Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules - Gronk & Jules on Championship Weekend + Christian Gonzalez

Episode Date: January 22, 2026

It's Conference Championship weekend! Gronk & Jules are going in-depth to break down the four remaining teams and the weekend ahead. The guys give their keys to the game and predictions for Patriots vs. Broncos and Rams vs. Seahawks. Then, we're joined by Patriots Pro-Bowl Cornerback and defensive leader: Christian Gonzalez. Get ready for a big weekend of football ahead!Support the show: https://hoo.be/dudesondudesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actually, yeah, I've actually, my very last game, I lost to Los Angeles Rams in the, what's the second round? Divide. The division of game versus Rams. Weird, you don't know because we never, it was always usually our first round. Exactly. Because we always had the buy. So it's hard for Rob to compute being in the wild card weekend. Welcome to dudes on dudes.

I'm Julian Edelman. I'm Rob Grankowski. And this is the show where your favorite dudes get to talk about their favorite dudes. And there are just four teams left, and we're going to be breaking it all down ahead of the championship round. Plus, we're talking with Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Make sure to drop a like, subscribe, and hit the bell to be notified every time we drop a new episode. Let's go. Dudes on Dudes, a production of IHeart Radio.

We only got four teams left. Should we preview championship matchups? Let's preview the championship matchups, baby. We got the AFC championship game that we played in plenty of times. And actually, the last time we played in this game, and that was in Denver. We lost, you know, in the fourth quarter with the final, you know, seconds of the game.

Actually, we had a chance with under a minute. Then we got the ball back and then we had that hell Mary. And Akeep Taleb was chugging. down, you know, my shoulder pads in my jersey. I couldn't even jump, but it didn't get called because when it's a hell, Mary, anything goes. But we're about to preview the New England Patriots, you know, at the Denver Broncos for the AFC championship game.

And then we will preview the NFC championship game where we got the Los Angeles Rams going to the Seattle Seahawks, you know, in Seattle. So let's get into it, Julian. Let's start with the Patriots, obviously, because that's our team. We're rooting for them. We're rooting for Christian Gonzalez, obviously. And what do you see as a key to this game for the Patriots offense? Key's taking care of the football.

Okay, we got to take care of the football. Six, I think there's been six fumbles in the last two weeks from our guy, Drake. You know, he makes insane plays. But there's been so many times that we've heard in thousands and thousands of meetings going into the playoffs, probably like 100, actually. We didn't play in thousands. That the games about the team that makes the least amount of mistakes. These games aren't won.

They're usually lost. And they were able to overcome last week against Houston with the turnovers and the ball security issues because the defense got a bunch of takeaways and had a heyday against C.J. Stroud. But, you know, the key to this offense, especially with no bow nix and backup quarterback coming in on the other side of the ball, just got to take care of the football.

We got to just, hey, we're going to make plays. You know, Drake knows it. He even said we got to kick the ball after every possession, whether it's a punter or a field goal. And they understand that. It's just we got to do it now. What's your key, Rob? Yeah, I always say get after their quarterback, Bo Nix is out for the year. Get after Jared Sted him.

I mean, the guy has played in how many games won one game in the last two years. I think he has four starts. You know, throughout his career, he actually was drafted by the Patriots to be a backup for Brady. I play with Stead. You play what Stid as well. So when you get a new guy that's fresh just getting thrown into the mix, you know, into the playoffs, you know, going, you know, for the going, you know, for the AFC championship game to go to the Super Bowl. I mean, just get after him.

Frustrate him from the very beginning. Draw up some blitzes. I mean, it's been so long since he's seen live playoff action or just live game action, that is. He probably has never even seen playoff action. Live NFL game action. So if you throw blitzes, you throw the schemes, you stunt your defensive line, you bring the linebackers, you throw a safety blitz or a corner blitz in there, just throw him off his game where he has to read the defense and get him confused from the beginning.

And Julian, you play with Stidham. I mean, what's the scouting report on him? How many years was it? One year that you played with him? Two. We played two years together. So what's the scouting report on Stidham? As for me who never played with him, I feel like he's actually a very, very solid backup quarterback, you know, and it's a very, you know, good situation for Denver the BN.

It's not like there, there's a seventh round pick, you know, draft drafty, that's a rookie as their backup like this guy has experience he's a veteran you know he was in new england he learned from tom he learned from you know wonderful coaches there he played with a lot of great players like yourself so what's the scouting port on jared stidham that you saw when you were playing with him in new england you know a lot has changed he's a lot older now that was probably what six years ago but stid was always a pretty accurate very good guy had very catchable ball smart guy great, great team guy. You know, he's,

he's got some mobility, but he's not Bo Nix. You know, so I really do, I think he can't sleep on him. You know, the fact that Sean Peyton brought him over his first year there and then signed an extension for him going into like, I think this year, tells you that he likes him, that he thinks very highly of them.

So whatever they do, I think Jared Sidham's going to be ready. And I think Sean Payton's a good enough coach to get him ready. So I don't think for a second that like, oh, Patriots have this game 1,000% because they have a backup quarterback. They still got to go out and play a really good game. Because the Broncos are a very good football team.

Yes, they are. And I agree with you. It's not like, oh, they're starting quarterback is out. It's going to be handed to them. Jared Stidham's a very qualified backup quarterback who could possibly be a starter. And this game actually might elevate him to be a starter in the future. This happens to a lot of backup backup backup quarterbacks has happened to. Literally, I would say there's, there's minimum $10 million riding on the line right now for Jared Stittum and just this game.

I think it could be way more than that. I, hey, I said minimum. I said minimum. if he has a average performance and does well, that's like a minimum like he's going to get 10 mil to be a backup somewhere else. But if he dominates, hey, here's 30, you know, the BR starter for some team that needs a quarterback.

But I'm saying just minimum $10 million is riding on the line for Jared Stidham here. And I saw him, you know, somehow, no, me, somehow I watched the Denver Broncos and preseason two years ago. The game was on television and I saw him play. And he went out there and he was chucking some bombs. and I felt like he was picking up and grasping Sean Peyton's offense very quick. And just the first year, Sean Peyton was the coach. So you can't sleep on Jared Stittam.

It's definitely an advantage of Patriots that Bo Knicks is out. But you cannot sleep on this guy one single bit. On top of it, he has legs as well. He can run the ball. I remember I think in a preseason game for the Patriots, I think he went for like a 99-yard touchdown versus Giants. Did he? If I'm, I'm pretty sure. I'm pretty sure I was there

I was there I don't think so if it was another backup Yeah it was our third string dude It was I forgot he's a coach now But who was that See that's why that's why I said All right all right I'm getting getting him confused

I don't know if it was 99 but it was a long one It was a long way it was like It was a long one to 90s Against the Giants Yeah it was against the Giants I thought it was him but I'm wrong Julian My bad No but I think

back. Oh, Danny. That's who it was. All right. So I'm getting them confused right there. I take that back. But shout out to Danny Etlein. Whatever you're doing.

You had some nice legs in that preseason game, buddy. Yeah, no. I mean, Stid's going to know where to go with the football. He's a smart guy. He's been in the league for a while. He's been under some really good coaches. You know, for me, the Patriots defense, they got to be able to stop the run because they're going to get a lot of RJ Harvey Harvey and who's the other guy?

McLaughlin. They got to be able to stop the run with Harvey and McLaughlin. And then they got to be able to tackle. Sean Peyton is like a screen short pass savant where he can dial up all these plays and get his players and spaces and catch and run guys. And the Patriots are going to have to tackle because that's how you beat that kind of stuff.

You can't let them break a tackle or they go. what are your keys of the Patriots defense? Well, I kind of already talked about it. When I, yeah, I get after sit them. That was a key I already talked about. What are you concerned about then? Okay, what I'm concerned about kind of you talked about it. We summed them up pretty well, you know, at the beginning, you know, of talking about the Patriots is that they got to take care of the football.

They got away with it last week, obviously, because Houston decided to turn the ball over even more than the Patriots. like that was a game, you know, technically where you would lose 99% of the time, you know, when you turn the ball over that many times, but somehow with Houston turning the ball over even more, while then the advantage is, you know, in your favor still, even though you put the ball on the ground that many times. But they got to take care of the ball versus Denver. That's how they thrive, you know. That's how that defense thrives is turnovers and getting, you know, getting the momentum going,

because, you know, they're dominating on the defensive side of the ball. So they just got to protect the ball, make smart choices, you know, with that football. Don't try to, you know, fit it in with a throw that technically shouldn't be thrown that way. Throw it away, you know, make sure you're punting, you know, instead of throwing an interception, you know. It makes sure you're kicking a field goal instead of going for it when the momentum's not there, you know, and getting stopped and get the points on the board. especially when you're on the road and an atmosphere like Denver. Yeah, I'm concerned about how they're going to get that defensive line blocked.

Last week, a lot of those turnovers came because those guys were on Drake super quick, super fast. And I know Anderson and who's the Hunter. I know Anderson and Hunter are really good, but so are Nick Benito and Cooper. And they got an Allen in the middle for the Broncos' offensive, a defense line. That D-line's probably,

they got the most sacks, I think, in like history, 71. That, like, that's insane. They had 71 sacks this year. So how are we going to, how are we going to block them? Okay. How are we going to block them? Are we going to help our young tackle that had a little, you know, Campbell had a little,

he had a little bit of a day last week. That wasn't that, that was a little suspect. They kind of teed off on him. They got through him a lot. So how are we going to help him? How are we going to change up? How is Josh McDaniels going to call the plays? How is he going to run away from these?

I don't know. I think that's the big thing. How are we going to block this defensive line in passing situations so we don't have to turn the ball over? Well, you know, for the defense of Will Campbell, it was one of his first games back from injury Julian. 1,000% he was going against the two best rushers,

two of the best rushers in the game. I know he's got to go against the next two best rushers. He's got to the next two, but I'm not capping on him. I'm not capping. I'm just saying we got to be back up to speed. We got to find a way to help our young player out. And yes, definitely.

And he knows that he didn't have a great game either. That's what I really, that's why I really like about him though, is that he takes responsibility. He's not putting. I'm always like, oh, I didn't. We got to talk about it. We got to go talk about it.

We got to help them out. We got to Hunter Henry. Get in there. Austin Hooper. Chip the defender. I chip defenders all the time whenever our tackles were having struggles. That was my concern.

Defense fans. And there you go. Just chip them. Just let the DN know that the tight end is going to be there before every route, before every pass rush. And he's going to hit you first and slow you down. So that's the way you help out an offensive tackle, especially one that struggled the the week before.

But they got to put that in. They got to put that in. And Josh McDaniels will make adjustments like that. And he did with me plenty of times, you know, to help out the tackle. So that's going to be put in, I'm sure, this game coming up, you know, against the defensive line for the Denver Broncos. And the X Factor for the Patriots in this one, I'm going to go with the defense of backs. Christian Gonzalez. Time out.

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Yeah, hold on second. Okay. You're going to go. Also, we're forgetting to, you know, they're playing in Denver. We had to invent a new snap count double silent because that crowd is so loud and those freaking defensive ends with Von Miller at the time were getting off the ball so fast.

I just want to remind you, Rob, Nick Benito and Cooper are the fastest getoffs in the league. I think sandwiched in between Miles Garrett. Miles Garrett's the second fast. So these guys get off, especially with snap count, especially loud crowd. my concern is that how are we going to block them that's all here we go i'll let you get to your no let's get no i want to i want to go off of that you're right man denver is one of the hardest places to play you got the elevation you know but on top of that's all you people listening crowds one of the loudest crowds in the NFL it's it's Seattle's a 12th man also Denver has a

12th man as well because top three for sure you can barely hear any of the quarterback in the Denver. Those are like outdoor loud. I would say that. Are the outdoor loud. I would agree. So in this case, to be ready to be ready, hold to be ready for that crowd and be ready for that silent count, they better be on that silent count on every single snap this practice with the speakers blaring the loudest music where all of Foxborough and all of the city of Boston from Foxborough, from, the music coming from Foxborough can hear it as well 30 miles away in the city

of Boston. That's how loud those speakers need to be to replicate you know, how loud the crowd's going to be in Denver. So now let's get back to the different snap counts. And different snap counts, you know, one silent count, two silent counts, three silent counts. You've got to switch it up.

You can't let the defenders, you know, catch on and get in a rhythm with the silent counter else. They're going to be, they're going to be so far ahead of the snap count that that the offensive tackles won't even have a chance then. So you got to switch it up. But now let's get back to the X Factor for the Patriots on this one for this game. I'm going with the defensive backs, Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis, because if they

dominate, you know, they're wide receivers. If they cover them, like how they should cover them, well, guess why? That's going to make Jared Stidham that much more frustrated, you know. The guy that barely been playing, you know, he's been a backup, has no snaps this year, you know, at the quarterback position. If the DBs come in hot and cover like how they can cover, you know, at top of their game, that's going to be the X factor, you know, going into this Sunday in the ASC championship game. And Denver's wide receiver unit is banged up too, so it can make it that much more harder.

1,000 percent. That's a great X factor, Rob. I'm going to go with that. I appreciate that. You're so nice, man. You're a good guy. I like it. It's a good one.

What's your X Factor? My X Factor. Besides these guns right here that are on me. Look at me. I'm flaxing. I just worked out yesterday, so I'm feeling jacked. I need to get a one. What's your X Factor?

My X Factor is special teams, Marcus Jones. I want to, I think an explosion play early in the kicking game. We'll shut that fucking crowd wide up. Oh, okay, it'll shut it up. What do you have to do to shut the crowd up? You make a play, you do it early, and they're out of it. Okay? Marcus Jones is House a Punt,

that's a dynamic kickoff rule thing, whatever we want to call that play. We need something explosive in the kicking game. Maybe a punt where there's sun work in from Denver because it's always fucking sunny there in January anytime we play there. And the sun gets reflected in the punt returner's eyes and he muffs it.

We need an explosion play in special teams. That'll be the X factor. I like it. That's a good one. That's a good one, Julian. I like it. You're right, though. You got to shut the crowd up right away, bright and early.

And that's how you do it, man, especially on special teams. Like, yeah, you can have a pick on defense. You can make a big play on offense to shut the crowd up. but nothing shuts a crowd up even more than a big special teams play. So I like that one. Marcus Jones.

He is an X factor as well when when he gets going. I mean, his speed and quickness is just ridiculous. He's a great patriot. Just like pick six last week. He's been huge in the return game. That is like he's a patriot patriot. And what makes him a patriot patriot is that he didn't have a role or a position or what he was going to do, you know, when he got to the, you know, Patriots,

it's he, hey, it's how can you carve a roll out from all the hard work that you put in? And that's what makes you a great Patriot. And that's what's making him a great Patriot because he's finding a role on the defensive side of the ball and also on special teams, big time. Second team, all pro. We'll be right back after this quick break. All right. now let's get into the keys for the Broncos offense.

Broncos offensive keys to victory. For me, I think it's very similar to the Patriots. Let's play to the strength of our team. Our strength of our team is our defense. We have our backup quarterback in. So our offense, let's not fuck it up. Okay.

Let's punt or kick field goals after every drive. Let's not turn the ball over, give a short field to a Patriots team that's got a quarterback that can run off, run all over the field on you, if some crazy shit happens. So for me, backup quarterback on offense, let's have good operation, let's have great communication,

because when we have the home field, it's going to be our advantage, let's get the right play called. Stidham can do that, and let's take care of the football. That is the key for the Broncos offense. For me, what is your key? I mean, control the game.

mode right there. Yeah, you did, man. That was impressive. Control the game. Control the line of scrimmage. I mean, you already brought it up, but you can't emphasize it enough even more. You know, play into your defense. Don't turn the ball over.

You know, give your defense, you know, great field position instead of, you know, a turnover, trying to squeeze in a big play when it's not there. Don't force the ball. Throw it away when it's needed. So it's kind of the same, you know, you talked about it, Julian, just now. And also get Jared's getting going. Don't try to make, you know, all pro throws right from the get-go, you know, have a couple sweeps, you know, have a couple swing passes, couple slants, couple diagnoses, you know,

a couple hook routes, get him going, get him to feel comfortable in the pocket and get him in a rhythm instead of trying to throw deep right from the beginning. Love that. What would you say some of the keys to the game for the Broncos on the defensive side of the ball, Jules? Defense, we got to pressure Drake May. We got to do everything that Houston did last week. Copycat League. Do everything Houston did last week and see if they got it cleaned up and then have a couple things,

a couple new wrinkles on those like third downs. Got to have got to throw plays. You know, let's have, let's see what they. they can do. And let's see if they can protect because we got guys too. We got Cooper and we got Bonito and we got Allen. And they got a

whole bunch of guys. So let's get Drake uncomfortable and they got to stop the run because the Patriots offense got a sneaky really good run game. They really do. And you just took that one for me Julia. You said put pressure on Drake May

while I was going to say they got to stop the run better than last week. I mean, they gave up 118 yards to James Cook. I mean, but James Cook is got to give him, you know, his credit as well. He, he averaged the most yards, you know, per game in the NFL this year. But the Denver Broncos need to stop that run game of the Patriots set. Their run game is very, very sneaky as well. In the Denver Broncos, they struggled on the early downs. And we talked about it, you know, same with the Patriots offense a little bit versus Houston. So if Patriots, you know, want to take advantage of Denver, you know, they got to move the ball, you know, on first and second down.

And Julian, last week, I got to give you kudos. You said, hey, the Patriots, they need to move the ball on first and second down. Take three, take four yards on each of those plays. So it's third and short. Well, I was listening to the game in the first quarter. What does Troy Aikman say? He goes, the Patriots are struggling right now. You want to know why?

He said it was the longest lines because they're in third and long throughout the whole game so far in the first quarter. And that just lit up a bell. It lit up a light in my mind. and said that's what Julian said right from the beginning last week. The Patriots need to move the ball, even if it's three yards per play on first and second down. So they're in third and short and third and manageable. So they can complete those third downs and keep the chains going.

So same thing. You know, that's a great tip once again, especially with the Denver defense struggling, you know, on the early downs last week. 1,000 percent. I mean, you can't do all the fancy cool stuff with your defensive line. if you're in third and three.

You can only do that with third seven plus. That's when it starts, that's when it gets home. That's when the pressure's there. That's when, you know what I mean? So if you, if you can get those third downs along, that's when you get to see Nick Benito and Cooper do their little. Yes, no doubt about that. And also one other thing as well is like the Buffalo Bills on the very first drive

last week versus Denver Broncos. was very impressive what they were doing. They were really, it was really deceptive on the offensive side of the ball. It was like a college offense and it was throwing the timing off of the Denver Broncos defense. And I really loved what the Buffalo Bills were doing. And they moved the ball right down the field on that first drive because of that reason. There was so much going on, so much motion. And what really stood out was to play out.

on that first drive. Josh Allen, like, he kind of slid to the left, like two yards. And then he threw the ball. I never seen a quarterback, not drop back. He slid to the left. That's how deceptive, you know, their play calling was that they were drawing up on that first drive. They kind of got away from it for the rest of the game, but that was working.

So I wonder if the Patriots are going to take note of that and have a couple plays where it would throw off the defense if they copycat the first drive. of the Buffalo Bills last week. I like that. What are you concerned about for the Broncos? I mean, we kind of talked about it. You know, the run defense, they gave up all the yards last week to Buffalo Bills. Also, I'm just concerned, can they put a complete game together?

They really haven't done that. They've been winning, but they've been struggling winning games. Like, once again, I mean, they kind of got away with it again last week versus the Buffalo Bills. Can they get away with, you know, their mistakes and be able to conquer a team? like the Patriots, I don't think so. You know, this is a game where Patriots take advantage of the other team's mistakes. That's what the Patriots do, you know, especially throughout the whole year this year.

They're a sound team. Yes, they've been turning the ball over and putting the ball on the ground a lot, you know, on the offensive side of the ball, but that's not going to happen. Again, I don't think, I feel like they're going to button it up. So the Denver Broncos, you know, they just, they just need to, you know, get that going right from the beginning. What is Mike Rebels quote? We just want to be good enough to take advantage of bad football. Exactly.

Exactly. And that's exactly what you're saying. That's exactly what I was just explaining is that the Broncos, you know, play some bad football at times. They don't button it up. And that's the concern for the Denver Broncos. I mean, that's fine with me if they don't do that. I don't think they play that bad of football.

They just, they just don't. They don't turn the ball over a bunch. They just don't get it going. Yeah, they don't get it going. They don't get in a rhythm. Yeah. That's kind of it, though. That's kind of a turnover.

You don't get in a rhythm. You're punting three and out. You're moving the ball two yards and you're punting. That's a turnover right there to me when it's that quick of a three and out and you only take 30 seconds off the clock. Yeah, I like that. I'm concerned. Like, I think Stid's good and all, but I'm still, you're going to the AFC championship with the guy that hasn't started in a while.

I'm concerned. you know, I'd be concerned about how is our backup quarterback going to play on the biggest stage of all stages other than the Super Bowl? Like, this is a big stage. And he's not going against, he's going against probably the sneakiest defense left.

Like, no one talks about this defense, but they have put together a nice little resume, even though it's against bad teams everyone wants to talk about, but, you know, Milton Williams and Barmore in the middle are insane. Christian Gonzalez and Davis on the outside, really good. They're getting really good production out of Woodson,

the safety from Cal. Like, they got defensive playmakers. And they know how to play. And Rabel's a smart freaking dude that's going to have some wrinkles to try to confuse that backup quarterback. They're going to do something that they haven't been doing, probably. So, you know, I'm concerned about that. I think it's going to be a hell of a game.

I can't wait to watch. It really will be. I think Denver has the advantage because it's at home, but I think the New England Patriots have a better team. So it's going to make this game that much more special because of those two scenarios, you know? See, I think... I think the Broncos have more better players,

but I agree with you, the Patriots have a better team. team right now. Exactly, Jules. That's what I'm saying, baby. So with that being said, let's have something to do with Sean Peyton and his coach. I just think that when you lose your starting quarterback, that's different. That's a different team.

I mean, the Patriots just gel together. They're one of the best jelling teams, I would say, top three jelling teams, you know, since beginning of the year in the NFL. And with that being said, let's have some AFC championship predictions here. Julianne, who's going to win this game?

Going Patriots, 2417. I like it. I actually have the same. I actually, not going to lie. I had the same score as you for the Patriots in my head. I was going to say the Patriots are going to score 24. The Patriots are also going to win. And since you said 24 to 21 Patriots,

I'm going to say 20. to 18. Patriots win this game. They, they, it's a revenge. It's a revenge game for us, Julian. It's a revenge game. We lost there in 2016, AFC championship game. Well, this is the revenge for the Patriots versus the Denver Broncos. They're going to win this game and take it home and go to the Super Bowl.

That's going to be awesome if they can get, I mean, it's hard to play there. But I just, you know, it's, it's, it's, it's, it's, tough. You got a backup quarter. We don't know. I know Stid. He's a great player. Great backup. But like, when you're playing again in scout team, going against

the one defense where they can't hit you, I mean, it's different than playing live bullets, well-oiled machines, teams that have been playing freaking great football for the last two months. It's crazy. Let's head up to Seattle to take a look at the NFC championship game

between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle C-Haw. Seahawks. Seahawks. Seahawks. Seahawks. What are the keys? What are the keys for the Rams offense? Rob.

Let's start with the Rams. Okay. Keys are staff are just making clutch throws and clutch situations. He's been doing that throughout the year. He did it many times last week, you know, versus Chicago Bears. And that's why they won that game. That's why they moved on. You know, I'm not just talking.

clutch throws, you know, at all times, you know, or when it doesn't matter. I'm talking the clutch throws in clutch situations, in key situations, you know, throughout the game. And that's, you know, the key to this game for the Rams offense. Campuca and Devante Adams and the eight tight ends that he has go up and make that catch because the throw is there for only the offensive player to make that catch. catch, you know, because that's a clutch throw where the guy's covered,

but it's only put where your offensive player can go up and snatch it up in the air. So that's the key what I see to this game, you know, is those situations right there. Yeah, I think me,

the key to their offense is finding a rhythm. They seemed so out of rhythm last game. I know it was freezing conditionings, but they, the last couple weeks, they haven't looked like the well oil machine they wear all year on offense. You know, it's been kind of a struggle, but they've been playing against elements. I'm sure it's going to be something going on in Seattle. There could be some rain this weekend.

I think they got to find that rhythm and then, you know, like, I think they got to be able to adjust to the adjustments. How are they going to do after the script that those West Coast offenses love? 15, 20 play script they have and then they, you know what I mean? Those offenses always start out firing and then the other team adjust to their thing. And then, you know what I mean? So I think that finding a rhythm and adjusting to the adjustments. Okay. You know, those are some good keys right there for the offense.

We already know that, you know, they're going to be explosive. They have a lot of explosive plays with Devante Adams in the red zone, Pooka and the Kua, just any time, anywhere, any place on the, the field. They got some solid running backs. The tight ends, they're big. They're big. They're guys like my size and they're pretty explosive, you know, in those personnel is when they got two or three tight ends out on the field. So we know that's going to be the case, but can they find that rhythm and can they be clutch is what it's all going to be about, you know, to finish off the Seattle Seahawks in the end. We'll see if they can do that. And some of the keys to the game for the Rams

defense here is to put pressure on Sam Darnan. I mean, Jared verse, one of the most feared young bucks in the NFL at the outside lineback position, defense event position, you know, he's got to get to the quarterback. He's big, he's scary, he's explosive off the line of scrimmage. Can you rattle Sam Darnold? Can you make Sam Darnold the Sam Darnold that we saw last year in Minneapolis, you know, when he was in the playoffs at the quarterback position? Or can you have no pressure, let this offense just.

march down the field, hand off the ball, hit JSN, you know, on quick slants on quick passes and keep this offense going because there's no pressure, you know, on Sam Darnold. I think that's a huge key. But Sam Darnel also may respond. I think he's a different quarterback than he was. I think he learned last year when he was in, you know, in Minneapolis, not Minneapolis, Minnesota with the Vikings. So I think you got to put like some serious, serious.

not just some pressure, some serious pressure on him to get him rattled. Yeah, I think the key for the Rams defense is getting off the field. There's been plenty of times this year where they play really good defense. They stop the run, but then like all of a sudden the fourth and six play with Caleb happens where he throws a touchdown on that play. How are we letting that touchdown up? There's been, I feel like there's been a few times on got to have it plays. that defense, that plays well.

All defense gives up a play. Forbes gets beat or, you know what I mean? So getting off the field on crucial moments, third downs and four point plays, third downs in the red area, and got to have it plays, like at the end of the game. Get off the field because they have a great defense.

Sometimes they give up that play when they've been holding them all game. What are you worried about with the Rams? Just collapsing. you know, throughout the game, sometimes they can just be dominating all of the phases, you know, not all the phases. I would actually say I'm worried about their special teams, you know, they've had some, you know, mistakes there throughout the year.

They've lost a game because of special teams. The other teams have been in it because their special teams have made plenty of mistakes. I mean, couldn't execute. But also on the offensive side of the ball and defensive side of the ball, they sometimes are just dominating and then all of a sudden just collapsed. and it's like what happened to the Rams offense. Like they were moving the ball, they were throwing it down the field. It's just not there, you know?

So that collapse cannot happen, especially versus a team like the Seattle Seahawks. They're going to take advantage of that and then you're not going to have any chance in this game. And same with their defensive side of the ball. I mean, they can dominate, but there's times where they just disappear. So it's about just playing, you know, four quarters of football at all times and playing at a high level at all times

because that's what you've got to do in order, you know, to have a chance to go to the Super Bowl in this NFC championship game. For me, it's the special teams, a thousand percent. Can you elaborate more on it? Well, the punt last, like, they lost two games because of block kick, special teams. Last week when they were punting the ball back to Chicago,

Chicago only had an opportunity because they had, they muffed, like the punt was like a 30-yard punt. they've had some kickoffs they've given up. They're playing against a really good special teams team. Like, Rashid Shahid is the guy. One of the guys in the league that can return anything to the house. I mean, L.A. Rams, what? Their special teams rating, 74.8, according to PFF.

When Seattle, on the other hand, is 90.4. on PFF. Special teams rating. I have no idea what that means, but it sounds good and it goes to my point. So I'm worried about the special teams. The X factor for the Rams in this one for me, Devante Adams. Oh, okay. Devante Adams, he's got to be more involved. I think he only had a couple catches last week. They need him to do well in the red area specifically and on third down. That's where he makes his money. going to cloud Puka and give all the coverage to Puka because they want to hit Puka in the short game, middle game, deep game. They're trying to get the ball to Puka to move those sticks. Devante Adams has to come through in those moments they need them, which is specifically in

the red area and third down. That's my X factor. Well, my X factor is his partner in crime, Pooka Nakuwa. The Rams need Pooka Nakuwa to have a great game, every game. You know, You know, yes, in order to win these big games. So he's going to have to have another big game coming up. You saw how many clutch moments and clutch catches, Puka has made, clutch first downs, clutch, you know, explosive plays, you know, and big, big plays as well, big yardage plays, you know, to keep the Rams offense going throughout the year and keep the Rams offense going

throughout the playoffs so far in the two games that they had versus Carolina and the Chicago Bears. So it's Puka Nakua. He has to come out. Everyone's expecting the big game and he needs to have another big game. And remember what he did in Week 16 in Seattle? He had 225 yards, Julian. Week 16 versus Seattle.

He needs to do that again. He needs to do that. Not 225 yards, but he needs at least another hondo, you know, to be the X factor of this game. And that's what the Rams need as well. I'm talking 225 yards, brother. That's a lot of yardage. A lot.

That's a lot of yardage. A lot. That's insane. He's a stud. And I like his little flex on people. We'll be right back after this quick break. Let's jump on to the Seahawks. We'll keep this one a little quicker.

Keys to the games for the Seahawks offense. For me, getting the run game going. It seems to me that whenever the run game goes for any offense that Sam Darnold's in, he's like statistically one of the best play action quarterbacks. So if you can get that run game going, I know Charbonnet's hurt with the ACL, but Kenny Walker's a damn good running back too.

They got really good running backs. And once you get that run game going, then you get J.S.N. down the field. Get a couple Cooper Manning crossers on those little boots. Get Sam rolling off those play fakes. Got to get the run game going. Which is hard against that defense. Yes, it is. That frisk in the middle or fisk for Michigan?

He's a bad boy. And if you get the run game going, that opens up the past game for Sam Donald. And that's my key is to get Sam Donald going. Last week, he wasn't needed much. He did everything that he needed to do. but he only dropped back 19 times. I mean, that's nothing. He's going to have to drop back plenty more times this game.

The Rams defense isn't the San Francisco 49ers defense like they faced last week. He only threw for 124 yards, but that's all they asked out of him. They didn't need more out of them to dominate the 49ers, but they're going to need more out of Sam Darnold this game, you know, if they want to beat the Rams. So they got to get him going. They got to get him comfortable. and they got to get him rolling.

Move him outside of the pocket. He's been great at that this year. He was great at it last week as well. Yeah, that little injury has healed that up. It will be healed up. It didn't really bother him last week. Now he has another full week to heal it up. So get Sam Darnold rolling and get it early and often.

What are your keys for the Seahawks defense? Oh, man. I mean, the Seahawks defense, so they're vicious, man. I mean, DeMarcus Lawrence. You got Leonard Williams. those are those are the two keys right there i mean i faced demarkis lawrence when i was in tampa bay my last year when he was on the dallas cowboys in uh he has he has elite energy he's got great knack for the game of football great knowledge of the game uh and just how high of a motor he has it just

brings another level of intensity to this defense and leonard williams and also demarcus lawrence he's a defensive event and he had me in coverage i actually scored a touchdown on him on like the eight yard line, but they put him, you know, in coverage on me on the goal line. And I scored on him, but guess what? That just shows how much athleticism that he has that they were willing to put him in that situation. It was kind of more of a trickery play, so it got me open a lot easier. And then also Leonard Williams, I mean, this guy is still obese.

These are two veterans that are hungry for a Super Bowl. Leonard Williams was on the New York Jets when I was on the New England Patriots. That's how long he's been playing for. And I put my hand down. He's so athletic. He's a defensive tackle, but he can go to the defense of end position. I put my hand down. I said, I mean, I knew who he was.

I said, why the F is this mother effort in front of me right now? He should be down, you know, in the trenches more because I don't want a piece of them at all because he dwarfs me. He makes me look tiny. He's athletic. He's explosive. He's gigantic. He's strong.

And he can get to the quarterback. So these two, you know, are the keys to the game for the Seattle. Seahawks defense, in my opinion. Okay, I like that. I like that. How about you, Jules? How about you? What you got?

The key for the Seahawks defense is to stop Pooka Nakua. Okay. It's always crazy to me when you have guys that have like 130 catches, 120 catches, and somehow they're wide open on third down. Like if I'm the defense, if it's any kind of passing situation, I'm instantly looking, where is 12? Okay, he's right there. Let me keep an eye on him.

I'm going to look at the quarterback, but I'm on the field 12. All right, I'm going to, he's throwing the worst. All right, you know what I? We got to stop puka if we're that defense. Because however they're going to get him the ball in reverses, sweeps, screens, little boots where he comes under, get him running the football

or when they throw a downfield to him or an intermediate pass where he can catch and run, they got to stop Puka. He's got 19 catches for 300 yards and two games against these guys. Let's stop Pooka Nakua. Maybe we'll get 300 yards less. I mean, that's 150 a game.

That's a lot. Stop Puka. What's the X Factor for the Seahawker? Hold on it. With that being a point, I was mind boggled last week in overtime versus Chicago Bears when it was, it was in overtime. It was on the final drive. And I think it was third and like six.

It was something around there. And you could tell that they were bringing the house. They were blitzing. And there was such a huge gap. Puka was a third receiver. And when there's blitzing, you know that third receiver, you know, from the outside is going to be the hot guy, you know? And there was so much room from the safety to Puka. I'm like, hopefully one of those blitzers drops back, drops back and covers that space.

And they all blitz. And it was so easy to read. I read it five seconds before the ball was snapped. And Matthew Stafford, Puka just ran four yards, turned around. And Matthew Stafford just pitched to him. And then he just flipped his hips and went to the outside and took it for like 13 yards. It was such an easy first down. And I was just sitting there dumbfounded like, no, you don't give that much space.

to Pooka Nekul. Maybe if that was a slow tight end at that number three position that you can close that gap quick enough. But if you're bringing that many, you know, that many, you know, on the blitz, you got to move up as a defender and keep that space relatively closer instead of leaving that much room for Stafford to Pooka connection. And that was one of the biggest plays in the overtime game to keep the chains going. Actually, it was third down.

It was a massive play. But an X factor for the Seahawks in this one, I'm going to go with Rashid. Shahee, their special teams player. He's not just a special teams player anymore. He's doing damage on the offensive side of the ball. But I say he's an X-Factor because he's brought, I think three touchdowns to the house already since he was traded, you know,

to the Seattle Seahawks from the New Orleans Saints. Shout out John Snyder. This guy, this guy brings another one, you know, to the house and special teams, that's going to be the X factor for this game and get Seattle over to Hump versus the Rams and go to the Super Bowl. Shout out to John Snyder,

the GM of the Seahawks. Actually took me to lunch during the pre-draft process at Kent when he was with the Packers. I was going to sign with the Packers because of John Snyder. I like it. I was going to sign with the Packers

because of John Snyder. Hey, what did you? I mean, their fucking team is insane. Hold out. What did you order, Jules, at that lunch? I think we went to Clark Street, Delhi. I think I got a sandwich. Or it was Clark's, maybe.

What kind of sandwich? Or it could have been ice cream that one because I had a broken jaw. Had a broken jaw during my, my pre-draft stuff. We'll get into that for another time. My X factor, Robert, JSN. He's been kind of quiet lately. Last couple weeks, been a little quiet. Not like quiet, but to his standard has been a little quiet.

compared to how he was balling all year. I think there's going to be a big play for him to make. I think the secondary for that, I think the secondary for the Rams is the weak spot for that defense. So I think JSN with a couple big plays, he's, you know, just three catches, 18 yards last week. I expect a big one, X-factor type game out of JSN. Yeah, he's cooled off a little bit.

he had less than 100 yards, his last four games, actually, and just 18 yards last week. So imagine, but they didn't really need him. They didn't really need him. They didn't really, exactly. But he's going to be X fact for this game. Exactly. He's due.

He's due for a breakout game. I really like that one. And now let's get into an NFC championship predictions, Julian. Who's going to win this one? You want me go first since you went first with the AFC championship game? Yeah, I'll let you go first. You played NFC. I'll go first.

I'll play an NFC. Oh, yeah. I played in the NFC. the NFC, you know. So I'll take the honors. I actually didn't face. Actually, yeah, I actually, my very last game, I lost to Los Angeles Rams in the,

what's the second round? Wild card, the division of the division of game versus the Rams. So it's weird. You don't know because we never, it was always usually our first round. Yeah. Because we always had the buy in New England. So it's hard for Rob to compute being in the wild card weekend.

You know what I mean? So it's hard for him. It is. I agree. Thank you, Julian, for saving me there. But who's going to win? I'm going with the Seattle Seahawks. They're a team that, you know, I believe that makes, you know, has made less mistakes

throughout the year. And that factors in, you know, into the play. It factors in if you're going to win games, you know, deep down, you know, into your season. And the game that they just played last week, you can tell that they're a complete football team. They got the feel, you know, the chemistry is there. They know how to win games. They know how to just, you know, put their foot on the gas pedal and just keep it there, you know, full throttle. And the just, I'm talking like the Rams, they just disappear at times, you know.

and with a consistent team like the Seahawks, I think that eventually takes over a team that hasn't been as consistent. So I'm going with the Seattle Seahawks and I'm talking Super Bowl, 49 rematch, Julian. The Seahawks versus the 49ers. Let's go.

I'm going with the Seahawks too. I really do think they've been playing better football the last few games. I do think the special teams is going to catch up to the Rams somehow. It just, those dark voices that you have in your mind

during the regular season, those dark voices, they're magnified in the playoffs. They always come out in the playoffs. Like, the shit doesn't just go away. You know what I mean? And I think the dark voices come out in the playoffs. You know, so I really think somehow,

something's going to catch up to them. The Seahawks are really good in all three phases of the game. If you were to go to the football dictionary and talk about a complimentary football team, it'd be that little Seahawk logo of this team because they really do play to each other. Like Sam Darno wasn't 100% last week. Hey, I'm not going to force the game. I'm not going to make mistakes. I'm not going to go out there and try to be a war daddy.

I'm going to play to my defense, not make any mistakes and find a way to win the game. blow the team out. Like I think they're just got a good mojo going right now. I think the score for me I think it's going to be 3330. I like that prediction. High scoring game. The fans love it. I love these high scoring games as well. It just, you know, keeps you know, on your toes. Even though they have both really good defenses. They do. But they're they're just you just the motion of the game, you know, that that's going to. the motion of the ocean it's it's going to be that type of game just because we need a game like that it's just been the way the NFL's been all year just great games high not super high

scoring but you know high 20s mid 30s a I love it I'm going to go with the Seahawks they're going to win 28 to 24 we're in for a great weekend of football should we bring on our guest we have a good one for you guys today we sure too. All the way from Foxborough, Massachusetts. We got pro bowler cornerback. He wears number zero. He's a leader of this Patriots defense that no one wants to talk about.

Columbia's finest Christian Gonzalez. Welcome to the Nut House. How are we feeling, Bobbs? Appreciate it. I'm good. Excited. Ready to go. Ready to get to them.

Ready? getting to Denver. Robbie, what do you got for them? That's what I'm talking about, Christian. Hey, great year, by the way, great game last week. I know it's your first time in the playoffs. It's your third year in the NFL. You were, you know, your first year, you're under Coach Balochek.

Your second year, you're under Coach Gerard Mayo. And now this year, you're under coach Vrable. How are you liking playoff football so far in your first year in the playoffs? And it's your third year in the NFL. Yes, it is awesome. The playoff football is a lot of fun, especially being here, having them two home games. I feel like that was real big for just for Foxborough to have it back here with everything that's, that's y'all have done and y'all have done in the past.

I mean, just bringing it back. But it's been a lot of fun. The atmosphere was crazy, so I've been enjoying it. Well, I love how you brought the Patriots, you know, back to the playoffs, you know, on the helping the defense, a terrific defense you guys have. But you guys are bringing that, you know, that swag back to New England. I haven't seen Gillette Stadium popping like the way it was. And I was just watching it on TV like since 2016,

2017, 2018, 6, 7, 8 years ago. So congratulations on that, man. You guys are bringing the juice back to New England and the fans. And now that you've got to go on the road is going to get a lot tougher. You're going to Denver. But you guys. So far this year, our 8 and O on the road. What makes you guys so great when you go to someone else's house and dominate them?

I think Braves has just done such a good job of, I mean, teaching us and, you know, talking about that identity. And no matter where we're at, no matter what time of the day it is, whether anything is, we've got to pack our identity and bring it and show it. And it's kind of something he taught us, told us about when he got here in OTAs and we've just been running with it ever since. Speaking to Coach Rable, Coach Rable was known to be chippy in practice, making the practice environment so tough. We were chippy when we played there. Can you tell us and walk us through the preparation process that you guys go through at practice and does it get chippy out there? How hard are you guys competing? Oh, for sure. It definitely get chippy out there. I mean, even back to OTAs and training camp, especially having Steph over and a guy that likes to, you know, talk a lot of smack and then do things like that. So that was that was a lot of fun going back to those days to training camp days. But, I mean, he keeps it up even in season. I mean, he's him, pop, Kyle, Kishon, all on the sideline.

when it's defensive time and, you know, they're over there talking smack to us. If one of the practice squad receivers catch a ball, they on us, like, right away, you know, it gets everybody's timbers going and just makes that competition. So it's been helping a lot. It's been a lot of fun, though. Hey, Christian, I saw you on the sideline before the Houston game talking to Thai law. I'm just wondering what did he say to you because Thai law is a great. you know, a Patriot great.

He's in the Hall of Fame, one of the greatest cornerbacks. You talked to him. He had three interceptions, you know, in one of his playoff games, one of the most historic moments of all time. Did he give you any tips? And also, did he smell like his vodka, Corvus, when he was talking to as well on the sidelines before the game? Corvus, right?

Corvus. Shout out Corvus. Yeah, that's it. I mean, he probably had a little before the game. He was probably having a good little day. But, no, I mean, And it was just talking to me, just, you know, go out there and be myself, go, you know, make the plays that come my way. And, you know, don't be afraid to, you know, just step up and make a place for this team and just go out there and have fun and play with that swag. Gonzo, can you talk to us about Terrell Williams, your defensive coordinator?

And what he means to not only the defense, but the team and the job Zach Kerr or Zach Kor has done filling in for him? Yeah, Big T, I mean, he means a lot to this team. You know, him coming in and having to battle with what he's battled. And, you know, I think it's something that we all took, you know, took kind of hard and have been able to kind of just go out there and play for him, especially as a defense, you know, going out there and just making plays for him and know that he's, you know, he comes in the building and we get to see him and see his smile and, you know, he's in good spirits. and doing well and fighting. So that just helps us go out there. And Zach's done a good job. A great job stepping up to making the play calls.

And calling the defense and calling it how we like to play. So it's been real cool to see him step up and take that role and run with it. Yeah, he's definitely been doing a great job. And it's good to see him step up like that and just fill the void. And just, you know, understand you guys as a defense. and just figure it out on the spot. So it's going great and we love to see it. And I want to talk a little bit about your pregame ritual.

You know, your pregame warmups, you've been wearing a T-shirt with a different Boston legend on it, you know, before every game. So can you give us your top five or I'll say top four Boston legends of all time? Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore or Boston Legends. Oh, me. Wait, Jules.

Mount Rushmore is four, four people. We're correct? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Right. All right. So top four, Mount Rushmore, of Boston Legends. Let's see, Eric, Christian. What you got? You've been there for three years, so you should have this down.

I know it is tough. I got the big pop on there. You got to. You got to go Tom. Got to come, big poppy. Statue guy. Are we going sports legends? Whatever.

Hey, this is you. This is your, do any legends. Yeah. Movie stars, singers. We'll do it all. Oh, man. Go Larry Bird. Oh, okay.

Okay. Maybe a Bruins player? I'll go to Santa Summer on there, too. There you go. I want to her shirts in there too. I feel you. There you go. Gano's got some knowledge.

We'll be right back after this quick break. How come everyone talks about all the AFC defenses, Houston's defense, the Broncos defense. Everyone talks about Seattle's defense and no one talks about your guys's defense. I don't know. We think the same way. I mean, especially this past week,

kind of just going up against the Texans. Everybody all week, all we heard was Texans, Texans, Texans. So, I mean, as a defense, we kind of just took that as a challenge. It's okay, you can count us out and you kind of, I mean, I feel like as a defense, we hope everybody counts us out. I feel like that gets us even more of a chip on our shoulder to go out there and play even even harder. But, I mean, if people start to talk about it's cool.

If they don't, cool. I mean, either way, we're going to go out there and do what we got to do. The way that you guys just played together out there, I mean, the chemistry, you know, is built. You know, you guys have it. And in order to have it, you know, you got to like each other. Like, how has that identity and how is that chemistry been, you know, overall just built throughout the year? Like, is there off the field, you know, team bonding?

Do you guys have games in the locker room where you bond together? For example, back in the day, Julian and I, there was trash football in the locker room and we would bond that way. What's the way that you guys bond to become so likable with each other and build that chemistry throughout the whole year. I think it started really just in OTAs. Another thing Brable did was just having a team go up and talk about our 4-Hs, what we called it.

You know, share history, heartbreak, heroes and hopes. And, you know, everybody just got up there. And, I mean, it was kind of, at first sounded like, okay, what are we doing? but everybody, you know, really bought into it and was able to, you know, speak about why they do what they do and what makes them, you know, their self. And being able to learn that, I feel like it helps because you're just able to go out there and play harder for your brother next to you. Because you know what he's been through and he knows what you've been through. So I feel like that's where it started. And then, man, as far as hanging out, I mean, as far as hanging out, I mean,

the dbs we're always together if you see one of us it's going to be all of us so we're always in the facility together lifting together recovery together going out to dinner as we went out last night so I mean it's kind of just always like

we're always around each other and that translate to Sundays we got a couple more and we'll let you get out of here first off quick one how would you cover gronk oh in my prime not right now. I mean, you would go 10 for 10 on me right now. But when I was in my prime, I had my speed,

I had my size, I had my strength. Come on, Christian, let me hear it. How would you cover me? I mean, you would be on me. You would be right there with me. There's no doubt about it, but how would you finish? That's what it's about. How would you finish first of me? Because I could use my body and shield you out. Like, what's the technique that you would use to, you know, to just have that final reach to get that ball away? Let's hear it. I think. I think, I'm probably going to play off. I think I'm a, I think I got better feet. So I'm going to get to the spot.

You definitely got better feet. You definitely got better feet. So. Yeah, but I'm going to hit you with that quick sign. By then I'm just, you're playing off. Hey, I'm going to just have to be physical through the catch point. It ain't, it ain't, it ain't much, but just try not to let you box me out,

get to the spot before you can. I love it. I love it. Yeah. I like it. And one more. How cool has it been to feel the buzz around New England

with the fans, the community? Because I'm sure you guys felt at your first couple years, but I mean, going 4 and 13 to playing the AFC championship. I can only imagine. We've been there when it's been buzzing. I can only imagine it's been buzzing.

How does that feel? Yeah, it feels. It's awesome. It's real dope to just see. I mean, even for my first two years when we weren't, you know, winning as many games and doing what we're doing now, but just to see how much love the Patriots got even in those times. So now it's even on a whole different scale.

So the town is definitely buzzing. You know, everywhere you go, it's, you can, I feel like just, you know, walking around, driving around, it feels like, you can just feel the energy in the town. So it's been real dope for sure. And we just wanted to give the town something to be happy about and sure about. Well, it's been really dope for us to watch you guys go out there, especially us on TVs, because we're always talking about you.

And it's always better to talk about you when you guys are killing it and get to live in the empire kind of phase that we are, because we're like the empire, the Patriots of the Empire. But before we let you go, we got a few dude questions. We got to ask you. These are quick hitters. This is pretty much what our show is. We ask a series of questions to determine what kind of dude you would be in the locker room.

There's five different dudes. We'll get into it. But quick hitters, quick hitters, all right? I bet. You ready for this, Christian? These are quick answers, man. to think too much about it. It really doesn't have to do about football.

It's kind of about growing up, your personal life. So just say the first thing that comes to your mind. And then we're going to figure out what type of dude you are. Well, we already know that you're a beast out there out on the field, man, and that you're a dog as well. But we want to really figure out exactly what type of dude you are. So I'm going to ask you the first question. And whose posters did you have on your wall growing up as a kid?

I had some like probably some video game Mario Kart, but I had some Mario Kart. I like that, man. He's a gamer, you know what that means, no distractions. Yes, who is your, I got to ask you this. Usually there's not a second question after the first question, but who is your favorite character in Mario Kart?

Mine was Bowser because he's big, he's bald, he still has some speed. And I'm kind of like Bowser as well in real life. So who is your favorite characters? I feel like you're a toad guy. The Julian's toes. How about yours? I liked the little cell dude. I forgot what his exact name.

The green or red. Yoshi. I like the red one. No, the guys are the shells. It was like a shell, yeah. There's red one and there's a green one. Uh-huh. Yeah.

Bad guy. Cooper troopers. Cooper troopers. Yeah, it was them. Yeah. All right. Yeah, I like it. Christian, do you have any pregame?

superstitions. No. No, okay. He's no on that. Okay. Okay. How much can you bench? Probably 2.40 maybe. 2.40? Fast guy. Fast guy. Offhand jam.

Get a little offhand jam right there. What was your college GPA? Uh, 3. 3.3. three maybe three three i don't know smart guy this guy's athlete ed he's got a brain very smart very smart i mean he went to oregon he's got to be smart that was a pack 12 school at that time i'm a pack 12 guy well i'm technically a pack 10 guy i was at the university of arizona before it became pack 12 but now that anyone that represents that conference you know they

got to be a smart guy because i'm from that conference you're from that conference and there we're just smart guys off the field and on the field jules what can i say you know what i went to the mac some some call that the Harvard of the Midwest a semi smart guy over there all right what's uh who who was your favorite superhero growing up or still your favorite superhero

hot guy a hawkai wow can you explain who the hawkai is who's hawk guy never heard of him is he like a bow and arrows yeah yeah bow and arrows he was uh

renner Jeremy renner you know Jeremy renner the actor? He was that in the marbles. The guy who got ran over by the tractor or something when he was trying to save someone in a snowstorm and he ran himself over. It was crazy. Last one, Christian.

What is your cheat day meal? I got a lot of cheat days, but probably... He's still young. The cheat day meal, what is it? Probably go chit-fil-a. No, not not. I ate that too much. Probably. No, that's a normal meal.

That's not even a cheat. Yeah, that's a normal meal. I don't know. I mean, maybe try to think up here. Probably maybe wing stop. Wing stop. Okay. Some wings, some fries.

What flavor? You're a blue cheese guy or you're a ranch guy? Not ranch. I don't like blue cheese. What flavor are you? Uh, hot lemon pepper. No, hot garlic par. I like that.

Hot garlic palm. Oh, all right. Well, you got to come on dudes on dudes. to get the full questionnaire sheet so we can determine what kind of dude you are. This is an abbreviated way of doing it so we can't determine. I would think you're a stud.

What do you think, Rob? I would most likely say stud as well. I mean, just how quick you are and you cover people like white on rice at all times and just your patience as well, man. I just love how you just don't give it up, you know, what you're doing out there. You don't show the coverage.

You just relax. man and the best corners in the league are always just relaxed and chill and that's what you are man i i hated literally facing guys like you christian because you want to show your hand you just so just show back there another guy like that and patient another guy like that was throughout revis i was like man this guy just just react to what i'm doing because then i can react off of you and he just won it so man i love your game love what you're doing thank you for coming on christian good luck this weekend in Denver, my man. You know, we're big fans over here and we're sending our best to you and the team. We appreciate you coming on dudes on dudes. And I'll keep kicking ass out there, brother.

We'll be cheering for you this weekend. Appreciate you, bro. Definitely a stud. And always love seeing you're not only a stud on the field. You're a stud off the field. I see your little mental mental health commercial all the time on the NFL network, I think. And I see you're very big into your community of Columbia. You do a lot of stuff. supporting that. So you're just a stud, man. We appreciate you. We're big fans.

We want to see you go kick ass and getting that Super Bowl, Bubbs. Yeah, I appreciate it. Thank you all for having me. How great was Christian? Man, I love Christian Gonzalez, not just as a player, you know, on the field, but just a guy off the field,

what he represents, what he stands for, just how humble he is, how he just gets his work done, and then he just goes about it, like it's just another day. I mean, Christian Gonzalez, you know, represents, you know, the New England Patriots, like, better than anyone else out there.

He's a top dog, top character. Just love the way he goes about everything, man. And I appreciate him, you know, coming on today. Before we wrap, before we wrap, we got to give a shout out to the Indiana Hoosiers for defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship last night. first Natty in school history I think it was like the losingness football program

and the history of college football this was probably single-handedly one of the most impressive turnarounds for me personally that I've ever seen in any kind of sport this was very reminiscent of when Leicester City

went and won the EPL league whatever they did when they weren't supposed to to be there. Like, this was crazy to think that Indiana beat up on, like, and whooped everyone in their playoff, Oregon, Alabama. I mean, they just seem like such a structurally freaking well-oiled machine, never making mistakes. Everyone always played on the same turn. It just seems, they seem very patriot, teamy. Did they seem like kind of patrioty?

Yes, they really did. I mean, it's. It's called win it, you know, with guys that, you know, weren't accepted to other programs and take them on and and build them up and build them up strong mentally and physically. I mean, this may be the best season in college football history. It's definitely one of them that's up there. I mean, Indiana was 16 and 0 this year. I mean, Big 10 champions, college football national champions, number one in all the coaching polls, AP poll, college football polls, all the polls that college football has. I mean, Rose Bowl champions, Peach Bowl champions.

They didn't just beat any teams, you know, in the playoffs either. They beat story franchises, story college football programs. I mean, Alabama, Oregon, University of Miami, in Miami for the college national championship. Ole Miss as well. I mean, this was a ridiculous run. Ohio State. This was a ridiculous run by Indiana. I mean, the way that.

that head coach signetti turned this program around is kind of very similar to the to the patriots. I mean, I feel like coach Belichick and Signetti have very similar coaching styles. Yes, they're different, but very similar styles, you know, go out there and punish. Exactly. Both just tell how it is as well. Resting bitch face. Yes. And also both go out there and build your team up.

So they're so mentally tough that you just wear down your opponent. That's what the Indiana Hoosers were. I mean, they weren't the most athletic team. They weren't their most recruited team. Dude, I don't know. They had some really good football players too. Everyone saying that. Well, they became good. The thing is they had older football players because of that reasons.

That's true as well. That's true. They had older football players that knew how to play together. They built that chemistry up. No, they didn't. Yeah. They took some Ken State guys, those motherfuckers, stealing our guys.

Well, thank God they got a Natty. Thank God they got a daddy. I'm glad that Ken State can help Indiana get a natty. Renando Mendo Mendoza is he the next Raiders quarterback? Was Tommy there and Davis were there and Spy Tech or whatever was there? They were there. They were there. I mean, you got to take Mendoza. I mean, who's who else is going to be the number one draft pick?

I love him too. I love his energy. I love his toughness. I love what he represents, you know, out there on the football field. I mean, he takes no shit. I mean, congratulations, you know, Indiana and Mendoza for just such a great year. Mendoza is spoke, like, if you, his dad was won a Natty at the U. His mom was an insane tennis player at the U.

They're both like Cuban refugee. I don't know, there's Cuban in there. They're Cuban American. I love his story. He's super polite. You could tell he loves the guys on the team. And I always talk about, your quarterback has to have a little dorkiness to him. Okay.

Before Tom Brady was Tom Brady, he had a little. dorkiness. We've seen the draft picture. We've seen the draft picture. You know, and he's got that dorkiness, like, but loves the team. I think he's going to be a great pro. I think he's going to be a good pro. Mark Cuban sells a team,

he sells the Mavericks and just gives all his money to Indiana now, I guess. Must be nice to be rich. Yeah, really nice. Well, that's been another episode of Dudes on Dudes. Thanks again to Christian Gonzalez. subscribe on Apple podcast, Spotify, Amazon music, or wherever you listen to your podcast,

comment a dude you want us to do. And remember, rate and review. Call in and ask us any question on the chill line. That number is 561-203-5789. And remember to follow Doos on Doos on YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Snapchat. We will see ya next week. Dudes on Doods is a production of IHeart Radio. podcasts from iHeartRadio visit the iHeart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your

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