NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - 2023 Week 17 Recap

Episode Date: January 1, 2024

In a room full of heroes - Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, and Marc Sessler discuss the Week 17 action from across the NFL. The heroes start by recapping Dolphins at Ravens (02:20), Patriots at Bills (11:10), Bengals at Chiefs (16:49), Panthers at Jaguars (24:50), and Raiders at Colts (28:54). After the break, the heroes run through Titans at Texans (36:20) and Chargers at Broncos (40:45) with Nick Shook and wrap up the show with Lions at Cowboys (46:30), Cardinals at Eagles (01:00:05), 49ers at Commanders (01:06:50), Steelers at Seahawks (01:13:52), Rams at Giants (01:20:54), Falcons at Bears (01:26:28), Saints at Buccaneers (01:31:33, and Packers at Vikings (01:36:00). Note: time codes 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.

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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. What time does Sunday night football start, Jim? From the Chris Wesleying podcast studio. It is New Year's Eve. Hey!

And Collinsworth and Tariko are in tuxedos. We don't got that, but we do have Levi in the house. Dan Hansis, Greg Rosenthal, Mark Sessler. Oh, week 17, baby. Feels good. Feels clarifying. Wash away the sins of the old year. Wash away some of these teams eliminated today.

Let's go. I don't know about the sins, but yeah. My goal is just simply to get through this episode. My body has... You sound great, by them. It has been falling apart hour by hour since I got here at around 9 a.m. Well, we had to keep the energy strong there, Mark. We have a big show for you because, yes, it is the penultimate week of the regular season.

And so much is being decided. We had both buys and first round, excuse me, number one. seeds clenched in each conference and certain divisions somehow got more muddled, which is wild, but that's the way it goes in this crazy year. So we're going to get through it all and hopefully get home by the time a ball drops. Let's do it. Right. All right. So let's get right into it starting with an A. That's what we're going to do, by the way, because the playoffs are what they are. And Greg, you better be ready. Tabulations. This is tabulation season now. Yeah. And it's a lot of pressure on you.

That's your thing. I understand. This is your thing. Okay. You look nervous. Well, I'm a little nervous. Yeah, it's all in my head, though. So that's a little worrisome.

So we'll try. We'll work with you. All right. So we're going to go by conference here because that just keeps it simple. Ending with, yes, the play in, essentially a play-in game or a loser goes home match between the Vikings and Packers. let's start though in the AFC let's go through it all

and with the big matchup it happened in the early window it was the Ravens coming off that stomping of the Niners looking to keep it going and the Dolphins saying we have a statement to make well only one team was talking afterwards and it was not the one for Miami Zay Flowers comes in motion Lamar

with time coming deep looking for flowers he's got him open at the Miami 30 makes the catch he's little 20 cuts back to the 15 slipped out of a tackle Zay Flowers Touchdown Ravens! That was too fast. 75 yards! And the Ravens extend their lead.

Oh, man. Hide the women and children. The Ravens are a force of terror roaming the hillside. Lamar Jackson. Now, the clear frontrunner for MVP after five touchdown passes, he had a perfect passer rating. And the Ravens embarrassed the Dolphins, 56 to 19. They hung a 50 burger on Miami on New Year's Eve.

That is mean. That win secures a first round by for Baltimore as well as home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. And this was a game where the dolphins came out hot on offense. And you were thinking, okay, we might have a shootout here. Or maybe this is Miami's day. And people like me who've been doubting them, we're about to eat some humble pie. But as this game unfolded, it very quickly became clear that Baltimore is just too much for everyone right now. And especially that offense.

And the defense is really, this is a complete team right now. But I thought the offense today really put on an absolute show. Even the first drive that evened up the score at 7-7, they go right down the field. There's a bad drop by Rashad Bateman. There's a penalty that wipes out a big play. They have like 150 yards of offense on their first touch. touchdown drive if you factor in those two things. And it just kept on, they kept on building and building and building.

And I thought Greg was an interesting little wrinkle that Zay Flowers on that long touchdown we just listened to. You know, he's going in motion and then going jet. And that is the Dolphins play. And you would think the Miami defense would be ready for such a thing, having practiced it all season, but nobody is ready for the Ravens right now. A devastating day for the dolphins and their defense who coming into this game were number one in the league in

scoring defense and yards per game defense since week six. So to have a game like this where, yes, they give up 56 points, 491 yards in so many big plays, has to feel destabilizing. They lose Xavier and Howard to injury during this game. They lose Bradley Chubb

at the very end who's playing during a, what was that? At that point it was 49 to 19 or 4219 when you got hurt. It's really disappointing. A non-contact looks like an ACL they're saying. Right. And McDaniel, said they wanted to finish strong, but you have to give credit

to the coaching in Lamar Jackson and the offensive line, which has really been underrated, I think, for the Ravens this year, to give him the protection to hit all these big plays. Justice Hill for 23, Flowers for 75, likely for 35 for a touchdown, 33 for Beckham. They are a big play offense.

It's their development on offense, and it's the scheme, you know, you're starting with a new play caller, and they were kind of shaky out of the gate this season, but to what they've done and what they've developed into. Wow, like even a week ago, I was kind of questioning the Lamar Jackson MVP journey.

I can't now. I just can't. He's become that guy. But it's also like I'd point to someone like Isaiah likely who, you know, you lose Mark Andrews and you think that might be like a linchpin scenario that changes Baltimore. Last year it would have been, I think it would have been. Like you've got all these guys stepping up.

O'Dell Beckham made an incredible catch. I'm just as the Cs-A Flowers operate the way he did. Justice Hill. Justice Hill. And if you're, and, you know, it's coming on special teams. It's coming on defense. It's coming through their own offense. And if you're Miami, because outside of the Dallas game, there's a lot of reasons to doubt about their performance against the better teams in the league.

This is totally demoralizing. Yeah. And yeah, the defense, if Xavier Howard is going to miss serious time or any time here, you really wonder what they have in front of them. You don't want to write them off because the Ravens are. like the Niners were earlier in the season before the Ravens humbled them. It just feels like no one's going to stop them right now. But as this game started to kind of get away from them, you saw that breakdown where the defense isn't getting stops.

And then it was like it was time for two in the offense to go shot for shot. Tyreek Hill has a terrible end zone drop in this game. The worst drop of his career maybe. That's a four point play. And then two throws an interception. Roe crying on a great play there. He's been great play. And every time Miami.

crack the door open, just like Lamar with Purdy cracking the MVP door open, they just kick it in on a team. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse for Miami or just when maybe you thought it had half time, okay, maybe they could get this thing stabilized. They have a 78-yard kickoff return by Hill to open the second half, then a quick touchdown and the game was essentially over. So just a beautiful all-around game for Baltimore. And yes, the only concern I would have now, Greg, is this team that has locked everything up. And now obviously they're going to rest starters and at some level you would think next week. And then they're going to have the buy week. And that's what they were talking about. Lamar Jackson has talked

about last time they were a juggernaut. Last time he won MVP, they had a long layoff and then get picked off by Tennessee. That's the only concern I have, I have about this team right now, the idea of Rust. And is this an episode of Rest stop? Too much rest. That's, and maybe some issues with their secondary. I'll get to that in the Yeah, that'll be something to talk about during the week, too, with the 49ers. I wonder if they'll take that experience. They'll see the Steelers on the schedule who are still alive for the playoffs and think, let's play that game.

You know, anyone that's hurt or on the edge, don't play them. But then you also look at the dolphins in this game and you kind of get the other side of the coin that, man, your season can change when you lose a couple big time players. So that is risky. And the ghosts of 2019, you know, for the Ravens, I think, loom pretty large in their head because that was a devastating sequence for them. It makes you wonder if they will maybe play that. That's what I mean.

Yeah. Like, but still, I don't think it's worth the risk. Just like Mike McDaniel, Mark saying we need to finish strong. That's why my star defensive end is in the game. Like that,

that's a horrible, horrible setback for them. Yeah. I mean, the Ravens are healthy right now. And I don't see any connective DNA with that, that previous Ravens team that fumbled and stumbled in the playoffs. And Lamar Jackson having their reputation of not winning

playoff games. They feel completely different to me. They are not healthy in their secondary, though. So here's the situation. They played this game without Kyle Hamilton, who's been a breakout star this year, he had the knee. Cornerback Brandon Stevens missed it with the ankle. Got hurt during practice on Thursday. The worst. Always bad. And then

today, Marlon Humphrey goes out with a calf. Darrell Worley goes out with a head injury. So they're going to need time to get that secondary right, but otherwise, gorgeous. And Dolphinsins, don't worry. I'm not going to dunk on you here. I'm not going to be that guy but I think it does once again you did lock against them I did as did I that's not

a dunk that's just they've just seen we need to point that out that must be pointed out give us another one there it is Eric um are you back on this like dueling banjos thing now in dan's defense he threw it out there before me that's true that's true leaders got a lead mark I was doing it either way but um it's ever present uh the dolphins are good the ravens are great and you see it in a game like this and we'll see they're just a team that's better than the some of their parts like they're not a star team outside of lamar it really there's something there's something bigger going on here that they play really well together and it's just very solid every group is solid roquan smith is a star and you know who else is the star john harbaugh dancing in the locker room afterwards oh

yeah let's take a listen he's moving pretty good he does move well for a 60 year not great podcast content but I like the visual check it out on YouTube and it does it is a reminder because you know Mike Tomlin has been under fire and now Bill Belichick might be out of town a few years ago on this podcast we're saying oh I don't know what is John Harbaugh anymore yeah pair a good experience coach with a special quarterback it's funny how it kind of changes everyone's trajectories all right so the dolphins go down that opens the door for the bills.

If they can take care of business against the Patriots, they have a AFC East championship game next Sunday. Did they take care of business? Let's go to Orchard Park. Takes this snap. Looking to his left,

fires quickly, and it's picked off. Rasul Douglas at the 40 on his feet to the 30, to the 25, down to the 15, 10, 5, and into the end zone for the touchdown. Rasul Douglas,

The Playmaker does it again, this time for six. How about that trade for the Buffalo Bulls? Razul Douglas returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown that you just heard there from Chris Brown on the call. He also tipped the pass to cause a third turnover. The Patriots had four turnovers before you could blink in this game. And the bills inch closer to the playoffs with the 2721 win over the pats. And yes, they don't, they're not clinched in the playoffs yet. But like I said, they can get in with some help, even if they don't win next week against Miami.

And if they beat the Dolphins next week, I don't even need Greg for this. They do indeed steal the AFC East, which would be quite a turnaround. This is the second straight week, though, Mark, I must point out that Buffalo is pretty meh. But their opponent was a bit worse. The Patriots ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. And the bills really could not get anything. going on offense. Josh Allen had one of his worst games of the year,

perhaps his worst game of the year, and he exits the MVP conversation, but he does score twice from in close. So they do what they have to do in this game, but that's two straight weeks where they're not looking great, but they're winning, and that was stuff they weren't doing earlier in the year. It's so important that Razul Douglas has worked out the way that he has,

and it's incredible to me that the Green Bay Packers gave Buffalo a fifth rounder and Razul Douglas for a third rounder. I mean, it was like it's a pivotal trade for their defense. Guys like Ed Oliver have been playing some of their best football around two. And so they're not a shiny object on offense at the moment, but just take care of business and get it done next week. No chance Josh Allen is winning the MVP after a game where he said afterwards, I just did not throw the ball well.

Everything was just off. Two in a row, really. I mean, he got it together enough against the Chargers, but that's two in a row where he struggled. Yes, and not much to say about the Patriots other than Bailey Zappi had three interceptions by halftime. At one point, guys, the Bill's defense had more interceptions than Josh Allen had completion. I think he started 0 for 6, 0 for 7, and they had two interceptions at that point of the game. Yeah, and here's the thing, as bad as New England was playing on offense early on,

they stayed in the mix throughout this game because of Buffalo's struggles. So I had the ball with a chance to go take the lead in the fourth quarter. Not that, you know, you had the feeling that that was something that was going to happen. But the fact that they were even, there was a chance to do that just gives you the idea that Buffalo is living a little dangerousy these last two weeks and they got away with it. And now they now they have it all in front of them. After all of this, the ups and downs in this roller coaster, they can win that division, get a home game. And in a wide open year for the AFC outside of Baltimore, who knows what happened. after that.

Not just get a home game, but get the two seed. So the bills will either be the two seed or, you know, the six or seven or out of the playoffs entirely. The scenarios are kind of crazy for both of these teams, the dolphins, too. The bills are in, you know, they get the two seed with a win. The only way they can miss the playoffs is if they lose. And between the Jaguars and the Steelers. one of the two of them win, but not both because, or one of the two of them lose,

because if either one of those, like, if the Jaguars lose, the bills are in. If the Steelers lose, the bills are in. But if only one of them wins and one of them loses, the bills are going to be out. Because if both of them win and it's a three-way tie, the bills are still in. That part, you do need some tabulation. And they're probably that they're going to be the Sunday night game against Miami, you'd think. And so, well, they'll know what, they'll know what's, happening to them by then.

Buffalo is two for five in the red zone as well. So they got things to clean up and, you know, Miami's bounced back from adversity this season repeatedly. They're obviously coming off a lot of adversity this week. The bills play the like they've played the last couple weeks. Miami's going to win that division and then the bills just need to catch some breaks to even play

relevant football beyond next week. But you know what's crazy for the dolphins? Like if they beat the bills, most likely their reward will be playing the bills again. And if they lose, they're playing in Kansas City. which is like, I don't know which I would want. Of course you want a home game, but I don't know.

You know how it goes. You want to play an arrowhead in the playoffs. Okay, you're right. I guess you wouldn't want that. Having to play the bills twice in a row also does not sound. I'll give one depressing Pat's stat before we move on, that they are minus 10, Gregi, in terms of turnovers, 17 takeaways, 27 giveaways. They were at 17 straight years with a positive turnover differential.

That was like a calling card of this team. once again these things are all gone will Bill Belichick be gone they get the Jets next week they got a little break with the draft pick this week come on keep it going Von Miller healthy scratch in this game how about that just bent the Jets the team

that Belichick walked out on that would be poetic I wish you would walk back in on them anyway let's keep moving on let's head to Kansas City where the aforementioned Chiefs got another crack taking the division against the Bengals. Backing up.

The Bengals got to get to the 35 of Kansas City for a first round. Browning. Again, stepping up. He's throwing long down the right sideline. And the pass is going to be broken up, broken up, broken up. T. Higgins, the intended receiver, Shamari Connor, the rookie at a Virginia Tech dropping to knock it down at 107 to go in the game. And the Kansas City Chiefs are going to.

to win the a fc west for eight consecutive years that is second in national football league history only to the patriots of 2009 to 2019 that interest that's love there I like that well they that was history factual and next year they have a chance to erase your lovely patriots from the record book all right let's talk about this Mitch holtis with the call they're still not right the chiefs still can't really play a functional office. Can I mention, by the way, on that fourth and forever, they cut up to Taylor, which they haven't really done, because Travis Kelsey is like the 14th best tight end in the league this year.

Oh, stop it. He's literally a pro bowler, for sure. Okay, great. Pro Bowl, that's cool. You said 14th. He's like leads NFL tight ends in yards or something. He's the 11th best tight end this year. He didn't even have a catch in the first half today.

They cut to Taylor. She's going nuts. She knows what the stakes are. She's plugged in. That's good. Yeah. But Harrison Butker was the star, not Travis, not the boyfriend, because he went six for six on field goals.

And the Chiefs hold the Bengals scoreless in their last seven possessions that take care of business, 2517. They clinch that eighth straight AF West, AFC West title. So Greg, they do take care of business. They will be going to the postseason. They will be playing at Arrowhead in week in the playoffs. But otherwise, still a lot of questions around. team. But the defense, the defense has been the one constant this year. Yeah, and they will be the

three seed, no matter what happens next week, they're number three. I thought this was an encouraging game for the chiefs. I thought this was sort of an old school chiefs game, at least reformatted for the reality of what this offense is. Thank you for that. Okay. But what I mean by that is they're down 177 in a big game. Browning was playing fantastic. Really, really making good plays. Even when things weren't open, creating. They come back, outscore the Bengals 18 to nothing the rest of the way. The second half felt like a real experienced championship type response. They win 12-0.

Granted, it's all field goals, but they scored basically every possession. Mahomes taking what the defense is giving them. They outgain them 210 to 80. It just felt like they really needed at that moment in time to kind of dominate. And they did. and the Bengals seemed very up for this game. And it was mostly the defense. You're right, 14 quarterback hits.

The defense who started off this game slow just got after it, especially on the interior, Chris Jones and everyone else, just making Browning's life hell. But that sort of formula, Patrick Mahomes, who I thought out of a nice game today, playing mistake-free football and a really great defense. Like, you can't tell me that doesn't have a chance. So if they could somehow take this and kind of build on it next week

or at least build on it in the playoffs, I think they'd have a chance. Yeah, on a day where Travis Kelsey was largely a non-factor, what was different for me about this Chief's offense was explosive plays. Justin Watson had the 41-yard catch and run. Rishie Rice had a 67-yarder, also a 24-yarder. This has been absent from their offense in general. So that's hopeful.

I mean, the Bengals. Pacheco 130 on the ground, too. I think he is running so well. He kept them alive in the first half. Yeah, I mean, he really is an anchor for them. The Bengals had the ball for 21 plus minutes in the first half. And you're right, I think lost in this defeat is that Browning had some excellent throws. He did some stuff, you know, improvisational, ran well with his feet a couple times when they needed him to.

And it kind of just gets swept away. But this was the Browning that gave you hope that if they had made the playoffs, they'd have a chance to compete. They are eliminated. Yeah, but a half time in this game, I was like, wow, the Bengals. Got a real chance here to win this game and maybe make the playoffs. But I think they're up 17 at one point. Yeah. And it really did feel like they were going to find a way.

But then the offense just totally disappeared. It is obviously the post-mortem on the Cincinnati season begins and ends with Joe Burroughs injury. And the way this, he gets injured in camp, he's slow to get going. Then he finally does. And then the wrist injury. And although they did, you know, fight back. and get back into the playoff mix. It's really their defense that you have to keep an eye on in the offseason

what they're going to do. Captain Lou Anorumo is he's going to be back, you imagine, unless he gets a job, a head coaching job. But they allowed, they have allowed the most 20 plus yard plays of any defense in the league this year.

So it's not just about Burroughs injury this year. They got to get better. And Cincinnati had six of those plays. Totally 225 yards. They really have been dominated up. front on defense too and I think that that's where the rebuild starts kind of on offense too on both sides they their offensive line is what killed Browning today he had he had no chance in the second half Higgins was in and out of that game might we'll see if

he gets the franchise tag ends up with one catch chase comes back but ends up only three catches so I guess I'm Lerius need got the last laugh there after chase talks I do come out of this season though thinking a lot differently about Zach Taylor like I think he like with what he did with Jake Browning was important and they came close to winning this game today and it would have been a huge victory. I feel like some of the shine came up these last two weeks but I know I agree

with you. I think he's a good coach but they got to get better and I listen you got plenty of time to talk about this but the chiefs have a lot of potential nobody believes in us juice going into the playoffs for all the doubting they are an experienced team with a very good defense

with Patrick Mahomes. Can they win a bunch of low scoring games? And At least a couple. Yeah, of course they can. So they're not dead. It just feels like, because even in this game, even we're just saying all these positive things, all these 20 plus yard plays,

how many times did they not only get bogged down in the red zone? Some of like the, okay, third and four, you know, at the eight yard line and like these terrible checkdown. I remember Mahomes throwing, getting pressured time and time again, they were sending out the kicker

instead of finishing off drives. That's been the story earlier year. Three for 12 on third down. There was a moment in this game where Charles Menehue and Willie Gay were shouting at each other on the sideline. MVS had one of the worst drops you're going to see all season.

It's terrible. You've got to just like, you've got to clean that stuff up. Like that it was behind them. Yeah, that was when it was feeling like it might be falling apart. But through no, you know, through nothing more than just luck,

they're going to get the by week that they always get. Because there's no, they're getting the three seed regardless. It's just random that they can't move up. You can't move down. And so they can't rest some people. I would think they absolutely would. Is it an episode of Restop?

I mean, if you want it to be. I don't think so. Isn't Restop looking in the real? I don't know. You're the one that created. I say this isn't a rest up, but it's a nice little break for the bonus for them that I think they'll rest up for the plan.

You're a franchise. It is. You started it. And you can have spinoffs and it can go in different direction. It's like a universe. It's the Restop universe. Okay, so it goes on a lot of different directions. Exciting.

All right. Let's head. Next. Okay, let's start talking about the AFC South, which is very, very funky to Jacksonville. Trips to the left, one receiver right and a shotgun for C.J. Bethard tossed to the right to Travis E. T.N. Got a little bit of a block 40, 45, pull on the right sideline, 40, 35, 30, 25, Travis Eton still on his feet. Travis T. T.N. T. T. T.N. T. T. An explosive run in the first touchdown of the game for the Jagu. Hmm. Jags needed this one. Travis E.N. scored twice, including that run, the longest of his NFL career. The Jack's end of four-game losing streak. Shutting out the Moribund. Panthers. 26, nothing. A lot of people upset and frustrated after this game. Found the Panthers. Correct. Clearly me. I picked them to win. Worst pick I made all year. What are you doing? You hate the Jaguar so much, and it's clouding you.

What? What? What? First time I picked the Panthers all season. Greg, they went 0 and 9 on the road this year. I don't know. They would be playing better. CJ Bethard was starting. They got work today. Anyway, yes, Greg, the Jags, they win for the first time in December. And with Trevor Lawrence on the sideline.

C.J. Bethard was good. 17 for 24-17. I mean, he just was the point guard that you would hope he would be, not make any big mistakes. And their defense was dominant. Josh Allen of the Jaguars is up to 16. and a half sacks. Wow.

Three sacks, four quarterback hits. He's not a crazy DPOI candidate. Like, there's no one really jumping up and saying it has to be me. I think it's going to be Garrett. But I think Alan might be number two on my list. Maybe it's Parsons. I turned off that Thursday night game

midway through the second quarter. Did Garrett have a sack? He did get a sack. He had been on a slump in that category, which has opened the door. Yes. Just an awesome dominant performance by the Jaguars. no was against the Panthers, but hey, the Panthers has been playing better the last few weeks,

317 yards, so only 124 for the Panthers. There was a six-drive stretch where the Panthers had negative yardage over those six-striads. It's the-it-looked like the worst of the worst Panthers game. It's the fewest amount of yards they've had in a game since 2010. And I ended up watching, you know, I drafted this partly because I picked the, what a stupid. Don't stop bringing it up, Greg. Like, you're supposed to be our smart football guy. Hey, we're trying to protect you right now, Greg.

I'm still ahead in the game debut standings here that this count towards. So still be in Cynthia's model. We can't be. We're going to edit this all out of the show. Yes, absolutely. Greg absolutely did not pick the Panthers. Let's set it up actually. Greg, well, just like you picked, the Jaguars, they take care of business.

Eat it, Cynthia's model. Some people were thinking the Panthers could have a chance in this game. No, 112 yards. for Bryce Young. He had no hope whatsoever. Just getting steamrolled. It was tough to watch. They clinched the number one pick for the Bears, though.

So that's even more bad news for the Panthers. Congratulations to the Bears. The seven-first downs, the second fewest in the history of the Panthers. There's no good news around the Panthers. There's nothing to talk about that's good. First shutout they've had, which is, this is almost impressive since 2002. So they have not been shut out for 21 years. There's nothing to say about Bryce.

song at this point. It's just like... Well, he had been trending up, so that's why I was like, okay, but this was bad. Good job by the Jags. I really mean it. Backup quarterback. You win 26-0 in your home field, and if all they got to do now is win next week against the Titans and they win the AFC South.

It was a big time game for them on a four-game losing. Oh, yeah. I know. That's why you got to pick the checks. I know. It's so stupid. And yes, this is the moment where I love to kick into one of my other favorite spin-off shows within the show. But I can't we can't but we might be able to a little later in the week let's hope so you guys get

what i'm saying all right let's move on let's keep rolling the a fc south like i said it's funky let's head to indianapolis two receivers left including a tight end guard make that kylan grants in the left side play action minchew feeling pressure taking a shot down feel for alec pierce he's got it yards after the catch the 10 angling right for the five and he's at the play line touch touchdown. It's a 42-yard strike above the Gardner Minchu to Alec Pierce. Touchdown for the Colts. It's 13 to 3. I like to keep that garland up at Lucas Oil Stadium. Now, when do you take down the Christmas decorations?

Some would say they should already be done. I like to keep them up about a week after New Year's. Like next weekend, Zuster is going to be a lot of the last. I've thought about this. And now, granted, I'm sadly by myself during the holidays at this point, so maybe it changes it. But I think tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow. New Year's Day itself.

I feel like a day of rest and collegiate football. Okay, then maybe the next day. But like, I think. You have a Christmas tree, Greg. Yeah. And so tomorrow you're just going to shred it and take it down and throw it in the backyard? Well, it's fake. But, yeah, I think I'll take it down, take it down.

It's time. Very nice. Maybe Tuesday. Very masculine. taken down that tree. I mean, it's a plastic tree. Matt Taylor with the call, Jonathan Taylor, rushed for 96 yards. That's the highest total he's had all year.

Yikes. And Gardner Mienchew hits that 58-yard TD to Pierce on third and one. The Colts get it done, putting away the Antonio Pierce Raiders, 23 to 20. So here we are, Gregi. Indy will enter next week's AFC South Showdown against Houston on a three-game home-winning streak. they are also tied at 9 and 7 with 1 to go. Right. And there are the 7 seed in the AFC as we head for the final week.

Pretty amazing story that, you know, barring a tie, you know, they can win an in. Now, whether they're in as the division champ or the wild card, we'll have to find out. But that's exciting. And that highlight we heard was a freaking awesome throw. I mean, the blitz worked. It gets total pressure on Minshu on the 3rd and 1, a gun. gutsy call, and he sort of backpedals as he's about to get hit and lays it out there for a 58-yarder. I think of that play.

And then one other play, there was a fourth and two where, again, Max Crosby wins his battle immediately in his right in Minchu's lap. It was a very bold call for Stikin to go for it on this fourth and two. It was a three-point game at the time. And Minchu hits a dime over the middle to keep the drive going. I think that one was to Pittman. end up scoring a touchdown there. And there wasn't a ton separating these two teams,

but if you get this mistake-free Minchu with a couple really nice throws, I thought it was one of his best performances. And as you mentioned, Dan, Jonathan Taylor kept the chains moving for the most part.

Taylor's been really good lately. And like, I guess if you get the mistake-free version of Minchew and a play like this from Josh Downs, from Alex Pierce, from Michael Pipping us, I don't love their group of wide-outs,

but that's a, when they're operating, Well, that's a pretty solid group. Michael Pittman's the first cult's receiver. Do I have 100 plus catches in a season since Reggie Wayne about a million years ago? So there's something to work with there. And I'm more, I think Shane Stuyken is still a strong coach of the year candidate. Because this is not a star-studded offense, but he's found a way to keep them.

Or defense for that. Right. But they've scored like 20 plus and like many, many weeks in a row. And it's like they've been consistent. They were in control of this game. It was 14-3 when that Pierce touchdown happened. And they never really let the Raiders have a chance. chance. They got a very late touchdown

and failed on. Devante, Adams blew up today. Good. Oh, and the fantasy championship. If you struggled throughout the season but somehow on a down Devante year got to the finals today and then he played like true Devante. 13 for 126.

That's nice. Good for you guys. 21 targets. Was he in O'Connell's ear all week? Didn't he have like four yards last week or something? Maybe he was like, just throw me the ball, man. AOC was a little erratic, but look, he ended up with 299 and 2. That surprises me.

And if I was Antonio Pierce, I would have been knocking on Mark Davis's door every day for a week until this game, trying to get that intern label ripped off. Now you got a win next week against the Broncos or it don't look so hot anymore. He's 4 and 4

but the defense wasn't as good today and more importantly for me, because I'm a dork, he was ridiculously conservative with some brutal punting decisions. They punted not once, not twice, not three times, four times in Colts territory, three in the second half. One of them he was bailed out because he got a penalty on the punt. So people were like, oh, yeah, well, they worked out that time. You're punted on fourth and two,

down 10. You need to go to the playoffs in like the fourth quarter. What are we doing? They're eliminated now, right? They are eliminated. There you go. They gone. I think just like with quarterbacks, because it happens every year, we try not to get sucked in by the last few games. quarterbacks same thing with an interim coach but who knows we'll see all right let's take a break and when we get back we'll finish up this a fc south maze and uh get nick shook in the building how about that that sounds good 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 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. I'm Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael Fiorio, and together we host the NFL fantasy football podcast. Ready to dominate your fantasy league this season? Then you need the NFL fantasy football podcast,

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, 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. Welcome back.

The New Year's Eve special around the NFL. Big plans, anybody, for tonight? Mark, you're going to the hospital. How about everybody else? I don't think so. Greggy? Can I come over? You know?

Sure. We always welcome. Well, you can't, Mark. You got to put you in a bubble. Sure, next year. All right. Let's welcome in a man that I know has big plans. Nick shook the pipe.

What's up, bud? I don't know if I have big plans. I got small plans, but thanks for having me on, guys. Happy New Year. Yeah, happy New Year to you. Hours before 2024 is your fiancé, are you guys back in the same state? I know she's a recent graduate and she's going to be a major earner for you

allowing you to pursue your sports career even greater. I mean, she's not a racehorse here. I mean, let's, what's going on? Two-year-old Philly here that's just going to go win your millions. So I could just go screw around right about football for years. She's a doctor, right? Yeah, she has earned her doctorate of physical therapy. Oh, yeah.

That's a good December. I got a buddy. That's a money. Take her. Shout out Mike Evangelist. She's prepping for the NPTE now, which is a massive test that she's very stressed about. You could just take your foot off the gas financially. I was going to say.

Yeah. Mike Evangelist in New Jersey, JAG physical therapy, big earners over there. Good job, Chuck. Well done. All right. That's it for around the NFL. All right, Nick, let's get into the games. It's time now for Sunday Drive presented by the first ever Toyota Grand Highlander.

Yes, I teased it. Well, stay in the AFC South. It is funky. Here's a pistol set with Henry behind Levis. First down Titans at their 25-yard line. Levis fakes to give to Henry in the pocket. Here comes Jerry Hughes to bury the quarterback. Ball out.

And here comes a score for the Houston Texans as Rankins runs it in. Scoop, score. How about that? Oh, man, there's the call Mark Vanderier. Shook, you are the official, like, Madden correspondent for NFL media. That was like when you come around the edge and you, want a hit stick or you want to square and hit him, but instead you just run into the guy. That's what it looked like as Sheldon Rankin scooped up the fumble after the sack, took it to

the house, and C.J. Stroud made a victorious return in the Texans 263 win over the last place, Titans. Three nine and seven teams and the buried Titans. That is the AFC South one week to play. Shooky, tell us about it. Yeah, I had something similar to happen to my Madden game a couple nights ago, except they got the pass off because it's a video game. But, yeah, three, nine, and seven teams. This is not how we saw the AFC South panning out, maybe even as much as a couple months ago. And yet here we are. The Texans get a big win.

CJ Stroud's return added a massive boost to their offense that was sorely needed. They look like a competent football team again. It's crazy how a quarterback can do that for a team. The story, of course, that defensive touchdown, look at the time stamp on that. That's 10 minutes to go in the second quarter, and they're already running away with it. They could have stopped playing right there because the Titans were never going to bring anything to the field that was much of a threat. Will Levis got knocked out on that play. Ryan Tanhill came in and played a solid game, but these Titans are just a punchless offense

right now. And big day for Will Anderson, two sacks. He's now set the Texans franchise rookie sack record with seven sacks this season, which is surprisingly low, considering this is a team that's been a top pick on Genevian Clowney. But here we are. And it's going to be a really interesting final week in the division. I'm very excited to see the Texans get back on track. I was worried we were about to lose them there. It's so, um, CJ Stroud and what he's done this season makes them so appealing, like Will Anderson on defense. And it's kind of crazy to see where these two teams are compared to where they were a couple years ago. Mike Rabel, very good coach, no doubt about it, but they are in their lack,

dating back to last season, five and 18. And I don't see a lot of player development. You're probably done with Derek Henry after this season. You've got issues at quarterback, and they're getting dominated up on both sides of the line, and especially on offense. So this Texans team, is exciting to me because of the young players that have grown before our eyes. I was wondering how did Stroud look in this game, Nick, because this season just feels like such a win for them. We've almost now gotten so used to it

that it's not as shocking that they won nine. They're nine and seven. They want to combine six the last two seasons or whatever, even less the last three seasons. It's insane. And all these rookies playing well. But did Stroud kind of look like earlier season Stroud? Because that's a big game, Colts, Texans,

likely for a playoff spot next week. Yeah, what it was was the big play was missing, but everything underneath was there. Stroud was the typically accurate quarterback, you know, navigating the pocketwell had a little tiny bit of rust, but shook it off. It was not a big deal with him.

He looked comfortable. It looked like the time away. You know, they gave him enough time to come back out of the concussion protocol and be back to form. And they received a huge boost from him being out there. I mean, they're night and day different with him on and off the field.

And so I feel very confident going in the last week of the season. Sorry about that. By the way, I shouldn't say likely. I just throwing in the possibility of a tie. But as long as one team wins, they're going into the playoffs. We are tieless this year. But yeah, it's an exciting moment for the Texans franchise. Because you talk about Demico Ryans and where they are right now. He was a front runner for coach of the year.

And some other coaches have maybe surpassed him or gotten into the conversation and made it more complicated. But, I mean, if they finished off a playoff run, all things considered where they were the last couple of years and where they are now, I'd have a really hard time not picking him for that. I don't have a vote, but if I did, hypothetically, I would. A lot of good options. As long as Stroud gets out of, even if things don't work out next week,

if he gets out of the season, healthy, this is a huge win for the organization after some down years and all the Watson drama and everything. They are going in the right direction. That was the Sunday Drive presented by Toyota. Let's go places. Learn more at Toyota.com slash Grand Highlander. Shook, you were also on the Chargers Broncos tilt.

Let's get into that. Stidham's in the gun. Burton, the fullback, too, he's right for protection sake. Six-man rush. Stidham, climbs the pocket, throws on the run, pass, caught, strike thrown. That is Lil Jordan. Oh, yeah, you spit him. Get Lil Jordan.

Get Lil Jordan. Get a little Jordan. Go, Lil Jordan. Lil Jordan. Hell yeah. 54 yards. That's our dude. Stim to Lil Jordan Humphrey.

That's our best. friend. Who was big Jordan Humphrey on that catch and run. Oh, Dave Logan with the call. Jared Stidham, not Russell Wilson, threw for 224 yards. And that touchdown to, as I said, best friend of the show, Lil Jordan Humphrey. And the Broncos take care of the visage of a team known as the Chargers 16 to 9 shook. The biggest storyline here was obviously the QB switch for Denver, how did it, did him look and how many shots to Russell Wilson did we see on the sideline?

Like, what was the vibe there? A lot. And for some reason, Russ decided it was appropriate to wear his helmet on the sideline the entire game, which I thought was strange. No way. Yes, he did. Really? Well, he was active as the backup. No, but that doesn't matter. No one wears a helmet

when they're active. He did. I promise you. I bet you hide from the world when, you know, you've been terminated essentially, but you're still there. It's almost like a passive aggressive or it's just very strange. Yeah, that's exactly what I was.

Can someone explain to me and I don't want to, who cares, but if the whole thing was we don't want to risk the injury messing with the guaranteed money, how is he active and the backup behind Stidham? Was he going to go on this game of Stidham broke his leg? Yes. That part of it. That part of it is super illogical. Well, because I don't think it was.

Go away, Broncos. Go away. Because I truly believe it was both. That was a big bonus. but I think at this point they knew they were probably out of the playoffs they won this game and they are out of the playoffs so they were right about that

and they wanted to see Stidham who they thought might be better or just different and wanted to see it and the money but they like weren't going to go too crazy and make them the third quarterback you know just I mean that's if you really want to at least be consistent in your messaging and the overall

comprehensive plan of the team he doesn't sniff the field the rest of it was it was a very Russell Wilson like stat line And like not special, but good enough, kept them moving. Was that what it was that what it looked like? Pretty much. I think Russ might have turned the ball over one or two times if he'd been on the field. But otherwise, it was pretty much that.

I mean, Stidum looked like a guy who hadn't played since the end of last season, but still had the abilities that I would go so far as to say seduced a coach and do you do believing that he should play in the starting lineup and be a starting quarterback for the final two weeks. I don't know what it is. Does he wear a special cologne that just convinces his coach that with two weeks left in the regular season? Fahrenheit.

He's suddenly the guy. I mean, two years. years in a row. And this time around, I mean, they won the game, unlike last year when he played for the Raiders, but it wasn't super impressive. That highlight that you guys just ran, that was the best play of the game. And it was largely done by little Jordan Humphrey. But he did enough. He missed some guys. His accuracy was not on point for most of the game. They missed some opportunities as a result. But again, they're playing the Chargers whose offense is only decent between the 20s. So they had some room for error. And they got the job done. I'm not going to lean on the win as the

defining metric here, but for a guy who just came in after not playing all season, it's fine. We'll go with it. Sure. Sure. Why not? Um, they only needed the Bengals or the Seahawks to win in those late games, by the way, to stay alive for next week, which you would have thought they would have one of them. I cannot think of a team. And they did not. They did not get one of those two results that they needed to stay alive. I could tell you something. Um, Fahrenheit Cologne. I might not have done very well with women in high school. but I smelled great

and I wish Fahrenheit was still in vogue in the Cologne game because I would have never stopped wearing it that is the best smelling stuff in the world what was your go-to Cologne I wore um Dracar Oh Draccar oh yeah that's that's very It was the only one I even knew about 100% back then your sex

How about you shook? Honestly I still like to use a little bit from time to time But back in the day is probably Chanel blue That was my big go-to I like that a little bit of YSL And then I got to tell you guys This story since we started with this This is how I'm going to get out of here with this

Bridget decides to order some stuff from Nordstrom And they accidentally throw in a bottle of Cologne That's worth $400 and we got it for free Wait, that's what I'm using now They accidentally threw it in It was not in the order She was not charged for it and there it was And it's a big old bottle

And I looked it up and I was like that is worth a lot I would not spend that money on Cologne Found money Damn you smell like money he's already earning for us there you go I'm telling you you got the doctor you're all set up shook buddy as 2023 comes to

a close we thank you for all your great work but you're not going to get rid of us that easy we'll see in 2024 as well yeah hopefully 2024 maybe 2025 no day tomorrow's not guaranteed as Kyle Shanahan once said we can all be dead but I'm happy to still be alive and here

on the pod with you guys we'll try to give you a better game next week in 2024 too sorry about that I'm not counting on it all right chuk thank you buddy all right let us keep moving and yeah let's now get in in earnest let's get into the

nfc side of things and let us start with an incredible finish incredibly frustrating if you're on the Detroit side of things to gerro world where the cowboys and lions went at it to the very end the lions are running out of two-point plays

Brad and they haven't even got it in the head zone yet they're going from the four yard line for two snapped a golf looking throwing it to the left it is dropped by the tight end Mitchell

and the Cowboys are going to have a one point lead in the ball that's one of the craziest endings you will ever see yeah

Brad Shamman oh yeah God yeah and I guess the tight end dropped it but it was not a good pass by Jared Goff either but in the defense

if everyone connected with the lines offense they kind of had a two point conversion and the lead taken from him but the officials made the ruling that reverberated through pro football that it was an illegal substitution or legal touching wiped away the two-point effort and a third two-point try from the Lions did not go so the Cowboys hold on 20 to 19 a huge win for the Cowboys after what happens Mark 24 hours

later with the Eagles losing, we'll get to that. But Cowboys got away with one here. Don't want to put it all on that play, but we should start there because the play involving Taylor Decker that gets waved off is something that is going to stick in the craw of Lions fans. I mean, to have to be at this point in the season and come out of this game with this is the talking point

because the officiating in general, globally league-wide has been a problem. And this just feels about as unjust of an ending. And frankly, like, completely changes, obviously, the NFC playoff picture. And it changes everything that the Lions hope to accomplish in many ways. Like, and it was an inexcusable mistake.

The one thing that I... Not that the league owned up to it or anything. They stand by their story that they... was not properly handled by Detroit. Right. which is refuted broadly by the team that they did check the boxes, but the NFL has not come out and said they made a mistake.

So all of us, though, who watched the game, it's pretty clear. And I think the thing that we kind of learned, I don't think an average fan would know this, and sometimes, you know, just covering the game, that if you're Dan Campbell, one of the reasons that he was absolutely furious and beside himself was that you spend time

before these games with officials, like literally in person with like a grease board, showing them ahead of time so that they understand what you're doing like if you're going to run a fake punt like they did you tell them about that ahead of time and to play like this here's our alignment here's who's going to be doing what

so it wasn't like you're catching the officials off guard they knew this was coming they knew this was coming and I think that's one reason that Dan Campbell it's not just you know a regular officiating mistake it's like this was specifically laid out to the officials on who was going to be doing what and then this happened and there's no reversal of it there's no chance to make it right Yeah, you saw the same thing last week with a, you know, that led to Jair Alexander being suspended,

where he made the mistake and he wasn't the captain and then he made the wrong call. And the only reason that didn't read the Green Bay was because a bearded boy had spoke to the officials ahead of that coin toss. This stuff happens all the time. I watched a clip on the sideline. It was an NFL films clip of Kyle Shanahan telling the sideline official. hey, I think it was Kittle. Kittal's going to run this route and then this linebacker's going to grab him, watch.

And then that's exactly how it played out. And then they called defensive holding. Like there is this conversation that's happening that apparently, if the lines are to be believed, was disregarded and it cost them a game. I think after hearing everything and it was fascinating and also boring because it's just these procedural rules. It's like a game shouldn't be decided like that.

I almost thought like, wow, I'm almost surprised this doesn't happen more often because it's all happening in the heat of the moment. And it seems very clear after hearing what the lion said afterwards, after watching the videos, after seeing everything that happened, it seems very clear what happened. And ultimately it was like there's two guys that are six foot seven and above, white guys, Taylor Decker and Dan Skipper. One of them's not usually in the game. That's skipper. That's usually the guy who does check in and is the guy on the outside, an extra lineman. And he just got those two guys confused because Decker pretty clearly, and there's every reason to believe them, went over and tried to tell him while our buddy Brad Allen,

who's been in the firing circle all season. Adam Schuster wrote a whole freaking article about how Brad Allen's officiating crew was under a lot of heat because they keep messing up calls, including some PI calls in a Saints Falcons game. He wrote that article weeks ago. He was the Green Bay Kansas City game too. Right. So, and he just, I think he just had a moment where he totally got confused, which guy was which, and that cost them that two-point conversion,

which really sucks because that's part of the reason why that play was so cool was they were kind of playing with Dallas of like normally it's going to be Skipper, but now we're going to put Decker over there and it freaking worked. All right. Let's listen to this. Stan Campbell did a very nice job here, avoiding being fined while also letting everyone in the world know he's royally pissed about the way that game ended. Two people can't report. I don't want to talk about it, all right?

I explain everything pregame to a T. Okay, I did that. 70 reported, 58 didn't, or 68 didn't, we threw it to 68. That was the explanation. What would you be? Would you be frustrated right now? I mean, is it on the call? Is it on the execution? Is it, you know, what is it? I don't like losing, Dave. And that's what happened. We lost.

And that bothers me, you know, it bothers me. I don't like having an L. So that's the frustration. And you know what? The thing about Camel and why you love him so much is he was going for two no matter what. Now, you could say he's already clinched the division. He's got the home game. There wasn't really a clear path to getting the number one seed. but still it's just so in his DNA and it's the whole team that they were going for two even when it was backed up to the seven yard line briefly

they were going for two and the fact to be able then have the onions that you carry in a wheelbarrow to then get it done and have it taken away on a technicality that was wrong that's a bummer but it does the other side of this is the Cowboys One and I want to say and it should be said for the second straight week in big time

money pressure situations. Dak Prescott led his offense to a big score. This time it was a touchdown drive to put them ahead in the final minutes. Now, Greg, you could say, geez, that's two straight weeks. The Dallas defense had a chance to close out a game and failed. And that's very true as well. But at the end of the day, Dallas is set up here to get a home game and get that two seed. Right.

I wish Goff had hit that throw. That was a bad throw by Goff. That was their fourth two-point conversion attempt, essentially, because the Cowboys had taken a timeout right as they were about to run the first one. And then I was so impressed that that's when they threw the trick playout. So that wasn't even going to be their play, but they switched it up.

So I wish Goff had hit that throw to the tight end, so he wouldn't have this whole conversation. But that doesn't take away what happened in the first 58 minutes and in that drive that you're talking about. You're absolutely right. I think the Cowboys, for the most part, offensively, did a lot of good things in this game. I thought DAC played as well as you could have humanly played

for a guy who did throw an interception, which was his fault, and they only scored 20 against the lions. Otherwise, he had money throw after money throw against pressure. The 92-yarder to lamb was just magical. A bunch of other really good decisions when guys were getting after him. And you mentioned it, yes, getting that touchdown drive, or getting the lead with that touchdown drive to Cooks. That said, that game never should have even been in that position

because Mike McCarthy went crazy. I don't know what's going on Mike. Zaddy was on another planet. Right. Jared Guff, it was a fascinating game and we'll spend like 30 minutes talking about it on NFL Plus. Check us out on Tuesday. But Gough had a good game until he threw an interception

with just over two minutes to go that felt like it ended the game. But Zaddy throws three straight passes, is including one where DAC throws it deep and out of bounds. They hit two of them to get a shorter field goal. I should mention that, but like it's kind of crazy because the Lions would have had less than a minute to go

and no timeouts needing a touchdown. If Zaddy just calls a run there, but instead they have 140 and they get all the way back in that position to set up the madness. Yeah, I mean... Zaddy, stop it. I'm so seriously. Please stop it.

It was a little much. Mike, come back to us. McCarthy has been known for this for years and years. Well, he's so unpredictable. You're right. I mean, he's got to, like, at some point, you've got to take a, he took that sojour in year, and, like,

he could have spent some time on the time management thing. He's done a great job this season, but that's what worries me about Dallas. When they get into the playoffs, it's like they've had meltdowns two years in a row in the playoffs where they couldn't have looked more disorganized. And I get it, like C.D. Lamb had the game of his life last night, and there's a lot to like.

13 for 2.20. I mean, that is insane, but it's like they shouldn't have won this game. Like, I came away very, I'm like, interesting. Pretty fired up about like the way that we're just no accountability with the They did, though. They did win the game. And I thought they played well.

Yeah, it wasn't like they played poorly. They did catch a big break. But it should also be said that even if that place stands, Dallas does go back out of the field and DAC goes back on the field with an opportunity to kick a field goal. And you have the best kicker in the world this year on your team. So 23. seconds. They had a time out. You're right.

We'll never know. I share but I get the frustration. I really do. I get the frustration of it all. I actually the Zaddy throwing the ball over and over again basically shocked Troy and Joe into silence. Right. And it also

it made me think it was kind of like did he know the score? Like it made me think like does Mike know what's going on right now? So I don't know listen, you know I'm a Zaddy fan. I like an unpredictable Zaddy. So you throw him in, he's a wild card, but the Cowboys might not be a wild card. They might be a champion.

I don't, I'm with you, Dan, I mean, Mark, that I don't trust him in the end in a close crazy game like this, but he did a lot of good things. I swear even going into the final two minutes, like before Goff through that interception that really set up how it ended, I was thinking, man, this is one of the best games of the year. It's two good teams. They're going back and forth. The Dallas defense actually had a lot of good moments on their run defense.

where they got a ton of tackles for loss. Goff fought back with that beautiful throw to Jameson Williams. It was like one of the best throws I saw all year was it was back and forth. And I thought both teams like look good before that moment and that the Cowboys would have been a deserving winner. And then just everything kind of hit the fan. It should be said that yes, Gough threw the big interception and McCarthy kind of bailed him out a little bit. And if he does hit his tight end in strider, James Mitchell, that's a good. two-point conversion. So he throws the ball low. It's not caught. But if he hits him in

stride, the way he 90, if he throws that ball a hundred times, 98 times, I think it's right on the money. It was a little low in a big spot. And that, and that was the difference. And he took, he took ownership. I was, I'm always impressed by golf how he talks to the media, but he set the perfect tone, I thought, like, where he mentioned everything they did wrong, but also very pointedly pointed out how much the refs did wrong to. Um, All right, one last thing on this game. I don't know. Speaking of like, what's going on. Jimmy Johnson only got into the ring of honor for the Dallas Cowboys yesterday, December 30th, 2000, and 23.

Like a quarter century after he was the most successful head coach of his era. Here he is, his final words, during the halftime ceremony, the guy still got the juice. Because all of you. it's what makes this game so great thank you thank you thank you and I just got one more thing to say do it

do it how about him with Irvin like fainting in the background I love him I love him I love that moment like that's what it's all about it almost made it sure he wouldn't have wanted to wait it but you could tell he he savored the hell out of that yeah and uh and they now have a chance to win the division because of what happened in philadelphia seven seconds left ball at the philly 49 cardinals up 35 31 maybe the final play hurts backing up to throw four seconds left two this will be the final play hurts takes a shot deep

middle of the end zone and it is intercepted in the back of the end zone it's picked by blunt and the Arizona Cardinals give Jonathan Gannon a signature victory in his first season with the redbirds happy new year Arizona Dave Fash and Ron Wolfley my God you hear pin drop at the link after that Hail Mary Heave fails. And you know, you could say Jonathan Gannon deserves bongos because that former Eagles defensive coordinator stunned his old team and may have terminally fouled up the Eagles Super Bowl hopes. James Conner ran for a two-yard touchdown with 32 seconds to play.

And then the Arizona defense holds coming back from 15 down. The Cardinals do to stun the Eagles 3531 mark. The Eagles entered December at 9 and 1. It's been a long December, quote Durrance. They exit it. They use a cesslerism, floating trash bag. Man, they looked like it today on defense, too. They gave up 29 points in the second half.

I mean, come on, guys. The most points that the Eagles have allowed in the second half in a decade. What? What? Since they've made this sort of chaotic, bizarre switch to Matt Patricia, they have allowed 17 plus in the second half and three straight games. This is a year ago. Wait, so Matt Patricia didn't fix their defense?

You did not fix it. What? They, you know, we've seen the Arizona Cardinals on the ground especially. What? What? Do this. They ran well against the Niners. They beat up Philly today.

They had an elongated, stretched out drives. a flood of scoring drives of like 10 plus plays. Kyle Kyler Murray looked fantastic. James Connor ran the ball so well and it was just kind of impressive to see and I think that part of me was like wondering

Jonathan Gannon knows a lot of these players. He knows this defense and did that help? It's like I don't know. In this case, it was just Arizona beating them down and mistakes on offense for Philadelphia. It's the most rushing yards they've given up all year. It looked like it.

It was just an impressive performance. And, you know, early on in the game, Philly looked like they could catch fire a little bit. Sydney Brown had an incredible 98-yard pick six. Sydney Brown is the player that they ended up drafting because of the draft pick they got because Arizona

tampered with Jonathan Gannon. So I was like, that's pretty spicy. That feels pretty poetic. But then Arizona just took control. And I think it kind of, for me, sealed it like Kyla Murray's going to stick around. Like, there's a plan here. And, like, I think they're well-coached.

The record doesn't reflect it, but they're a well-coached team. It is outrageous, the numbers and just, you know, I'm looking forward to watching this one later in the week. But they scored Arizona on six. They only had seven real possessions in this game. That's as low as it gets. So they got 32 first downs. That's outrageous. 449 yards and six scores.

So they scored six times. on seven possessions, including those four touchdowns in the second half. The only time they were stopped the whole game was that interception. And even that play, the receiver was open and it was like a miscommunication where Kyler thinks he's going one way and the receiver, it's a young receiver. Who knows who messed up on it goes the other way. It's like, yeah, he caught it and he runs down the field. But they didn't even, they truly didn't make a stop all game.

And as much as Hertz has struggled and relatively to where he was last year and they're not like an amazing offense. The story for them is, how do they have the worst defense in league right now? What happened to the front seven? Right. Like with the money they haven't invested, it makes no sense. One other note, Devanta Smith left the stadium

on crutches. And the game ended with like, you know, A.J. Brown looking super frustrated again, Devante Smith limping off and me wondering what the future of the Eagles is right now. When they took the lead, because they had the, Jake Elliott kicked a field goal 31, 28. They had given up a 21 to 6 lead, but they

taken the lead again, it's two minutes to go. You figure, okay, now the Eagles are going to win. I was like, just thinking, like, has there ever been a less happy, like, 12 and 4 team? But now it's, has there ever been a less happy 11 and 5 team? They're the first team in 35 years. Talked about that last week. Right, to start 10 and 1 and lose five games. So it's basically unprecedented to start 10 and 1 and end up with five losses.

And you hate to see it, Nick Siriani, such a humble guy. Oh, stop. Be going through these struggles. and perhaps being exposed without a better coaching staff. It just, you hate to see it. Also, is it a little curse of Dom in play here? Ooh. A little curse of Dom?

It's been a disaster since that happened since they, you know, put him into Exodus. That's a great point. May you bring back, Dom? I don't know if the. No, he's there and he's not allowed. I mean, he's there. He's still working. Sneak him in.

He's a VP. Put him as a mask, make him a mask. You got to get him back on the sidelines. It's not a bad deal for him. He's up in the owner's box. He doesn't have to work on sending him now. It's an assistant to the GM. He does a lot of different stuff for them.

So they're 11 and 5. Cowboys are 11 and 5. If the Cowboys win next week, they win the NFC East. The Eagles would need a loss from the Cowboys against Washington to try to get the NFC East back. You mentioned... Even the Cowboys can't blow this. No, I don't think so. So it'll probably be the Eagles as the five-seed at the NFC South winner.

You mentioned how that result really changed the Lions season. I think it really changed the Cowboys season. the lions now have a bit of a rallying cry. They're going to be the three seed most likely instead of the two seed, which is a difference. They could be traveling in the divisional round instead of being at home. They could have a tougher opponent like the Rams, the first round. So it changes their season.

Oh, they love another crack of the Cowboys. Right. So it sets up that they could be on the road back in Dallas, but who knows, a lot to get to before then. Well, that's a big difference. Yeah. All right, let's keep moving. The 49ers, they hit.

had to beat the commanders on Sunday and get a little bit of help to lock up the one seed, everything once San Francisco's way. Here's third down. Purdy looks right. Purdy now chased out of the pocket. Now going back the other way, a 360 spin, trying to send, throws for the end zone. Ayuk is open. Touchdown. That Washington's secondary.

Do they even have 11 guys on the field? Are you? Ayuk is on fire. Greg Papa and Tim Ryan. Good old time. A New Year's Eve. You know, they brought back Anderson Cooper. I love Cooper and the other guy.

Who's the other guy? The Bravo guy. Don. Andy Cohen. Cohen. Oh, Cohen. Okay. Don Lemon's history.

He's done. Wait, Andy Cohen's back? Cohen and Cooper. Are they ever gone? No, but they took away booze from them the last couple of years. Well, it got a little boozy. Some stuffy CEO said, no more drinking. Brinkin's back.

And guess what? Zusser is tuning in to CNN's coverage tonight. You do remember that Greg and I jogged by Anderson Cooper at an owner's meeting. And he said a little to us, it could have been nicer. Very nice. So you watch, so you watch Cooper and you watch his buddy. I forgot his name again. Cohen.

Coen. Cooper and Cohen. Bravo's hat right now. Then. The last 15 years. You hit midnight and you switch over and you watch Miley Cyrus. I always think she does a nice job. And this year she's got a hit.

It's the last few years. She's doing a nice job on New Year's Eve. Right. But she hasn't had a hit in seven years. She had flowers this year. So she's hot. So we got a nice, nice lineup for New Year's. You've got a huge night ahead of you.

It's going to be wild. What's her hit? She had like the biggest hit of the year. Okay. Flowers. Okay. Check it out. I will.

Eric, can you sing just a little? little bit of flowers as the resident young man. No, I have no clue. I have no idea. Last time I heard Miley Cyrus' voice. I can buy myself flowers. Okay, actually, now I do know that song. Now I recognize song. Something, something, something.

All right, let's get to it. That was the biggest hit of the year. Monster hit. I can take myself dancing. The biggest? The biggest is a big statement. Very very Rosenthal moment. You don't, You don't even know the song.

I'm telling you it's the biggest hit of the year. Number, I'm just saying, even if it's not tight, it could be top five, but it wouldn't be the biggest. How do you measure that? They have streaming numbers. They have all sorts of things. There are measurables for that kind of. Brock Purdy through two touchdown passes,

moving past the worst game of his young career. And the Niners cruised through a 2710 win over the commanders in Landover. Minutes after the win, those Eagles we just talked about were stunned by the Cardinals. and that allows San Francisco to clinch the number one seed and the buy and home field throughout the NFC playoffs mark the Niners got the dub they got the buy and they moved past their Christmas nightmare

they're back well well I drafted this game because I wanted to see how Brock Purdy specifically would well sure but like I really was like the whole Brock Purdy narrative got on my nerves and did it was yes it did no he was I can barely talk about he was absolutely flawless today and I thought he, when you go watch this, an added element to his game,

and he became the leading single-season yardage record passer for the Niners in their history, and there's some competition there. He started to do some things today, throwing the ball improvisationally, on that throw to IUC, and just seeing the field in a way that reminded me, like, I'm so tired of people just acting

like he's sort of a vanilla stand-in. He looked great. Everyone was back. There is one concern, though. Christian McCaffrey left the game with a calf injury, was questionable, never returned. They did have a good game from Eli Mitchell, but that's obviously like a key thing to monitor.

And one thing about Washington, because, you know, it was assumed that Jacoby Brissette was going to start this, but did a hamstring issue before the game. And so Sam Howell, who had been benched, gets thrown back in there. And, you know, he did all right early on, but then it turned to complete chaos.

And it just like the look on Howell's face was like, What am I doing in here? So unpleasant situation for the commanders. This meant a lot for the 49ers, and I think McCaffrey is a great example. Why? Just guys playing through injuries, they want to rest.

McCaff, at that point in the game, I think they had a two-score lead, and it appeared he was trying to get back in the game. And I think it was just, you know, unfortunately for his fantasy owners, after dominate in all year,

he has a rare game without a touchdown, 91 total yards. That could cost him the MVP as well. That was quiet. Right. He's going to sit out week 18. You would assume they have nothing to play for it. It meant a lot to them.

You could really tell. Trent Williams talked after the game that he's never had that happen before. And they really celebrated this number one seed in a way that you could tell it compared to previous 49ers teams. Like, they've never had this and it meant a lot. This was their goal the whole season. Very nice. You know what else was very nice? What?

The old Zusser with his accurate pop culture knowledge, the number one stream song of 2023, according to Spotify. Flowers. That's why they call me a geriatric millennial. You nailed it. That's global. Global.

Over one billion streams. Global. And you're right, Purdy is a great second reaction player here. Nice job. I thought some of his best pros came today. I think the way things have gone out. How much do you get paid by the Brock Purdy camp, by the way? What is the...

I think he's going to... Are you a retainer? It's not a spin. I think he's going to get MVP votes. We'll see if Lamar... The thing is, it's probably over now in terms of those two guys playing. I think the vote's going to be more split

than people think. I think Lamar will win. Ooh, do a sandwich prop on that? I think Purdy, McCaffrey. Like, I think people are going to do other votes. I think Lamar is going to win and it's not going to be close now. Because of the stage on Christmas and then like I was saying before the Christmas game, Greg, I thought he needed that like a massive statistical game to clean up some of the counting numbers.

And he got that today with the five touchdowns and the perfect passerating. I just think he now has a pretty spark resume. It's pretty unbeatable right now. And he's a former adribes. Maybe it's like 32 to 11 to 4. Like something like that. That's how I'm saying. CMC, I thought if he could have closed out.

I think there will be pretty believers. I feel like voters don't even remember four weeks ago. They'll remember today. Let's take one more break. And then we will get you caught up in full. 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,

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Toyota, the official automotive partner of the NFL. Visit Toyota.com slash NFL now to learn more. All right, we are back. Let's keep rolling. Let's head to Seattle, a game with huge playoff implications between the Steelers and Seahawks. Noggi's the lone setback. Rudolph under center. Reverse motion by Robinson back to the right.

The give to Naji, sidesteps a man, finds his way inside the five, grinds off to the one-yard line. He didn't get in, I don't think. Yes, a ruling touchdown. Naji Harris, an unbelievable. Never say die. I want the end zone. And he got in from nine yards out.

How did he do it? He sounded a little bit like Barney from the Simpsons there. How do he do it? Homer? Could have been. Bill Hillgrove and Craig Wolfley with the goal. We all have all the Wolfeleys here. WDVE.

Nagee Harris, they did record that from Mose, actually. So it is possible. Naji Harris rushed for a season high, 122 yards. and he had that mean physical run, one of two touchdowns. The Steelers keep their playoff hopes alive with a 30 to 23 win over the Seahawks. Tough one here, Gregi for Seattle. We're going to get to them, but you got to give out just like Miley Cyrus, flowers to Pittsburgh, who they looked dead and gone going into week 16, and then they stomp.

Who was it, Cincinnati? Yeah. And then they go to Seattle and their offense, which, let's face it, has never been overly impressive this year, but it, you know, it has kind of showed signs of life at life at time since Mac Canada exit the building. They were legitimately hard to handle in this game. It wasn't just Najee Harris. It was also Jalen Warren, who was really had a nice year for them.

Mason Rudolph is not a game changer, but he is making plays for this team. And all of a sudden, the Steelers, who once again, have a winning record. Mike Tomlin. Apologies to you, sir. They look pretty dangerous. Nine and seven, very much alive. Maybe Mason Rudolph is a game changer. I mean, he's a season changer. He's an offense changer. 274 yards and 24 attempts. The next gen stats had him plus 17 completion percentage over expected, which is an extraordinarily high number. And when you, he's had the two highest, uh, numbers for them this season by any,

dealer's quarterback and back-to-back weeks. And when you look at the spray chart, you know, the target chart where he's thrown, it's like, it looks like a different offense. The ball's just going deep down the field. And that's not what they were before. They had a 100-yard rusher and receiver in the same game for the first time since 2021, which tells you, like, how anemic they've been. But I'm with you on, like, Mason Rudolph, who I had written off as a non-factor,

like, has had absolute chemistry with their playmakers. And, like, Pickens is a completely different wide receiver. with him at the quarterback. Seven for 131. 460 yards. Again, only about eight possessions, which is crazy. 25 first-down.

There's the most yards they've had since, I think, four years, something like that for the Steelers. So it's a long time. It wasn't because Big Ben stunk the last two years. So there was those Big Ben Stinks years

and then this uneven transition to pick it and beyond. Yeah. So any signs of, life from Pittsburgh. I think I said going into this week. I don't like drafting them because they're so boring to watch and have been for a couple of years. I was watching this game was like, okay, because Seattle, at least early on as well, they're moving the ball as well. And you really actually saw considering it's a game of all due respect, Greg, Gino Smith and Mateson

Rudolph. You were seeing some big time pocket throws. Rudolph had a throw where the pass rush is coming in on him. He hangs in the pocket, hangs a perfect ball down the sideline and Pickens makes a beautiful diving catch. It was one of the best kind of plays QB to wide receiver. You'll see. The Seahawks give up those sort of plays. And it was great throws, I thought, but they also gave up 202 yards on the ground.

This is why the NFL season is very confusing when it comes to like numbers. Things can just change. First five weeks of the season. Seahawks, number one in the NFL in yards per carry aloud. Since then, the absolute worst run defense in the, the NFL. This defense has completely collapsed down the stretch. They're a bottom five defense in basically every metric over the last eight or nine weeks. And it's just a really disappointing loss. They are not out of it now. They're eight and eight, but they are going to need help.

They are no longer in position to make the playoffs. They're going to need the NFC in North's a Sunday night winner to lose a game. And they also lost two offensive linemen in this game, which is maybe part of why Gino lost a fumble there. He played really well, I thought, but did lose a fumble on a strip sack in the fourth quarter

that was big. And I do not want to hear it. Tomlin is a sensible man. Will it be Kenny Pickett or Mason Rudolph. I do not want to hear this is not like Willoughby Mason Rudolph playing well the last two weeks and it's 2014 Ben Rafflesberger ready to return after his tightrope ankle surgery.

No, bro. Let's ride the hot hand and see where things can go. And here's where they can go for the Steelers, much more alive than I expected. They need to win, but they're playing the Ravens. He'd be tabulating. I'm tabulating. And the way it worked out for them,

pretty nice. Ravens 13 and 3, heavy favorites, you would think. But Ravens may be sitting next week. So the Steelers, they got to get that win. There's no scenario where they lose and get in. Got to get the win. And then they need either the Jaguars against the Titans or the bills against the dolphins to lose. Okay.

It's reasonable. It's pretty reasonable. It's probably the bills. They're probably hoping for Miami and they're hoping for Tyler Huntley. That's what they're based on everything that we're hearing around Baltimore, it totally feels like Lamar and company plays the first half. Stay in striking distance in that first half and then try to win the game. in the final two quarters oh oh nick wessling locked it up on thursday night as i understand

that could be a a devastating blow there for usher nick wessel well he has to now go into hero ball mode and basically lock against you pretty much the rest of the way uh as he what is he back or four back he's a lot back out a lot of weeks um but did a fantastic job it was great having nick Beautiful. Always good to have a Wessling. Thank you, Nick, for your help on Thursday and all season. All right. Let's go.

Happy New Year to the Wesslings on the west side of Cincinnati and beyond. Let's head to the Meadowlands where the Rams are trying to keep their playoff hopes flickering, and it got pretty scary. Middle of the field, officially 54. Oh. What number is he? Their first lead in the final minute of regulation. Who is that?

What makes a president? It clears the line. That's right. It's running out of steam. Is that Mason Crosby wearing number 21? It's no good. Get off my field. And the Rams will win.

Get off the field, Mason Crosby. Number 21, Mark? You do not abide by that. I thought J.B. Long really deserved, you know, a little more spot. J.B. understands. You love as much as anyone I know to jump into these booths during these calls and go with your own threat of commentary. It would be weird if you do anyone else that did that. that because

Jay and I will see him at Jags Barbershop and we're going to work we're going to work through what just happened there because Mason Crosby wearing number 21 was wide left

that came after Tyrod Taylor had a hideous two point conversion miss that allowed the ramps to stay ahead and they end up to escaping with a 2625 win over the GMEN

Los Angeles has clinched uh wait Los Angeles clinched the playoffer they're in And that moment they had, but with the Seahawks loss, helping them out. It is complicated. As Greg said, when the Seahawks fell, the Rams make the playoffs quite a rise for the team across the sidewalk. Yeah, yeah, sometimes you need some luck.

And I thought the Rams played a good game, a good enough game to win for most of the game, and then started falling apart late. Special teams gives up a big return to Gunner Olshevsky with 327. seven to go, their special teams has been a disaster also. That was wild. I mean, they missed two extra points in the Rams in this game. One of them was totally on Sean McVeigh.

After you had already missed an extra point and you're up seven late in the game, it was fourth quarter, you go for two to get it to nine, to make it a two-score game. Plus, you know, have her sick. He doesn't have her sick. He doesn't have anything. And so they go for the other extra point. He misses another one. I got to assume that's the last time we see.

Haversick in a Rams uniform. McVeigh, I could even go through it more, just drive me crazy with the game management. But then, yeah, a little bit of luck. Tyrod Taylor, you mentioned it, missed a missed two-point conversion, which again only happened because of a mess up on special teams by the Rams. They had a penalty

on an extra point, and Daibel, I don't blame them, took the point off. It would have been a tie game. Went for the two, because it was then at the one yard line, had a perfect play dialed up, and Tyrod just misses a total gimmee. Daibald then also assists the Rams there because the Rams at the end after being too conservative on offense gives the ball back to the Giants 108 to go.

Tyrod has a big run to put them in position to go win that game. But then Daibu gets crazy conservative. They spike it with 38 seconds left. Don't love wasting the down there. But okay. But then you called a run the next play mystifying to me. When you got Mason Crosby, you're setting up a 50. Number 21.

50-yarder, and then McVeigh calls a timeout. That was even more missed to bind to me. But then the Giants, you know, they couldn't get it. Give the Rams defense some credit. The Rams defense played well in this game. I know it doesn't seem like it. They put up 25 points, but the Rams defense only gave up 13 points, really, in this game. It was turnovers by the Rams offense and special teams.

What was going on? Sorry, this game was crazy. What was going on with the moment where McVeigh and Stafford seemed to be going at each other? that was on the third down play before the Giants, you know, got the ball at the end. They run, run pass there. And I thought, again, McVeigh was too conservative, not throwing on the first two downs because he just wanted to kill the clock, was hoping to get out of there. And then Wink Martindale, which was kind of eating Stafford's lunch in the second half in a way

that I haven't seen against this Rams offense, just calls a blitz, and there was total confusion. Everyone runs free. And so I think McVeigh and Stafford were. like confused about that play call or why Stafford didn't fix the protection or why McVeigh messed up. But it was kind of a meltdown by the Rams in the fourth quarter after a good first three quarters.

But they survived anyway. That's how it works. There's an exciting element to knowing that the Rams on the first weekend of the playoffs will lose in horrific fashion special teams. Like there's something like exciting about just wondering like what will it be?

Like how will it be? Like, how will it happen? It won't be a misfield goal. It will be a block pun. Right. It will be a hideous tripping penalty. Will, you know, the holder drop a snap. I mean, Mark, the mind, it just wanders.

All these different ways. It's a multiple choice test, you know. That the Rams will foul up their season on special teams. Kairn Williams, three more touchdowns. Up to 15, another 100 yards. League winner. And then Puka Nakua, five for 118. He made a big 80 yard plate.

Like, he is their number one. Cup looks a little injured, and Puka now, and granted, he's getting the extra game. So he fell just short of the quote-unquote 16 game records, but he's four catches and 30 yards away from setting the rookie records for catches and receiving, and he's getting that extra He will do it. To Soldier Field. First and goal. Fields with Taylor motioning left, then back to the right, takes the snap, up the middle

on the delay, Fields twisting left to the five, to the pylon, puts the ball, out of the ball, the orange and into the paint touchdown Bears Justin Fields fourth of the year a nine yard touchdown caps off the drive at a 13-0-0 Bears lead they wanted to say something

now you made me self-conscious zip zipped it up I didn't say I didn't like it I just thought it seemed to be a craving of yours zip locked throw away the key I feel like not liking it is just like

A little implied in pointing out. I mean, just a little. A little needle. By me. A little needle. Jeff Joniak with the call. Like a little. Justin Fields throws for 268 yards and a touchdown pass.

He rushes for that score too. Who knows? That could be it for him. In Chicago, as a home player. The Bears stick it to the Falcons who stink. 37 to 17 in a game that started with the snow coming down in Soldier Field. I love it. And I tweeted this.

And I know I think I'm on the, I'm not in the majority here, but I'm watching Fields and I'm watching the connection he has with DJ Moore, nine for 159 and a touch and that scramble for the touchdown. And the, there was a bear's fans know exactly what I'm talking about. Another play where Fields gets out of a certain sack, then, you know, pirouettes away and, and most quarterbacks would be happy to get back to the line of scrimmage. But no, he ends up running for like 15 yards at a first. And I'm thinking all. this stuff. And I'm like, do you really, do you really want to just trade that guy for a lot of ticket? That's what I'm thinking as I'm watching this game. And I know that you can make the case for it. And we will talk about it. There's been plenty of time to talk about that. But this is a game where you see the type of play from fields that like, are they building something here? And if they are, and I feel like they are, that there's been incremental progress here as the season's gone along. And the team's getting better and they're going to have the ability to spend money and bring in

better players you really want to blow it up for a lot of ticket that was my takeaway from this game i mean you've got the stadium chanting his name yeah saying and that matters like it does like the public opinion on the quarterback i think i'm not saying that front offices should use that as the reason but i think there is an energy around the team with fields there and god just thrown it the other way if they traded them to the giants this offseason and it becomes a superstar for the New York team in the NFC, that would be an all-time, you know, shot to the lower section of the fan base, unless they, you know, draft a Hall of Fame or something, but still. They've won four out of five.

I think they're better than right now some teams that are going to make the play. A lower section. Like the, you know, like put them against the NFC South winner, I'm taking the Bears. The only time the Bears have lost in the last five games. was that heartbreaker versus the Browns or else they could very well be in this playoff. How about any of the eight teams in the south,

the AFC or NFC? Right, right, exactly. Maybe not Texans, but anything else. Yeah, but they would be right there because they have put together something. It's a really good defense and enough playmaking on offense. And our guy in Rapport said,

Eber Fluse, he put some caveats in it that needs to finish well, but this result obviously is a great, uh, start to that, that he's going to end up keeping that bear's job, Iber Fluse. Iber Fluse had no public identity to the vast majority of football watchers, and I think that's changed now. His defense has been among the best.

It's been really good, and they were eliminated on Sunday, despite the win. But I think they're threading the needle. They got the number one pick from the Panthers. They've looked good. Fields is helping his trade value if they do want to trade them. I'm like it's actually a pretty good time to be a Bears fan. Unlike the Falcons who don't have a quarterback who aren't probably going to make the playoffs in this terrible division and who knows what they're going to do in terms of their head coach.

I mean, there is some reporting that he's going to stick around Arthur Smith. But I can't think of a team that I felt more differently about back in August. But that, I hear you, but that reporting was also before they lost by 20 to the Bears and then they play the Saints next week. If you lose by 20 to the Saints and you're 7 and 10 and third place, we'll see. They are still alive, though, for the division. The ESPN incorrectly sent a tweet out that said they were eliminated and left it up for 30 minutes.

But no, they actually can win the division if the bucks lose next week and they beat the Saints. Yeah, the play calling from Smith was bad in this game. And somehow they're still alive because of what happened. And the last game we're going to talk about before Sunday night football, Tampa Bay had a chance to punch their ticket and they failed. There's the snap. Here comes pressure. Carr throws it towards the end. I'm looking for Taysam Hill.

Tysm Hill makes the catch on the near side. And that is a touchdown for Tatea Tastom Hill. His second reception of the day, he's thrown a pass, caught a pass. Throne a pass, caught a pass. Mike Hoss with the call, W.W.L. The NFC South is freaking hilarious. Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes. It's beat the Bucks 23 to 13.

They climbed back into a tie with Tampa Bay for first place in the NFL's only division without a winning record. Mark, why? Why? Why? What a disappointing performance, considering what the Bucks have been for the past month. What Baker Mayfield's been,

he had about 40 yards in the first half. On Tampa's first eight drives, you had four, three, and outs, two interceptions and a fumble. They melted. They showed up also looking incredibly flat where the Saints who have been a chaotic mess in certain ways

and driving their fans crazy and I started to see Saints fans saying, wait a minute, this is the version of Derek Carr that we've waited for. He was 10 for 13 on third downs. They were a little banged up and he made a great use of John Johnson and his tight ends, 133 of his yards

and both touchdowns. went to tight ends, and they looked really functional. They lost Alvin Kamara in the middle of this game, but they were the team that came out and stomped Tampa Bay from wire to wire. The score is not indicative of what this game looked like for three plus quarters. I mean, Baker and the Bucks did the thing where they kind of climbed back into it, but this was not the Bucks team that I expected to see, and this was not the Baker-Mayfield I expected to see,

and the Saints who maybe have a new coach a couple weeks from now, played very hard with Dennis Allen today. I mean, we keep saying that. We have a belly aching around the Saints this year. And they could watch them hosting a playoff game in two weeks. I mean, it's certainly, there's a chance of it now. And that's crazy. But I think maybe the lesson here for all of us.

And Mark, I know you got behind the Buccaneers on a locular level. None of these teams are worthy of trust. And even the ones that string a couple of wins together, like that come back to earth is always just around the corner and for Tampa that was today right you know mark unfortunately and I was with you I this was the game I was really thinking of locking and one thing you didn't do though I did is I took a rest stop I oh we're going to the rest stop yeah went to a rest stop and that get for the rest stop saints come back from that Thursday night game look at their wounds a nice long weekend there while the bucks are working hard and that little

little extra rest. God, I love rest stop. It's such a good show because it's formative. It just takes you inside the game. Bucks, a treat. It's a real good app. Maybe the Bucks knew that all they have to do

is beat the Panthers next week to win the division because that is still true. All they have to do is beat the Panthers next week and they win the division. The Saints are probably still alive for the wild card but barely at A&A. And this is a nightmare scenario for Saints fans because you're right.

I think they'll keep Dennis Allen. If they go 9 and 8, and they beat the Falcons and then move like they'll keep Dennis Allen but they'll miss the playoffs that's kind of a bad combo they could get the wild card though but they would need to win they would need the Cardinals to beat the Seahawks be decent that is possible and they would need the bears to be Packers also a nightmare for Satan they're alive for the division and the wild card that's three going into week 18 three things stick that in your pipe and smoke it like I'm going to feel bad for anybody

whose team is alive going into the last week. And Carr's not going anywhere. They're alive Mark. He's played two of his best games. Increasingly on Dan's radar. The car has been very good. I think he has multiple touchdown passes like four games in a row or something. He's played his best down the stretch. Strike it. I mean, he hasn't

great, but fine. I'm just saying they can be a division champ. It's funny. All right. Let's head to Sunday night football. To receiver stack on the left off that stack read in motion to the right it is second down in 10 for the green bay packers at the 25 of Minnesota snap to love he looks he throws the middle

he's got reed cutting left slip to defender 20 turns corner 15 10 to 5 he ends up touchdown yes touchdown day and reed he is dominant here tonight 25 yard touchdown pass it's 23 to 3 Jaden Reed dominant. How about that? We're back at our home studios now to close things out. And it was

Jaden Reed going for two scores, including that game icer really in the final seconds of the first half and the Packers cruise from their 33 to 10 over the Woebegone team of around the NFL, Minnesota Vikings, the Vikings

7 and 9 and pretty much out of it now, but mathematically still alive. The Packers, 8 and 8, and they have a lot on the line heading into week 18. This game, Greg, was not competitive. This is two teams in very different places. Two quarterback situations that couldn't be more different. Jared Hall starts, gets benched at halftime.

Wasn't like the worst quarterback you've ever seen, but there was no way he was going to lead a three touchdown comeback. Nick Mullins wasn't either because Jordan Love just kept pouring it on. I just think you got to look at Jordan Love's first start against the Vikings where he was a hot mess. The team around him was a hot mess. They're dropping eight into coverage. He doesn't know what to do. And then tonight, 256, three touchdowns, so many good throws.

You know, one where he's jumping up in the air and throwing it, but a couple that are across his body, but more than anything, just like reacting to all the blitzes that were his way and just looking like a very composed. veteran quarterback, despite not having Dantavian Wicks, Luke Musgrave, that play we heard from Reed was the last one on the night. He left with a chest injury from that play. And Christian Watson, and it doesn't matter. The Packers were freaking rolling even in the second half when they had the big lead. He's just so impressive. And they are one win away against the Bears. That is a spicy game next week. The Packers are one win away from making the playoffs and a very fun

playoff team. And I love has had, you know, some reps and practice. dealing with banged-up wide receivers. It seems like that's been a theme for them for a while now. It's him, and it's what he's done and what he's become. But also, like, to have Aaron Jones go off for 120 yards. Like, they were missing him for so long. I think the surprise in this game for me is really just the Vikings defense collapsing. Like, they've been a good defense, and they were just victimized from the start tonight.

And, you know, I'm with you that Hall wasn't a complete disaster, but I think, I think, you know, even on the Thursday preview show, I just, Nick Mullins is Nick Mullins. And I get that, but it's like, I just don't, I don't like this decision. There was a risk attached to it. More risks to me than having Nick Mullins in there, who at least, through his mistakes,

seems productive and a bit more like a gunslinger. And when he came in, you know, he got Justin Jefferson going a little bit, and I thought that they responded to him. And so if you're Kevin O'Connell, you're in a tough spot. You have been all year at quarterback, but a bit of miscalculation in my book.

Yeah. I mean, Mullen's average, he was in the Gabbard zone as well. So, you know, they didn't light it up in the second half. But, you know, I think with they never got the ball back because the defense just couldn't get off the field. No, it was the disastrous game. And they were missing a couple of guys, DJ Wanham, Byron Murphy Jr. But that doesn't explain a no show like this. I think and the reason why, even though I didn't necessarily agree with going to Hall, you knew. the way O'Connell seems to be wired. Like, he couldn't wait. He could not wait to get Dobbs out of the lineup after those turnover marred games. And Mullins was playing so careless with the football that I think he just, I guess that's part of his like checklist of a quarterback.

You can't be someone who turns the ball over. And if they bring back Kirk Cousins next year, which I fully expect, I believe that they will. He was playing so well and he's really now established himself in that city in a lot of ways. Like they'll get the quarterback position calm down. But yeah, I think, Greg, I think you put it well that when we were back at the office that O'Connell was in his head a little bit by then because he had everyone, including us, the team of ATN, kind of got sucked into the idea of what this, this defense that was on the rise and the skill players of Jefferson coming back and then Dobbs, what he brought to the picture that maybe in a wide open NFC, you can make something happen. But once Dobbs fell off and then you turn into Mullins and then you turn into the road and you just get into that.

that really dark place that, that teams do when you're just churning through quarterbacks looking for an answer. So the Vikings, uh, you know, it's, it's sad. But at least, at least we'll always have the memories of two, a two time failure as team of ATN, uh, you know, fool fool us once, shame on you. Sorry, Vikings fans. Fool us twice. Shame on us. It will not happen a third time. Yeah, the Vikings. Sorry. We, we, we, we promise. you, your time as team of ATN is over. They're one in five in their last six.

I think they're two and five since we chose them. I could be wrong on the date, but I'm pretty sure they're two and five. They won the first game and then it started getting weird. And, uh, yeah, Mark, I know it's a tough flow for you especially, but, um, look, it's there, um, no, I know, like, you know, I, it's been disappointing. But Greg, what is the, there is a pathway for them to still make the playoffs. They, they will not make the playoff. I'm just going to say right here, because I think there's many reasons why.

But they need to beat the lions. Lions could be resting players. They need the bears to beat the Packers, because the Packers are now winning in. Are we really doing this? Yeah, love it. And they need the Cardinals to beat the Seahawks. That's going to be tough. And then they need either the Panthers to beat the Bucks or the Falcons to beat the Saints.

So, Tariko was trying to talk it up as like, hey, you've seen crazy. You know, this actually isn't that difficult to path. I'm like, what? I don't expect any of these things to happen. Stop it. How about Tariko and Collinsworth and the tuxes tonight? I liked it. Looking classy.

I thought it was nice little touch. I don't know why you tagged me as like anti-tucks. I thought they looked, you know, it was memorable. As Keith Hansis would say, oh, yeah, they will look at shop. By the way, the Vikings defense started collapsing two weeks ago. their third straight pretty bad game. They've had injuries and stuff, but they've also been a little bit of a gimmicky defense in terms of just always sending pressure in the zone behind. A bad in defense. Good, good quarterbacks of maybe kind of figured out. It just feels like

everything, you know, just ended at the same time. Jake Browning kind of ended their season. I really feel that game was, was the turning point for them. Jake Brown. Well, yeah, they're up 17.3 in the fourth quarter, I think. But, you know, yeah, I think we should give a little credit if we're going to be killing Joe Barry most weeks, and it's deserved it. The Packers' defense has been Swiss cheese. You give him a little credit today. He shook up the rookie. And so they, you know, the Packers, here's the thing.

Without a couple of cornerbacks, too, without Alexander and without another one of their starters. Right. So I think I put, I put the Packers, the standard is higher because it's Green Bay, but I put the Packers in a similar bucket to Houston where you got your quarterback. Like Love has established himself this year. as certainly a guy who they bet on and they stuck with. And he is now their established starter.

And he could be a star in the league. So even he's playing like a star. That's what I mean. Like he could be, all right, he could be a superstar. I mean, he's put enough on tape where you could see a ceiling for him that is,

you know, pro bowl level or perhaps even all pro if something really clicks in. And so regardless of how this season ends, I would say this first post Aaron Rogers season is successful for that. reason alone. Yeah. And like, I think we learned a lot about Matt LaFlor because it was easy just to tag his success or attach his success to Aaron Rogers. And you had to, it was your job and it's essentially like the reason that he was hired was to develop a young quarterback like this. And you're also saddled with Joe Barry's defense. And he's coached some really great games amid all that.

And like, uh, I don't know. I think, I think, yeah. Like they, they, they, they, They've done a great job. He has more yards and touchdowns that this season love does than any Bears quarterback has ever had in the season. Just a little stick. But now he has to play the Bears defense. It's kind of a perfect week 18 game. It reminds me exactly of Lions Packers a year ago with the Lions having the chance to knock out the Packers. Now it's the rising Bears with the chance to knock out the Packers.

And that is what? That's an early. Is that an early game next week? No, that's a 425 game. That's going to be the game people watch the most. Anything else, boys. It's New Year's Eve. It's a quarter to midnight on the East Coast, almost 9 o'clock here.

We don't need to continue to talk into microphones. Anything to put a bow on things tabulations wise, Greg? No, but we got to talk the Sunday night announcement. It is Bill's Dolphins. We're wrapping up week 18. Very nice. It always made sense. Bill's Dolphins on Sunday night.

And then I think what was probably the number two choice for this game is going to be Saturday night, an early playoff game. Texans, Colts, loser goes home, winner makes the playoffs. That's a spicy little Saturday night game, too. Yeah, we'll take it. We'll take it. Very good. DJ Stroud. Go make a playoff.

Rookie season, get in prime time for the first time and go in a playoff game in that game. That's a nice little spot. Got Steelers Ravens on Saturday, too. That's right. Less exciting. And to our listeners, it is at the end of another year of around the NFL. And we thank you for hanging around. You've given us a great life.

And we appreciate it. You know what? We got it. We had hip-hop Santa. Eric, we got something else with a little more pizzazz, a little more heat, a little more contemporary. We have the rights to that song? I think it's like 700 years old. I thought you were going to play flowers by Miley Cyrus

Now that we do not have the rights But I'll be having a nice night with Miley Cyrus And friends and family And I hope everyone else Has a great night and a great tomorrow in 2004 It's going to be a good one Maybe this year will be better than the last Another durance

I like that I love our listeners All right here i guess i said it all they don't they don't say it all for me i love you i love you the most very weird that's that's basically what my two young sons do at each other you know but i do it the most like all right all right thank you to everybody again and have a great beginning of 2024 and we'll be back on tuesday another funky week because of the holidays but uh the playoffs in week 18 right around the corner and we'll be there until then

heed the call. Happy New Year. Hey, everybody. Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Six, 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,

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