NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - 2022 Week 13 Recap: "Show Me Sunday" showed us a lot

Episode Date: December 5, 2022

A room filled with some heroes - Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Gregg Rosenthal recap all the action from a thrilling Week 13 on "Show Me Sunday." The heroes start with Chiefs at Bengals (2:48), then mo...ve to Dolphins at 49ers (12:35), Jets at Vikings (24:37), Titans at Eagles (32:40), and Chargers at Raiders (42:52) before welcoming in Nick Shook for help with Browns at Texans (49:40) and Commanders at Giants (56:26). Then we hit Jaguars at Lions (1:05:18), Seahawks at Rams (1:13:17), Packers at Bears (1:18:50), Steelers at Falcons (1:26:17), Broncos at Ravens (1:32:58) and finally finish with Colts at Cowboys (1:39:55). Note: timecodes approximate.NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 This is an I-Heart podcast. Hey, everybody. Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the 6th, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies to evaluating team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. We study the tape, talk to decision makers, and give you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.
Starting point is 00:00:25 It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sunday. Don't miss it. Listen to the Move the Sticks podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Florio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast, your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet. We've got the insight to help you crush your opponents.
Starting point is 00:01:01 Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. The Around the NFL podcast. Already used all three timeouts. Terrible clock management. Greg thinks he could handle the clock. But when you're doing it on the couch,
Starting point is 00:01:32 Mark Zessler, it's a little different. I mean, I'd be the first to tell you that if I were thrust into a coaching situation... You've always been open about that. Same with me. Yeah, in the final minute or two. And Greg is spouting off like 45,000 verbs and words about what do you do with it?
Starting point is 00:01:46 I'd do, like, just shoot me in the head with an arrow. Like, I don't belong here. I mean, it's the one thing I could do, but I have total confidence. You put me in the... I'd actually be more focused and more on top of it. I'd take timeouts that people would never see coming. Andy Reid is going to the Hall of Fame, Mark,
Starting point is 00:02:02 and he's no better than us at this. Well, that is, think about that. That is comforting. But then you have to be a genius in terms of drawing up place. And I also not. And motivating. I can motivate, I think. Talent management and also procuring talent with the eyes.
Starting point is 00:02:18 Does that make sense? I can do the motivating part. The rest of it, there's a reason I'm sitting here instead. Okay. Even that could be questioned. Dan Hans is here with Mark Sessler, Greg Rosenthal on show me Sunday
Starting point is 00:02:29 in the NFL we talked about this on Thursday that this Sunday schedule the best of the season week 13 we were going to learn much about teams that are
Starting point is 00:02:45 on the quest for the Lombardi and a lot of big matchups we're going to get to all of them and including and this is a bummer a big injury that that will impact the NFC race to Glendale and Super Bowl 57 in just a little bit. But why don't we start in Cincinnati? We love the Bengals here on the podcast.
Starting point is 00:03:10 Well, do we love the Bengals? We love Cincinnati. We love Chris Wesleying. We love the Wesleyan family and Lakeisha and Link. So seeing them succeed and not being a flash in the pan last season, And seeing them become a superpower, it's bittersweet, of course. They're easy to love, I think. I think it's bittersweet.
Starting point is 00:03:29 You know, I used to famously, long-time listeners know, always needle Wes and say, are you going to come back, Chris? You're going to be a Bengals fan again? And he would always say, no, he never even, never even hesitated. When I watch this man at quarterback, Joe Burrow, I still wonder what Wes would have thought today. Let's get to it. Chiefs, Bengals. The two-minute warning stopped the clock with 159 to go.
Starting point is 00:03:57 The Bengals face a dilemma here. Burrow dropped back to throw, wants to throw, his pass over the middle. It is caught by T. Higgins in traffic at the 14, and that is coffin nails. Bam, bam, bam, and Joshua Williams, welcome to the National Football League. You had great coverage, my man, but T. Higgins was just better. Dave Lapham going a little Solek, but also at least gave the young man in coverage credit for doing his job, the best of his ability, just wasn't good enough. Because T. Higgins is a star, just like Jamar Chase, just like Joe Burrow on a third and long, when maybe the move, Gregi, the man with a polo on the sideline, I don't see him in a polo lately, it's getting colder, run the ball there and then kick the ball away and hope your defense gets a stop. No, the Bengals say we're going to win this game because we got Joe Burrow and he's going to throw a dart.
Starting point is 00:04:56 He did and a 27-24 victory was clinched by the Cincinnati Bengals who beat the mighty chiefs and a rematch of last season's AFC championship game and Mark Sessler. That is three consecutive wins for Cincinnati over the great Mahomes. Ooh, they are ready to roll. Three wins in 2022 because the first of those happened in January. So this is like they, you know, they prop this up today as this. is the rivalry that is starting to equate with Buffalo and Kansas City. Well, right now, the Bengals own this, and it has a lot to do with Burrow.
Starting point is 00:05:30 And I really, this was, this lived up to it. Burroughs said it with his own words. This lived up to the billing. And I really love that Cincinnati worked their way out of some real fixes in this game because they had a long drive where Trent Taylor on fourth and one was stuffed at the goal line by Carlos Dunlap. That snuffed out points right there. You lose the drive on downs.
Starting point is 00:05:51 There was a, we all watched Tyler Boyd have a terrible drop on third and three from the Kansas City 18. It's bad as you'll see all year. Right. And that forced them to go for a field goal. That's just leaving points on the board. This game went from a 14 to 3 Bengals lead where you're thinking maybe they can just continue to do this all drive to a 24 to 17 Chiefs lead. But then you got uncharacteristic Kansas City errors. And who's the guy you count on week after week?
Starting point is 00:06:17 He just feels like a, he's like a video game character to me. Travis Kelsey had a killer. fumble that allowed the Bengals back into this game. It set up a 10 play, 53-yard, really resilient touchdown driver, Chris Evans, who's been invisible all year because of their depth scores for them to put them up 27 to 24. Then you get Mahomes. You're thinking, it's time for Mahomes just to march down the field. And on third and three, I thought this was a huge play. Third and three, Patrick Mahomes was sacked by Joseph Asai that set up a long 55-yard Harrison Butker field goal. And un-Butker-like, sailed wide.
Starting point is 00:06:53 You said 55, right? Isn't it crazy that the state of the kicking game in our league now is that when a guy misses a 55 yarder, you're like, oh, man, he's going to want that one back? Yeah, it is. It's interesting because, like, we're used to seeing that. And then that, and then that was the final score because the Bengals were able to convert on that third and level, that third and 11 yard pass to T. Higgins and Higgins. Other sides of that drop has been so wonderful the past couple of weeks.
Starting point is 00:07:20 And Chase, Jamar Chase, had a big. game in this too. You just see the Bengals team and you're thinking, you know what? Yes, they can beat anyone in the AFC. They can beat anyone in the NFC. And as long as they don't get in their own way, this is a team that I think a month ago we still had questions about, I do not have questions about these Cincinnati Bengals today. No, Joe Burrow said in Tennessee, this is the type of game that great teams win. I think he was right. And I think what they're showing is they are a great team right now. And they can be a great team in January because they've learned how to protect Joe Burrow and they've learned how to call their offense with the early down passes. They are able to
Starting point is 00:08:01 run even without mixing. And that play call on 3rd and 11 after Burrow took a curious sack that Tony Romo was on him about in terms of clock management. He could have thrown it out of bounds, but he got a little mixed up with the clock and took a seven-yard sack. To call a pass in that situation, Zach Taylor's graduated. I mean, put the polo away. I don't know what's next. I think you put on a tailored suit,
Starting point is 00:08:26 a Zach tailored suit, wear whatever you want. If you just want to be comfortable and a big hoodie, it's a wonderful world out there where, like, huge hoodies are fashionable. Do that. Do whatever you want, Zach Taylor.
Starting point is 00:08:39 You've graduated. This team has graduated. He's basically saying, Greg is saying, wear what I wear. Yeah, there are layers to this. Can I just counter? He doesn't have to change anything.
Starting point is 00:08:48 thing, it's just your opinion was wrong? No. That this man is actually a good coach? He's evolving and... We're all evolving, Gregi. But I think what's happening here is in money time, in December, against the mighty chiefs, he's smart enough. I guess it doesn't take, I don't know what it takes, what you have to wear.
Starting point is 00:09:08 But when you have Joe Burrow there, it's common sense. I would have been with you. I would have been, if they would have run the ball and then gotten beat by Mahomes, I would have said, damn it, Zach Taylor. You've got to trust that guy like he's Joe Montana because sometimes that's what he's like. And he did. So I give credit to Taylor for realizing what a great talent he has here.
Starting point is 00:09:28 Man, this is such a fun wrinkle here. The AFC is wild because you have the Chiefs now. The Bills didn't play today. And they went from the fifth seed all the way up to the first seed. They're back on top in the AFC East. They pass the Dolphins. We'll get to them in a minute. The Chiefs now fall back.
Starting point is 00:09:46 back but the Bengals are right there Greg and it's like it's hard to when when this thing gets to January and hopefully everybody stays healthy something you can never take for granted today being a perfect example why not the Bengals getting back I would love to see a fourth match up here and if it happens it'll probably be an arrowhead the rest of the chief schedule is very favorable wouldn't surprise me if they win out and get the one seat I consider them still the favorite but that's secondary to me to the development the fact that P. Ryan can get a hundred And you mentioned, Wes, it really hit me talking about that because it just reminds me what we're missing in our newsroom watching these games. He would absolutely be about this Bengals team because he's just about great football and great football players and great quarterbacks.
Starting point is 00:10:35 And it'd be strange because it's the Bengals, but it'd be undeniable. Joe Burrow was undeniable. Well, I mean, whatever uniform this team was wearing, he would love the way they're constructed, the way that they showed faith in Joe Burrow. And one other thing about Zach Taylor, I think one reason that you were on them a year ago and I was too was that their offensive line continued to be a problem from wire to wire. There never
Starting point is 00:10:56 seemed to be any ability to adjust. And the offensive line, yes, they made their improvements over the off season, but they started out as a bit of a disaster, and it has not been a liability the same way. And I think that allows you to show more confidence in Joe Burrow, too. Mark, you've always been
Starting point is 00:11:12 on the ball, sharp as attack when it comes to warning the general public about the difference between the two sports, basketball and football. I'd like to think that I do do that. And then Tony Romo goes and throws just a Maltof cocktail into your entire thesis.
Starting point is 00:11:30 He did the Michael Jordan up on top with the ball stretched out. Fumble comes out, but I think the Michael Jordan of the sport maybe just got over two guys. Unbelievable. Football is completely different than basketball. Right.
Starting point is 00:11:42 And I picked out Justin Huron. Herbert before the season, but I would point that Wes made multiple comparisons between football players and Michael Jordan, starting with O'Dell Beckham. You could throw others in there. And so this has been going on for a while. You know, no one invented this. Right, but you've always maintained that it's a completely different sport. I do maintain that they're not the same sport. And I think you're right. Yeah. I think history will prove you correct. I think it's already well on its way to doing that. Let's hear from Joe Burrow just because he's a bad man. Why not? And he spoke with Rachel. Wolfson after the game. Tracy Wolfson after the game. We just have guys that know what it takes to win. Know what it takes every week in practice
Starting point is 00:12:22 to grind, work your ass off, to come out here in a moment like this in front of this crowd and come out with a big win. That being said, that's all it is. It's a big win. We got several more coming up. So that was a fun one, but I know we'll be seeing them again. Well, I've talked about
Starting point is 00:12:38 coming in about the rivalry with you and the Holmes. How would you describe what is taking place? Man, I thought have lived up to the hype. I would just say also that we'll get to the Ravens and what happened to them today as well, that the Bengals team that lost 19 to 17 to Baltimore back in week five, that team doesn't exist.
Starting point is 00:12:56 This is such a better football team than the Baltimore Ravens. And the idea that anyone but the Bengals are winning this division is absurd to me. All right. Well said. Strong take. Is it?
Starting point is 00:13:07 Great game. I mean, it's correct. I think they are. There aren't many teams playing better than the Bengals, period. right now. Let's now move to another marquee matchup. So show me Sunday. Cincinnati showed us that once again they are the real deal. Casey, they're going to be fine. Like Greg said, they'll probably when the dust settles, they might be atop this conference and be ready
Starting point is 00:13:29 to make another run to the Super Bowl. Cincinnati's going to be right there. Miami and San Francisco. Interesting intra-conference battle. Let's check in with that game. Tyreek is out left. Going to run a deep route two. We're going to step up. The ball got hit from behind the ball is out and is picked up. Run back the other way by Dre Greenlaw. Scoop and score. Touchdown. San Francisco.
Starting point is 00:13:59 Big play, Drey. Unbelievable. That Niners defense does not quit. Greg Papa with a call. K-N-B-R. Dre Greenlaw with that fumble. with that fumble recovery for a touchdown and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy through two touchdown passes after replacing an injured Jimmy G. The Niners ride that deed with 3317 win over the Dolphins.
Starting point is 00:14:27 That's five straight wins for the Niners. However, Gregie, Jimmy G exits this game with a foot injury. It's announced after the game that he will need surgery on that foot. it's broken he is done for the year so a cataclysmic event here for san francisco that overshadows a huge victory yeah let's start with the jimmy g news because the fact that they overcame gropolo's injury in this game is worthy of talking about for a while but the fact that brock purdy is going to be their quarterback for the rest of the season is a is a huge letdown We've been looking at this team as a potential Super Bowl contender.
Starting point is 00:15:12 They're 8 and 4. The way that they played this game and won this game with Purdy, I think proved that because they did it in different ways, running defense and also Purdy making enough plays to win it. The way he played it, though, Dan, does give me a little hope that we can keep this thing going. I don't know why I'm saying we. I haven't been a 49ers. Well, you're loyal to football. Literally every team. We're just, like, hoping that the football can be good.
Starting point is 00:15:40 And his football was good. He looked a lot like Jimmy Garoppolo, to be fair. It was weird. After his touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey, he actually even did the Garapolo, like, fist down pump thing that I don't know if that's a thing behind the scenes of the San Francisco QBs, but, you know, it makes sense. I mean, it's a Kyle Shanahan guy. Speaking of Jimmy G, let's hear from Kyle Shanahan, who discussed with the media, the unfortunate
Starting point is 00:16:03 prognosis of his QB, and that is the second QB1. that San Francisco loses for the year, unbelievable. And Jimmy, foot, he'll be out. He'll end up need surgery, broke a few things in there. So I'm real unfortunate to have that, so obviously. I mean, just hearing it, it was pretty crushing. I mean, you know what Jimmy's been through, how hard he's worked at this. You know, I got that news a little in the second quarter.
Starting point is 00:16:29 So it was a little different for me, even just how happy we were with that game. That was a really cool game just as a team and all the stuff that went on throughout the game and just be able to overcome some things. And it's such a special win, but definite mixed emotions hearing about Jimmy. I told the guys right after the game, and so I know that gave them some mixed emotions fast, too. But it was a hell of a job I brought coming in,
Starting point is 00:16:51 stepping it up. He did a real good job today, and we're going to be ready to do our best to overcome this. I hadn't seen that. No, and he's super emotional. I think number one, it's clear to all of us that, like, Shanahan, there's something special between him and Jim, Jimmy G. I mean, if you think about it, this is a team that's lost two starting quarterbacks.
Starting point is 00:17:11 Right. They were in that situation because they lost the first one. And now you're down to Brock Purdy, who I think 24 hours ago, it's safe to say, very few people in this room or behind the glass had much context for. Yeah. And the fact that he looks so upset, I think maybe he's thinking the same thing, Greg, that we've been talking about. Because, you know, when they lost Elijah Mitchell to another MCL sprain, I said on Thursday, man, they had two games where they had all these guys on the field together and they were unstoppable. And now, look, not only is Mitchell gone, you see CMC looks banged up. Greg, you pointed out on that big gainer he had near the end of the game.
Starting point is 00:17:44 He wasn't moving as well. And I think maybe he's a little slowed. And now to lose Carapolo, you just wonder, like, is that how we're going to remember this team now? Most likely. And yet, I still give them a good chance to win this division, to go on a run and be dangerous. Garapolo and the, like, the supporting, it just reminds you how messed up football is. I mean, the fact Shanahan knows that in the second quarter, everyone was so jacked for this game.
Starting point is 00:18:12 The two sides were talking trash during the week. Rahim Moster had to go on to San Francisco radio and kind of talk down these comments that he made, that the Dolphins were way more talented than San Francisco, and he was upset about how it went. And everyone is just so fired up for this game, and almost immediately Garapolo suffers that injury. It was on the last play of their first drive,
Starting point is 00:18:33 which ended in a field goal where he kept extending the play and ended up getting sacked and a couple guys fell on him. And for the team to respond and trail 7-3 because Tua Tua Tua hits a 75-yard touchdown on his very first play, and then to outscore the 49ers the rest of the way, 30 to what, 10 with Brock Purdy in the lineup? It's just football's like a crazy sport,
Starting point is 00:19:00 and Prock Bertie is also a guy who was Mr. Irrelevant in this draft. I hate that, by the way. We've got to change the name. He shrugged that title off. Right, that's gone. And that they cut Nate Sudfeld, who they'd given $2 million guaranteed to be their backup behind Trey Lance. It was supposed to be Trey Lance and Sudfeld. It ended up being Garapolo and Purdy.
Starting point is 00:19:19 And Purdy did enough things in this game in terms of getting out of the way of pressure. It wasn't all about the Miami tackles being gone in this game. That was a factor. And Nick Posa made it a factor. But Miami's pass rush was after Purdy, way more, had way more quarterback hits. And Purdy actually got out of the way. number of times made good decisions, hit some big time third down
Starting point is 00:19:40 throws to Debo Samuel to Juan Jennings to extend drives. It wasn't just him being kind of a caretaker. So it did give you a little hope here that they can be effective offensively. I guess if you find out in the second quarter that there is no more Jimmy G for this season that you start to show
Starting point is 00:19:56 immediate trust and purdy because you have no other choice. And I thought they did like on that fourth down play that you mentioned that they you know, they're dialing it up. I mean it's like at this point you're going to it's on Shanahan. He ran over a 300 pounder, Zach Seeler on a 300 on a fourth down play. It's on Shanahan, too, and I think he's done this before. They did it last year when they were playing around Jimmy G.
Starting point is 00:20:14 You've got to find different ways to move the offense. It's just that they are banged up at running back, too. It's like, depth suddenly out of nowhere, became a massive issue for a team that I thought was essentially heading to the Super Bowl. I'm with you, too. Outside of Philly. I thought we were screaming, and this is why I can't assume anything. Eagles, Niners, NFC title game, NFC just got a lot more wide open.
Starting point is 00:20:36 to me right now. And I think spinning over to the Dolphin side, this was a show me Sunday for them because they mowed through some of the worst teams in football during their five-game winning streak. And this was a big test. And then Jimmy G goes out early and you're against a third string rookie quarterback. And this score is misleading. 3317 is not really how this game played out. So they didn't get blown out in this game. But some of those questions about the offense resurface here because Tua was, for the most part, inefficient and ineffective for the first time of his accuracy. He's been so locked in for so much of this year. This is, in fact, the first game that they lost that he started.
Starting point is 00:21:13 And I guess he didn't technically finish because they brought in his backup. So that stat will live on with an asterisk. But I thought the turning point of the game here is they're down 2310. They wake up and they march right down the field. They get a long touchdown pass to, Tyree Kill 45 yards and they cut it to 2317 and then force a punt. They get the ball back and they had a chance, Tua and this offense to wipe away a bad day at the office with one more big drive, take the lead and maybe steal this game. And it ends in painful fashion, Greg, on a fourth and two at San Francisco's 36 with 603 to play.
Starting point is 00:21:54 Tua targets Mike Gaseki, who looks like he's open. He's going to catch it. But Drake Greenlaw, who had a huge game close. closes out of nowhere, gets his hand in there, and forces it was rule to catch, overturned on replay, and that was the game ultimately. Yeah, Tua talked about that play after the game indicating there were some mistakes on that play. And I think what he meant was people not being in the right spot. And he more than once in his press conference alluded to some communication issues where either he had some inaccurate balls like his interception. He had two interceptions in the game and that fumble late.
Starting point is 00:22:32 But he also said that there were miscommunications where he thought guys were going to be in a certain place and maybe, and then they weren't. And that explained perhaps some of the inaccuracy because it was 2310 entering the fourth. And to that point, there had been seven straight drives where Tua and the Dolphins' offense looked as bad as they looked all season. Tua's missing wide open players all over the place.
Starting point is 00:22:54 And I kept thinking, man, this is a bad sign for the 49ers. Guys are just running free and Tua keeps missing them. But eventually their defense that we expected kind of showed up Greenlaw and Warner make this team special. That is the best linebacker combination in the league. Greenlaw also had a catch in space or a tackle in space on Tyreek Hill that helps set up that fourth downstop. And Warner had a couple past deflections. I mean, they are special.
Starting point is 00:23:17 And then Bosa with three sacks, like they have superstars. So to at least give themselves confidence, but it was a concerning performance to see. I mean, and Bosa is the new sack leader. And I think you have Damico Ryans, who's going to be a head coach a month and a half from now, number one. I mean, it's going to get a job off of this. This is how the defense carries the team down the stretch. And it's like, that's the part of it. It's like San Francisco, yes, you lost your quarterback,
Starting point is 00:23:40 but it's not the same thing as the Chiefs losing Patrick Mahomes or Team X losing someone that they simply cannot operate without. I think that Jimmy G, though, to be fair, was the last month and a half playing about as well as he's ever played. And so you were getting a good version of them. So now they become a team of mystery. Here's the case. What we know about the Kyle Shanahan office,
Starting point is 00:24:01 offense, the fabled offense that his father and all that. It's quarterback friendly in terms of its design. You're not asking the quarterback to make a ton of reads. Maybe you could spin this. If Brock Purdy's ready for this and he can make the throws, he can find a way to be efficient because you don't need, to your point, Mark. I think what you're saying is you don't need a guy to be a superstar back there. You've got to have a guy that could get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.
Starting point is 00:24:26 Kind of how I see too a little bit in Miami, can Brock be that guy, or is their season over now. Right. And we're going to find out as this goes on. And Greg, one more thing. Oh. Westbro's back in the win column. Locked up the Niners.
Starting point is 00:24:42 Nice. Nice. McCaffrey, keep an eye on McCaffrey. Of course, they don't have a lot of depth back there anymore. He had that 30-yard run, which is a big run late in the game, that set up the field goal that kind of put it away. But if you take out the 30-yard run, that's 16 carries for 36-year-old. yards. And yeah, on that run, he wasn't, you could tell he wasn't as explosive, but it was a
Starting point is 00:25:05 gutsy game by McCaffrey, who ended up with 144 yards from scrimmage, eight catches 80 yards in a touchdown. Like, you could tell he was playing at less than 100 percent and like took one for the team. And he's going to need to do that a lot more. All right. So huge developments, two big games. Let's take a break. And we continue to spin through Show Me Sunday. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters.
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Starting point is 00:27:44 Show Me Sunday Rolls on, and now you have a game here between the Jets and the Vikings. The Jets looking to show the world, they can knock off a top team in the NFC and the Vikings saying, respect us. We're more than just a good record. Let's see what happened. 4th and 10 from the Vikings 19, Minnesota leads by 5. Zadarius Smith comes flying up to the center. Mike White, hit as he throws, throws to the goal strike,
Starting point is 00:28:05 and it's intercepted by Cam Bynum. And that is your ball game. Cam Bynum with the second interception for him this season, and the Vikings are going to win 2722. If you hear in Paul Allen's voice for KFAN, he's a little bit, he almost seems exhausted, It's because if you are a Vikings announcer or fan or both, as Paul Allen is, that was an exhausting win for the Vikings who had control of this game against the Jets,
Starting point is 00:28:39 badly outplayed the Jets in the first half. And then in the second half, the offense does what the Minnesota offense does at times, which is fizzle, go through ruts, and the Jets kept chipping away. However, Minnesota's defense hung tight and got stronger in the red zone, and that was the key to this 27 to 22 win. You heard that Cam Bynum interception at the one-yard line again and again, boys. In the second half of this game, the Jets, and even in the first half, they would march down the field, Mike White, connecting with his wide receivers,
Starting point is 00:29:15 get into the 20, get inside the 10, get inside the 5, and then not have an answer. And that leads to Greg Zerline hitting 5. field goals. Meanwhile, Minnesota's offense, three trips to the red zone, three touchdowns. And that was a major difference in this game. It doesn't leave me with anything, to be honest, but more hope for the Jets. We can get to the Vikings part of it, but they'll only allow a touchdown in the second half. There's a different type of Jets team that collapses down the stretch. Instead, I thought they toughened up. And to me, you look at what the A.
Starting point is 00:29:55 see playoff field right now, the Patriots are nothing to me. The Jets, I'll take them much more, they are. The Jets, I take much more seriously. And I don't know why you need, like, Mike White to throw the ball 57 times with 26 incompletions. But I still saw things from Mike White today and the way that the offense moved in general. And you've got Garrett Wilson becoming an absolute star. Eight catches, 162 yards. That's the most by a Jets rookie since 1990 when Rob Moore, another phenomenal player put that up. Corey Davis had big catches down the struts. I mean, they are playing.
Starting point is 00:30:29 I know a lot of people don't believe in the Vikings because of the regression heavy, one score, you know, victories this season. But that said, they found a way. I look at a Jets defense that held Justin Jefferson to 45 yards. It's a missed opportunity. I think it is a missed opportunity.
Starting point is 00:30:44 Because you do have a game in Buffalo. You have the lions who have been playing well. You have a game at Miami. You just don't know. I tend to agree that if you look at the playoff field, the Jets still feel like a likely playoff entrant because of the competition and where they stand. But you outgain the Vikings 486 to 287
Starting point is 00:31:06 and you lose the game, that's a missed opportunity. Absolutely. And I think there are two ways to look at it. Yes, the Jets are proving week after week. By the way, this team is fun as hell to watch. One of my favorite Jets teams I can remember. but at the same time we are trying to break a playoff drought here and you're going to have to steal a win like this to get there
Starting point is 00:31:30 to get to that 10th win let's say remember we don't need to respect the Patriots but they're also one game behind the Jets and they swept the Jets so they have the tiebreaker when you look at all this so the Jets are kicking themselves and I didn't love all the play calling down in close but you also have to factor in some things with Mike White and gaining more comfortable between OC and QB. On the Minnesota side, I don't know what to take from this game
Starting point is 00:31:58 because no matter what I say, Vikings fans will listen to this and just be like, oh, Dan's being a hater because his team got beat. But my honest feeling on the Vikings is it doesn't change. Like they're winning these games, and I just think to myself, am I impressed by what I saw in this game? I'm impressed by their ability to stand strong
Starting point is 00:32:18 near their goal line and end this game and win this game but Kirk Cousins has not had a good year he was sub-gabard zone in this game and in general just this team
Starting point is 00:32:29 does not seem to be a 10 and 2 team are you a bigger hater of the Vikings or the Dolphins because I did see that tweet against the dolphins and today was kind of the end I'd like to give it to the Dolphins fans a little bit
Starting point is 00:32:43 it was a tough date the Vikings have a chance at some point I feel like because of their players to play better than they have, and then they'll be playing better, potentially, having already won 10 of their first 12 games. That's the idea.
Starting point is 00:32:56 Like, as much as we're putting them, I agree with you that I don't believe in them, and yet they only play one team with a winning record the rest of the way, and it's the Giants. Right. You know, so it's like they have a chance to get the one seat. Put it this way. Put it this way.
Starting point is 00:33:08 This is why they're, I know there's Vikings fans out there, like your buddy, Mark, that are absolutely going to agree with me. At halftime, you're thinking, And all right, not only are we winning again, look how we're dominating in all phases. We really are that team. And then they played a second half that was so uninspired that it kind of, in some level, just put you back to where you were before this.
Starting point is 00:33:31 So there will be some Vikings fans that will just say, we're 10 and 2. That's all that matters. But they still, to me, have to answer questions. This did not do it for me. A level-headed fan of any team can look at a record like this and say, okay, we're not that record. compared to that record in years past with other teams that forged it in a different way. They had six drives that went for less than six net yards in the second half,
Starting point is 00:33:53 out of seven drives. So this thing that they could say, it's tired that we talk about a team that will take naps during games. But they simply do do that. They also, I think, find ways to get into these situations where they're winning these one-score games. They believe they'll win at the end. Yeah, I think there's something to that. I think they're, I like their ceiling better than in years past because I really think that change away from Zimmer.
Starting point is 00:34:16 And what was going on with Zimmer and the overall offense is much healthier now with this team under O'Connell. That play by Jordan Hicks, the linebacker who ultimately knocked the ball out on the, what was that, a fourth down to Barrios, which would have won the game. It should have been caught. People saying it should have been caught, though, but I think he hit his hand and he hit the ball. That was a nice play by Jordan Hicks.
Starting point is 00:34:37 That was a game when he played. Yes, the Vikings defense deserves a lot of credit. The Jets went, I believe, three for 16. on third down one for six in the red zone and we talked about san francisco and what happened there i think anybody that's really watching this conference closely before what happened today for the 49ers would have had the eagles clearly ahead san francisco should be seen as ahead then you slot in the vikings and figure some things out maybe the cowboys ahead of the vikings now i think san francisco drops things down and this is i mean this is a big positive day for the vikings who
Starting point is 00:35:14 I think their chances of hit to the Super Bowl also have increased here. So there you go. I'm not, this isn't any, I'm not bitter about that. That was a, it was a good effort by the Jets and they just did not execute well enough, but there are a lot of good things to take away from it. Man, look at this. It's frustrating. We've never watched a Jets team like this during the 10 plus year run of this show.
Starting point is 00:35:34 No. No. All right. Let's move out. So what did the Vikings show me? I don't know. That they know how to win close games. I think the Vikings showed you.
Starting point is 00:35:43 They are the Vikings. been all along. Yeah, the Jets too. This feels like a show me confirmation game. Okay. And let's now head to Philly where the Eagles are like, what else do we need to show you? And the Titans say, we're still looking for some respect. We'll show you. Or will they? Justin's shaking his head. Spoiler alert. He is looking deep for A.J. Brown, who has it. He took it. And he scored. A.J. Brown took it away from Trey A. A.J. Brown took it away from Trey Avery and scored his second touchdown of the game. I'm telling you, they've got to get these boys in the weight room. You talk about mossing somebody?
Starting point is 00:36:18 That was moused. That is the exact definition of mossing a DB. Oh, great, D. Mike Quick, putting your ds in a body bag on the top of it at all. Moshing somebody is going up over their head. I mean, that was an amazing catch. For the Titans to be questioned for their physical stature is a new low. It's been a bad two weeks.
Starting point is 00:36:39 Two weeks, Norel Reese. And Mike Quick, WIP, man, agent. Jay Brown, this was his revenge game. He wanted to stick it to the Titans, and he did. He scored three times. One was overturned. Then he scored two that counted, and the Eagles just ran away from the Titans 35 to 10. And, man, it could have been worse.
Starting point is 00:37:03 This was a really great effort by the Eagles, Mark Sessler. I mean, starting team-wide, it was a week ago when they ran over, Green Bay with 380 yards rushing. And they showed they could do that. Today, they really didn't even emphasize the ground game, the Eagles. After 157 yards on the ground from Hertzuco, he had 380 before he was pulled really far before this game ended. I mean, they just show that they can be so dominant.
Starting point is 00:37:32 And it was, I think, a game plan completely designed around. If it works, we're going to showcase A.J. Brown because he wants us. He called the game personal. The 40-yard touchdown strike, he was the most. Wide open, a wide receiver has been since 2017, according to Metrics. The 29-yard touchdown, his long defensive, he drew a defensive, essentially a DPI that set up hurts for a touch on as well. It just was one thing after the next. And when it wasn't him, Devontes Smith at 100 yards, too.
Starting point is 00:38:00 Their passing game today, I thought put it on a Titans team that look at the Titans, I will say this, they were banged up. They lost Trailing Berks in this game, which left them at wide receiver down to essentially Nick Westbrook-Akina, Robert Woods, CJ Board. They lost David Long. They lost Christian Fulton. So a banged up, already banged up Titans team that was out physical by the Bengals a week ago, I thought they got taken to them by
Starting point is 00:38:24 the Titans or the Eagles today. And I think your coach called about them leaving them at a crossroads. And we talked on Thursday about it. Had they dropped this game, what kind of team are they? Here they go. Here is Mike Brable. I mean, I think we're at a crossroads. I told the team, I think we're at a crossroads and kind of how we
Starting point is 00:38:39 want to continue down this season. It sucks losing. It sucks getting beat the way we did. But we have to, you know, we've got to make a decision, you know, how much are we willing to invest and trust in what the, you know, the coaches are doing, trusting what each and other players are doing. So I just, I think it's a critical time for us. Justin, obviously this is a bad day for the Titans, bad day for you.
Starting point is 00:39:07 I know you locked up the Titans. That was a rough one. Also, Traylon Burks, who's the guy they drafted to replace A.J. Brown has a brilliant touchdown catch and gets knocked out on it. So you have that on top of it, just a bitter, bitter pylvis games. I think Traylon Burks was literally knocked out the way the players were reacting, like calling over to the sideline immediately. I think he was out cold on the field. That was unpleasant to watch. Yeah, ruled out pretty quickly with concussion.
Starting point is 00:39:37 And, yeah, the Titans are in at a crossroads for sure. I think Mike Vrable has coached around some talent deficiencies all season and through the injuries and everything. But when you come up against a team like the Eagles that are just so complete in all aspects of football, you reach a point where you just can't coach around it. And with DeNico Autry missing the last two games, the Titans' pass rush has been almost non-existent. And I know DeNico Autry has been a great player. He's been playing at a Pro Bowl level this year. But before he missed these two games,
Starting point is 00:40:07 I didn't know he was this valuable, but it feels like the Titans' defensive line really misses his presence. Well, they also might just be running out of gas here. They can't run the ball in offense. So you're getting dominated physically on offense. And then on defense, yeah, Autry's a good player, but the whole point of the Titans is they've had players in and out of the lineup up front and they've still managed to win.
Starting point is 00:40:28 The fact that Cincinnati really took it to them up front, followed by this game, it is a crossroads. And yet a little bit like the Vikings, it's like they're going to, win their division. I know they have the game against the Jaguars next week, which would basically all but win their division. If the Titans win that game, their schedule's not tough the rest of the way. They're going to settle in hopefully for the Titans to this third or fourth seat and get ready for the playoffs and try to get healthy. That's fine, but I think that they're the team that in a totally wrong way, because we usually mean this positively, they zigged when
Starting point is 00:41:00 everyone else zagged. These other teams went out and like, we're going to find that wide receiver that changes our offense entirely. And I'll never forget the night of the draft. where suddenly Gravedigger breaks away from the work stuff to hold his own mini podcast on, you know, what was it? Instagram Live. Well, I mean, because you were, but you actually, it was. You were in your feelings.
Starting point is 00:41:19 You were prophetically annoyed because I think this game. That was Erica's idea. For the record, Erica, put the phone in my face. Never, never listen to Erica. That was your first mistake. It got about as dark as you could have possibly imagined. If you looked to head towards the schedule in this game, it was as dark as possible for the tightness.
Starting point is 00:41:37 Some more darkness? Yes. Maybe. I'm not at the expense of Grave diggers' happiness. And by the way, before I tee up this, A.J. Brown quote, let's not throw too much dirt on the Titans because they will win the division. And you know they're going to be a tough out in January. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:41:52 But right now, they look vulnerable and weak, and they should have A.J. Brown and they don't. And A.J. Brown is going to make sure the Titans don't forget it. To be honest, it's been personal sense of trade. To be honest, I've just been trying to keep it down. Just because, like, I got stated. it like that's where i wanted to be and they just kind of just i'm not even trying to get into all that but uh but that's why i wanted to be and you know things didn't work out you know and uh it was just kind of just right here you know here you know here you go you know we don't want you
Starting point is 00:42:27 anymore you know you just kind of get put to the side and in that situation for me and like i said i had to grow up you know quick as a fan justin i i empathize with you because that hurts even more. He's saying, I never wanted to go, but they just didn't keep me around. Then that makes it even worse. It's just weird because it felt like the negotiation went sour so quickly and the reports that he cut off communication with the team. It was probably a negotiation tactic to just, like, get a better offer or whatever.
Starting point is 00:42:57 It was also that one agent controlling every one of these wide receivers that exploded financially. They know what the price was. They didn't want to pay it, period. It's super frustrating that the Titans were just like, okay, fine. And we'll just trade you away. We can replace you with a first round draft pick or whatever. I don't know. Was it?
Starting point is 00:43:11 Is it Vrable for once doing a bell check move that was not smart? Like we are not going to pay him. We'll develop someone else. Oh, come on. I mean, Vrable and Mike and John Robinson are joined at the hip. They definitely work together. But Vrable said a month before they traded him, as long as I'm the head coach, we will never trade A.J. Brown.
Starting point is 00:43:30 But to Dan's point, that is a Patriots-type move. We're not going to suddenly drop a huge contract. He carries a big stick in that organization. You know that. Of course. Then they work together for sure. It's not like... Can you say Brown has nine touchdowns this year?
Starting point is 00:43:42 The entire wide receiver group for the Titans has four combined. And I'm so impressed by this Eagles team. Sometimes, you know, these games are close and one of the little parts of their team aren't perfect. And they often respond with an outstanding game. Like every game is not going to be perfect in the NFL season. But like they've had enough of these games that, man, they are a great team. One thing about them, too, they out of the gate. I'm sure watching this, that they had an aberration game penalty-wise where their
Starting point is 00:44:09 offensive line. They had five false starts before halftime in like eight or nine penalties, and it was very uneagles-like, and they didn't panic. They worked the way out of it, and you're pulling hurts midway through the third because they're so explosive. And I think one thing about the Titans, when they can't run the ball, if you get them into these third and four, five, six, seven, eight-yard situations, they have no way out. And Tana Hill, again, was hobbling around.
Starting point is 00:44:33 That's what I don't like about this offense. right now six sacks for the eagles today i'm not throwing the dirt though no i'm not you'll be back we're not throwing the dirt but like the you're a little concerned it is a measuring stick type of game i mean they got blown out by the bills they couldn't hold their own with the bengals and they got beat they are winless against playoff teams current teams in the playoff field titans are oh and five it's going to be okay oh and five hey uh what does okay mean you think they're going to win multiple playoff games or maybe i just don't this is the lowest remember before these two games we were all saying, wow, unbelievable, the Titans,
Starting point is 00:45:05 time to respect them. You jumped on their bandwagon. It's been a tough ride. It's been a tough ride. It's been a tough ride. This was the one game where I thought Vrabel scheming from opponent to opponent did not matter at all.
Starting point is 00:45:18 Do you still want him on the Titans? Let's see how the Jags game goes. I mean, like I have, you think that I have the power to remove the Titans from contention. It's like the head coach on a Monday saying we're going to talk about the quarterback. Well, that's fine. I'll find another team if you like. to remove me. And one last note, Jalen Hertz to me,
Starting point is 00:45:36 is in the lead now in the MVP. With all due respect to the great Mahomes, it's close, but I think as he continues to stack these monster games for this very special Eagles team. That's why we get this new voting process that Greg and others are so fond of it.
Starting point is 00:45:53 I think it makes sense. That's a great point. That's a great point. That those second place votes, I would still have Mahomes. To the desert. Yeah, because you picked them before the season. You want that dub. I'd be the same.
Starting point is 00:46:03 Well, that's a great point, Mark. To the desert. I didn't say anything. To the desert. Josh Jacob, 74 yards on 13 carries, and he gets it again. Pitches it back to Derek Carr. Looking downfield for the Bonté Adams. It's shot at the five.
Starting point is 00:46:22 Touchdown Raiders. That's even more glorious. That's even more glorious. To Derek Carr throws in the third quarter. and both have been long touchdowns to Devante Adams. This one from 45 yards out, and the Raiders lead to Chargers 2313. I'll tell you, one place,
Starting point is 00:46:47 Mark Edward Sessler, where there's plenty of room, is on the Raiders bandwagon. You want to join me? No, there's not a lot of room on that. I mean... They are heading towards the On the Hunt part of the playoff picture in the AFC, Jason Horowitz. Wake me up in a month.
Starting point is 00:47:01 Kennedy with the call. Devante Adams. This dude is unreal. God, there's so many dudes that are unreal on the Raiders that, you know, well, there's three. There's Max Crosby. There's Josh Jacobs this year. There's Devante Adams.
Starting point is 00:47:17 Shouldn't that be enough to make this team a player in the AFC? A 2720 win over the Chargers. Oh, Chargers. A game that the Chargers jumped ahead. head early. And it felt like, okay, the Raiders are going to quietly fade away and the Chargers will get a big win here and they start to gain some momentum. But instead, from basically the second quarter on, Las Vegas took control of this game. And I thought that Derek Carr played a good game. Again, Devante Adams, he is worth every penny and every pick that they sent because
Starting point is 00:48:00 there are that you could count on one hand how many wide receivers can make the difference that he can and he is one of those dudes and every week he makes plays that very few players can make and he's consistent. So he has a big day and the defense is getting better for the Raiders. They sack Justin Herbert five times and that's three straight wins. They split the season series with the Chargers.
Starting point is 00:48:25 And for the Chargers, Mark, this is just like more of the same. Here we are, six and six. just kind of going through the motions of another season where you're an also-in. Well, and Brandon Staley's calling card was his defense. And we talked about the fact that before this season, they haven't injuries, no doubt about it, but they brought in a lot of pieces that would have fit really well,
Starting point is 00:48:47 players he knew, and you're getting smoked by Devonti Adams for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs, you knew this was coming at you. He still gets 144. It just feels like every week for the Chargers. Like I mentioned to Greg during the game, Greg does his great free agency. Sometimes it's 101, sometimes it's 99.
Starting point is 00:49:05 You never know what it's going to be. We're doing 101 consistently. Where does a guy like Josh Jacobs fall because we know running backs don't tend to get paid and aren't valued on the same level. But he, I mean, he's starting to creep into the offensive player of the year conversation to me. Yeah. And he's about to hit the open market if they don't tag him. Do you trust him at all to do this next year?
Starting point is 00:49:25 I think the Raiders hopefully will find a way to keep him because he just belongs in this system. He's such a good fit. I just hope he holds up to the end of the year. He had 26 carries in this game. He hasn't had a workload like this coming off another big workload last week. I mean, in terms of a season workload. It's crazy that Adams had 177. Jake was at 144.
Starting point is 00:49:45 The next closest skill position player at 35. So this is like a three-person team. And on defense, it's been a one-person team all year, Max Crosby. But today you got three sacks out of Chandler Jones, who came into this game with half a sack on the season. And I really think Corey Lindley is a jenga piece for the Chargers. When they, their center has not been in their lineup, their offensive line has gone from okay to just terrible.
Starting point is 00:50:11 And it sounds like they were terrible today. One reason you could believe in the Raiders, Dan, I know you already do, but just that they're kind of the mirror of Vikings in the AFC, the reverse mirror because they were 0 in these one-score games. Last two weeks, they're now two and six because of two closer wins. If they can do this with Josh Jacobs regularly at this time of year down the stretch, I believe in that kind of team.
Starting point is 00:50:31 Because you have a couple stars that do this on a weekly basis. You just knock the, Chargers and Patriots, charges are another team I do not buy in for this playoff race. Get them out of here. So I don't quite remember everything I said on Thursday because I was half alive.
Starting point is 00:50:44 But I said this was a huge game for the Raiders and this pipe dream of them being in the mix. Now that they have it, you look at their schedule. And you say, we're at Rams next week. That could be a dub. Then you host the Patriots. You should be able to beat... I don't think the Patriots are a very good team.
Starting point is 00:51:02 Absolutely. And also, then you jump them in the standings and you get the tiebreaker if necessary. If you get that win, then you're at Steelers who I know are competitive right now. You can win that game. And now all of a sudden, the Niners, they have Brock Pertie a quarterback.
Starting point is 00:51:16 One at a time. But they're saving... Just saying. McDaniels, I don't know if his job was going to be in danger, but it's definitely not in danger now. Derek Carr's playing well enough to raise his trade value so that they can bring in debt,
Starting point is 00:51:29 Tom Brady next year to reunite with McDaniel. But it doesn't seem so crazy anymore. It doesn't because also you looked at that Niners Chiefs conclusion of the season. The Chiefs could be sitting players that week and you're passing your little Patriots, Greg, and the Chargers get in the night. And the wild card round, anything could happen. I would say, like, don't worry about who the Raiders have been all year. If they are who they, like the last two weeks, if you get this team, every squad that Dan just
Starting point is 00:51:55 mentioned could be felled by the Raiders. Chandler Jones is speaking at Django pieces. He's been the opposite of that this year. But if he turned it on and was Chandler Jones, opposite Max Crosby, there's just a lot here after some heartbreaking losses for this team. They profile is a very interesting team to keep an eye on here. All along they profiled as a team that should be close to 500. And now they're getting there, but can they pass the Jets?
Starting point is 00:52:20 That's what they'd have to do to make the playoffs. Oh, I didn't think of that. Well, to get off that. Let's go. All right, let's take a break. That got ugly. And we'll be right back. What's up, everybody?
Starting point is 00:52:33 Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters. Every week, we study the tape, talk to decision makers, and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots from college football, We break down the draft, analyze matchups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year.
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Starting point is 00:55:00 Well, no, Greg revealed something that I would categorize as disturbing. Interesting. All right, we're going to share that at the end of the show. Yeah, well, we will. All right. Let's move on to Houston where a certain quarterback made his season debut. At the two on the punt, Donovan People's Jones back and back and catches at his 25. Now, where's he going to go?
Starting point is 00:55:22 Cuts right. Out of a tackle. Out of another tackle. 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, he's now the sideline, 25, 20, 50, 10, 5, he's gone. Touchdown, Donovan People's Jones. Only the second this year. There it is, Donovan People's Jones with the punt score. So, yeah, Deshawn Watson returned.
Starting point is 00:55:42 First game in 700 days, but it was that DPJ score, plus two defensive touchdowns by Cleveland. That was the difference in a 27-14 win over the wovember. Obi-Gone, Houston Texans, who fall to 1-10-and-1. They don't want anything to do with a dub because they want that first pick. Nick Shook, and now joins us from Ohio. Shook, let's start with the obvious. The game we knew. Wasn't getting that pumping.
Starting point is 00:56:13 He's able to do two things at once. Unbelievable. The Cleveland rounds better beat the Texans. Everybody better beat the Texans. But everybody wants to know how did Deshawn Watson look in his first game in 700 days predictably rusty maybe even more
Starting point is 00:56:29 than people anticipated left a lot of throw short every pass almost every pass he had a diving down effect on it skipped a lot of balls at the feet of intended targets and you can see their frustration throughout the game as they
Starting point is 00:56:42 knew they were open he just wasn't delivering the ball but there were glimpses where you saw the Deshawn Watson of old where it's like hey maybe if he gets more comfortable and more in rhythm in this offense he can complete passes it's just the fact that he hasn't played
Starting point is 00:56:53 nearly two years. The speed of the game was visibly affecting him. He looked skittish in the pocket. He looked like he wasn't used to being, you know, pressured by a live pass rush. And he also has to fit to this offense over time. So it was rusty. It wasn't a great game from him. And I'll tell you what, guys, against like 29 other opponents in the league, the Browns probably lose this game because Houston's own deficiencies and just struggles in general are what produced a lot of these points of the Browns and the fact that Kyle Allen's playing. I can't imagine that Kyle Allen's any better than Davis Mills, but I know they're worried about 2023, so it doesn't matter either way. If they weren't playing the Texans, they probably lose this game because
Starting point is 00:57:28 they don't get those opportunities. But credit to them, they did capitalize. Most of it did not have to do with the Sean Watson. Little glimpses of potential being better, you know, first game back, it's pretty expected. Nothing surprising there. Nothing shocking, stunning, or impressive either. They're lucky that they scored in every other possible way a team can score in basically. I mean, Every time I looked up, they were showing cut-ups to your point of Watson's ball, like, throws essentially landing the feet of receivers. It looked a little bit like his very brief preseason action. So I think you're right. He's just extremely rusty.
Starting point is 00:58:01 And it's a hard ask to go out. I know that, you know, they're essentially out of the playoff race, barring a major surge. But to make this transition right now off of a Jacoby percent-led offense that seemed to just be working in different ways. I thought that Watson's presence in there took away from the ground game. it took away from everything. And it's like, all right, so what's the rest of the season? I mean, maybe when, when do we expect them to look kind of on board and fresh here? I mean, this was not the player that traded for the guy we saw today.
Starting point is 00:58:29 Yeah, I think this is one of those instances in which if you got a full length of a season to get your feet under you, that by the time they got to this point in the year, they'd be humming. It's just the fact that, you know, you drop them into week 13. This is a guy who hasn't seen live reps in close to two years. You're going to have issues. It just looked like he wasn't comfortable. He wasn't used to the speed of the game. And the only thing that cures that, much like a rookie quarterback, is more game reps.
Starting point is 00:58:51 So, again, like I said, you can't be too surprised by the fact that he struggled there. If you expected a lot from him, I think you were, you know, living in La La Land. Like, this is the worst performance by any quarterback against the Texans this year, probably by a lot. They had three points offensively, essentially, because one of the two field goals they got were just off of a turnover where they go three and out. So he played absolutely terribly. And then after the game, you know, they ask him questions. The Brown's media arm don't let anyone from Houston ask any questions, which is wild. The Cleveland media and some national media asked them the questions,
Starting point is 00:59:29 but no one that was there from the Houston media got called on. You had to raise your hands to ask him a question. And they asked a question from Jenny Rentos to whether he feels any remorse. And he just, you know, of what goes on. and he decides not to answer it at all, just saying he's happy to be back on the field. And it just sort of kicks the can. I know these questions are going to slow down,
Starting point is 00:59:50 but I think it does kick the can down the field that people aren't going to move on when he's reacting like that. He's going to keep kicking the can until people stop asking. But people would move. Here's the thing. People would move on so quickly if he had even a modicum of feeling like he did anything wrong
Starting point is 01:00:09 or admitted that he did anything. I'm not saying that his legal team is telling him not to say anything too? But some of this stuff, sure, but some of them have nothing to do with legal questions, as Jenny Brentis has pointed out. I think he should be allowed to answer the question. Well, I just don't think he's just not. Call me cynical. Maybe he's waiting to turn it into a payday in the off season and do some type of big interview
Starting point is 01:00:28 or something. Or we're expecting him to have a reaction that he simply, that's not who he is. But he wasn't ready for the moment today, like on the field, like going to Houston and playing, like, he was not ready and he got bailed out. And, you know, they do get the win and get to five. and seven, and Baltimore loses their quarterback when you get to that later. And you almost were like, ooh, what's going on in the AFC North? But the Ravens do get that win.
Starting point is 01:00:51 So the Cleveland is still very much kind of in play out the string, and Watson is going to use the rest of the season. Same record as your Raiders, the Browns, just for what it's worth. That's true. They do have to play in Cincinnati next week. And how was the response from the fans in Houston? Obviously, that's another subplot with this return played his whole career. until this point in Texans before everything that went down.
Starting point is 01:01:13 Yeah, it was a subplot that was covered plenty on Twitter, you know, videos of him signing autographs for Browns and Texans fans before the game. The only real reception I noticed the entire game was his first few snaps. There was some audible booze on the broadcast. There was audible, you know, just like that kind of like low roar from a fan, you know, the fan base that were booing him as he took his first snaps. That was it. I mean, there weren't that many people at this game.
Starting point is 01:01:38 Right. Not exactly like a rowdy fan base at this point. Like, you'd have to pay me to go. If you were expecting 70,000 people to pour into that building and just boo him from start to finish, well, the fact that the Texans are 110 and 1 takes some of the air out of that balloon as well. So anyway, let's move on, Shoki, and head to the Metalands.
Starting point is 01:01:59 Let's move on. Five seconds to go in overtime. And Graham Gano can send his team home a winner or we're both leaving with a tie. No. Hold down. No ties. Get there. Get there.
Starting point is 01:02:11 It's not going to get there. It is no good. And Washington and New York are going to settle for a 20-20 tie in round one. Ram can no way. We'll see him again. It's not a win, but it's not a loss. Covered all those bases. Some of that analysis there.
Starting point is 01:02:31 Yeah. All that was absent was the kissing your sister portion of it, which is thrown around. It is like kissing your sister. I don't have a sister, so I can't have no reference. It's a good, it's a maybe a bit tired, but it's spot on. Because there's nothing to celebrate. Bram Weinstein, London Fletcher, Julie Donaldson, WBIG. You'd have to argue it's not a defeat, though, either.
Starting point is 01:02:55 Is that accurate? Exactly. You have a sister, so. Yeah, it's a tie. All right. The Giants end a two-game losing streak, the commanders. Their winning streak ends, but they are unbeaten in, This is gross. I hate all that.
Starting point is 01:03:10 Hyphen 1 for both teams shook and it's disgusting. It's gross. The worst part about it if you're a fan of uniformity is looking in the standings and seeing the number dash, number, dash. It's the worst. I mean, it just ruins everything in terms of symmetry. Now, four teams have marred our schedule. Especially when it comes to like the playoff scenarios when we get closer.
Starting point is 01:03:28 Because of this, it's going to be so messy. Oh, don't forget the tie. And annoying with two weeks to go. And your tie. Go ahead. And nobody complicated. matters more than the commanders they do done the last six or seven weeks they're the great complicators they're the great yeah this should be the washington complicators not the commanders come on
Starting point is 01:03:48 let's get the branding on track i mean you know i give them credit because they fought their way back in this game it was taylor heinecke leading a touchdown drive within the final two minutes you know earning more compliments from his teammates who want to talk about his courage and his onions and everything else that he carries around but at the end they couldn't get the job done in overtime the giants couldn't get the job done in the second half what do you say about a tie You can't lean toward focusing on one team more than the other. The only good thing, though, guys, Giants' offense started to figure it out again.
Starting point is 01:04:15 You know, they've been pretty bad for the last month. Daniel Jones had his most rushing yards since week seven. That became a feature part of their offense again. It's been gone for a while. Saquan under four yards of carry, but made a difference. And Danny Dimes throwing the ball around the field a little bit. They just couldn't come up in the key situation. How about this, though, Shoeke.
Starting point is 01:04:32 Our buddy, friend of the show, best friend of the show, some might say. Kavon Thibodeau has the blindside sack. of Heineke at the commander's one-yard line in O.T. And that sets up a 58-yard field goal by Graham Ganoe that we heard that fell short. It's like, man, that's on a platter to go win a ball game, move down the field 20 yards or so, and they just couldn't do it anytime. They didn't have time, though. That was after Brian Dable essentially played for the tie.
Starting point is 01:04:59 Both coaches played for- The clarification. Yeah, they played for the tie. The Washington Clarification. It's all very Washington, D.C. I was a little annoyed by D.A.B.L.'s decision to punt there. This game, you're right, Shuck, is very hard to come up with what to say about it because we had two punting decisions on fourth down in opponent's territory in overtime.
Starting point is 01:05:25 Rivera was a fourth and nine, but still they had a point where it was second and seven at the 41 of the Giants in overtime. You think this game is just about over because they're moving the ball. Then they go backwards a couple of plays. decide to punt. Daible decides to punt as well. I think it was fourth and five after they botched a couple of plays. Also, there was one in the backfield where it was third and one in overtime and two of
Starting point is 01:05:47 their players in the back field run into each other. I disagree a little bit with you, Shook, on their offense. If only the Giants said is, if only because, like, I thought Daniel Jones played near perfect for three quarters and was coming up with a lot of plays where he really wasn't protected very well, Alan and Payne really dominated. And he had to play perfect for them to just be up a touchdown against the commanders. The commanders to me look like a better team, a more talented team overall. And yet they were in a position where if they could get one fourth down stop, that's the Giants, the game is over. And Taylor Heineke, who did not play a good game until
Starting point is 01:06:25 that point, gave the other team a lot of chances, is rolling left and throws a total dime on the run sprinting left, and another dime after that, I have to admit. Heineke just shows up in the biggest spots. Like, I was impressed by Heineke. If nothing else, I'm picking the commanders the next time these teams play in two weeks, because I feel like the Giants got a little lucky here. So how does it work for Heineke with the Nikes, by the way? Does he get one Air Jordan?
Starting point is 01:06:48 Does he need to tie in the rematch to get the other? You'd stay off that charade this week, right, Shook? Take us through it, Dick. I mean, I hope so. What are you going to walk around with one shoe on and a sandal on the other? We can't do this. But no, to your point, Greg, I think, you know, that we know the Giants are operating at a bit of a talent deficit. That's why their story's been so compelling this season.
Starting point is 01:07:07 Fair. I was really disappointed in Brian Davel, putting them in the situation that they did that led to the punt, which was that confusion in the backfield. I don't know if there was a communication issue or they were trying to get a little too complex. Pick up the first down. Take it in small bits. You need three points. You don't need to go try and be a hero in this game. In games like that, that's going to matter at the end of the season.
Starting point is 01:07:26 When you end up tying in this game, not only is it going to make us mad about the standings, it's going to matter overall with where you can actually go whether you can reach the playoffs. Can I argue, though, that like a tie between Washington and this year's New York Giants is perfect. This is what these two are. I don't see one is clearly better. We need another tie in two weeks when they play again.
Starting point is 01:07:46 Then I'd be very cool. That would be fantastic. And I think for the giant, in the NFC especially, where that seven seed you might not need, maybe you do, maybe you don't need to have a great record, like avoiding another loss. I almost feel like it was a moral victory somehow for the New York Giants. All right.
Starting point is 01:08:03 So let's go. Let's just set it up real quick then because the Giants get the Eagles next week and let's just let's give them the L. Who knows? You never know. But let's say they get the L there. That sets up a rematch with Washington. It feels like to me, whoever wins the battle of seven, five and ones is going to get that last playoff spot because you're going to have the win there. Seats will be in the mix.
Starting point is 01:08:25 We got five weeks to go here. But that one, that hype and won. That hype in one is going to cause a lot of issues for teams. Maybe I respect, because these are two teams that everyone refuses to respect, including the Taylor Heineke slander. He's just a guy coming in doing the bestie Kennedy threw of a couple of amazing throws today. Those throws were incredible, but I tried to give the Giants respect here. I was rooting on the Giants in the newsroom like they were my team.
Starting point is 01:08:50 Every Giants fan is always saying like, oh, you're so down on the Giants. Admit it, Mark. Every Giants fan. That's how we don't operate in journalistic circles. I was going crazy for the Giants, and they let me down. Your Heineke analysis there, I loved it after just three words. He's just a guy. He's doing exactly what they asked him to do.
Starting point is 01:09:11 He doesn't get his incentive. He doesn't get the money that he wins. I think he gets an incentive for every win, and so he doesn't get that. They did ask Ron Rivera. It's like getting punched in the face by your sister. They asked Ron Rivera what his message was to the team after this. And he simply said, I wasn't quite sure what to say. I think that sometimes just own it as a coach.
Starting point is 01:09:30 This was a weird one. Go home, eat dinner. Shook. Point number three, by what we learned? Yes. What do you write about a tie? I love it. That's meta, and that's why you're the best in the business.
Starting point is 01:09:41 Nick Shook, check them out at NFL.com and check them every Sunday on the around the NFL podcast. Thanks, buddy. All right. Thanks, thanks, guys. I like that best in the business. That's a... I mean, when we talk about the ATM writers, we have so much... We have so many good ones.
Starting point is 01:09:56 Kevin Patrick, who's been a stalwart for years coming at you on the morning side, Shooki holding it on, I mean, holding it down in the PM, gets a little frisky at night with Shooki. Yeah. I'm more thinking if he is the best in the business side of the night, that NFL.com might need to open up the purse at some point. Oh, the purse strings. A little bit more money. I would imagine he could use that.
Starting point is 01:10:18 Are you the representation for one, Nick Anthony Shook? Be happy to. If he's the best in the business, that would be a nice side hustle. So we'll get a nice 15%. I don't know if Shook's middle name is Anthony, but then he could go by nods, and that would be awesome. All right.
Starting point is 01:10:32 Let's take a break. We'll be right back. What's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development
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Starting point is 01:12:50 I mean, the conversations during the breaks are just... I mean, not for the entire family. All right, let us move on. It is coming like a freight train. This team, this team, this team of ATL. Golf up under center, turns, fakes the give to swift, throws ends on wide open. Amelah, State Brown. Touchdown to Tort Lions.
Starting point is 01:13:17 Handle your business, boys. Handle your business. That's exactly what you've done today. Oh, hit it, Dickbanks. Who will be the team? The team. The lights are flashing. The team.
Starting point is 01:13:37 They team. This is your line, Mark. Here you go. Go. We've been on team earn the rights. Say it with your chest. This is a team. Team of A.T.L.
Starting point is 01:13:57 Finish it, Mark. It's a very special honor. Ow! Wooee! Jamal Williams. Can you get some bongos? I'm sorry. I don't need to catch up.
Starting point is 01:14:09 Wow, going from the song to the bongos. It's almost too much for me. Give us some bongos. Come. Come. Come. Jamal Williams ran for his 14th touchdown. What?
Starting point is 01:14:26 Early in the first quarter. If you had Jamal Williams 14 touchdowns on December 4th on your bingo card, I'd wonder why you have a bingo card with NFL results. But also, that's crazy. The lions blow out the Jaguars. We were just throwing roses at the feet of the Jaguars last Sunday. And yet, they could not even hang. Greg Rosenthal with the team of ATL, who win again 40 to 14.
Starting point is 01:14:57 To see their offense go up and down the field, put a 40 burger on them in a game where they only had eight offensive touchdowns. You know how many punts they had in this game, Dan? How many? Zero. You know how many turnovers they had in this game? On offense, zero. Zero. There's a perfect game.
Starting point is 01:15:16 Four touchdowns, four field goals. That's what it takes to get Mark Sessler to believe. He's in, baby. He's in. I already told you, I believe, after the Bills game. All they have to do is win five. But now we feel it, I feel it starting just to creep out of you, Mark. I feel like you're really starting to understand what's happening with this team that they believe in each other. Dan Campbell, do we have anything from Dan on this?
Starting point is 01:15:39 I'd agree with that. Do we have anything? Oh, we have Jared Goff? Let's hear it from Jared Goff. Taking care of the ball in offense, causing turnovers on defense and clean in the kicking game. Electrifying. That's a pretty good formula, and we've been doing that. and it feels good.
Starting point is 01:15:52 That was as complete team win as I've been a part of. It was really, really well done. Jared Gott. Who I am sticking it to right there. I understand Jared Goff never took home the big ring with the rents, but he did go to a Super Bowl and was on some really good offenses in Los Angeles, and that was the best team win he's ever been a part of. He's sticking it to Sean McVeigh right there.
Starting point is 01:16:14 In terms of impressiveness. It started with just a bit of good luck for Jared Goff in the Lions offense. where he had a tip pass at the goal line that could have been intercepted and ended up leading to a touchdown. After that, it was perfect. And it's partly because we got everyone back here. Not everyone on the offensive line for the lions,
Starting point is 01:16:32 but offensively, DJ Shark is healthy again, and Goff hit him on a beautiful goal ball for about 41 yards. He ends up with 5 for 98. Amon Ross St. Brown, been healthy most of the year, but he's fully healthy now, 11 for 11-14 and 2. DeAndre Swift is finally actually healthy. Maybe it was the mini buy after the Thursday night game. Four for 49 in the air, 14 for 62 and a touch.
Starting point is 01:16:56 They look different when they have everyone on offense. Goff was feeling it. This Jaguar's defense hasn't been there. And I think a lot of the credit has to go to Ben Johnson. I think the offensive coordinator for the Lions has done as good a job taking the talent that he has in making them into a really inventive top five offense this year. Ben Johnson might be getting some interviews, I think, after this season. Which they were, I mean, statistically for the early part of the year, too.
Starting point is 01:17:24 I mean, I think the thing is, like, you look at the Thanksgiving Day performance by Gough. The meltdown, the team meltdown and Gough missing that throw at the end, overshadows what was a really strong performance, three plus quarters. He's done it again today. He fits really well into this. And if I'm on Ross St. Brown were on the Dallas Cowboys, he'd be leading the league in, like, Jersey sales. I think he's just because he's kind of couched away on the lions.
Starting point is 01:17:46 this guy has been unbelievably as consistent a young wide receiver as they're out is out there right now. And I think him crushing this line, I mean, Jaguars secondary is sort of a reminder of coaching because I don't think the lines are that talented offensively. And the Jaguars have the second highest paid defense in the league. They have a very few spots on their defense where you're thinking like, oh, this is a young, you know, up-and-coming player. There's injuries. They do have young up-and-coming players, I should say,
Starting point is 01:18:17 but it's guys who they want to build around or free agent acquisitions. And they've been pretty terrible this year on defense, and this was another game. And then you watch the Lions defense, on the other hand, who have really played with great energy since they're by. They've been an average defense statistically since they're by, and this week they were even a little better there.
Starting point is 01:18:37 They are a team on the come-up and the NFC. Doug Peterson summed it up. A lost day for Jackson. We talked about how great that win was last week, and Lauren's playing out of his mind. We were kind of shocked to start the game. We were not ready. And Gregi, if you are indeed, as you have been,
Starting point is 01:18:55 I think it's been absolutely authentic, your passion for these lions. But if you are a true believer, I look at the NFC playoff picture. We see the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh and final spot at seven and five. And we see the lions at five and seven in the nine spot. A true believer wants those two teams to flip spot.
Starting point is 01:19:15 Are you a true believer? I would love to see the Lions in the playoffs. Let's get the Lions and the Seahawks in the playoffs over the Giants. I have a question for you, Dan. Washington, can that work? No. About your true belief? Yes.
Starting point is 01:19:27 Actually, can, yes. They play the Vikings next week, the Lions. That's a meaningful game on December 11th. So, of course it is. But then if you're a true believer, they play the Jets the week after. Don't turn this around on me. Well, I'm just asking you, you just did that to Greg. So I'm asking you, you suddenly you're in a bit of a logjam spiritually and psychologically.
Starting point is 01:19:45 Churchill logjam in that situation, but I think we understand that I get a one-week exemption as a long-time fan. They don't have to play each other. They already did. Gino won that game 48 to 45. It was a wild one. Remember, Greg has only been the biggest Seahawks fan you know for about
Starting point is 01:20:01 three months. My fan of the chess goes back. It is all white noise to me, Greg, and his favorite teams, because there's roughly 32 of them. One last note quickly about the team of ATL. Jameson Williams returned in this game their first round pick. He only played about six or seven snaps. That's interesting.
Starting point is 01:20:16 But it's just interesting that he's coming back in the mix. They've got a great young roster. They really do. The best pass rusher on the field today. This is why the draft is funky. Number one overall pick Trayvon Walker. At some point, can we ask for Trayvon Walker to make a play? I don't know.
Starting point is 01:20:28 Does anybody stung though? The way he was profiled is the number one pick. Aiden Hutchinson, been a solid season. He's been up and down. The best pass rusher that was a rookie on the field today was James Houston. The same guy I mentioned a week ago who came out of nowhere, Dion Sanders's program. See your guy? Oh, I think James Houston is my guy.
Starting point is 01:20:46 It's market. Second career game, I believe, and he got another sack and another couple of career hits. He was good against the bills, too. That's what I'm saying. It's in the books. All right. Let us move forward.
Starting point is 01:20:58 He spoke of the Seattle Seahawks. They had the Rams. Ah, it should be a cakewalk across the sidewalk. Let's see what happened. Uh-oh. Yikes. Hello. Cheno takes the snap, four-man rush.
Starting point is 01:21:09 Whoops, easy. Goes back inside. Reaching out, making a catch. Touchdown! Seahawks, are you kidding me? It is D.K. Medcaf. Ramsey was all over him. D.K. puts those big myths up and says that ball is mine, and the Seahawks take the lead.
Starting point is 01:21:27 Big pumped up call there by Steve Rable of K-I-R-O as D-K-Met-Kap comes down. Big day from Metcalf with a big catch there. And the Seahawks are able to get out of So-Fi with a 27. 23 victory over the Rams who started John Wolford in place of Matthew Stafford, who, by the way, was moved to IR and it was reported by Jordan Rodriguez of the athletic that it's a spinal contusion, and we won't be seeing him again this season or maybe at all.
Starting point is 01:22:04 That's something to talk about down the line. But anyway, this game, Greg, I'm not going to beg on the Seahawks. During the season, there are games you're supposed to win that turn into dog fights. and you just got to find a way, and it looks like that's what happened today. Yeah, this was also a Rams team under Sean McVeigh that's own Pete Carroll.
Starting point is 01:22:22 I think it won eight out of their last 10. They blew them out, I think, their last three times. And the Rams offense for the first time in a long time, including when Matthew Stafford was playing, looked quite good. John Wolford, using play action, moved the ball well early in this game. Cam Acres ran for 60 yards.
Starting point is 01:22:44 Two, two, Atwell's making. making plays, Powell's making place on the running game. It all felt like a little smoke and mirrors and trick plays, but it's concerning for the Seahawks defense that once again, they do not look great, and once again, they don't have a running game, but they do have a quarterback, Dan, and you guys can huckle and chuckle and... We're going to huckle? Tell us how we'd huckle. How does that work? How does one huckle, by the way?
Starting point is 01:23:05 And you can have your little fun, but when you need a game-winning big-time drive by Gino-Smith, a touchdown to win the game at the end of the fourth quarter, get it. Nothing else was really working well for the Seahawks today. And maybe that's true for the balance of the season. He ends up with 367 and 3. And that was a dime to D.K. Mekkaft. D.K. Metcalfe was awesome in this game. He beats Jailen Ramsey there. The rest of the day, Jalen Ramsey wasn't really on him. But half of Metcalf's catches were in tight quarters using those strong mitts. And he goes one for 127 or eight for 127. And a touchdown. He was
Starting point is 01:23:40 awesome. I looked up at one point when we were watching this and your beloved at Gino Smith. And by the way, I feel like I've been praising Gino Smith for like eight straight weeks now. Sure, you've got him in your top 10 and your QBN. He keeps doing a week at a week, but suddenly he's out there jockey running back. Kenneth Walker, what was going on there? Let's not bring up jaw and Gino Smith, but go on. Okay. I'm not sure because Kenneth Walker left the game with an injury. And I don't know if it was something where on the play in question, whether there was a protection breakdown. That was my guess. But Gino wasn't happy with Kenneth Walker, and then they were yelling at each other,
Starting point is 01:24:15 and Kenneth Walker was pointing on him. But at that point, Kenneth Walker did not return to the game. He had an ankle injury and left. DJ Dallas, their backup running back, had an injury and left. They were already short. Travis Homer had an injury. So at that point, there was one player left on the running back depth chart. That was Travis Jones, who went seven for 14.
Starting point is 01:24:35 So it was truly all on Gino and he got it done. I was thinking about this this morning before the latest Gino heroics. and a big performance by him today that when the Seahawks traded two first round picks to the Jets for Jamal Adams a deal and then paid Adams like a super duper star a deal that almost immediately backfired. It just felt like it set the organization back.
Starting point is 01:24:59 And now you fast forward a couple of years, the fact that they were able to offload Russell Wilson right before he fell off a cliff, get back the draft picks that are going to be premium draft picks. And now Gino has stepped up. the entire organization has reset itself and no longer is in a hole. Not only they dug out of the hole, they've now marched up the mountain here. So you've got to be feeling really good about Seattle, who I think their defense, Greg,
Starting point is 01:25:25 and I'm going to watch this game, but I don't think the defense is at a championship level. But certainly anything that involves this Seahawks team going to the playoffs is a huge success, and they are knocking on the door. Yeah, and after two straight losses, I think any win is a good win for them. I do look at that picture and don't think it's got to be easy for them to get. get to the playoffs if their defense is playing like this. Tariq Wullen, though, and the young players that they have playing this well, he had another
Starting point is 01:25:48 interception in this game. It does give you a lot of hope for the future. And it was tough. This wasn't the same Rams team we've seen, not just on offense, but on defense, it was a revenge game for Bobby Wagner, who had an interception and two sacks. He was going everywhere. Him and Jalen
Starting point is 01:26:04 Ramsey were jawing at D.K. McHaff and jarring with each other on the sideline, firing each other up. They played with a ton of energy. today, and it felt like that this was a heartbreaking loss, even though the Rams, you know, this is a dead season, they really seem to want this one and we're playing lights out for most of it defensively and still wasn't.
Starting point is 01:26:23 Well, they also, a week ago against the Chiefs, they shut them down in the red zone and forced field goals. So it's like it's not in a complete aberration. They're fighting. All right, let's head to Soldier Field where the Bears got their young quarterback back and they were fighting against the Packers. Two minutes to go in the game. Rogers under center single back offense motion by Watson to the left side give to
Starting point is 01:26:45 Christian Watson around the left end there he goes 40 30 20 15 10 5 he leaped into the end zone for the dagger touchdown Christian Watson the rookie delivers the dagger his second rushing touchdown of the season 46 yards speed kills again. Okay. Larry McCarran puts a button on it with Wayne Larravy, WRNW. The Christian Watson development of the past
Starting point is 01:27:23 six weeks has been remarkable. He went from a guy that we talked about throughout the summers. Oh man, he needs to step up and fill the void and he drops the first play from scrimmage to 75-yard touchdown and disappears. Now he's turned into everything they could have hoped for and more every single week he's making multiple
Starting point is 01:27:43 impact plays and finding the end zone and he did it again twice in a 2819 win for the Packers over the Bears a game Gregi you and I locked this up what are we now I think we what did we say if we lock this one up we are what
Starting point is 01:27:58 you said we are the lock daddies Locksaddies I mean you guys escaped by the you know the hair skin of your teeth the Lock fathers It would be the Locke Daddy's, and then Dan and Mark are the Lock Zaddies, is what you said on Thursday show. Oh, because we were the Locke Bros, and you wanted to dress it up and become Zadis. Yeah, I like that better.
Starting point is 01:28:19 Okay. Bros is like from 12 years ago. Well, now the Locked Daddy's is an insult because we're lower than the Zadis. Well, but that was assumed. Dan and I have like a 9-and-1 record is Locke Zatis. I mean, what we are is a father to a comeback victory here. Yes. This game, and I know, Mark, you were watching it closely,
Starting point is 01:28:39 was setting up very poorly for the lock daddies because the Bears came out and Justin Fields coming back. You know, a lot of people said, me, one of them, why are you playing this guy? He's on, you got the buy next week. He's got a bad shoulder. You're just playing for draft positioning anyway. He's your future. You've got to be careful. Well, he felt good.
Starting point is 01:28:57 He practiced all week. He didn't have an injury designation. And then he goes right through like a knife through butter on the Green Bay defense for a 60-yard touchdown run. And you blink and it's a double-digit deficit. It's 16-3. Bears are up late in the first half, but there it is, Christian Watson from Aaron Rogers for a touchdown to kind of change the tone of the game going into the half, getting it to 16-10. And then the Packers kind of just take control at that point and win the game. It's interesting that you heard the end around there, the second touchdown from Watson. I'm thinking, man, he's got to go down before he goes into the end zone because that was setting up.
Starting point is 01:29:38 a situation where you give Justin Fields the ball back with three timeouts and potentially a seven-point lead if they don't hit the two-point conversion. And Greg, you know what I'm thinking? I've been hurt in the lock competition this year with some stunning losses. I'm thinking Green Bay goes for two, misses the two, then Fields goes down the field, gets the touch end and they go for two and we somehow lose the game. But instead, Aaron Rogers calmly completes the two-point conversion, ends the game 28-19. and, you know, I just think the Packers are, despite their record,
Starting point is 01:30:14 they're a team that still could be seen as dangerous. They have too many losses now, I think, to be a player in the playoffs, but they could be a berser. Yeah, I mean, I think it's in context. Look at the Jets did to the Bears a week ago and their defense. And I think the Packers, if anything, if there's a place for them to have a monster game on offense, and I wouldn't say that happened.
Starting point is 01:30:36 Aaron Rogers threw for 182. They run for 175. They're balanced. I like them when they do that. But in context, it's not a big win, and they don't have a lot of big wins. So I think they're going to kind of float around and be a team that ultimately teases us for another three or four weeks and winds up with seven or eight wins. Well, just finding Watson that he's this big of a game breaker is such a huge deal. And this will allow Rogers to start at least a few more games in theory if they ever go to Jordan Love.
Starting point is 01:31:07 they're going to wait until they're officially out of contention and this kicks the can on that. I don't think the bears have to feel too bad. Their draft picks stays good. And Justin Fields goes 20 for 25 for 254. I know he threw the interceptions late. You don't want that in the big spot. But before that, by all accounts,
Starting point is 01:31:23 like it was one of his best days as a pass. Yeah, he looked good. In fact, well, here's the thing. He looked very good throwing the ball. And like I said, running on that, especially obviously in the 55-yarder. And he was fortunate and played smart. He didn't take any big show.
Starting point is 01:31:37 shots. So you just hope he gets through the season without having any setbacks with that shoulder. But yeah, the bears know what they need to do to improve. And the Packers, I just think they're going to, I think what we saw in this game, especially the way it was falling behind the way they did, 1613, their ability to come fight back. They're not going to mail it in on their head coach.
Starting point is 01:31:58 16.3. And I'm going to read a little text exchange here. Dan was worried. He said, our lock is terrible. And he said, yeah, oof, yeah. This is that 16 to 3. Behind the scenes. Oof, yeah.
Starting point is 01:32:08 Oof, yeah, maybe not best to lock up a team having lost seven of eight. I wasn't feeling great then. But the very next text at 16 to 3, but I bet they still win. You said it. At the faith. And you know what? That's what happens with the lock fathers. The lock fathers, a little classier.
Starting point is 01:32:24 That's nice. I kind of like that lock father. I'm the lock father. Well, I'd suggest you to continue to operate. While you're breaking balls of the lockfather. You know, you and your zaddies can go. I mean, I do what you need to. You were telling me.
Starting point is 01:32:39 The father is paying his taxes. He's mowing the lawn and he's getting things done. Go live on the edge, Greg. By the way, you didn't say a single thing about the fact that you told me not to lock the bills. They had that game in control from minute one through the end. Good luck. Could I read a quote? That's a great lock.
Starting point is 01:32:56 It's a great lock. I'm going to make him an offer. I can't refuse. Can I read a quote from Jaya Alexander just quickly because I mean, you're going to. I'm going to. I'm going to. Of course. He gave up a deep ball.
Starting point is 01:33:06 to Equanimius St. Brown at some point and then he made up for it with the late interceptions and he said man he is scrub I can't believe I let him catch it out in me like that but hats off to him because he did make a good catch. Man that's that's Mr. Universe's son there
Starting point is 01:33:23 Equanimius St. Brown now I messed it up. That's Alamon Rod's brother I mean give the man some respect calling him a scrub you don't hear that too much that you don't disrespect another man that way That's all I got.
Starting point is 01:33:38 Thank God. The Lock Fathers. All right. We're taking a break? Let's take a break. A permanent one. Be right back. What's up, everybody?
Starting point is 01:33:52 Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Sticks, we take you inside the game from scouting reports and player development to team-building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters.
Starting point is 01:34:04 Every week, we study the tape, Talk to decision makers and share the insights you won't find anywhere else. It's the kind of conversation that connects the dots, from college football prospects to the NFL stars of tomorrow. We break down the draft, analyze matchups, and evaluate how teams put it all together on game day. Plus, we dig in the coaching strategies, roster construction, and the trends that shape the league year after year.
Starting point is 01:34:28 Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love understanding the game on a deeper level, we give you the full picture. If you want insight that goes beyond the box, score this podcast is for you don't miss it listen to the move the six podcast on the iheart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts hey this matt jones i'm drew franklin and this is nfl cover zero we're just here to try to give you an NFL perspective a little bit different did you see the colts pretzel that was my other big takeaway from that what was that oh my we think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining.
Starting point is 01:35:07 And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Fiorio, and together we host the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast,
Starting point is 01:35:40 your ultimate source for player news, draft tips, and winning strategies. Whether you're a rookie manager or a fantasy vet, we've got the insight to help you crush your opponents. Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football podcast on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. All right, welcome back.
Starting point is 01:36:07 Let's now head to Atlanta, where the Falcons, you know, they're on the periphery of the NFC South race, but they had to take care of business against the Steelers on Sunday. Foreboding, subtext. Atlanta, from there, too, the Steeler Nation is responding with decibels. Shotgun snap. Marriota from his end zone, throws that pass. And it's intercepted.
Starting point is 01:36:31 Going to the five-yard line and getting out of bounds is Mika Fitzpatrick. and that seals a deal in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Steelers Nation is celebrating. He's so smart. He just went out of the bonds. You're going to retain possession. Come on, Atlanta. That's just heads-up football.
Starting point is 01:36:50 Oh, you can't, Falcons fans. You can't. I know it's expensive going to a game. Selling those tickets. But you make money selling the tickets, and all of a sudden maybe you buy your Christmas presents with that. We work across from a stadium where that happens quite a bit. But that's a lot of Steelers.
Starting point is 01:37:05 fans. A lot of black and yellow in the stands there at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a 1916 win for the Steelers over the Falcons. And Grave-Digger, you had your eyes on this one for us. I imagine, I understand Arthur Smith, he knows in certain situations deep in their own end. They need points to tie or steal a win. I got to ask my quarterback to make some plays. And like last week, it was an interception late in the game that sealed the falcons fate.
Starting point is 01:37:39 Grave-digger. Yep. Wait, is that... What? Using Gravedigger before you speak, that's what we do. But you did that earlier in the show.
Starting point is 01:37:50 So does that now cancel it out? I think it's a showing of respect. To himself. Okay, okay. He's respecting himself. Just make a check. I didn't know what the rules were. I didn't know if I was like, okay.
Starting point is 01:38:01 Yeah, I don't want to just like start talking. And all of you say, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. So I want to play that drop. Well, it is fair, and I promised you from experience, you can't win on this show. So whatever you do, you're going to get pinged apart by Greg and Dan. So enjoy it. What's happening?
Starting point is 01:38:16 What's going on over there? I don't know. I feel like we're doing this for two and a half hours. Yeah. My father, you did predict this on the Friday Fun Show. You said. You'd be insufferable. That because of lack of sustenance, you would be in a tough way late Sunday evening.
Starting point is 01:38:33 And you're right. True to four. I think the whole company is suffering on that. Anyway, another Falcons game, another game losing interception slash turnover by Marcus Mariotta in the final moments. Yeah, I mean, it was a horrible throw. It was into like triple coverage as he was taking a hit. You saw that many times in Nashville, I'm sure. I did see, I mean, Mario was over at that point, though, right?
Starting point is 01:38:54 Basically. How much time was left in the clock? I think there was like a minute left. Come on, Greg. 42 seconds left. No timeouts. Okay. It was a little different than some of that Mariotta.
Starting point is 01:39:04 scenarios. They only needed a field goal, so I mean, you complete a couple passes and maybe you have a chance. But this game, it was, it didn't feel as close as it was. Like, when the Falcons get the ball back with whatever 40 seconds left and a chance to kick a field goal, it was like, oh, wow, they actually can salvage something and maybe go tie this game because the Steelers, I mean, they were winning 19 to 6, I think, in the third quarter, and it just felt over. And the Steelers' offense kind of stopped moving the ball, and the Falcons finally put some drives together. They didn't convert a third down in the first half. the Falcons offense, which it's really hard to score points in those situations. But at some point, you know, the Falcons are the only team in the league to not have 250 net passing yards in a game this season. That's per our research team. Got to fix that. And it seems like Desmond Ritter time might be around the corner. You know, this is the first post-game presser from Arthur Smith where he said
Starting point is 01:40:00 we will evaluate, to that exact question about Desmond Ritter, we will evaluate everything, every job is open. He's gone, it's over. They're going on in the by week. It's Ritter time. I think that makes sense because you're, you know, whether you're in this race or not for the playoff, you're not going to win a playoff game with Marcus Marriota. You're not going to get there with Marcus Marriota. I believe I predicted that exactly,
Starting point is 01:40:19 that they would get to the buy and then move to Ritter. It was by you, one of the more crystal ballie scenarios on the history of the show, Dan. You did a great job with that. Thank you, Mark. The sarcasm is noted. No, I mean, you did predict that. Anything else? What about Kenny Pickett?
Starting point is 01:40:35 How do you look? Is he continuing to show some signs here for Pittsburgh? Pickett looks good. Four and four now is the starter. He was spitting some balls into some tight windows there. George Pickens was strangely absent from most of this game, but Pickett looked good. He had a connection going with Pat Firemuth.
Starting point is 01:40:50 Their biggest play of the season was a long completion, a catch-and-run by Pat Firemuth. And, you know, he was converting third downs to Firemuth early in the game. Also, Najee Harris had maybe his best game of the season. It was his first time this year, averaging over five yards of carry, and he had a nasty stiff arm on one run in this game that just eye-opening play. He looked a lot better. The Steelers team, I don't know.
Starting point is 01:41:13 Mike Tomlin never been under 500? I feel like they're trending towards at least 500. They're dangerous. They're a berserker. They've won three of four. The only one that they lost to that was a close loss to the Bengals, where they put up 30 points, which to me looks more impressive. as a performance.
Starting point is 01:41:29 It was good in that can too. By the week, they're frisky. The whole 500 thing, it's a thing. They have a chance here. If they had just reversed one of those heartbreaking losses they had early in the season, they'd be in the mix, but they are not really in the mix. One thing, like Connor Hayward had a touchdown on this.
Starting point is 01:41:44 This is where his father played in Atlanta growing when we were young. And that was... Thank you for bringing that up. I actually want to set that up, Mark, because we had Cameron Hayward also in this game, the brothers. Connor had his first touchdown. catch of his career.
Starting point is 01:42:00 Connor anchored that defense, only allowed a single touchdown. And Ironhead Hayward is buried in Atlanta. And the two sons before the game visited his grave's pretty crazy story. And then both had big days. Let's hear from Cameron. This morning, me and him went to my dad's grave. And, you know, we got to share a moment there. And so I was pretty emotional when, you know, he got the touchdown.
Starting point is 01:42:34 I don't like to be Mr. Soppy, but like that, like, really hit me. Luckily, there wasn't a camera on me because I was a mess. Then he's wearing his dad's jersey with the Falcons, one of the more memorable players of the 90s, especially during the holiday season, that dad's stuff hits hard sometimes. But that's a really nice story there, which, takes us to our final game before Sunday night football let's head to the raven's nest so this will be a 63 yard try for Brandon McManus McManus for the win kick on the way and it is down the middle and no good the kick is short time has expired the haze and LeBard and the Ravens defeat the
Starting point is 01:43:20 Broncos 10 to 9. Well, how about that? Jerry Sandusky calling a field goal that short does the hay and the barn thing and the Ravens escape with a 10-9 win over the Moribund Denver Broncos, who once again, no show on offense, Mark Sessler. Why do the Ravens just barely escape with a win with just 10 points? A lot of that goes back to what happened with the quarterback today. fill us in, Mr. Sessler. Yeah, they lost Lamar Jackson early to a sort of lower leg scenario.
Starting point is 01:44:00 I think knee I saw somewhere. The good news is because when I saw it, and Greg and I both are watching, you're just thinking, are we about to lose Lamar Jackson in the middle of a heated playoff derby for the rest of the season? It came back a little more optimistic. He's going to miss some time, but we, you know, undetermined, but it sounds like. knee sprain, Ian Rappaport. That could be a lot of things, though.
Starting point is 01:44:23 That could. And, you know, we'll just have to see. But I do think the one thing about the Ravens, probably what, I thought, in a way, tested their medal a year ago, but also grew Tyler Huntley, their backup. And he kind of fits in this offense in a Lamarish way, in his own little way, that he's had experience. He's had starting experience. A lot of the guys on this team are used to them.
Starting point is 01:44:42 And, you know, they did not look good. There's no doubt about it. They've not looked good with Lamar Jackson on offense for a while either. It wasn't like Lamar's out of the line. lineup and all new problems were developing. They've been a terrible team in the red zone. Tyler Huntley, though, I will say this. This was a largely faceless game. You know that's going to happen when the Broncos are involved, but the Ravens did not look a whole lot better. When it came down to it with two minutes, two minutes left, the Ravens were down nine to three.
Starting point is 01:45:09 I thought Huntley did a couple things to kind of take over this game. There was a big fourth and two with a minute six left where Huntley executed a perfect fake handoff to Devon Duvernay and ran for three to convert. First and 10 then with 40 seconds. He hit Kenyon Drake on a really wonderful throw on the move that went down to the Denver two. They call a timeout and then from first and two on the Denver two, obviously. Huntley ran it in. They go up 10-9 with a nice 28 seconds left. Russell Wilson then had a chance. This was maybe one of Russell Wilson's, I don't even call it better games. He just wasn't a flat-out disaster. Which is crazy because they scored nine points. Well, it's just that he made a couple throws and he ran the ball. He had a couple big
Starting point is 01:45:50 scrambles. Like, in fact, on this final drive, he had a big 17-yard scrambled. There is no bar. I mean, he's just sort of, he is what he is, and they are what they are. Then they had a weird play where he ran out of bounds where I don't know what he was seen on the field or if there were no options open. That's what set up. If they executed a better play there, the Brandon McManus field goal would not have been from 63. There was very little time left. It just was sort of a microcosm of everything we've seen from Denver's offense. And you put McManus in that situation, and he barely There's another kick where I'm like, again, every
Starting point is 01:46:22 week it's like, oh, I think that might be good. And then it was like, nope, nope, it's not. Football, man. They have lost so many games. Four of them. They've lost four games this year that they really shouldn't have on some level with big leads. And this is
Starting point is 01:46:38 one, maybe they shouldn't have won. So it was like one coming back. Oh, they earned those losses, those were a lot, fluky end of game losses. They were a little fluky to lose them all. lapses, Gregi. In those ways, certainly last week. So this is one just sort of on the whether they deserve to win or not,
Starting point is 01:46:57 you know, side of the leisure. It's like one for that. I stand in opposition of this entire take. They didn't probably deserve to win this game, but they got out of here with a win. They should lose actual points because of these style points they refuse to generate. I will say this about Baltimore because now you're into the thick of it.
Starting point is 01:47:14 You've got, you're at Pittsburgh next week, then you're at Cleveland, then you've got those falcons. maybe with Desmond Ritter. Then you have Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. So it's four division games that really matters when Lamar comes back. The whole like easy schedule thing is over now if Lamar is missing time. And Pittsburgh is no longer an easy game in Cleveland. We'll see.
Starting point is 01:47:34 Stealing this win and it looked like they were going to lose this game in addition to losing Lamar would have really not only would have dropped them out of a first place tie with the Bengals. Then you start wondering like if he misses time, are they going to fall out of the playoffs entirely? really this was a state, the wind stabilizes things and now you just cross your fingers. You know, an MCL sprain, you see guys miss six weeks with that. You could also see a guy come back
Starting point is 01:47:57 and play next week. So, we shall see. Oh my God, I forgot about this. Craig, it is the Christmas season. It's the holidays. And what are you doing? You're taking money out of people's wallet. Sabotaging family.
Starting point is 01:48:15 Sabotor. I'm glad. I'm glad I forgot about this because I... You know who won't forget? No, the boys and girls who get up on Christmas morning and head to the tree. And guess what? Daddy spent Santa's money. Right.
Starting point is 01:48:30 What's under the tree? Pine needles and literally nothing else. You know what they won't forget? Like, that they are getting every Advent calendar under the sun already purchased with the 5 and 2 record we got here. I mean, that's a winning percentage that would go down as one of the great teams of all time, 5 and 2. Greg, you're often on. You're often on people for not taking accountability, for taking responsibility. Where is your accountability slash responsibility in this situation?
Starting point is 01:48:57 I take full responsibility for Lamar Jackson's injury today. No, you're skirting the topic in the issue. I take the responsibility for the loss, but we're like a long-term operation here, the Rainmaker. Five and two on the season. We have to think about the big picture. Let me try this. Weren't they losing like 6-3 or 6-0? It was a first quarter injury.
Starting point is 01:49:18 It was a first quarter injury. Greg, help me out this way because I know you're a great dad. Yeah. Imagine Walker comes up to you Christmas morning and says, Daddy, there are no presents under the tree. Was I bad this year? Now think about some of these people that got behind you. It's traumatic.
Starting point is 01:49:37 I would say to Walker, find me another investment opportunity that hits at 71%. I mean, if that's not the great. greatest Christmas gift that you can give. That you can give to someone, a 71% winning percentage. My father said the weirdest thing to me. You can ever imagine when I was seven. All right. We have fun.
Starting point is 01:50:03 Let's move to Sunday night football. Ryan will play fake and under pressure. He screens it right to the tight end. It's fumbled by the tight end. It's picked up by hooker. Hooker again. Five. Touchdown. Can you believe that? Oh, have a night, Malik Hooker.
Starting point is 01:50:24 Malik Hooker, the former first-round pick of the cults discarded, collected by the Cowboys and now a playmaker on a very good defense. And my goodness, Mark Sessler, we said Greg Rosenthal, take a blow. Sure. Head home. He's like, but I want to talk, Bart Ball. He said, no. Go home.
Starting point is 01:50:48 I mean, he actually made the request to leave early tonight just to be ideal, in fact. Yes, you do. Anyway, the Cowboys defense, after a competitive start to this game, a first half that was very close. It devolved into just the theater of the surreal. 33 unanswered points by the Cowboys in the fourth quarter. Final score, 5419. America's team, air quotes, over the cults. And Mark, your little gym Saturday.
Starting point is 01:51:25 Oh, that team they're trying their hardest and they're playing better. Well, for two quarters they did today. His name is Jeff. Start there. Jeff Saturday. But the look on his face, as this game ticked off into its final seconds, said it all. Because this is when suddenly this... I said Jim Saturday, didn't know.
Starting point is 01:51:46 Yes. I'm sure that there is a... Listen, this fourth quarter did something to everyone that watched it. I think that's fair. I think it's something like what the Beatles were doing in the 60s to make their records a little different. That's how it feels like right now. It's like when the lowest version of the Colts offense
Starting point is 01:52:06 meets the highest version of this Cowboys team, you get an absolute tornado in the fourth quarter. 54 to 19. insane. I mean, this Cowboys team, I have been ripping on Dallas for the extent of this podcast because I thought that they were a lot more style than substance. Everyone felt that way about this Jerry Jones operation for a long time. Right now, what they're doing is an argument as the most dominant team around outside of Philadelphia. They put 49 on the Bears, 40 on the Vikings, 54 tonight. Over the last five games, they're averaging 180 yards rushing.
Starting point is 01:52:46 They're dangerously balanced. I thought that, you know, Dak Prescott did not have his best first half. He had a costly interception. But none of it matters in the end. They're so explosive. And their defense is generating points, turnovers. Matt Ryan had three picks. The Colts lead – a lot of this is the Colts, too.
Starting point is 01:53:04 They lead the league in fumbles, fumbles lost. Matt Ryan completely melted down and not look healthy at the end of the game. It couldn't have ended quick enough for Indianapolis, which would also go for their season. Yeah, I mean, like you were saying, and by the way, the Cowboys on top of all the defensive stuff we're talking about are averaging 39.8 points in their last five games. It turned into the, you know, farce in the fourth quarter because like you're saying, Matt Ryan, who can't throw anymore, he just doesn't have the arm strength, being asked to throw every down against a elite Dallas defense. And by the way, they lost an important player to their defense, potentially for the season here. Anthony Brown was carted off to the locker room. We were watching the game with Maurice Jones Drew, who knows a thing or two about the game.
Starting point is 01:53:51 And just the way he was being carded and how the leg was being held, it looked like potentially a broken ankle or a serious injury. And that's going to impact Dallas against better competition. But when you take this version, Dallas against the cults, the way it turned, it didn't feel like you were watching the NFL. anymore. And that's a credit to obviously the Cowboys and what they've built up. And
Starting point is 01:54:14 you know, like you're saying, we have been hard on the NFC East at times on this podcast. And I think some of that comes from a place of love, Mark. We've talked about it many times on the show, how those 80s teams, Washington, the Giants,
Starting point is 01:54:31 Cowboys, the Eagles, John Madden and Pat Summerall calling those games. It just reminds you of a simpler, more innocent time. And for so many of the years of this show, the division's been kind of a drag and they still get all the primetime games. And now, a little like peek behind the curtain,
Starting point is 01:54:52 when you see the power rankings on Tuesday morning, you're going to see the Philadelphia Eagles at one and the Dallas Cowboys at two. I think these are the two best teams in football and the fact that Dallas doesn't claim the number one spot tells you everything you need to know about how good Philly's been this year. It's just really interesting this division. Well, they're similar to each
Starting point is 01:55:10 other in the sense that Dallas has become this. I don't think that they started the season this way, but the emergence of Tony Pollard and their willingness, finally, to play both of them, Zeke Elliott and Pollard, their ground game can absolutely devastate teams. Prescott only threw for 170 yards
Starting point is 01:55:26 tonight, and you didn't need to do it all through the air. And this used to be a boom or bust operation on the ground. If Zeke wasn't healthy or having a good year, then you became air only. And that's just not the case. then their defense just like the way the pressure that they put Matt Ryan under and they've been doing this week after week it's there are only a couple defenses like this in the league and I also think that Mike McCarthy who was widely viewed as a bit of a liability in general has been
Starting point is 01:55:51 coaching absolutely beautifully because he's there's such a weapons rich awesome they really need odal Beckham right now nobody we really need to do that I mean I don't I almost wouldn't mess with the what you've got going on here in terms of the chemistry um this is something we talked about while we were watching the game joked about a little bit but I was fired up and prepared when this felt like a game that was competitive and it was late in the third quarter when Isaiah Rogers appears to intercept a Dak Prescott pass it was setting up a scenario where the Colts had a chance to take the lead they were down I believe two points at the time like this game got away quickly and and this is no sense
Starting point is 01:56:36 on Jeff Saturday or even his brother Jim Saturday for this. But I don't know how you don't challenge that. I don't know if it gets overturned, but there was certainly no evidence that that ball hit the ground. I know you needed clear evidence that it was a pick because it was ruled an incomplete pass on the field. But this is the second straight week where I thought Saturday made a pretty obvious mistake
Starting point is 01:56:59 in terms of game management. But we don't need to see much more about the Colts. Or really this game in general, well, this was two teams going in opposite directions. And now the only thing really left to see is if the Cowboys can catch the Eagles and the NFC East, and if they could do that, they might even be able to grab the number one seed as we look at the, I mean, the, let me look at this NFL playoff picture. This is pretty interesting, this NFC bracket.
Starting point is 01:57:25 It's at the top. Of course, we talked about what happened, Mark, with the Niners and their quarterback. but Eagles 11 and 1, Vikings 10 and 2. The Cowboys at 9 and 3 sitting in the 5 seed. That could flip, just like the bills went from 5 to 1 today. Right. And if you're the Cowboys, this couldn't be lining up any better because you've got three of the four teams remaining from the AFC South.
Starting point is 01:57:50 You've got the Texans next week. Have a feeling I know who will win that one. Then the Jaguars. Then you play the Eagles on Christmas Eve Saturday at 425 Eastern. Then the Titans will see where the Titans are at that point. And Washington, so this. This is a team right now looking at that schedule that could run the table. I mean, things can change, but you beat the Eagles and that one,
Starting point is 01:58:09 and the Eagles drop another one somewhere else. Everything changes for the Cowboys. I almost don't mind that they don't get the number one seed because I think for them to excise some of the ghosts about can't win in January, this or that. Like, maybe you're just one of these teams that wants that extra game and you just like, you know who they would get, by the way? This is where your logic might collapse in on itself. They would get the worst division winner, which would be the.
Starting point is 01:58:33 the NFC South team, which you've already guaranteed will win at least one playoff game. So you have already been on record predicting that the Bucks or another team will defeat the number five seed, which is currently the Cowboys. So your logic has just collapsed in on itself and you're floating into the ether. It wouldn't be the first time on this show
Starting point is 01:58:53 or even within this episode where that's happened to me. All right, there we go. By the way, of all the shows for me to miss, you know, I was under the weather last week. and sat out the Friday Fun Show. I was very thrilled to see that I missed the annual segment that I hate more than any other. You did escape, I think, a personal trap
Starting point is 01:59:13 that would have haunted you over the weekend. Of course, Greg was stuck tweeting out about Mary Ingalls Wilder going blind in the, I think the... So just for the audience that maybe missed the Friday Fun Show. Yeah. I created tweets that other people had to tweet out that I made the content for. And so Claibon was victimized.
Starting point is 01:59:30 Graver had to send a tweet out to Derek Henry, talking about how manly he was and what a brutal runner he was. And then, you know, Greg had the little house and the prey one, I can tell you what yours was, what you got out of. What was it? Because remember, last time we did this,
Starting point is 01:59:45 it led to me writing over 700 DMs to our listeners. Yeah, because you said, hey, my D. You know, it's one of the people like, hey, my DMs are open. If you want to, like, talk to me about life, it's like, all right, whatever. So this time it said, and I didn't think this was mean-spirited, by the way.
Starting point is 01:59:58 This just make you look good to a lot of people. And by the way, I did like interfacing. with our listeners during the pandemic. No doubt. I don't doubt that on any level. I'm spending December focusing on parts of my life I feel gratitude for. I am very thankful for my friends and family, as well as my love of music, 90s especially. Then paragraph break, what's something you're thankful for? Be specific.
Starting point is 02:00:20 Let's celebrate life together. And you would have gotten, you know, I think the problem there is a lot of people would have thought, that was a really nice thing by Dan to reach out to people with that. And then you get a lot of sincere responses. It's, it's, for whatever reason, it's, it just, like, your inability to hear, like, people chewing. Me, it's, like, sending super weird tweets that appear to reveal something about myself that's not really revealed. No, it would not be. I just was going to go, I was going for Dan level discomfort.
Starting point is 02:00:51 And I think, yeah, no, no, you really hit it. You would have hit the nail on the head. But then you did, and I really was feeling pretty bad on Friday, I feel much better now. Yeah. You did then privately text me to give me a heads up that this was something that happened. And I think maybe you threw out the possibility that I maybe sent out this week. There would be buying on your part. My response?
Starting point is 02:01:12 Well, you ghosted me entirely on it. And I thought, were we going to communicate about anything over the rest of the weekend? It sealed the fact that you just avoided me the entire weekend because you're like, I'm not responding to this. It was like sometimes, and this is a lesson to everyone as we say goodbye. Sometimes the best response to a text is just like, oh, we're going to sit on that one and then forget. And that's exactly what I did. I was not surprised that you handled that correctly. I just want to say the dumb tweet that Mark made me send, that sounds like nothing I've ever tweeted in my life, got 299 likes and 14 retweets, which is like, that's a pretty good tweet for me.
Starting point is 02:01:48 It's good volume there. People liked it. I don't know. It was really stupid, but people liked it. Did Derek Henry respond in any fat? Well, that's on him. And if you want to have Mark tweet for you going forward, that's certainly, I'm sure he would be open to it. Help out my numbers a bit there.
Starting point is 02:02:07 I mean, I guess the people have spoken what they're looking for. You know, like a Mark, Sessler, X, Justin Graver, collab. I think that's what people are looking for right now in life. All right, that's enough. What a ridiculous game. That was, by the way, Brad Sham, the sham, the sham god of KRLD, if I didn't say that on the call. And that is not, we were all talking about, was that the biggest blowout of the year,
Starting point is 02:02:31 the Cowboys, what they just did to the cults. No, because the Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings by 37 points a couple weeks ago. This is who they are now. Just the thing, what would the Eagles have to do to stay ahead of the Cowboys? We're getting a Cowboys Super Bowl. It is the second biggest blowout of the year,
Starting point is 02:02:47 tied with the Bills beating the Steelers 38 to 3 in week five. So the Cowboys own the two biggest blowouts of the season. Yeah, but 54 sounds a lot different than, 383. Yeah. See that shot of Jim Resee in the box, in the shadows. He's got to not be thrilled. This is sort of what he was going for initially.
Starting point is 02:03:06 Jeff Saturday wishes he was Jim Saturday right now. Yes, he does. Did I, did I still my lease available in West Hartford? Jim's home eating. You know, corner the car. You know, when I'm better, get this guy, put your money now, people. Love to see it. All right.
Starting point is 02:03:23 We'll be back on, as a group, we'll be back on Tuesday. Tomorrow Monday, we'll put the final touches on week 13 with Greg handling Monday night football duties with a guest to be named later. Thank you to everybody for listening. Until Monday night football, please heed the call. You know, So, Hey everybody, Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks.
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