impressive teams through Week 2 Bengals QB Joe Burrow out three months following surgery Commanders will be moving back to DC, will build new stadium 0-2 Chiefs facing uphill battle Highlight games of the week: Rams at Eagles, Broncos at Chargers, Lions/Ravens Monday night
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NFL 2025-26 NY Jets and AFC East Season Preview
09/06/2025
NFL 2025-26 NY Jets and AFC East Season Preview
Segment 1: Draft and Preseason Recap Brought in QB Justin Fields ($40M) Resigned stars WR Garrett Wilson and CB Sauce Gardner to long-term extensions Draft picks include rookie RT to strengthen the offensive line, TE Mason Taylor and intriguing 4th rounders speedster Georgia WR Arian Smith as deep threat and Alabama S Malachi Moore Gone are QB Aaron Rodgers (Steelers), CB DJ Reed (Lions, one of the best free agent signings in years), LB CJ Mosley (retired), underperforming DT Javon Kinshaw (Commanders, $45M!) Segment 2: Season Preview: the Good, Bad and the Ugly (8:35) Good Expect strong running game by committee Improved defense expected after last year's porous run D, the return of edge rusher Jermaine Johnson after serious injury Traded for much needed run stuffing D linemen Harrison Phillips (Vikings), Jowon Briggs (Browns) Good offensive line (injury update below), with the plan of having left and right tackles to play together for the next decade Improved special teams through resigning of veteran K Nick Folk after other kickers' missed FGs and PATs cost the team a few wins last season Bad Growing Pains: this is Aaron Glenn's first NFL heading coaching role; ditto new GM Darren Mougey and first time offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand Did not replace veteran WR talent after Davante Adams was cut Depth at QB?: If Fields gets hurt, backup QB Tyrod Taylor has a long history of injury; untested rookie QB Brady Cook (Missouri) awaits his first NFL snap Ugly Fields is playing for his third team in as many seasons, having to master yet another offensive system, from a rookie OC Where are the offensive weapons after the RBs and WR Garrett Wilson for Fields to work with? One dimensional offenses struggle to score points, win games RG Alijah Vera-Tucker injured his triceps, potentially ending his season; O line goes to Plan B with free agent Josh Myers (Green Bay, former Fields teammate at Ohio State) to play center and C Joe Tippmann to slide over to RG Segment 3: Week 1-4 Predictions (18:45) Jets face major challenge week 1 vs. the Steelers defense; expect the team to be motivated to play well under new head coach Aaron Glenn; likely Steeler win but there's a chance to steal one this early in the season Jets to struggle vs. Buffalo in Week 2, Tampa in Week 3, chance for success Week 4 in Miami 1-3 record after September quite possible Segment 4: AFC East Insights and Observations (32:50) Bills the class of the division with MVP QB Josh Allen Expect the Patriots to be much improved under new head coach Mike Vrabel and returning OC Josh McDaniels; tough test for rookie LT Will Campbell Week 1 vs. Raiders all-pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel under the microscope; potentially explosive offense suffers when QB Tua Tagovailoa misses time with injuries; they are counting on backup Zach Wilson if Tua goes down (thank you!) Goal for Jets: split the season series with Bills, Pats, Dolphins Segment 5: Other NFL Insights (35:50) Niners bounce back (coach, talent, scheme, weak schedule), win the division; Rams to be tough, concerns about health of QB Matthew Stafford Trade of stud edge rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay shifts the balance of power in that division and NFC Giants to have more talent, better record than the Jets despite tough schedule and having to play in the NFC East? They play Washington tough, Dallas could be vulnerable; will Eagles RB Saquan Barkley stay healthy? AFC West should be very competitive with KC, Chargers and Broncos fighting it out for supremacy; expect the Raiders to be improved under Pete Carroll, QB Geno Smith and rookie RB Ashton Jeanty Colts have Daniel Jones as starting QB...will Indy be improved?
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2025 NFL Draft Recap and Analysis, Focus on NY Jets and AFC East
05/14/2025
2025 NFL Draft Recap and Analysis, Focus on NY Jets and AFC East
Segment 1: 3 Major Needs Going into the 2025 NFL Draft (Starts at 0:26) Protect New QB Justin Fields/Offensive Line Protection Acquire additional offensive weapons, including WR and TE, to help score more points Improve the defense, especially against the run Segment 2: Analysis: Were Major Needs Addressed? (0:55) Is the team better now, given free agent and undrafted signings, and the new draft picks? For the second year in a row, major decision: OT or TE? 2006 Draft: first two picks (Ferguson and Mangold) landed the team two offensive lineman for a decade 2025 Draft Picks Rundown: First Round: Armand Membou, OL, Missouri Second Round: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU Third Round: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State Fourth Round #1: Arian Smith, WR, Georgia Fourth Round #2: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama Fifth Round: Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami Sixth Round: Tyler Baron, DE, Miami Observations and Insights: Needs addressed: OL and TE (still need more depth) Needs not addressed: WR -- still gaping hold past Garrett Wilson, and DL (signed 4 DL in free agency for depth) QB Update Opted to add weapons for Justin Fields, did not draft a QB (signed UDFA QB Brade Cook, Missouri) 2024 Fifth Round Pick QB Jordan Travis, Florida State, retired after the draft Wise to draft a QB every year for competition and to fight a QB diamond in the rough Biggest name in UDFA signings: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan Concern: ability to score enough points? Jets Cap Space: $27 million+ providing options to sign more players Segment 3: AFC East Draft Review (33:00) Bills: traded up three times directly ahead of Jets during the draft; first five picks were on defense Dolphins: drafted three defensive linemen; former Jets QB Zach Wilson now the main backup for oft-injured (concussions) Tua Tagovailoa; major mistake? Team a QB injury away from rebuild? Patriots: apparently good draft; first four picks on offense to help rebuild one of the NFL's worst offensive units in 2024 Road to Super Bowl runs through KC, with pitstops in Buffalo (and Baltimore?) Eagles (and Tampa Bay before that vs. KC) has shown best way to beat the Chiefs and QB Patrick Mahomes: strong pash rush Segment 4: Final Thoughts (39:45) Do the Jets have a puncher's chance to fight for a wild-card playoff slot with first year head coach and GM? Fan expectations: develop young players, fewer 3 and outs on offense, better discipline (fewer penalties, especially on third down), be competitive every week Strong running game and improved defense critical to success
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The Post Aaron Rodgers/NY Jets Era Has Begun
03/20/2025
The Post Aaron Rodgers/NY Jets Era Has Begun
The Post Aaron Rodgers/NY Jets Era Has Begun: 42:28 Segment 1: Quick Review of the 2024-25 Jets Season (Starts at 0:30) Disappointing 5-12 finish; hard to believe former QB Zach Wilson led the team to more wins than future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers Opportunities Squandered: Rodgers had the most dropped passes in the NFL (36) Jets led the league with 6 blown 4th quarter leads Team was 3-7 in one-score games Missed FGs and PATs led to losses Fired Head Coach Robert Saleh after 5 games, did not provide the intended spark Longest playoff drought in professional sports (14 seasons) in North America continues; one key constant over that span Defense (porous run defense, few turnovers generated) and special teams both regressed Only one way but up??? Segment 2: A Recap of the Busy Off-Season including the Hiring of a New Head Coach and GM, in that order (7:57) Cautious optimism around new Head Coach Aaron Glenn, former Jets first round pick and quality cornerback, experienced major turnaround under tutelage of Bill Parcells from 1-15 team; spent last 4 seasons as Lions defensive coordinator, part of coaching staff building a winner in Detroit Pattern of hiring head coaches and GMs with no previous NFL experience in those roles continues; ditto with the offensive coordinator selection First big decision made: Aaron Rodgers' future; threw for close to 3,900 yards and 28 TDs, both third-best single season performances in franchise history; massive salary cap hit over next 2 seasons Addition of Packers OL Josh Myers (who played with new QB Justin Fields at Ohio State) to provide flexibility and movement along the offensive line? Segment 3: Initial Thoughts on the First Wave of Free Agent Signings (18:45) The Justin Fields era begins: 2 years and $40M, $30M guaranteed; gives indication of offensive philosophy; can the new coaching staff maximize his talent given Jets' history on not being able to develop young quarterbacks? Commentary on the 10+ free agents signed (to 1-year deals), strategy: focus on young talent with upside and for roster depth Segment 4: Needs Going into the NFL Draft Next Month (28:00) Top needs going into the draft: OL, DL, WR, TE, CB Strong nucleus of young talent: can it be developed and converted into wins? Intriguing options with the No. 7 overall selection in round one: edge rusher? Offensive lineman to replace RT Morgan Moses? Playmaker/weapons for the new QB...Penn State TE Tyler Warren, who set a number of Nittany Lion and Big 10 records last season? A QB??? Signs the new leadership team is demonstrating progress: more wins, Justin Fields showing he can be a franchise QB/2025 version of Sam Darnold; increased discipline (fewer mental mistakes and penalties); strong in-game clock management; building a winning culture
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Post Aaron Rodgers Injury Edition
09/16/2023
Post Aaron Rodgers Injury Edition
This episode features a look into the Jets 2023 season following QB Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tendon injury -- after just four offensive plays -- in the Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. Guest co-host: Nigel Anderson, fellow long-time Jets fan. 34:08 Segment 1: 0:40 Aaron Rodgers is lost for the season after being sacked. Reminiscent of QB Vinny Testaverde's Achille's tendon tear on a non-contact injury during the first game of the 1999 season. The team had Super Bowl aspirations after reaching the AFC Championship Game in Denver. At least the Jets won the game against Buffalo last week. The much-discussed fears of the offensive line's issues came true very quickly. Bills QB Josh Allen's four turnovers were critical in the loss. Segment 2: 3:30, 6 Observations from Week 1 OT Win Vs. the Bills. Jets appear to be a pretty good team. Sample size of one game. Defense played very well. Lots of positives, including strong running game (170+ yards) and come-from-behind win against a tough divisional opponent with Super Bowl aspirations. Negative: 117 net passing yards...will be hard to win games with that level of production. RB Breece Hall had a triumphant comeback following off-season knee surgery and looked phenomenal. Career high 127 yards. First touch: a 20+ yard run on the Jets' first offensive play. Also had an 83 yard scamper. Having Dalvin Cook as part of a strong 1-2 RB punch will be critical as the team will rely on the ground game with Wilson under center. Looks like the Jets found a gem in undrafted free agent Xavier Gipson, who scored on the game's winning play: a long punt return for a TD in OT after the Jets D forced the Bills' 3 and out. Offensive line still a huge concern, especially against the Cowboys strong pash rush (Week 2 matchup). Question: why not bring in another veteran OT or 2 in addition to the draft? Zach Wilson was named the starting QB by Coach Robert Saleh. "This is Zach's team." There will be no QB competition. Jets fans likely disagree with that approach. The team needs to bring in a competent NFL QB ASAP. We discuss potential QB options. Key to Jets' success: the development of Coach Saleh and his in-game management. Did he make the right call to kick a FG late in the game vs. Buffalo instead of going for a TD after Allen's fumble inside the Bills 30? Segment 3: 24:30, Giants at Arizona, Week 2 matchup. "Get right" game for the Jints after getting blown out by Dallas 40-0 in their home opener. Must game given the Giants are at San Francisco in Week 3. The Niners looked great in dominating Pittsburgh in Week 1. Nigel: SF will go to the Super Bowl. Segment 4: 26:08, "The Phil Rotondi Rule" (hypothesis while at Brooklyn College years ago): NFL teams can't win the Super Bowl if they get shut out or give up 40 points or more on defense. Nigel: quarterbacks that don't play at least 25 games in college tend to not excel in the NFL. Segment 5: 30:05, Already in the Post-Rodgers Portion of the 2023 Season. Questions of what could have been. Will he rehab and come back, or retire? The expectation: Rodgers will not "limp into retirement" and will play again for the Jets. Only thing we know for sure: the Jets will send a second round pick, not a first, to Green Bay to complete the Rodgers trade because Rodgers will not play at least 65% of the offensive snaps. Another brutal night for Jets fans. Zach Wilson needs to up his game. Jet management's plan to start Wilson after Rodgers' retirement moves up a season or two or three. Here's to hoping all of the coaching and mentoring of Wilson by Rodgers over the summer will make a major difference in the QB's play and approach. It's a long season. Audio production: Nicky Wetherell
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NFL Team Musings with Training Camps in Full Swing
08/11/2023
NFL Team Musings with Training Camps in Full Swing
This episode features an update as we are well into NFL training camp season. Our guest host is Nigel Anderson. He has closely followed the national and New York sports scenes for decades, is a fitness expert, and shares his unique insights about the world of sports. He makes some interesting and surprising predictions on who will make it to the Super Bowl. 30:49 Segment 1: 0:40, AFC East Predictions, Major Expectations for the New York Jets. Jets to finish third in the AFC East? Is the championship window closing on Buffalo? Aaron Rodgers throws a wrench into the AFC's playoff plans. Long season for New England? How far will Miami's talent take them? Segment 2: 12:45, Observations on the NY Jets. Offensive line is a concern. Better QB play should significantly help the defense. Can the team play with a lead and position the defense to leverage its strength -- its DL and pass rush? How to avoid the 1-2-3 and outs. Nigel's prediction: Jets make the playoffs as a wild card team. Aaron Rodgers stats from last season -- nearly 3,700 yards and 26 TDs, an off year by his standards -- would be a major upgrade compared to Jets QBs historically. Speaking of QBs...imagine if Peyton Manning would have opted for the NFL Draft before his senior season at Tennessee when the Jets had the No. 1 overall pick that year? Segment 3: 15:30, NFC A Two Horse Race? Eagles a major favorite, but don't forget about the 49ers. Niners to win the NFC? Segment 4: 17:16, Sam Darnold and Zack Wilson. Former Jet QB Sam Darnold turning heads at the Niners' training camp. Rooting for the former Jets No. 3 overall pick to win a Super Bowl ring. Comparison to Zack Wilson. Segment 5: 25:31, Kansas City Favorite to Win AFC. All playoff roads go through Kansas City (again) with Cincinnati and Buffalo expected to be in the mix. How long is Bengals QB Joe Burrow expected to miss action after a non-contact injury? QB Lamar Jackson and Baltimore intriguing team to watch this season. Segment 6: 27:31, NFC North Observations. Detroit up and comer with expectations. Minnesota's divison to lose after 13 win season a year ago? Segment 7: 29:15, Prediction (Nigel): Chiefs vs. Niners in the Super Bowl.
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2023 NFL Draft Review. Guest: NFL.com Lead Draft Writer Eric Edholm
05/17/2023
2023 NFL Draft Review. Guest: NFL.com Lead Draft Writer Eric Edholm
This episode features a detailed review of the latest NFL Draft, with NFL.com Lead Draft Writer Eric Edholm as a guest. Eric's been covering the NFL for more than two decades at The Sporting News, Pro Football Weekly and Yahoo!Sports. Segment 1: 0:40, Which NFL Teams Helped Themselves The Most: Eric mentions the Eagles, Cardinals, Seahawks and Colts among others. He also liked the Lions draft more than many analysts, and shared some thoughts on the Packers' roster. Which team received Eric's lowest grade? Segment 2: 10:50, Biggest Surprises, Head Scratchers: His analysis points to a number of reaches for defensive tackles in the early rounds, more QBs (14) taken than expected, and the Raiders not selecting one offensive lineman with their nine picks though having a solid draft overall. Segment 3: 22:42, New York Jets Draft Analysis and Insights. Grade: C+. First rounder Iowa State Edge Rusher Will McDonald IV went earlier than many predicted; 4th rounder Pittsburgh OT Carter Warren and 7th rounder Old Dominion TE Zach Kuntz were anticipated to be selected earlier, and he liked the selection of 5th rounder Pitt RB Israel Abanikanda, given Breece Hall is recovering from knee surgery. Segment 4: 36:00, AFC East Team Draft Review: Bills B+ (Utah TE Dalton Kincaid and Florida G O'Cyrus Torrence), Patriots B- (traded up in the 4th round for a kicker, plus selections including a punter), Dolphins C- (suggested the need for more offensive linemen, while acknowledging the team's limited options given only four draft picks this year given trades).
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NFL Rule Changes Update
04/13/2023
NFL Rule Changes Update
Taped on March 30, 2023 Leadoff: Short commentary on the complexity of NFL rules Segment 1: 2:00, NFL rule and operational changes passed at the annual league meeting, in Arizona; highlights include a new replay review option on failed 4th down attempts, tripping is now a personal foul penalty (15 yards), teams can play more than one Thursday night game per season, and players can now use the number zero. Segment 2: 11:42, Rejected rule change proposals (roughing the passer penalties are still not subject to instant replay and/or reviewable by a coach's challenge); potential rule changes tabled (including a team-recommended alternative to onside kicks) until the next owner's meeting in May. Segment 3: 21:01, Our recommended NFL rule changes. Segment 4: 29:35, Comments on the latest Jets' offseason moves, and the historic March Madness tournament.
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NFL 2023 Offseason Frenzy Review, Week 1
03/19/2023
NFL 2023 Offseason Frenzy Review, Week 1
Taped 3-14-2023 Segment 1: NFL Offseason Analysis, initial winners and losers in the first week of free agency Segment 2: AFC East moves, including Jets activity leading up to potential Aaron Rodgers trade Segment 3: Jets are all in on Aaron Rodgers Segment 4: Plan B: options for the Jets if the Rodgers trade goes awry
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2023 NFL Offseason Preview, Episode 1
03/07/2023
2023 NFL Offseason Preview, Episode 1
Taped February 28, 2023 Segment 1: Comments on the Quarterback Carousel Segment 2: NFL Coaching Changes, Most Intriguing Coordinator Hires Segment 3: Which QB the Jets Should Sign: Derek Carr Segment 4: Thoughts on Las Vegas Raiders going into the 2023 season; which teams could pursue Derek Carr Key Dates: February 21 – March 7: Franchise Tag Window March 13-15: Negotiation window prior to free agency March 15: Official beginning of the 2023-24 NFL Year (free agents can be signed, trading period open). All teams must be under the salary cap April 27-29: 2023 NFL Draft, Kansas City, MO
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