NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - 2022 Week 14 Recap: At a Crossroads

Episode Date: December 12, 2022

A room filled with some heroes - Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Gregg Rosenthal recap all the action from a fun Week 14, starting with the Team of ATL against the Vikings (2:21). Then, the heroes cover Buccaneers at 49ers (13:55), Jets at Bills (23:16), Eagles at Giants (30:18), Texans at Cowboys (37:22), Browns at Bengals (46:22), Ravens at Steelers (52:46), Jaguars at Titans (58:34), Panthers at Seahawks (1:07:54), Chiefs at Broncos (1:17:00), and finally finish off with Dolphins at Chargers on Sunday night football (1:23:53). The vaunted bongos are a point of much discourse with multiple people at a crossroads... Note: timecodes approximate.NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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 doesn't care if you have one ass cheek and three toes. We do not. In fact, we prefer that you're a gross. Tosk be here. Sure.

From the Chris Westling podcast studio. It's around the NFL. Week 14 recap, Dan Hans is here. Heroes Greg Rosenthal. Mark Sessler. Mm-mm-mm. Yes. That's Dan Cant.

That's one of the many great Dan Campbell quotes from Hard Knocks over the summer. And we are making history here on today's show. For the first time, And this is our 10th season. So somebody to do the math. How many Sunday shows have we done? It would be 613. 600.

I think it would be closer to, you know, 1, you know, 70. All right. Let's say 170. Let's split the difference. 312. Okay. We've done 312 Sunday shows. Those are all such terrible guesses.

And we have never led with the Detroit lines. What? Never. I mean, why would we? They've always been bad. For the most part, there was one playoff season in the mix. Was it what game they got screwed? It was the Deskotid game was the next week with the Lions got screwed and the Cowboys win.

Long time ago, point being. And yet today's show, we have a bunch of interesting subplots and league storylines and the playoff race heating up. And because the Lions are right in the middle of that, that's where we're going to start today. Well, it's about time. I'm enthused by the decision. You finally get on board with the team of ATO. All it took was getting first in this show.

Even last week, I was singing their song, and I think they're one of the most interesting developments in the entire conference. They kind of are becoming one of the stories of the league. We're going to have to be welcoming and generous to the rest of the football world as they catch up to our love that we've had for their lions. I think that, yes, and I think we're ahead of the story,

and now we're bathing. in that. And why do we, before we get to the first game, which of course will feature the aforementioned Detroit lines, let's go back to Hard Knocks and hear from Dan Campbell. There is nothing like winning. And I'm telling you right now, it doesn't matter if it's freaking dominoes, it's spades, it's bouret, it's croquet, it's chest, it's preseason, kicking. It does not matter, man. Winning is winning and it feels good, man. Winning is winning and it feels good. And the Lions. The 2022 Detroit Lions cannot stop winning. They're addicted. In motion is Sewell, golf to throw, wants to throw it to shoot. He caught it.

He's still in the first down. Oh, the big man dives down at the 31-yard line. Oh, that is beautiful. First down Detroit Lion. Ben Johnson, you are my hero. Yes. Getting the big fella involved in I love it. He went in motion. Did you see that speed? Ben Johnson, I love you. Wow. Woo.

Beautiful call. Dan Miller, Lomas Brown. WXYT. Pene Soule. Team. Just one of many great wide receivers, although not technically a wide receiver.

Oh, screw it. Well, the right. Now. Time, time alive. Come on, Mark. Go, baby. Team.

Team of ATL. Very special honor. Oh, it's ragged. I'm not getting better at that, though. You had me do the same part of the song last week, and I'm not improving. Really, none of us are, but we're going to get it because we're going to get more chances to do so. Anyway, so there you go. So the Detroit Lions, they welcome the Minnesota Vikings into their building,

but 10 and 2 Minnesota Vikings, and they just kind of dominate them. And a 34-23 win, Jared Goff once again has a big game, including an opening, scoring touchdown pass to rookie James and Williams, add him to the mix. Very fun. Greg, we'll start here, though. Give us background on that play to Sewell that had the Detroit announcers all fired up. It's the perfect place to start.

because it just outlined how aggressive this team is even with the lead. That is a third in seven play from the Vikings' 41-yard line with two minutes to go in the game. The Vikings still have two timeouts at that point. So time and timeouts are a huge factor, and I came out of that timeout thinking they've been running the ball poorly, but they'd probably run the ball there, see if they can get close enough to maybe go forward on fourth down,

or if not you punt it back. Instead, you break out Penae Sewell, not just catching that pass where it's like a tackle eligible. No, he's in motion running like a freight train. I want to give him the ball in the goal line and the end zone sometimes at backfield because he had a lot of speed there. Dan Campbell said after the game he thought he could be a Hall of Fame Titan. To show that aggressiveness was typical of a day where...

Hall of Fame tight end. I know. He's like, if you lost a little weight, he's that athletic. He could be a Hall of Fame tight end. I don't know about that, a nice catch. The ball wasn't exactly on him. He knew what to do, but it was typical. They went for a fake punt, Dan, on 4th and 7 with the lead.

They kept sending pressure on defense, and then more than anything with the lead in the second half of this game, they kept throwing because the running game wasn't working, and they kept stacking points. They would have scored on six straight possessions to end this game if not for a miss field goal, and that was by throwing. I think there's just complete full DNA buy-in by the Lions to be this aggressive. They've been doing it all year. And, you know, like, when they were losing, it really wasn't the reason they were losing either.

It's like, I just love their sort of go-for-it nature. It requires everyone from Dan Campbell to Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson, who even knew who Ben Johnson was a year ago this time? Man, you're a genius. He's completely become more of a household name at this point. And I just am so impressed with some of these better performances we're getting from Jared Gough. Because it reminds me, to some degree, how he looked when he was very well surrounded environmentally with the Rams. and good coaching and fit in so well.

And it's like, you know, we came into this season thinking, like, Jared Goff is just a placeholder, a fill-in, they're going to go draft someone. I think he's proven himself to be a legit NFL starter all over again. Are you echoing my comments on the Friday Fun Show? Yeah, you were ahead of that. I don't even recall what happened on that show, but if I am, then it's only adds.

I literally spoke for like seven straight minutes about this very topic, that Jared Goff is having a big year and the Lions have a big decision to make come, in the off season. There's no decision. He's there next year. They can still trap someone, though. 330 yards, three touchdowns.

This might have been his best game. We got a report from our insiders before the game. Like they're looking to him as their future quarterback. Yes. And we'll see because once upon a time the same insiders reported James Winston was the future of the Bucks quarterback room as late as week 16 before that Saturday game. These things change. But in the here and now, Gough is doing everything right.

And yeah, I'm looking at it. now, you know, obviously the Sewell play, but the, a fourth and seven from their own 26 yard line with 11 minutes ago in the third quarter, the seven point lead, they pull off a fake punt. They're just feeling it. And let's hear from Campbell now in the here and now. You heard from him in August when he was pumping up his team, and now he's got this team rolling. Here's Campbell after the game about the team's chances of maybe going to the postseason, which are now real.

Look, it was one of the reasons why I wanted to be here. said that in my opening press conference anybody that read that or saw that it was one of the reasons i want to be here because i knew this could be a special place man this is one of those areas where uh you get a winner here in detroit and uh and it'll be something special and it's not like that everywhere it's not and so to get this place back on its feet man play winning football something that hadn't been done here and whatever that is 20-something years uh or over and you know it is but we're not there yet we're not there you know we're playing pretty good football and uh we just won another one

and and now man yeah it feels good let's go get the next one it's all we can worry about and uh yeah you you did a great job obviously on offense they scored at least 25 points every week um and their defense i know the past defense left a lot to be desired in fact kirk cousins had his best game of the year he threw for 425 and two touchdowns but you also held Dalvin Cook to 23 yards on 15 carries. So they are that team. Now, we talk about this type of team all the time. The teams that are really prolific offensively and can score.

And when you are very good offensively, you don't need to have great defense. Just have to have a passable defense. And they're there now. And that's why they keep winning. They keep making big plays defensively. Rodrigo is not just a hard-knock story. He's a genuinely difference-making linebacker as a. rookie, a couple huge run stops in this game.

They got pressure on Cousins, and it was why I was so impressed with Cousins. I thought it was easily Cousins' best game of the year. He was under duress so many times. There was nine quarterback hits. Aidan Hutchinson, I thought, had hit one of his best games of the year. They were all over him in terms of their past defense. And then Cousins kept making tough plays, but you're seeing different parts of the team step up. DJ Shark being healthy and kind of being the guy that they paid him to be, which was maybe

their number one receiver. That's been a quietly big development. Josh Reynolds is back. Jameson Williams is in this game and gets a 41-yard touchdown on a busted play. Didn't play that many snaps again, but even just adding that to the offense. It's like they can beat you different types of ways, and they're winning games convincingly. They beat the Giants convincingly. They beat the Jaguars convincingly.

They beat the Vikings convincingly. I mean, I know they needed to make a play late, but this is a two-score win. And the Vikings fans are going to be very quiet today and this week because this game kind of was what all the people that were doubting the Vikings were kind of expecting in this game. So you have now, you have obviously the embarrassment of the Cowboys lost. They kind of escaped that Jets game with a win. They could easily lost that. And now this game happens, Mark.

And it's like, yes, they're 10 and 3. Once again, they can't clinch the division, but they will clinch the division. But there's just a lot of questions with that team in terms of the goal of getting to the Super Bowl. I don't even think that most Vikings fans would even have a problem with us raising the questions we always raise about the Vikings. Now they won't. They were until this game. Yeah, but I think like your level-headed Vikings fan talked about the fact that, you know, they were winning these close ones.

You're not getting the best season of the ever from Kirk Cousins on any level. They're like the only 10-and-3 team to have ever had a negative point differential at this point. It's crazy. So they kind of just are who they are. Could they win a playoff game? Sure. But they're a bad defense. And so that's what I think is really worrisome.

They're extraordinarily safe. Like they try to play it safe and bad, which is like, a bad combo. If you're going to be bad on defense, at least be like the Giants and be aggressive and make some plays. But they're sitting back there. They really missed Harrison Smith today. If you want to have a positive, I know I mentioned, you know, Kirk playing while Jefferson had 223 yards. Kirk had the fifth highest completion. What did you say? 223 yards. Oh, you mean 120. No, I mean 223. And it should have been, sir. It should have been 260. He would have had another touchdown in this game that was on a bad call late in the game.

They ended up scoring, but it cost them a minute a time, which was his foot did not go out of bounds. So his fantasy owners should be mad. And Kirk played out of his mind. He had the fifth highest completion percentage over expected of any quarterback in any game this year. And so that's a positive sign that, like, if you could get Kirk to play like that,

the only reason they lost this game was, you know, Hockinson drops a dime on third down that kills one drive. And then they call a pop pass in the red zone for Dalvin Cook. And he didn't admit it was a pop pass afterwards, but it sure it was a pop pass. pop-out, and he fumbled that. Like, you know, where you get the ball, and then you run up, and then you jump,

the Tebow play, except he, like, started looking up before he ever saw it, and then just started bobbling it around, and that was 10 points right there, and this was like an arena league game where that was the difference. And you gave up 464 yards. Right, the defense thing. And his lions now play the Jets. And I've already,

as you guys, I know you guys will understand, and I hope everyone connected with this amazing experience the team of around the NFL has been, I need to take a one week sabbatical and step away from the lions and I hope you guys can understand that and if you can't that's an issue but

You guys being the two, I certainly think the two of us can understand where you're coming from as would most level-headed thinking human beings I now forget who is not a happy thing for me No but something I struggle with You will get through it too I believe Who came over our desk today and said like Oh that's going to be tough

Tough for Dan next week I was like Is it? I mean a team of ATL is a lot of fun I said that to you Yeah, okay. Who came over to our desk? I was thinking it wasn't you because it's like, well, it's not going to be too tough. There's no one else in our news from the only people that I speak to on Sunday

are Greg until Dan shows up then, Dan and Greg. That's not true. Drew came over. Can we move on? You guys? Please. All right. So the lines are a big storyline right now. The other big story on Sunday to me is what happened at the big bell bottom in Santa Clara.

Birdie back. Time. Pumps now going to throw for the end zone. Open Grandin Iyuk, touchdown. San, Fran, Sisko, Ayup, Ayuk, Iyuk is on fire. Yeah, so is Brock Purdy. Okay.

We have a submission for the dad call of the year. And I liked it. I'm a dad. Greg Papa and Tim Ryan, K-N-B-R. Brandon, I-Uke. You know, he scores. a touchdown every week. And he's not the only one that could do that. The 49ers have great pieces on offense. We know this. But if you don't have a quarterback, you don't have hope in the

NFL. And yet, Mark Sessler, maybe the Niners having already lost Trey Lance, having already lost Jimmy Garoppolo, still have an answer, quarterback, because Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant, steps up, plays lights out ball in a 35-7 blowout of Tom Brady and the Bucks. I really am trying to remember a quarterback debut like this. Again, someone, not unlike Ben Johnson, we just talked about, that Brock Purdy was an essentially invisible human being 10 days ago. And the way he played today, and you know, they have all this. His nickname was literally Mr. Irrelevant.

Right. I mean, and it's incredible how he played today. And I watched this Niners offense. And the first one was like, are all the pieces around him going to diminish? because he's going to be playing inside a very safe scheme and doing safe things that you'd expect from someone

that's never done this in the NFL before. The total opposite. They couldn't have been more aggressive. They showed so much faith in Brock Purdy to throw the ball in key situations and the result was, I thought you got the best version of Christian McCaffrey who was unstoppable.

Literally, they had no answers for Christian McCaffrey. Brandon Ayuk doing his things. Before Debo Samuel left with an ankle injury and we're hearing that that's potentially not season ending. It could come back at some point, or it could be a high ankle, we'll see. But all of these pieces were operating in total unison with total power. They were running the ball all over the place, too. And Brad Purdy just kept making throw after throw.

At the end of the first half, because the second half was just the thing was over. He finished 14 for 18 for 18 for 18 18 and 285 yards and two touchdowns, and no turnovers. I just was completely impressed with, like, it is an argument for, the Shanahan quarterback-friendly quarterback-proof attack where I think that comes and goes and sometimes you feel like he's a little over-inflated on that front, not today.

I mean, the way that he came into this with total preparation, Brock Purdy, it tells me a lot about the coaching staff and I know that we didn't maybe love Brian Greasy, the analyst, but there's something going on with him as quarterback coach too. I think he's done a good job. And it was like, you know, there's a lot of stuff.

Greasy pop in a big spot. They talked about how he had really gotten him prepared for this moment. Well, they scout. If nothing, you have to give them credit for being able to choose these Shanahan quarterbacks and be able to self-scout too. Once they had him, they really seemed to know what they had in him and that they picked these guys late in the draft that can keep your season afloat. Now, it looks like he could do even more. It told me a lot when on that touchdown throw to Ayyuk that they were being that aggressive in that spot because they got the ball there with under a minute and a half to go and they went for a touchdown. to kind of pour it on with the seventh round rookie. I think they pushed him to do everything he could. And it does change, like, the nature of the Niners. We were like, uh-oh.

Every year this seems to happen to them. And if Brock Purdy can't play, they're cooked. And they were one of the more interesting possibilities in the NFC. I came out of today's game. It's one game. But, like, he, if you had showed me without seeing, like, the human face or the uniform, and told me he would have had Tom Brady's performance. So that would have been more fitting.

because Tom Brady at one point had his hand hit a helmet and you could tell he was in pain he threw an interception on the next play he overthrew people from there and the bucks you know when we've seen them fall flat for quarters and halves at a time this was the

worst version of that where you leave with literally no faith in their offense on any level and I don't know what is going on with Tom Brady and Mike Evans but the tone was set in this game when he hit Mike Evans on a 68 yard touchdown early on and then it was taken back by penalty there were three or four bucks penalties in this

that completely shut them down open the door for san francisco and it was just an example of when san francisco hits the gas like this if this is the version you're going to get they could beat anyone in the nfc i think the eagles obviously are the one team that stands out that could be the biggest challenge for them yeah the evans thing you know if that touchdown stands and it was called back on what was the call it was a holding that led directly to the touchdown donovan smiths He's killing them on a weekly basis, getting touchdowns wiped off back-to-back weeks. He's been an issue for them. But, yeah, if that touchdown stands, we're probably not having the conversation,

but it didn't stand. And then you see at one point on the sideline, who knows, but Brady and Evans kind of animated talking back and forth to each other. And Brady, who much was made obviously in the press, he had that amazing comeback on Monday Night Football. And then this was his homecoming. He grew up in nearby San Mateo. I mean, they hammered that storyline into the ground.

And he asked for 150 tickets or something like that. And the game's 35-0-0 in the second half. So it's just, it's been a very, very frustrating season for Tampa Bay. They're not a good team. They're just not good. Their defense is, you know, average. It spikes at times, but it's definitely not a difference maker like it's been in past years. The offense is definitely limited.

Brady averaged four and a half yards at attempt in this game. And so they are what they are. and on the San Francisco side of things, Jimmy Garapolo was playing very well, but at the end of the day, Garapolo is what he is, which is a facilitator. He is the dreaded game manager,

which doesn't have to be a bad thing, especially in offense like that. Seeing now Brock Party do it the way he did today, doesn't mean like he's going to be a stud now to them, but that would be a crazy story if he did turn into a stud. But if he can just do this, be the facilitator, get the ball into the hands of the players, Yes, they're going to survive this and be a tough out in the NFC.

I mean, if he can do this, he's like the 13th best quarterback in football right now. So, I mean, I would imagine there's going to be some come-down effect. This was to a bit. I mean, I didn't see too many. It wasn't like I watched it like a Great Herbert game, for example. It was like you're seeing these like amazing wow. So that's kind of my point. Physically looks different than those guys to begin with.

To me, it just doesn't seem to be that guy physically. But the way that they had him dialing up aggressive throws and he was making them. But he did it last week, too. So it's not just one week. He hit a number. number of third down throws into tight windows last week, and they threw the ball 37 times because they needed him to a week ago. The Buck's defense has been a little better than solid. You're right. They're not a difference maker. They lost Vita Vaya today to an injury.

They lost Jamel Dean, their best cornerback to an injury. So they already were banged up on defense, and those are two of their best players. But they haven't been pushed around like this. So, I mean, that's a great sign for San Francisco with a manageable stretch run coming. up, including a big Thursday night game this week against the Cs. Well, and we're not even like talking about San Francisco's defense, which is just like they had one point, they had allowed one touchdown in

19 drives. And Domech O'Reans is going to be a head coach soon. And you got guys like Dre Greenlaw every week doing amazing things. It's like they are a little banged up. They keep losing guys. But when I watched what they did today, it's like that's why I think they can win any playoff game. Let's hear from Kyle Shanahan before we move

on on Brock Purdy, who again, 200 and whatever overall pick, seventh round, parents crying in the stands, watching the game, really nice moment there. Here's Shanahan on his QB. We always have the full game plan. Full game plan is the game plan. Was everything available to him?

Yes, I mean, definitely. I mean, it was the week before, too. And with Brock's skill set and what he does, I mean, don't have a ton of design quarterback runs and stuff. but maybe we need to. He moved pretty well today. Shanahan's feeling it. And you know what?

Shanahan falls in love with these quarterbacks. He just falls so hard for these guys. Yeah. And he, and this is all, this all comes off remarkably good for Shanahan, who's obviously has a great reputation, but to be able to keep this season afloat and not just the float, but the offense thriving on his third quarterback speaks to what he's built with. Of course, John Lynch and the rest of the organization.

All right. you go those are two big games to get things going let's take a break and then we will continue on week 14 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 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 is 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 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 is 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 game. What was that? Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to. get. Listen to NFL cover zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the I Heart 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 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. 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. 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, we are back to Buffalo Bills. Last week, they sat for. And watch from home as they went from the five seed to the one seat in the AFC.

They have destiny in their hands. Now they just got to take care of business. And they did that today in Western New York against my Jets. They're still in shotgun. Josh is. Takes the snap. And John, then he gives it to, no, Josh keeps it himself. And he drives forward, and he is in.

Touchdown Buffalo. Josh Allen faked the handoff and ran forward for the five-yard touchdown run. Where do we stand on announcers? calling players by their first name. Like, oh, Josh. Oh, Josh has it. It's probably a little, like, homerish, but for some of these announcing crews,

I'm not taking shots. I don't love it. Some names just asked for it. Like, Tiki Barber was always just Tiki. That's a little different. Tewa. Toby. I'd rather use Tua if I had the choice.

Well, that for multiple reasons. I think I'm skeptical like you or else you wouldn't have asked the question. It's overly friendly. John Murphy and Eric Wood with the call W. are slick, cold, rain, snow conditions in Buffalo and the New York and the Buffalo bills took care of business by leaning on a defense that was without, as we know, Von Miller for the rest of the season now after that exploratory surgery led to an ACL repair. but they didn't look like a team that was missing

Von Miller against the Jets getting after Mike White, beating up Mike White, sending Mike White to the hospital in an ambulance after the game as a precaution and it was that Bill's pass rush that allowed them to take a 20 to 12 win. And so not a dominant effort

by Buffalo's offense. In fact, I believe they finished under 300 yards, which I don't know if that has happened this season. So that jet defense, which has been good all year, although they lost Quinn and Williams to a calf injury today, and we're going to see if he's going to miss extended time, that would be a killer for them. They've had their fair share

of injuries this year. But Buffalo, despite not having the offense, this proved, again, to me, boys, that, yes, they are a complete team and their ability to get after the quarterback, led by Ed Oliver, Matt Milano.

That front seven did their job, and that's why they won this game. Jack Lawson, too. I mean, that was my takeaway as well, is that the Von Miller injury to me kind of separated what I thought they could achieve. And now it's like if you can do this, because when I was watching this, it seemed like they just dominated New York's offensive line and made life so tough on Mike White, who is one of the tougher dudes. He did not want to go out.

I can see why the Jets players love Mike White. And I do wonder what will happen with him going forward. I mean, is he going to be healthy enough to play next week, you think? Yeah, I mean, the fact that he was knocked out of the game twice by just wicked shots, including the second by Milano, where Tony Romo, calling the game for CBS, was just open as a guy who was a quarterback who's had this happen to him. He was like, oh, yeah, he's not coming back. He's got broken rings.

And yet he does go back to the locker room, and he does come back. And I've said this with other and other situations, the charges with Herbert earlier in the season when he had his own rib issue. I didn't think Mike White should have been back in that game because he couldn't protect himself. And you could see that for the rest of the game, even when they weren't big shots every time you went down. You couldn't necessarily hear him, but you could see in the replays that he would like scream out in pain or just the wincing.

And it was just, it was a tough watch, but also easy to respect a guy that was hanging in the pocket. But yeah, the Jets are a team now that have lost four of six quietly. And we could keep saying they hang tough against these teams. But you got to take, what happened with the Jets is once you blow those two Patriots games, they got to go find a win now to make up for that. And they should have beat the Vikings last week. and let Minnesota off the hook. This game was more like there were opportunities, but I just credit the bills.

Their bills are a better team further along in their development. And I think that's what you saw here. Well, the Flacco fumble, the Michael Carter. I can't see Flacco on the field again. No. And what someone's got to explain to me, I understand the Zach Wilson drama of it all, but why is Zach Wilson inactive?

Is there more to the story we don't know? Because Flacco is better. I don't need to go watch Joe Flacco every time the past rushes. on him and every time he gets hit and he gets hit almost every time he draws back to pass it's a fumble i literally think he's got to go they're protecting i think zach wilson's like fragile psychology right now i really do that's a damning indictment if he's not the backup quarterback next week i don't know we'll see about white and it's all going to depend on uh how he feels in the morning and what comes back from this but uh yeah uh the jets to their credit they did hang in this

game. They got a block punt to get it within one score. They marched down into Bill's territory with a chance to really make things interesting before a Michael Carter fumble. But again, credit to the Bills and their defense. The offense is a little up and down for the bills right now. And that's just something that's been the case for a while. I mean, Josh Allen's been like essentially sort of average for about four weeks in a row. The weather is crazy in this game, right? So you keep that in mind. But 232 yards, you know, getting out gained by the Jets. by 70 yards is surprising. But also, I think if you're Sean McDermott, rather,

probably very satisfying because he's a defensive coach. You lose Von Miller. You lose Micahide. Two of their three, I would say, most valuable players on their defense, along with Milano, who's playing out of his mind. And you still get all this pressure with Rousseau is having a great season. Trudevius White's now back and in the mix. Poir is having a nice season.

You're getting past rich with Ed Oliver. I was going to ask you, Dan, which defense you think is better here? Jets are bills. I think it's pretty close. I mean, they both played really well. The Jets have scored only two touchdowns in the last two weeks. So they're having some issues right now with White. But if he's healthy, there's no controversy.

I think he's still going to be the guy for them. It has to be. Here's a stat, by the way. Mike White was pressured on 46.7% of dropbacks with just four rushers. So the bills did their job. And the Jets have to figure out some things on offense. because they were not competitive on offense for stretches of this game because they could not protect the quarterback.

They could not pass protect. And the running game has not been the same. I know Bam Knight has been very good for them the last few weeks, but it's never really recovered from Breeze Hall. So they just got to find some ways to get out of this. They got to beat the Lions next week. Just like we said the Lions had to win today, and they did. I think they just have to beat the Lions at the Medal ends next week.

And I'd say after that, the Jaguars are becoming spicier by the hour. and then you've got Seattle and at Miami if you're the Jets to close the season. That is a rugged little slate. I've got to win three or four, and that's just the way it is. I think, you know, with the Chargers and the Patriots behind them,

that's not a fearsome duo there, but you've got to start winning again. So the bills get it done. Up next, let's move on. Got to move on. And I will move on to the other New York team from the Meadowlands area,

northern New Jersey, technically, they welcomed in the best team in football, and it went, as you might expect. Sanders stays in this time. He breaks away at the 35, 30, 20, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, Miles Sanders, touchdown. Wow. Are you kidding me? Jack Driscoll gets a great block, and when Mal Sanchez gets to the outside, it's just a foot race. And he outruns the entire Giants defense to the park. line and into the end zone.

Ooh, listen to that crowd at the Meadowlands. Oh, they were booing from start to finish. Wow. Reality has set in. Merrill Reese and Mike Quick from WIP. Yes, it was another big game on the ground for the Eagles who just blow teams away. Miles Sanders ran for 144 and touchdowns of three in that 40-yard score. He's over 1,000 yards rushing.

And then Jalen Hertz, who's been the best football. quarterback in football this year. He threw two more touchdowns, ran for another, and the Eagles romp mark. 4822 over those fading. G-Men, who have one win in six weeks. Yeah, the G-Men at one point were a pet team of mine. I found it enjoyable just to watch good Giants football, well-coached.

Your pet teams aren't doing too well this year. They are not. It's like the pet cemetery over there. It is very close to that. Well, I also, when I adopt a pet team, In this season, particularly, I don't have to stick with them forever. No, I'm with you on that. For those teams' sake, it's better that you get off as quickly as possible.

I do seem to have an ill effect on them. I would agree with you. But this was an enjoyable game to watch just for the nature of Philadelphia's utterly explosive, unstoppable offense. I mean, we've talked with us. Do it differently every week. And today they came out and I think made it so clear. the difference between the Eagles and the Giants. And I don't care about the records or anything.

It's just like, Jalen Hertz is playing beautiful football right now, and their offense is so well coordinated, opening touchdown drive of 12 plays, 91 yards, 5 plus minutes. The second drive, 14, 84 yards, 8 plus minutes. And they were unstoppable running for huge chunks of yardage at a time, deep passes unfurled beautifully. Then the Giants down 14-0. I thought, you know, sometimes I'll say like,

game over, and it's not always in the fourth quarter that that happens. They botched a punt, and the Eagles picked it up at the Giants 33, and essentially next play, laser to A.J. Brown. It's 210, and there is no shred of evidence that the giants who are not, yeah, they're not, the giants do not come from behind 21-0 against anyone in this league. And Seguan-Barkley has not been Seguan-Barkley for weeks on end now. Daniel Jones is in a tough spot in the situation. They were kind of an empty cupboard when it comes to weapons.

And that's how you get absolutely your doors blown off at home. And you're right. That crowd was dismayed and agitated. Well, this game is over the second you heard, you know, the Saquan Barkley neck injury that popped up late in the week. And then the report before the game that proved to be true, that he was only going to be limited in the game plan. It's like, oh, if Saquan Barkley is limited in this game plan,

why even show up to play? And you know what? The Giants didn't really show up to play. well that fourth and seven where the eagles decide to go for it and devanta smith makes a terrific touchdown catch that's the beginning of the second quarter to go up 14 nothing it's just the type of decisions that like no matter what nick syriani does whatever they call on offense or on defense it's like it works because it's a great scheme that's versatile but their players are just awesome that was just devontas smith who you think of as this slim guy.

Is he the slim reaper? There's a lot of slim reapers out there, but he's physical too, and he can be tough at the catch point. That was a great example. I mean, also, like, what would be concerning for New York in general, there's a lot of concerning things for New York. It's like they were just, their offensive line at both tackle spots, Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal,

dominated by the Eagles. Like, they can do everything well, and they can put a lot of pressure on the quarterback and made life tough for Daniel Jones. Yeah, they're, it's the Giants and the Vikings are the two NFC teams that there were a lot of outside doubters and the Giants. You know, I wonder how many wins they have left in them, to be honest with you.

And, well, I think we'll know a lot about that team by next week. They have Washington. I think the winner of that game probably gets that final seat in the NFC, but I think the commanders are a better team at this stage, especially if Barclay is going to be limited. But they are loving the Giants of what happened to the Seattle Seahawks today as well. The Giants. Spoiler. The Giants had last beat a team that was not the Houston Texans on October 23rd. I mean, I was like, and that was the Jaguars by 6th, I mean, I was a different man back then.

I was just like, I don't even, I was young. I was free and just a totally different mindset. It was ages ago. You feel way down by the world now? It's like the winter has come and yes, many more responsibilities. And there is, you know, the early portion of the giant season, all those great shots of head coach Brian Dable, heading towards midfield waving to people in the stands and hugging players. It feels fitting that on the third possession for the Giants

that the Jamie Gillen punt were it slipped out of his hand and it bounced, then he kicked it and that the next playoff is a touchdown to A.J. Brown, who is wide open. Brown, by the way, over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Eagles are the best team in football. Yeah, I wasn't sure how I felt about you making the Eagles number one in the power rings. That's just the responsibility that you have in such a high position to, faced doubts like myself, just because I think like,

I was thinking maybe the Chiefs are still just a better team. You have a bigger problem, Gregi. I know you like, you love. More than most. I think this made you look good, is what I'm saying. Oh, thank you very much.

More than most people in this industry, you put a lot into your preseason predictions and wanting to get them right. After Mahomes had some turnover issues today and Hertz did it again. I think Hertz is in the driver seat for MVP right now. Fair, but that's a month left of the season and people get carried away

making bold statements. A month is a lot. But I'm glad you brought up preseason predictions because I did have the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl. I'm feeling good.

I have been losing the Super Bowl. You should feel good about that too. All right. Pinch yourselves. All right. Let's move on to Big D where I don't even know what I picked.

I'll have to check. I'm going to check while I listen to this highlight of the Cowboys. If your pick was as good as the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, you'd remember. I didn't even find such a thing on our website.

I'll find it for you. Remember, like, the 10 years of work we did on the website? And then they redesigned it and wiped out our bylines and our entire career was wiped away. Literally, like a fourth of our lives. And nobody even gave a second thought in the building about it? No, not. It doesn't bother me at all.

They gave it a thought that they would do it. Oh, we're doing the podcast still. All right, let's go. To throw, pressure's coming. They flush him out. I mean, that's annoying. Standing and looking. Nobody cares.

Lawrence chases. He throws it into the end zone. Why would you can't? And the ball is intercepted by Diggs in the end zone. And my apologies to Davis Mills. He just tossed that thing about 67 yards in the air. And it gave his guys a chance, but the only players around that football were Dallas Cowboys.

What? It was a crazy game. This was the craziest game of the day. Mark was loving this game. It was enjoyable. Mark was... Arbiter of Bongo's here, please. I'm shutting it down.

You get bongos when you have a big moment where you step up as a team and deliver a big time victory. Well, I just, I would say that we, I'm looking at the rest of the games we're about to cover. Maybe this week isn't worthy of bongos. Oh. Maybe that's what, that's where we're at right now. I'm sorry, I hate to be this guy right now. I got to say, though, Mark, I can't give it the bongos. Over in the corner of the newsroom this morning was acting like a kid listening to bongos.

He was just like, oh, wow, this game is crazy. He was loving it. He was loving it. On our Friday fun show. But that's a totally different conversation. Sure, but I can see where Greg is coming from because there was enthusiasm, but I had predicted something along the line of the Texans beating the Cowboys. So as that was becoming a distinct possibility, that was raising my blood pressure just a tad.

Upon further review, the ruling on the podcast stands, Bongo's denied. Oh, boy. Fair enough. And also, Dak Prescott leading the 98-yard drive. That's a better highlight. Let's just start the show over. because Zizek Elliott short touchdown run with 41 seconds to play

that's what this game will be remembered for not the hell Mary at the end and that's why the Cowboys won 27 to 23 Mark not a great showing by the Cowboys but they got it done they did and I think that that you know Jerry Jones

came out of the game saying like look I don't really care about the rest of this it's a long season that drive at the end is all I care about and Doc Prescott's all I care about and that's fine I mean you can just maybe say that kind of does work because their offense was off kilter most of the day. The reason I think this happened, and they didn't get out, I thought that the Texans

coming out spicy would soon be vanquished and taken over, but it's never really, it never really happened. And I think they threw Dallas off with a couple of different things. Number one, Givante Turpin lost the punt return early that gave the Texans the ball, the Dallas 24. They punched in a touchdown. Dak Press got through an interception this that led to other points. And so suddenly the Texans, who has struggled to score seven or ten points in a game, had this early advantage and they were running this offense with Davis Mills who was you know named the starter again this week after that whole Kyle Allen business but they were using Jeff Driscoll and Davis Mills and they were I don't see that a lot anymore it's like this whole platoon thing happens like

once or twice a year and I was trying to watch this and watch another game at the same time I'm like wait a minute did someone get hurt I'm spending half the time switching on Twitter to see what happened to Davis Mills but then you start to realize what they're doing is just Jeff Driscoll he can run the ball. And they were using him every single time he was in there initially over the first couple drives, it's like, oh, we're running it, we're going to tell you we're running it, we don't really care if you think that's fun or not. And

finally he'd start to spray the ball around a little bit. The electric, Jeff Driscoll. I mean, he's kind of, he's like a better well, he's slightly more athletic Tayson Hill, maybe not a better player. Yeah, but Jeff Driscoll is like kind of an incredible athlete. So why he can run well? Right. Well, he literally

played Tayden for the Bengals. Yeah. But it was, this was one of the strangest athlete I've ever seen. It was like, let's have him third on the depth jar. You know what? I'd say that, but he's not a great quarterback. Jerry Jones, after this game said both of the quarterbacks for the Texans looked like Brett Farv out there.

Well, they did not. That's laid it on a little thick that they both looked like Brett Farv. Like, I don't think either looked like Brett Farron. But Davis Mills, I'd say one of his better games. Like he made some throws. Good. So a good team escapes out of this. And that's all I take from it for the most part.

And that's, and that's, that drive was important. And I don't know, but the play calling at the end and Damien Pierce, I guess, went out with an injury. In and out, right. You have Rex Burkhead taking snaps at the goal line. They have a chance to win this game, Houston, inside their five-yard line with three minutes to play, up three points. And they go for it on fourth down, Lovie Smith. I like it. I like the call.

But you cannot. And I don't even know who the quarterback was on this, at this point, Mark. You can tell me. It was Driscoll. Driscoll. You can't have a busted play in that spot. Oh, my God. A fourth and goal from the two? That's where I think like whatever they planned to do this week, that's where it started to create faults.

You knew it was over there. Right, he looked disorganized. But that came after Dak threw an interception from his own end zone. It was that Dallas defense stopping Houston at the goal line stand that set up that final drive. And it's like the better parts of this team stood up in just the nick of time. Look, it keeps Dallas in the NFC South race, I mean the NFC East race, which is important. Why don't we just put Dallas in the NFC South so we could have a real team coming out of that division?

That would be nice. They are in the South. They should be in the South anyways. GC, good call. Fair point. Let's break out on that. That's a great way to end the show. NBC would be very unhappy

to get the Cowboys out of that division. NFC East. Dallas Cowboys. Makes no sense. And they got that drive at the end. That feels good. But now I'm a little concerned that Dak Prescott hasn't looked good

for two straight weeks. I would say he did not play well in that Colts game on balance. Overall, that was a game where I think Dak and the secondary receivers were struggling. And then in this game to have a couple picks and struggle. And for the defense to struggle against an offense

who's number two, number one receiver was Chris Moore. Their number two receiver was Amari Rogers, who just got cut by the Packers. Number three is Philip Dorset. Like, what's going on here? I feel like Dak Prescott is forcing throws a couple times in games. And, you know, then he'll go have that final drive where he made three or four

unbelievable connections with his target. So I don't know. I mean, I think DAC can be fine, but it's always going to be the talking point if he makes any mistake at all. Before we take a break, the rules of Bongo, just so we're clear going for it.

Because you know, Justin, everything you do, I love and applaud you. Literally everything. So when there's a miscommunication, that's on me as much as it is on you. The rule of Bongo going further, going forward and this is going to be written in Stone Tablet. It has to be like

a season saving win or a season defining win. It has to be a win against a quality opponent or maybe a bad team just getting a win in general. But when you have an NFC powerhouse beating a one-win team that doesn't pass the rule of Bunga. When you break it down that way

it starts to me, I start to see where you're coming from with the whole thing. I kind of thought it was just like the craziest game of the day. That's how I interpreted it. Tablet. Yeah. Who writes on these tablets? You know, this is still my first.

This is still my first season as the full-time producer, so I'm still, like, getting the hang of everything, you know? Well, it's December, so. Please accept my apologies. It's no need to apologize, but I do like maybe another nickname coming into focus right here, the god of bongo. Let's take a break, and 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 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 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.

Whether you're a diehard 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 is Matt Jones. Now, I'm Drew Franklin.

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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. Before we get to the AFC North Showdown, Battle of Ohio, let's just, again, Gravedigger bringing in the rules of Bongo engagement, so we haven't used our Bongo yet. Right. As the producer, it's on you to decide.

now whether there is a game worthy of the bongos, but we can't make the same mistake twice in the same show. So you've got to make sure you get this one right. Or just keeping your back pocket. And I know the fans are going to be disappointed because they've come to expect bongos. But that's, you know, heavy he who wears the crown back there behind the glass.

All right. Not every show needs a bongo, but most of them probably do. Just play this the right way. Okay. This is a big test for you. Lots of pressure. This is the next big test for you. you as a producer.

I'll just say if he dials one up prior to Sunday night football, I would suggest that Justin's made a tremendous error. But let's see if he defies my. Well, I'm not saying you, I'm saying if you do that. Right. Trust your instincts, though. Not that you're prone to that. He just told you what to do.

So that, you know, you now know your crossing. Don't let that color your opinion. You've got to trust your own gut on this. There is one game that matches all the criteria you laid out, but it would hurt my soul. So we'll see what happens. I know where he's going with that and he's coming closer than any of the others

It wasn't It's not behind much of a veil All right, let's go Old Sherlock Holmes over here Burroughs is a high snap Now it's a flea flicker He's going to throw it deep He's got a man open

Over the shoulder catch Shuck in him safety at the 6 Touchdown Cragie Bengals The Flea Flicker Executed to perfection Joey Francho

launched it perfectly down the middle of the field for the touchdown strike to Trenton Irwin. Cricay! I love Trent and Irwin. You see the joy in his face there? Just the big old cheesy smile. Former child actor who gave up acting for football. You could see that. Yeah.

That's interesting. He's theatrical in a good way. Good nug mark. Not a great day offensively for the Bengals, but it was not going to be easy because they continue to have issues injury-wise with their wide receivers. boy dislocated his finger on the first series of the game out.

T. Higgins aggravates a hamstring. He leaves the game. But Joe Burrow finds a way as he always does. And that touchdown was a big one for the Bengals and a 2310 win over the Browns. Ending a five-game losing streak for Cincinnati against Cleveland. Four of those with Burrow involved. Burrow said it was a team win, team ugly win. But we got it done.

We could, yeah. And the Cincinnati defense did their job as well. They shut down Nick Chubb, picked off Deshaun Watson, stopped the Browns on fourth down three separate times, and just kept the train rolling here. They remained tied with the Ravens atop the AFC North, but there is no question to me who the best team in this division is. There isn't, and this is another example,

I think, of what Joe Burrough said three weeks ago where he said this is the type of game that, great teams win when they won in Tennessee in that tough game. To lose two of their top three receivers in the first drive and now your number two and three receivers are the fight in Trent's, Trent Irwin and Trent Taylor

and to find a way out of here. You don't want too many Trents in your wide receiver room. No, two is enough. In a win where it seemed like the two teams were moving the ball in a similar way and yet the Bengals were the ones that ended up finding the big plays and making the big stops and just

kind of survive in advance. in a matchup where they had lost five in a row. It was a big step for Zach Taylor to get a win over Kevin Stefansky. For whatever reason, this matchup doesn't seem to favor them, especially their defense. And that was not the case today, only giving up 10 points. Yeah, divisional football is strange because their only loss after October 9th, the Bengals, was that aberration destruction by Cleveland on Monday Night Football,

which just stands out as one of the weirder games of the year. But they do match up well with Cincinnati. And they game a fight today, but the Browns also, I think, are dealing, with a level of disorganization post Jacoby Brissette trying to shift to Deshaun Watson who still does not look comfortable to me out there I think it's affecting the ground game to some degree

I don't love their cast of wide outs to begin with but Watson did not look as disjointed as a week ago but he does not seem comfortable to me and I think it's like there's you need more time to get used to him if you're the rest of the team too yeah he was better than it was last week but that's not saying much and I think Cooper has proven himself to be a very good wide receiver in this offense.

So they do have Cooper. I think Enjoku and Watson once Watson, assuming he does get back to the level of play before his suspension and everything that happened. I think they can have a Pro Bowl type pairing the two of them. So I don't think they're too far away on offense. They've got to fortify the line and maybe add another wide receiver.

But in this game... I mean, they've scored like one touchdown in two weeks, so it should be noted. They were a good offense. I think we're all, I know there's obviously an inclination to root against Watson, and I understand that, but I'm just talking from a pure football side of things. This is going to take time. I mean, his touchdown pass he threw to Anjoko was his first touchdown pass in 707 days.

So I think Cleveland, which is now out of the mix here with their eighth loss from a playoff standpoint, most likely. I mean, I guess if we're talking about a nine and eight team can get in, perhaps they could reel off. They're not going to the playoffs. But this is just, this does give them, I know you would. said it, Mark, maybe it was in conversation with Chris Rose last week. You're like, maybe it would have been better just if Watson didn't play it all this year and then have a fresh start

next year. Well, maybe this is the best thing for the Browns. Now you have this like runway to the end of the season to try to get some comfort back to this offense because right now it's very wonky and Cincinnati's defense took advantage of that. Well, yeah, because I think that last week what I said too was it's probably

better that they aren't really on the fringe of the playoff race and having to try to work this thing out to. You've given everything up for this quarterback. I don't have to like the decision. No one does. But why not treat them like a young quarterback that's learning to basically play again and just ride them out to the rest of the year?

There's no reason to start anyone else. They would have been on the fringes of the playoff race if they won this game, but they didn't. And they had a chance there where the driving down 2010 in the fourth quarter, and that's where he throws his interception. I just love that the Bengals can win games in different types of ways, including including with their defense. They are an awesome team right now.

out of their last 11. That's why I'm happy. Me and the West Bros. Locked up the boys from Cincinnati. Listen, you have the lock title in your back pocket. I should just give you the trophy now.

No, don't. I should. Don't use this reverse psychology. Greg, you're not susceptible to reverse psychology. I think, Dan, you're just acknowledging that you conceded to defeat. It's a GD boat race, bro. I'm getting my butt kicked.

So it's like, I'm happy to. If it means that we just stop the segment and you stop picking games, I'll take that. You know, if you just give me the same thing, we'll stop when I am no longer on this earth. One other thing. Jake Brisket did show up in this game. They did that last week, too.

Yeah, pivotal moment, fourth and one down deep in Cincinnati territory. And everyone said, oh, he's going to sneak it with a big body. He draws back to pass, and he airmails one to the corner of the end zone, turnover on downs. That was a big play in the game. And also the Simaji... What are we doing with that? I don't know. The Somaget P. Ryan touchdown where he bounced out and clowny

and some other Cleveland players kind of quit on the play and they weren't aggressive enough. add in nine penalties for 98 yards the browns are kind of a mess all right let's move on let's keep moving the rules of bongo engagement

this was almost inside the numbers of the 10 and it is intercepting the goal line this is a crossroads show for a great bigger Marcus Williams back in the lineup after coming off of injured reserve

with a broken wrist and instead he brings the spirit of a crowd Crossroads coming. And they are getting disgruntled again in Pittsburgh. Rabel did say it, no. Now they've got a Bongo's Senate. I think you're at a Crossroads.

This could have been a Bongo's game here. Ravens' dealers. I like this choice, though. I like this choice. This one's good. Jerry Sandusky. Anthony Brown v. Mitz-Tribisky gets the Bongos, Greg. What are we doing? What are going with all this?

W-B-A-L. The Ravens are beat up. By the end of the game on Sunday, they were on their third quarterback. But they find a way in Pittsburgh 16 to 14. And it was their running game led by J.K. Dobbins, 120 yards and a touchdown in his first game since undergoing a second knee surgery in two years. Gregi, the Ravens aren't a fun team really to watch. They haven't really been fun since September to watch. But I got to give them some credit for finding a way Pittsburgh was feeling good about itself and they brought him down to Earth.

This is a classic Ravens win. I think John Harbaugh is going to love this win. I think it shows that this team is different than they. They were a year ago. It's like an organizational type of win. It's true. I mean, he has been there a long time. So you got to win fast.

They're on their third string quarterback early in the second half. That's when Huntley. What happened, by the way? Tyler Huntley took a massive hit from Minka Fitzpatrick up around his chest, but that's not where he got injured. And then he got kind of caught underneath. And I think that was the. injury that actually put him out. Was it a concussion protocol or was it an ankle? I think it was his

ankle injury that actually knocked him out. But it was about the seventh or eighth time Huntley took a massive hit in that game. And throughout it, I was just thinking he is not going to last. He was taking hits as a runner. He got 31 yards on the ground. He was taking hits as a passer, only through the ball 12 times. And it almost felt like it was a matter of time. And that's exactly what happened. So for them to win because of their defense, because Callias Campbell is having a monster season because Patrick Queen and Roquant-Swith, both at interception. Queens was incredible, and they were both making plays behind the line of scrimmage in the run game. And then in the secondary, Marcus Williams, with that interception, too, of Chibisky, you know,

to get a win running the ball, 215 yards, and in defense like that, I think it's going to be very satisfying and crucial for them. I think making the playoffs, clearly they're going to make it now and staying in the AFC North Hunt. And Ian Rappaport announced that it was a concussion for Hunt, that he will be out in a short week next game as well. So the Ravens Man, two years in a row, have been dealt rough cards to the quarterback position. So they're on Saturday, right?

There are three Saturday games next week, week 15. All on NFL Network. They have the Browns on Saturday afternoons. That's a tricky game with your third string quarterback, if that's what it's going to be, because we heard a report that Lamar Jackson was trending towards having two weeks off with this injury. I guess you never know.

Adam Shepter reported that Christmas Eve is the targeted date for his return, which would be the week after next. That makes this game even bigger that they won it. I was surprised because the Steelers who had been running the ball so well lately could not run it against Baltimore, who is a really good run defense because of Cleas Campbell and others, and that the Ravens were able to run all over them in key spots. You cannot just put this on Mitch Trubisky. Well, but Trubisky threw a couple bad interceptions in this as well, and it is what it is.

But, you know, Kenny Pickett, that's his second concussion of the year too. some of these guys at some point it's like you get a third you're just going to get shut down he had a weird thing where he passed the concussion test came back into the game for a series

didn't get hit again I went back and checked that I made a mistake thinking he got hit he didn't get touched again but then he left the game for good afterwards which is worrisome yep two concussions and less than two months

before the rookie from Pittsburgh all right Chibisky threw the ball really well today I know that sounds weird because he had three interceptions but there were a lot of throws

in this game that you were like, oh, where have these throws been in this offense? Like five or six total dimes, but he got confused on the first interception. The second one is similar, but Queen made a great play. And then he just – sometimes he just decides before the play starts. I'm just going to take a shot on this play, no matter what I see. And he took a shot, and Marcus Williams made him pay. But like I said, in the fourth quarter, two different drives where the Ravens, with their third-string quarterback, eight-minute drive to get a field goal.

and then at the end of the game that Steelers could have gotten the ball back if they had stopped them and they just run three straight times right through him. Pathetic. And Justin Tucker, by the way, is having another incredible season.

He finished with 10 points. He's up to 1,473 points in his career breaking the franchise scoring record held by former kicker. Former Cleveland Browns kicker turned into a Raven. Phil Dawson?

No, it's, he was on the Browns in 94 and they went to the Ravens the next year. No, it's not Matt Barr. It's... Matt Stover! Matt Stover! Come on, Marky, I need you on that.

I need you on that wall there. I was literally, like, staring through the window here at our studio. I hate to say this, but this is now for the rest of this episode, a crossroads moment for you as well. What's going to happen if I don't pass your test? I don't know. That's why it's the crossroads. This is how it works.

I'm going to be facing a crossroads moment before a scene on. They're coming along. All right, let's move. I guess I should feel more urgency on that front. then. That's a good drop. All right, go ahead. Shotgun for Trevor Lawrence. It's a blitz. I mean, it is an all-out blitz. Trevor fires left side. That ball is going to be caught for the touchdown by Evan Ingram in the left corner of the end zone. Are you kidding me? The Jackson extended the league. Kind of want those bongos.

Give them to me. But just nothing. Oh. All right. Well. He's downtrodden. I don't know, guys. You wanted them there. I think he should have been called us. I think he knows it. And then he's banking on the Sunday night game that we don't know how it's going to.

But you've already told him that it's maybe the most wise move to not use them at all if it doesn't actually match. I think the Jaguars. You also don't want someone that's too afraid to go for it. That's how you end up being inactive while Joe Flacko is. fumbling in the pocket. You don't want to be Mitch Rubisky, but you don't want to be Davis Mills, you know what I mean? Frank Frangy with the call, W-O-K-V, Trevor Lawrence for the second time in three weeks,

is waving his arms frantically, screaming, I am the future. 368 yards, career high, three touchdowns. He also ran for a score, and the Jaguars ran the Titans out of the building. 36 to 22, their first win in Nashville in a decade. And, man, I'll bring in a great digger on this one. you know the jags like we've been saying on this podcast are coming along and the quarterback is coming along and becoming a real difference maker but the fact that this game gets away from Tennessee Justin with Derek Henry going off for 90 yards in the first quarter and 120 by the half this was a sign of major distress for this team that I feel way worse about what happened in this game than even the last two weeks. This feels like a real team in desperate trouble now. It's a weird spot because this is now, well, it's two Titans games in a row that were over in early in the fourth quarter.

Basically, no chance for the Titans to make a comeback. Derek Henry, three yards in the second half, that's not going to cut it, basically, ever. And you wonder how much, three total rushing yards in the second half. You wonder how much firing your general manager in the middle of the season. I don't want to say that the Titans lost because of that, but there's got to be some weird vibes going around the building. And then this was also just a weird game. The Titans outgained the Jaguars 146 yards to 37 in the first quarter,

and then completely just fell apart. They had four turnovers, three lost fumbles, which sometimes can be fluky. They had a chance to lose a fourth fumble on a muffed punt that got batted out of bounds. That was close. and they just looked completely discombobulated on both sides of the ball. They got stops early on. Then they had Ryan Tannahill was strip sacked by Trevon Walker,

his first, like, good play in a few weeks. Oh, you know, you don't need to take shots at Trevon Walker. Well, it's more of a shot at. Hurt people, hurt people, Justin. It's more of a shot at Titans backup left tackle turned starter by Taylor the one's injury. Dennis Daly, who I jokingly called Dennis Snappily earlier this year because that's how often he gets beat. And that is a wonderful joke.

I think that the Titans are really struggling with injuries. The offensive line is really bad. And the Jaguars are a good team that are coming along. And they had a bad week. I like that you call them the Jaguars. I mean, they did lose 40 to 14 last week. Last week, feeling themselves danced a little high on their own supply on the preview show. And I think that was probably the case.

But the Titans' offense is so poor. And it was funny because they got the bull. ball back after the Jags went for it on a fourth down just across midfield, down still by three touchdowns of Titans, and the Andrew Catalan goes, could that be the spark the Titans need to get back in this game? I love Catalan. And the very next play was this weird trick play where the idea was Tanna Hill was

supposed to fake like the snap went over his head and it was going to be a direct snap to Henry. That old gig. Classic Brady play. Henry dropped the snap and the Jags dove on it. And it was like, is this the spark the Titans need? No, please. Not at all. So everything you're saying,

and Vrable pointedly after last Sunday's game, we played it twice on the show, in fact, and everyone's at a crossroads on the show except for Greg, but I feel like I could be coming soon. Like he purposely says we're at a crossroads, we're going to find out something about our team because he feels confident that he will coach the team up and they will be ready to kick ass against the Jaguars at home.

And the fact that they couldn't do that and the fact that they gave up 29 straight points in this game makes me think that Vrable, as good as a coach as he is, is kind of lost at this point, too, and the team's just drifting. I'm with you. I also think Vrable, calling into Crossroads, who knows his team better than Vrable?

I mean, he's seeing that there are faults, there are issues. There is an absolutely dearth of talent at the skill position player in the passing game, and it's left Tannahill in a tough spot. They've been a real problem team on third down. I just look at the last three games and say you're the reverse Eagles, because they find a way to win differently every week. The Titans were out physical by the Bengals. That was a bad sign.

They got waxed by Philadelphia. And then you just let the youngsters in Jacksonville come up with their new quarterback and take you out. You're meant to be the team that runs away with this poor division. There was a... It's concerning. A key play where, who was it? McCreery could have picked off Lawrence.

And instead, you know, it turns into a touchdown for Zay Jones getting his feet in. That's like a seven-point swing right there. there, but you let Evan Ingram get 162 yards. You let Zay Jones get 77 and a touch. The Titans at one point, I looked at the list. I think they're missing seven defensive starters or potentially. Yeah, if you count Harold Landry in that mix. Right.

Well, you should. He's like the highest paid player on their team. They've played all season without him, but yeah. I'm just saying that's a lot of starters. And to have that and a really bad offensive line, they're a team in crisis, and you're right. I think Bramble kind of knew it. And he said you're going to find out a lot.

We did. He challenged his team, and that's how they responded. It's crazy because second week in a row, they've completely shut down the opponent running game, and it hasn't mattered at all. They're just letting whoever they play throw all over the yard. Yeah. It's like the dam that's breaking, and you stick your thumb in one hole, then another one opens up. Where are, what's going on with the Mark and the Titans and what's going on right now?

Because I saw you tweeted something. It's going absolutely great. Yeah, so I put out a tweet sometime during the third quarter when it was, it was, it was 2714, Jacksonville, and I said, ever since Mark Sessler joined the Titans Bandwagon, I went through the list that we talked about on this show, Todd Downing, got the DUI, got the DUI, they had an ugly loss of the Bengals. It's something that happened since Mark jumped up in the game. The ugly loss to the Bengals, including those horrible penalties at the end of the game that ended any chance of a comeback,

the blowout loss to the Eagles, their general manager was fired, and then they got blown out by the division rival Jacksonville, who they've owned for a year. This is Jacksonville's first win in Tennessee since 2013. They're struggling. What's the problem? So I put out a poll on Twitter. Should we boot Sessie off this train? This was not my call.

This is Titans Twitter. Well, it's a little agriol on your part. The people have spoken 76% of poll results say good riddance to Mark Sessler. You've got to find another team. I'm sorry, it's not my call. I don't make these rules. What I do feel, though, is that whatever team I pick, that fan base is going to be feeling a lot of heat because it's like this will be the fourth team in a row that I've jumped on to

that has absolutely fallen off the side of a cliff. The kiss of death. The Jets, preemptively, we have to say thanks, but no thanks. Well, it's my choice. I think the lions are lucky that Mark was so hesitant to jump on that bandwagon. We've now, uh... That's fair. Yeah, we've reached the point where we can no longer confidently say, like,

the Titans are definitely winning this division. Have we gotten there? Yeah. They're up by two. They've got to play the Jaguars again. Obviously, the Jaguards would have to win that second matchup for it to happen, but then the Jaguers are only down one. if they win that matchup with three extra games.

The schedules are not, it's not an easy schedule for the Jaguars. They would, you know, they got the Jets and the Cowboys in there. Did we fork the Jaguars? Yes. So that maybe is the team right now that has given us the most worry, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Oh, and by the way, the Jacksonville offense, which has been pretty good this season, to very good at times, to great at times, did they unlock Evan Ingram? The guy that tantalized and teased Giants fans for years? It helps that he's healthy too, but he always had issues of drops and mental lapses.

He's good for one of these a season where suddenly I'm like, yes, he's the number seven tight end in the NFL. And then I did start him to flash a little bit more, I feel like 15 targets for 162 yards on 11 catches with two touchdowns in this. No answer for him. But I did start him on my fantasy team, so at least one good thing came out of us. Well, that's, that's groundbreaking news. Interesting. All right. Do we have to take a break?

We keep going. Let's take a break. All right. 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 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 is 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 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 is Matt Jones. Now, 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 game.

What was that? Oh, my. We think NFL coverage should be informative and entertaining. And twice a week, that is exactly what you're going to get. Listen to NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, 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 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. 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, we got two more games before Sunday night football. Let's keep the train rolling to Seattle. Snap to give to Blackshear. He's got the bud.

Touchdown. Rahim, Blackshear. Well, Ben McAdoo said, all right, we're going to go back to what we do best. They ran it down the throats of the Seahawks. My goodness. Did they ever? Jordan Gross and Jim Zoki with a call for WBT. There was a moment in this game where the Seahawks seemed to get things under control.

They're falling behind 17 Zip. They got it to 2017, and then Carolina just said, oh, wait, they literally can't stop our running game. And we don't even have Christian McCaffrey anymore, but it doesn't matter because guys like Chuba Hubbard and Rahim Blackshear ran right over the Seahawks in route to a 30 to 24 win, a damaging loss for the Seahawks. And the Panthers after another Tampa Bay meltdown are in the mix in the NFC South. In fact, if not for that miracle by the Bucks on Monday night, Greg, you did your tabulations. And it's that time of year, by the way. I don't, this is not a crossroads thing because we fire the Greggie bot 3,000 up

with our playoff simulations. Greg Rosenthal Playoff calculator now online. I like that. We are now online. And what would have happened, Gregie, if the Saints didn't gag their face off on Monday night? We'd have a four-way tie right now in the NFC South.

I wish we did. It would have been the one way to make this dreaded division fun. Just listen to them. We do have a playoff team finally, though the Eagles have officially clinched for the playoffs, by the way. Yes. And I think the- But they want more. This is just the start.

I think the Panthers have a legit chance to make the playoffs here at five and eight because I think they're the best team in the NFC South. Oh, gosh. They're four and three since Wilkes took over. They have an identity on both sides of the ball. They would be five and two if not for that crazy missed extra point game against Atlanta. Man. See how this works? Seattle is so, so.

I couldn't believe when they punted mid-fourth quarter just because you got to know your team and you got to see what's in front of you. And at that point in the game, it was obvious Seattle just could not stop the running game of Carolina. And so they punted it away at 4th and 7 and they marched right down the field on that Blackshear touchdown drive.

Finish with the Blackshare touchdown. 10 for 74 in over 5 minutes. They had a similar drive to kick a field goal later that just burned clock. And Sam Darnold had 36 yards after halftime passing, and they held on to a lead in Seattle. Like they didn't need to do it just because they were running down. He's got a big bushy beard now as he begins phase two of his career as a man making a run

toward being the starting quarterback for a team hosting a playoff game, a division champion, no less, in about a month or so. And he saw what the rest of us saw, which was it could be my glory day. I'm not going to do it. I'm going to give it to the running back because that's what's going to get us to win. He's just not a selfish guy. He should have taken some more glory

because the only reason Seattle was even in this game that late was because they had four straight cracks at it from the three-yard line of Seattle late third quarter and they bizarrely threw four straight passes. And Darnel had a chance to run a couple of those in and his instincts were up and down, I would say, in this game. It wasn't about the quarterbacks, but it kind of was because Gino Smith,

I think, needs to play at some. such a high level right now, like an MVP level for the Seattle Seahawks to win games. And he didn't today. And then the rest of the team shows up. Bad defense, bad run. I mean, it's concerning because their defense was shoring up. But they gave the Cardinals their best day on the ground, one of their best days. They're the one team that allowed Tampa Bay locally they could run the ball for 161 in Germany. They gave up 283 to the Raiders. That was a disaster. 171 to the Rams who haven't been able to run the ball all year long. I mean, this is a mess.

The air started to come out of the balloon slowly in Munich and it's just continued for the most part for the Seahawks. So yeah, I think and we've talked about it all year that Gino's been very good this season but even in what's the season of his career, he's not an MVP level good.

So if you're asking him to carry the team on his back, that's just asking too much from Gino and I think that's what's going to cost Seattle a chance to go to the playoffs potentially here is their defense, just can't get a big stop, and that's putting the offense in bad situation. So, yeah, good job by Carolina, though.

It's interesting. They won three of four. J.C. Horn is a legit star. So he had an interception early, and it was one of those throws. You were like, wow, Gino, like, why did he force it? It was one of the worst decisions. And then you rewatch the play, and they did a good job explaining it. That was not J.C. Horn's man.

He, like, reads the play halfway through, peels off his man and ends up making an unbelievable play on the ball, broke up another play late that he couldn't quite get his feet in or else he would have had a second interception. He is a star, and they have a nice pass rush there. They're like, they're a good team. I hope they give genuine consideration

to keeping Steve Wilkes around. Oh, I think they will. I think if they win two of their last four here, if they, like, continue on this track, I think Steve Wilkes is their coach next year. And we've been talking about how bad the NFC South is this year. If the Seahawks don't make the playoffs,

they will rue their performance against the worst division football. They went 0 and 4 against the South. Can't do that. It can't happen. I mean, but it did. Greg, it can't happen. And you know what?

Wait a second here. Wait a second. As a show of the respect, I locked up the Seattle Seahawks. As did my lock brother. in arms, Mark Sessalon. And I asked you, Greg Rosenthalter, come to me and join us

and bring all the families together. And yet you chose to say no and betray us and betray that trust in that olive branch. I will not forget this. I will not forget this in justice. A lack of loyalty. I mean, sometimes, I think you've learned in this

you've got to not listen to the boss. You've got to not listen to the Lockfather. You got to try to win this thing It's like, you know, Salvatore I won't say his nickname in the Sopranos You could say it was big pussy That was his character's name When they asked him to go out on the boat

You know, don't say yes, get out of there I can't say his name, oh my wood Grabbing his pearls Yeah, Sal should have gotten on the boat That's what I'm saying You gotta sometimes You gotta make decisions with your head So why didn't you tell me, wait, again

So you were aware You were aware that the boat I was getting on Was going to take me and my brother, Mark Sessler To our early demise And yet you let that boat go out to sea This I cannot respect this I will not forget it I could have told you from weeks ago

That you were walking into a dangerous path Forging this like locked Zaddy or Lock Daddy thing with Greg How is this? How is this my fault? He's going to leave you by the same. side of the road at some point. You are the crossroads. You guys are always talking about,

oh yeah, we're the real Lock Zadis. We're like 25 and five. Well, we're also, it's now working out too well. It's not too working out too well. The real Locke pros right now, me and the West Bros.

Hang it out. When you betray the Lock Father, you are to crossroads, my friend. And you will learn the hard way. Yeah, you'll suffer. You've chosen the wrong path. I mean, but you and I are the ones.

I didn't choose the hell here. Yeah, that's true. what I didn't choose. We've not, I'm not essentially... You were out of the office on Thursday. You weren't feeling well. I don't count that as a miss for us. Because when we're...

When we lock up together, there's a synergy where we feel it, the energy. And in this case, I didn't even learn that you had locked until after the lock father had already come in. It's not how we normally do things. I hear you. And that explains that.

I mean, the minute I filed that lock, I was thinking to myself, that might have been an odd move. Probably something. You know, yeah. A real father, like, takes response. Like the Lock Zaddy's over here. They're just making excuses and we forge on. Don't you worry about us.

I was going to, does he going to come back? Does he have to say something else? No, we have to move on. He did say you're at a crossroads. Whenever the guy, the head of the family says you're at a crossroads, that's probably going to end with a bowl through the glasses on the massage table. You won't survive. You don't survive.

I'm just going to play this one more time for me. I'm not going in the woods with anyone. Oh, poor Adriana. Let's go to a mile high to close things out before we get to SNF. Must be. Mahomes being pressured, moves to his right. They're coming from behind him. Now flings it, slings it to McKinnon at the 40, to the 30, to the 20, to the 10, to the 5.

Touchdown. Batman loves this stadium. It was an underhanded shovel at the right boundary for a 50. You said Batman or Batman? Touchdown. They were all over him. Patrick Mahomes. The Magic Man, outstanding job.

This is playground stuff that we get to witness. Chief Kingdom, we're spoiled. We love it. That man, I believe. I don't think he literally just called him Batman. I mean, if he did, maybe, I don't know why that would make a lot of sense. Justin, can you do some research while we talk this game to see if, indeed, Mitch Holtus, and Danon Hughes of W-D-A-F call Patrick Mahomes Batman? Sure.

There it is again. I tweeted about it. Like, Patrick Mahon's makes decisions that would land lesser quarterbacks on, you know, folly films for the rest of their careers. But when he does it, you know, like just throwing a pass, underhanded casually, scrambling as a defender rolls in and it turning into a long touchout. That's what he does. And the Chiefs, they win 3428 in this game, and it's a very weird game, a very strange game.

And not just because Russell Wilson started playing really well at one, point and you know taking his team up and down the field before unfortunately it looked like he got knocked out near the goal line and suffered a head injury of his own but this game was 27-0 late in the second quarter uh mahomes throws an interception turns into seven points all right whatever and then they get the ball back the Broncos before the half and score again and then all of a sudden it's 2714 at the half and you're like oh that was stupid but obviously the chiefs are just going to turn it on and this game will end up 48 to, you know, 17 or something. No, because then the Broncos get the ball after a punt to begin the third quarter.

And Patrick and Russell Wilson connects with, who was it? Somebody had a crazy, the running. Jerry Judy. No, no, Judy had three touchdowns. Marlon Mack came back for a screen touchdown. Rumbling and bumbling and stumbling 60 yards for a touchdown. And it's 27 to 21. And the Chiefs obviously get away and get the win.

Smith Shoestrster has a touchdown. late. But not only the Broncos get back in this game, they had multiple chances in the second have to take the lead where they had the ball down six points, but the offense either stalled and then the unfortunate injury to Russell Wilson, which is such a microcosm of his entire lost season. When he finally gets things going, when Jerry Judy finally is locked in, he gets knocked out near the goal line and it's Rippin who finishes at Brett Rippen. You don't get a lot of games like this if you're a division opponent of the Chiefs where Mahomes throws three picks.

That's only happened. That hasn't happened in like two plus years. And I mean, some of them were just not good throws, but he always makes up for it with this circus magic

or Batman artistry. I'm not sure what's going on there. But the Chiefs, like, it's okay to have a game like this once in a while where a division opponent almost nips you, but I never really felt

at any moment that they were going to lose this game. It was just bizarre. Not lose it, but it wasn't like it was like the Broncos made it close, but it was never really a chance. They had, again, multiple opportunities. I just got twice in the third quarter.

And this was like a story of like the Broncos fandom season too. It was like they started out booing, you know, Russell Wilson quite a bit with 27-0. And then they make all these touchdowns and they're playing good defense for a minute. And the place was kind of rocking there at the beginning of the third quarter. And then they go three and out two more times with Russell Wilson and they start struggling. And the booze come right back for him. It was like a journey in this one game. but even with Brett Rippin,

they could have gone down the field at the end and tried to take a lead. They did not. Yeah, and yeah, the Mahomes, yes, Justin. According to my cursory research, it appears that Mitch Holtis does call Patrick Mahomes Batman. Oh, I don't know about that one.

Am I going to get a bunch of tweets now from people being like you should know that Patrick Mahomes is being called Batman? Nobody thinks that you should know that. Nobody knows he's Batman. I don't know about nobody. People in Kansas City. I mean, he made, like,

The touchdown to Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster, where he does the 360 would be like the greatest play any quarterbacks made in many people. But these interceptions were a little worrisome. One was, I think he just thought his arm was going to get it past Josie Jewel faster than and Jewel made a great play. The other one, he didn't see him. The other he threw while getting hit. They're not good.

Here's the thing about the Batman thing that doesn't really work. Because what makes Mahomes so great is the magic of Mahomes, the superpowers he possesses. Right. And famously what makes Batman, you know, so compelling and has for decades, he doesn't have superpowers. He's actually the world's greatest detective, Batman. Yeah. And he combines his knowledge and his street smarts and that need for revenge with all those, you know, toys he has in the Batcave. And it makes him this fierce fighter of crime.

Yeah, you take off Batman's like utility belt and he's a lot, much lesser of a problem to deal with on some level. Just a handsome, handsome billionaire bachelor. I would, I mean, it's more. just Superman, Mahomes, because he's doing things physically that we don't expect someone that looks like a human to do. Well, exactly. So it seems like it's a stretch, which is why I believe that wasn't his nickname, but I was wrong. Also, Grant Williams of the Celtics goes by Batman, so. But then who's, someone's got to be your Robin in that case, right? Grant Williams took Batman. He is trying to take Batman. And the Jerry Judy drama of the game

was interesting because when things are going hideous, when they fall behind 27-0, there's a play after a fourth down failure Russell Wilson also threw a pick six in this game by the way there was a fourth down failure Judy comes off the field takes his helmet off a teammate tries to put his arm around him

and console him he throws his teammates arm away a referee kind of gets in his area he kind of bumps the referee and he wasn't even penalized for it let alone he should have been thrown out of the game in line with I'm glad they didn't but like that's what usually happens

when you make contact with the ref goes back to the silent just furious with the state of the offense in the season So if Denver fans are looking for any positives here, he then went off with three touchdowns in the game and was targeted with regularity by Wilson and then later Rippins.

What a lost season. The last Broncos quarterback to beat the Chiefs was Peyton Manning. Hmm, a long time ago. It was kind of just like a hit-your six-foot putt Sunday here for all the AFC top seats. I mean, they were tricky games, but they all, Buffalo, Kansas City,

Baltimore, Cincinnati, all surviving advance. I saw like an eight foot, but I don't know. All right, one more game to hit. Grave digger jump in here a second as we have now traveled back to our respective homes to beat the traffic after the Chargers Dolphins Showdown at SoFi Stadium, huge AFC implications, but not just implications for those teams, but also our producer. Justin Graver, he is producing career at a course. crossroads as he had the great bongo fiasco um of a couple hours earlier and now we find out

what will happen after this next highlight how you feeling very nervous okay heart pounding through my chest all i could promise you is that the reaction will be fair one way or the other good all right that's all i can ask for all right hit it late switch by herbert out of the pocket two receivers this side williams feet down touchdown mike williams what a difference having them back in the lineup no what if the dolphins completed that comeback then it makes sense of course this was a bongo's game this was the game of the week this was just of herbert they saved their season it was all the outline Now we've got to find a new producer.

Short-handed and Herbert. You're in a no-win scenario, Justin. No matter what you had done, there would have been round true. This was clearly bongo. No, we're going to give, we are going to give Justin a chance to save his broadcasting career right now. Let's re-rack it. Highlight and do it the right way. And we'll pretend this whole ugly affair never happened.

That's how much I care about you. Justin. How much will we pretend? Like, edit it out or like? No, it's going to be in here. No, there is a there is a penance that you're paying right now, but we're also giving you a shot at redemption here. It's like how is this redemption? He's just doing what we're telling him to do it's following our orders at every turn. Are you just, are you just realizing now how stupid this show is, Mark? No, no, because I think Justin understands how I feel about 19 to out of 20 pranks that unfold on the show. It's getting tugged around on a leash.

There's no prank. I think good producing is doing exactly what you guys want. So, sorry, Mark. I wanted the bongas. Okay, here it is. Late switch by Herbert. Out of the pocket, two receivers this side. Williams, feet down.

Touchdown. Mike Williams. What a difference. Having them back in the lineup. Oh. Yeah. Doesn't it feel right? Justin Herbert. He hears you, Emmanuel Acho, and all the other haters out there. And he just goes on national television against Tua and just wipes the floor with it.

Justin Herbert threw for 367 yards. And that score to his old buddy, Mike Williams, who was back in a big way in this game. And never mind the final score. The Chargers took it to the Dolphins, 23 to 17 at SoFi Stadium. And yeah, you get the bongos. Because Greg Rosenthal, these chargers,

as we've talked about in recent weeks, sometimes it feels like in recent years, there's always this idea of what they could, be if only this went right this way if this play went differently if this guy'd stayed healthy if this entire side of the ball stayed healthy but in a game where they were missing many key players herbert kind of lifted everyone else up with a brilliant game i enjoyed watching this so much because i was so wrong about it i i felt as surprised almost about this game as almost any game all year the fact that they dominated it in that way and that herbert did it as

this like bravura performance that has Chris Collinsworth going insane saying it's one of the you know best quarterback performances of the year I agree with them though and I and I think those two drives the one to end the first half and then the long field goal drive in the fourth quarter showed everything that Herbert can do he was under pressure so much he made more throws under pressure and on the run today completions according to next gen stats than any quarterback since they've started keeping track. He had the deep passes. He had that third down to Keenan Allen

where there was absolutely nowhere to fit it to start that fourth quarter drive. It was clutches all hell. It was talent. It was mental. It was everything where with a little help and Mike Williams was that help you got to see the full Herbert.

Yeah. I mean, I think one of the lowlier aspects to this season for me was that I came into the year with so much excitement about the chargers, what they could be, who Justin Herbert was to me.

And it's been months of not feeling that way. And a lot of it has to do with missing figures on both sides of the ball. But they were missing six defensive starters tonight, totally dominated Miami. That's a Brandon Staley win as well. It's not just Justin Herbert. And I thought that, Greg, you nailed it.

On that drive before halftime, 13 plays, 90 yards. What an incredible drive by Herbert and just the throws that he made and how he deals with pressure. And then on that field goal drive, part of it is not just the arm power. It's like he had that incredible 10-yard run where he showed you he can do it all.

And I know even when he makes the rare mistake when there was the botched snap, for him to dive under essentially around his center and get the ball to make sure that they don't lose the chance to kick that field goal, which changed everything for them. This is a quarterback playing at the top of his game. And I just think it's hilarious to watch this online nonsense

about Justin Herbert not being as good as people think. it's just that this team has been through so much he's finally healthy you have alan back you have mike williams back you got corey linsley back which mattered a lot and you got this version of the chargers it changes how i feel about this los angeles team going forward i that for me that remains to be seen just because they're so up and down as a unit um but at the same time the thing about the discourse of tua and herbert you know pick back to back in the same draft class what annoyed me and I think annoyed a lot of football fans that are actually watching the games is you have to kind of sometimes look beyond the box score and Tua has filled up the box

score beautifully this season for long stretches and I'm not saying this is an indictment of Tua as a player although that's two rough games in a row for him but just watching the abilities of Herbert and the things that makes him special like my favorite play in football is the Herbert play where he drops back to the opposite half. and then throws across the field 60 yards on the line to a wide receiver. There's very few guys that can do it. I can even imagine Tua trying to do that. But of course, Tua wins in a different way.

But I think it is notable that Tua did start this game, three for 17 while Herbert was doing all this. And when he connects with Tyreek Hill for that touchdown in the third quarter and makes it a game again, this is again where you credit the Los Angeles defense, the short-handed defense, Brandon Staley. a defensive-minded head coach, they tightened things up after that. They didn't let the game spiral when I kind of felt that that was a direction that this game could go. And my other thought was, good job chargers by not chargering because, yes, Herbert better get down.

Don't pull a Cam Newton when you botched that snap and that was on him, it appeared to be. Get that ball because if you lose after that brilliant drive, lose a fumble inside the 10 and then lose by a point, oh my God. And then the onside kicks bouncing around. And that almost gets botched as well. But in both cases, the Chargers kind of just got the job done. And you just don't see that enough with this franchise in general. You know, I know like Tyree Kill obviously was dealing with the injury.

And the way they were talking about the end was maybe more of a shin injury and they're not wanting it to swell up and stuff. But he still made plays. But do you feel like Brandon Staley learned or took something from the way that the Niners pressed Waddle pressed Hill a week ago because it's two weeks in a row. And this has not been, they had a few up and down moments in their offense, but Waddle and Hill have been unstoppable essentially, no matter what's going on with a run game and stuff. And that's two games in a row where I thought they did an effective job. And in this case, it's with a lot of people

missing on that defense tonight. Oh, yeah. Let's be real. The only reason that the chart, the dolphins were even in this game is because Tyree Kill gets a 57 yard fumble recovery or else this feels more like a blowout. They still only ended up with 219 yards. They got doubled up by the chargers in total yards and other teams are going to look at this and these are two teams Miami and San Francisco that sort of have the genes of a press man coverage team we've seen the league really just go into a total zone league I mean even teams that play a lot of man coverage like you know the 49ers they still don't play it that much but these two teams are able to do it because they have the personnel they have the coaching and absolutely you think

the Patriots are watching this they did a good job with a similar game plan in week one The fact that the Dolphins came back to the pack a little bit now in the AFC playoff picture by losing these two games. It makes you worry. It has to be into his head a little bit. Everyone knows what was going into this game. There were some throws in this game that just were crazily terrible throws, where he seemed spooked, a little afraid to make the throw,

and was just like way off target where you thought it was in his head. He recovered a little bit, but this is the guy we were talking about as an MVP kid, And I wasn't exactly two weeks ago. And these are two weeks where I would say it was his two worst games of the season by far in a row in December the time of the year that Mike McDaniel says we're also lucky to get to. The dolphins don't feel like they're embracing December right now. They got to go to Buffalo now on Saturday night and, you know, on NFL Network, baby. On NFL Network. And it's like, man, you're going to have, that's a big time show me something game because I'm like, like,

based on what we've seen for Miami in the last couple of weeks, based on, you know, who they really did a lot of their damage against this season, I don't have high expectations for their offense to thrive in that environment, especially like we saw with the Jets and Bills today, if the elements play a factor. I think they're supposed to be snow in the forecast in the upcoming weekend. So there's a, that's a, this is a fork in the road now for the dolphins who still are in position for the playoffs, but things get very interesting, very quickly if they lose again on Saturday.

And last week, their defense played almost 80 snaps. They did again tonight. You got to quickly go to Buffalo where it is meant to snow. The weather's going to be a huge factor. You got to play it down in simmering hot Miami the first time. And that affected the bills. But in reverse, I don't like that situation for Miami at all. Just how many snaps they've had to play on defense.

The time of year where that kind of stuff matters and have a big impact. I'd like to think that this game is one we're going to look back at as a fork in the road game. I'm not sure about the dolphins like follow. apart but especially in the positive sense for the chargers they have the titans colts rams and bronco so after that titans game that's a big week 15 game you know that's a it's a good looking schedule as a jets fan dan i know you were weirdly rooting for the dolphins in this game and i think that made sense to me and now that the chargers won it and if they can somehow get their defense playing well with herbert the whole seven seed seems much more complicated to me now yeah you know what

as I'm watching the game in the second half and I'm starting to examine the possibilities. I realize that kind of either way, there was a way to look at it in a positive standpoint because obviously now the Dolphins drop this game if like many people think and the desert will feel this way and that's how I feel, let's say they don't beat Buffalo on the road all of a sudden they're 8 and 6 and if the Jets beat the lines, they're tied and they have a head-to-head matchup in week 18. So it's going to be great. This wild card race in the AFC is excellent. And oh, by the way, the first hybrid.

for the Dolphins and Chargers is head to head, and now the Chargers have that. So big game, fun game. I'm going to avoid, I'm going to be busy anyway with power rankings, but I'm going to have no issue avoiding the online discourse around Tua and Herbert. That's going to be a lot of people taking victory laps or being on the defensive. I'm just going to sit all that out and just say, that was cool seeing Herbert do that thing today. And the Chargers in general, just a nice win for them.

Also an L for Brandon Staley, who's, I mean, for Sean Payton, who's made it clear he wants to coach either of the Chargers of the Dolphins. I feel like now that, now neither are it going to happen. Well, let's let's see the Chargers close the season out with the Chargers. You know what? You know they traffic in a certain type of football, the Chargers, and that's, we get your hopes up and then we bring you down. Now they've done it to me again already. But, ooh, ooh, grape digger. before we say goodbye.

Whoa. Speaking of forks in the road and, you know, everything on the line. Titans. Chargers. Week 15. Somebody's in trouble after that one. Is now a good time for me to tell you guys I'm going to that game?

You're going to lock it up? Oh, I am done locking the Titans. I might just be done locking, honestly. I'm on a five-game losing streak. Oh, no. Oh, man. Five. All right. Hey, listen. Listen, not everything went your way today, Justin, but I thought you really did comport yourself as a professional.

And in the end, you did get the bongos when they were needed. Yeah. So thank you. Thank you. No, of course. Anything for you guys. One more game on the schedule. He's shook. Bed beat. He's like two in the quarter. One more game, New England at Arizona. Greg Rosenthal with special. guest. Nate Tice joining us, joining me. Oh yeah, that's right. Tice. That's great. I love, I love Nate Tice. The Cardinals are in prime time again. And the Patriots. Then the Cardinals are back on on Christmas too. What in the hell is going on? I am invading that little cube in Park Avenue next spring and making sure this never happens again, this primetime schedule.

There will be a flex games on Monday night football next year, which I think is great. for everyone. Especially Joe Buck. All right. Thank you to everybody for listening. We have another big week of shows coming up.

So thank you for following us all season long. Let's get out of here. Dan Hans is signing off for Quiet Storm, the old boss, the Grave Digger, and everyone behind the glass that does the job. Until Monday, he the call.

Thank you. Hey, everybody, Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the 6, we take you inside the game from breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies To evaluate 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. It's everything you need to understand the why behind what happens on Sunday. Don't miss it.

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