The Bobby Bones Show - Lots to Say: Early Award Candidates and SI's Albert Breer

Episode Date: October 7, 2026

Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel dive in with Power Rankings and the issues with even the best teams in the league.  Which teams proved themselves despite losing this week?  Matt explains how tou...gh it is for a team that hasn't done well early.  As players begin to separate themselves from the pack, we look at some early awards candidates. Bobby also has his most disappointing players.     SI's Albert Breer talks about Lamar Jackson's injury and how it impacts the Ravens.  Saquon Barkley will likely miss time and the pressure is on for Nick Sirianni.  Which players coming back from IR are going to make the most impact?  Albert explains what has worked for the Chiefs and how they'll address their injuries. How much is Albert concerned about Drake Maye, even after a win over the Bills. Plus, the Vikings are undefeated...but are they that good? Bobby and Matt wrap up with their first MVP candidates for the season. Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel is part of the NFL Podcast Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:02:10 Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle is a production of the NFL and IHart Podcasts. Welcome to the show. I like to start us off with my power rankings this week. Oh gosh, I look forward to this every week. Thank you. Making its first appearance in the top five. at number five, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville, they've been scrappy, defensively creating turnovers.
Starting point is 00:02:58 They've already got 10 on the year. They are 3-1. They did beat the Bengals. Good win. It was good win. They play home next week, though, in London. In London, exactly. They play home in London.
Starting point is 00:03:08 I mean, there's no other team that's played more in London than the Jacksonville Jaguars, correct? Yeah. They have beaten New England and Cincinnati in consecutive weeks by a combined 57 to 23. Yeah, they're scrappy. defensively scrappy, Travis Hunter is an all-pro cornerback. Yes, he's shown up, right? He had the injury last year, and we were kind of waiting to see
Starting point is 00:03:28 what this kid was going to become, but then all of a sudden you start to watch him, and he's coming into his own. It's fun to see. The other guy, Trevor Lawrence, I mean, he's playing good football, like, efficient, knows what he's going to do, not putting the ball at a lot of risk. So when you have a combination of a defense taking away balls
Starting point is 00:03:45 and Trevor Lawrence playing the way that they are doing, they're going to be a tough out. Number four, the Seattle Seahawks. They are three and one. They beat the Chargers last week. 30 to 23. They are playing the 49ers on Sunday. Man, they won despite committing 14 penalties for 150 yards.
Starting point is 00:04:04 Yeah. And they had like seven or eight of those for like 15-yard penalties. It was awful. Both of those games. Jacksonville, it was a penalty every game, every play at the first of the game. They had 10 penalties in the first half in Jacksonville. They had 14 total in Seattle. That was the only reason why that team, why the charge was.
Starting point is 00:04:20 Chargers hung around that long because it felt like Seattle was in control the game the entire time, but it was penalty after penalty after penalty that kept the Chargers in that game. Both of those teams won even while committing all those penalties. They're good teams. They're good teams. And then you clean up some of the basically. It'd be great teams. You're going to be a great team.
Starting point is 00:04:42 And number three at three and one, the Buffalo Bills. They did lose of the Patriots 29, 26. They do have a big game coming up Monday at the Rams. Josh Allen has rushed for seven touchdowns in four games. He's Superman. I know he wants one decision back in that game at the end of that ball game that he's trying to make a play. But I mean, he lives and dies by that philosophy.
Starting point is 00:05:05 And it's worked out a lot more often than it hasn't worked out for him. But they're a good team. The only concern I have, they've got a lot of injuries in secondary. So they're working with a kind of patchwork with a lot of these teams that we're going to talk about today. Injuries are starting to mount up. for Buffalo, they got to get right on the defensive side of the ball. What did you think about your Patriots?
Starting point is 00:05:26 That was a big win. You know what? It was a big confidence booster for Drake May. That's been the conversation over the first few weeks, the season, turnover prone. He did have one more turnover. But overall, he played a really good football game. They're able to create explosives down the field. And in the biggest moment of the game,
Starting point is 00:05:43 he stepped up, delivered the ball and chisholm. What a catch, man. catch. At number two, the San Francisco 49ers. They are 4-0. They beat the Broncos, 24-14. They're playing the Seahawks on Sunday. I mean, that'd be a great game. Their offense leads the league and boats.
Starting point is 00:06:00 EPA for play and success right entering the next week. They're just, they have so many playmakers. So many playmakers. And then he added Mike Evans this off-season. He made plays. He was healthy. He played. And he was healthy. He played.
Starting point is 00:06:13 This is a dangerous team when they're healthy. And that's the biggest thing. can they stay healthy? Because this is a team that could easily win this division, but they are going to be in the mix. Because the way Brock Purdy is playing right now, we can argue for sure that he would be the MVP through the first four weeks of the season.
Starting point is 00:06:29 He's thrown, I mean, over 70% completion rate. Leads the NFL with 11 TDs. You know what he's tied with, by the way? In which statistic? Touchdown. Okay. How many do you have? 11?
Starting point is 00:06:41 Okay, let me think. Because you wouldn't ask me this unless it was someone that was kind of interesting to have 11 touchdowns. Okay, so Parkford has 11 touchdowns. Who else would I think would have 11 touchdowns right now? So now I don't know that he has 11, but my instinct would be it would be someone like Jamis,
Starting point is 00:07:00 who's out of his mind and plays like we're riding a roller coaster. James Winston? Yeah, that's not my answer, but I think it's going to be somebody that I'm not expecting. That's why Jamis comes to mind. Yeah, he's definitely not. I would have 11. Okay, I'm going to go.
Starting point is 00:07:16 It's not going to be Mahomes, because Kenneth Walker is doing all that. Josh Allen's been running and touched on. The crazy thing about the bills, when they get within the three-yard line, it's just Josh Allen. It's Josh Allen show. Why not?
Starting point is 00:07:26 Let's use that big body. Okay, my answer is going to be Aaron Rogers. Kurt Cousins. How about that? Yeah. I felt they did not win that game, but I felt they showed that they deserve to be talked about as a pretty good team now.
Starting point is 00:07:39 Oh, yeah. That was a measuring stick game, is what we like to call it, because they leveled up in competition. We know that the chiefs are coming. into town and they are all the things that they were hyped up to be and they went toe to toe blow for blow and you know my homes made the plays down the stretch but kirk cousins goes right back down the field so this is a team that you can start talking
Starting point is 00:08:01 about with confidence it's not one of those like well they had a quick start this is a well coached team they're better defensively offensively kirk cousins is playing really well within this system and they're they're gonna be uh i'm interested to see how the rest of the season goes They're going to be a tough out. Yeah. Even if they don't want 11 games, they're going to be a tough out. There's no doubt. And nobody expected for them to be a tough out.
Starting point is 00:08:25 I think it was going to be the Dolphins and the Titans. They were going to be the teams that really were terrible, and they were fighting for that first pick. They still are. But, I mean, the Raiders weren't far behind in everyone's minds, including mine going into the season. But that's not the case anymore. Right.
Starting point is 00:08:39 It was the perception because you knew that they went out and made so many different moves in free agency, solidified their offensive line. they're able to bring Max Crosby back. I mean, that was huge for that defensive unit. But at the end of the day, nobody anticipated that they would be this far ahead this early in the season.
Starting point is 00:08:56 And number one, the Kansas City Chiefs. I knew that that was coming. I'm not a Chiefs fan. You're kind of a Chiefs fan. You're not at all. You said that you love dominance. You love when a team is a dominant team for long periods of time.
Starting point is 00:09:12 So you have to like the Chiefs. I like consistency over a long period. period of time because it rarely happened. It's why I liked the Patriots. I'm not a Patriots fan, but I like to see them win consistently because they were doing something right all the time. Even when they had fallen off, they hadn't fully fallen off.
Starting point is 00:09:28 So, yeah, I like the Chiefs because they're always in the mix, and that's just leadership. That's Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. I have them in number one. They beat the Raiders 3027. Really great game. Kenneth Walker rushed for 177 at two touchdowns. Bam. He was running away
Starting point is 00:09:44 though from Crosby. Yeah, he definitely was not running the Crosby side most of the time. Mahomes, fun fact, now 7-0 at Allegiant Stadium including the Super Bowl. He does not lose in Vegas. Yeah, don't bet against him in Vegas. I'm a little bit concerned, though, about your chiefs. I mean, Rashid Rice,
Starting point is 00:09:59 Tyquan Thornton goes down. I mean, they're banged up. That was an awful injury. I don't think the TV knew that we could see the ankle that close. I don't think they knew it was that prevalent because it was right. We were watching him.
Starting point is 00:10:14 My brother-in-law was in town. We were just watching the game. saw the play. And it's like, oh, he's injured, he's laying down. And my brother-in-law goes, look at his foot. And it was all the way to the side. Like fully dislocated. And they just had it on there. And finally, when they went away, they didn't come back. Yeah. That was ugly. He jumped
Starting point is 00:10:28 up after. So you talk about adrenaline when you're playing and you make a big play. He wanted to celebrate. Yeah, he jumped up to celebrate and he was like, what's going on? Why did I just fall down? And then you saw it and I was like, oh my God. But that's a concern for sure, moving forward, because when you have
Starting point is 00:10:44 I mean, Well, they're going to sign Tyree Hill. Yeah, but I don't think he's ready to play. But they don't have anybody else. Me? I don't, that's what I'm saying. Are they going to be interested at the trade deadline to go try to maybe get another wide receiver?
Starting point is 00:10:57 But again, who are you going to bring in? It's going to be like a number one wide receiver. Nobody's going to come in as a number one. I think like Larry Fitzgerald, not Larry Fitzgerald, but Marvin Harris. He might still be a little way. Yeah, yeah. So I'm thinking of the Cardinals. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been rumored to be possibly on the block.
Starting point is 00:11:14 Yeah, disgruntle. this, that, and the other, but he did have a touchdown catch last week, which maybe, you know, gives them a little bit, a little better feeling around the building, you know, so I don't know what they're going to do, but it's going to be interesting to see how they deal with that situation. I like the Jaguar's uniforms this week. Did you?
Starting point is 00:11:33 Well, when they look good. When they lose, they look terrible. Yeah, they look good this weekend. Yeah, it's like the Titans. Like, that's an awful team. The teams, I'm not a Titans fan, but I live here. We both live here. You played for the Titans.
Starting point is 00:11:44 Right. And so I'm not a Titans fan, but if they're good, like, I'll pay more attention to them. But they're the worst, they're awful. And I'm surprised that they're so bad considering the really good coaching staff that they have. And maybe they just came into a place where the cupboard is completely bare. But it's the same thing with Arkansas. Like that team, we don't have the talent to be in the SEC. It's hard to compete with when you don't have the talent, especially in college football.
Starting point is 00:12:07 College football, there's the biggest discrepancies because of the NIL and the money and the assets that are being, applied to your program. When you don't have that type of support, it's really difficult to bring in players and have a competitive team, especially in the SEC. I feel like the Titans are the Arkansas. Yeah, I think we're going to have to give it some time.
Starting point is 00:12:26 I believe that Cam Ward played his best game of this year. And the reason I say that he was more in rhythm, he stayed within the pocket, the ball looked like it was coming out. He got a rapport with Cornell Tate, which was huge to see. He had nine catches for one, something.
Starting point is 00:12:43 So you started to see, a little bit more of him within system because before that a lot of times he's patting the ball he's trying to look to escape, get outside the pocket, it just didn't look like he was processing what was going on. At least in this game, there was more definitive ways in which you could watch that game and say, okay, he looks like he understands what's going on.
Starting point is 00:13:05 I feel the difference in the dolphins and the Titans is the dolphins aren't trying on purpose and the Titans are trying really hard and they both are losing every game. that dolphins, I didn't even feel bad for them. I feel like they want to lose. The Titans I feel bad for because I feel like they want to win, and they both are zero.
Starting point is 00:13:21 It's really hard to get out to a start like that. When you're 0-4 to start, and both of these teams have new coaches, right? And they've got organizations that haven't had a lot of success recently, so you're sitting there and you're trying to figure it out. But going into that building, when you're O'N-Far and you've had that kind of start, it is such a grind mentally.
Starting point is 00:13:40 because you know everybody's on their back everybody's having the same conversation that we're having of man I just want to shut out the noise but it's impossible to do in today's world and so you've got to get back in the grind and just try to figure out a way to get one win and try to get a little bit of momentum
Starting point is 00:13:58 moving forward because I mean you're regardless you're going to still go out there and have 13 games left and as a professional and somebody that takes pride in what they do they have to man up and get their big boy pants on and go back out there and get it done. They ain't big boy pants.
Starting point is 00:14:15 I'm a little boy pants. There's a bunch of little boys. You're selling them, huh? I never bought it. I ran from the stock of the Titans a long time ago. The only thing it's nice about the Titans is their uniforms, pretty good. Yeah. They definitely are doing oil or blue.
Starting point is 00:14:31 They got a new stadium coming in. New stadium. Yeah, I'll go to the concerts. Yes, you will. What do you want? Backstage. Not going. What do you have on your mind over there?
Starting point is 00:14:41 What's your lead to talk about? Well, I know we're only four games in, but quarter of the way in, you want to do a little offensive player a year, defensive player a year? Are you prepared for that? I'm prepared for whatever you are. So why don't you lead the way? Offensive player of the year so far is?
Starting point is 00:14:55 I'm going with Kenneth Walker. That's a good pick. He leads the league in rushing. He has completely transformed that Chief's offense. He's led the way. They wanted him to come there and be the workhorse. We had conversations on the show, about is he going to be that dude because of the rotation of running backs at Seattle,
Starting point is 00:15:14 but he has been as advertised in every single way and been a big reason for their early success. I like it. I'm going to go, Dak Prescott, because we get a lot of clicks when we talk about the Cowboys. Yeah, let's talk about the Cowboys. And I put a big future on them to win the Super Bowl. It always comes back to a bet.
Starting point is 00:15:36 And I think he's probably fourth overall. in the MVP rankings right now when you look at the odds. So that's interesting. And that team is going to live and die by that offense. And DAC has played really well. What about his buddy C.D. Lamb?
Starting point is 00:15:50 I put him up there as well. I mean, after this week. I mean, my God. What do you have? 17 catches? The two players were Tett and Carolina and C.D. Lamb in Dallas where I think they were just running
Starting point is 00:16:02 one wide receiver in seven tight ends because it seemed like they were the only wide receiver out there. But Dax got over 1,000 passing yards. He's got eight touchdowns and only one interception. He's passing it at 70%. And he's also a Dallas Cowboy, and people love the Cowboys. I'm not a Cowboys fan.
Starting point is 00:16:17 I did bet on them. Go ahead. But you like them. All right, defensive player of the year. I think this is really difficult at this point in the year. So I'm basing it kind of more on stats than anything else. But Greg Ruzzo for the Bills, I know that their defense hasn't been playing great. But this guy's got six sacks.
Starting point is 00:16:33 He's got three-force fumbles. He's playing out of his mind. He's getting to the quarterback. He's doing what he's supposed to do. if you're going based off of stats and impactful players, he's a guy that right now would be the leading candidate. Six sacks in four games. And he's, like you said,
Starting point is 00:16:48 one of the only guys that's making an impact as a solo player. A little bit, I'm not putting him as my DPOI, but whenever I watched the Lions play and Aiden Hutchison was the only thing they had going. Yes, he still is. Yes. Yeah, I would have picked Rousseau as well with the bills. It's hard not to, with his production up to this.
Starting point is 00:17:08 He had three force fumbles. I know. In four games. In six sacks. I mean, pretty good status right there. He was also the defensive player of the month for September, which we've only played in September. Yeah, so that kind of helps.
Starting point is 00:17:20 It does help so far. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You've been awarded this September, which means you're playing good football. All right, what else? We got offensive rookie of the year. What do you got? I mean, I'm going to go with Jeremiah, I love.
Starting point is 00:17:33 He's rushed for 233 yards. That's a 4.1 average. He's got 11 receptions. 36 yards, two touchdowns. I mean, and his carries, his workload is just going to get more and more and more. Obviously, he was the Heisman Trophy guy coming in. He's the hype. He's everything that they want him to be.
Starting point is 00:17:52 But another guy that has proven his worth early in this season. What's tough about being the rookie of the year, especially if you were highly drafted, is you're playing for a bad team that nobody watches? Yeah, that's the difficult part. So with Love, who I probably would have. picked as well. I'm not just trying to, you know, bite off your pie. It's just that nobody watches those games and it's hard for us as people flipping around through the channels to sit and watch a Cardinals game and actually understand the impact
Starting point is 00:18:23 and how good they are. The crazy part about the Cardinals is they're playing really good football and they're just there right there in the mix with some good teams and they just haven't been able to get over the hump and then you had the New York Giants game last week. Their first and goal on the five yard line. Yeah. to win the game and they can't get it done. So it's got to be frustrating because it's not like they're getting blown out every week.
Starting point is 00:18:45 If I were going to pick, if I couldn't pick yours, both the rookie receivers in Cleveland are good, Concepcion and Boston. I'd probably go Boston. But you got the number one and number two and you could put that number on either one of them. They've been really strong. Boston's, I think, at the most receiving yards
Starting point is 00:19:02 of any rookie thus far. So I would have gone love, but if you take that away, I'd probably go Boston. I mean, Tate's probably up there too. Yeah, after last week's performance, for sure. Yeah. That's a really hard one earlier in the season because they're still defining their roles.
Starting point is 00:19:17 And so unless you're Jeremiah Love, it's coming in and going to be the day one starter. Some of these guys are still kind of filtering through, but every one of those guys are worthy of it. All right, you have your defensive rookie of the year. Of course I do. Jacob Rodriguez. Jacob Rodriguez, this guy's a tackling machine. He's got 46 total tackles, three tackles for loss.
Starting point is 00:19:35 He's got one interception, one pass to fin, the one interception came against Patrick Mahomes. But the other part about this is crazy. He had 18 tackles against Minnesota last week, 18. So, I mean, he's the guy that came out of Texas Tech, really good player, highly touted, but is somebody that wears the green dot, the leader of the defense, he's a rookie,
Starting point is 00:19:56 and it's just impressive that you're seeing that type of production this early on a team that really needs it. I'll go Arval Reese. He's got an interception. He's got 13. 34 total tackle, so he's averaging 10 a game. Yeah, he had 13, two weeks ago. So I think you got the pick.
Starting point is 00:20:14 But if I'm having a draft second, I'm probably going Arbel Reese. He's got a few tackles for loss. He's also altering the offensive game plan a bit. Or against the dolphins, you don't have to alter much. Right. Where with the Giants, they've got, now they do have some big injuries defensively, but they've got players that you have to watch out for. And I feel like they're having to watch where Reese lines up.
Starting point is 00:20:37 up. And I think that's pretty cool if you're a rookie and you're actually affecting what the offensive coordinator is calling. For sure. David Bailey is another guy and he's, again, we're talking about teams with these high draft picks, but he's on the Jets. The guys
Starting point is 00:20:53 had a ton of production thus far. He already has two sacks, so he's versatile. He's a guy that can be off the ball, on the ball, but he's disruptive in showing that he was worthy of the pick that he was taken at. I'd put Sonny Stiles in there too. Studi Stiles, dude, I love watching that guy.
Starting point is 00:21:09 And that's four linebackers. And linebackers have been running back a bit. Yeah. Where they would go, oh, running backs, we don't need one. They're not that important. And linebackers have suffered that fate over the last few years where they're going,
Starting point is 00:21:18 we need the big guys up front. We need the edges, obviously, that's who are paying the most money to. We don't pay our defensive backs. Linebackers will figure out. But you're talking about all four of those guys that we picked are all linebackers. I know.
Starting point is 00:21:29 Sunny Styles is the man. He's the man, dude. They're all the man. Just watching some of those highlights with him hitting people. I'm just like, oh my God. He's a freak of nature too We do have, you have another one?
Starting point is 00:21:39 We have Albert Burr coming up. I don't care about Albert. No, I'm just kidding. MVP. You gotta go with your MVP. I'm going to save mine. You give me yours. Rock Purdy.
Starting point is 00:21:50 Fair enough. Fair enough? I got a power ranking MVP coming up. Power ranking? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, what about coach of the year? Oh, I don't have that. Let me think.
Starting point is 00:22:00 Easy. Well, they don't like to give it to Andy Reid because he's Andy Reid the same reason they like you. Oh, you can't give it to Andy Reed if you have Patrick Mahomes. But that shouldn't be held against you. That's true 100%. He's doing a great job.
Starting point is 00:22:17 And almost you want to say Kevin O'Connell because the defense is good and their 4-0 and their offense is just anemic. Terrible. Terrible. Man, it's hard to watch. Yes. I'm going to go though.
Starting point is 00:22:28 You got to go to Monkin? Monkin's a good one. You go with Monken. I'll go with Monkin. Yeah, Kubiak. Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, well, yeah, both teams that weren't expected to win at all and that are outperforming what the expectation was.
Starting point is 00:22:43 And I think Monkin's a great one because how difficult going into that situation. The Browns in general. So no-win situation, no favors were done in preseason. And then all of a sudden he comes out and he's winning with a stadium just three weeks before. Absolutely hates everybody. Booying. their player. They get two rookie wide receivers. The player that's getting booed is actually playing pretty well.
Starting point is 00:23:08 Right. The announcers are acting like it's a comeback story. It's not a comeback story. He's bad dude. Dude, it's crazy. And now I present to you my biggest disappointment power rankings. Biggest disappointment. Okay, this should be fun. Top five. At number five, Matthew Stafford's ball security. I like it. He's definitely struggled, hasn't he? The Rams are two and two. He's thrown six in a six. all last year he threw eight.
Starting point is 00:23:35 Yeah. It's interesting early in the year when you get going and interceptions can come in bundles. And he's one of those guys that also will rip it in the tight window throws. And unfortunately it hasn't worked out as well for him this year. He obviously had two this last week as well. That win against Philly is why you still believe in him. Oh, because he was a gamer. It was ugly until then.
Starting point is 00:24:00 But yes, Stafford's still the dude, but at number five, it's Matthew Stafford's ball security. It was terrible. Most of the game, they had to come back. They went on a 95-yard drive and then a 75-yard drive, but that's also why he's Matt Stafford. I think it was his 40th, fourth-quarter comeback win this week, which puts them right behind the likes of Tom Brady, Drew Brees. I mean, the guy has got ice in his veins. At number four, Jalen Hertz and the Eagles' offensive identity. Do they have an identity?
Starting point is 00:24:30 Exactly. He threw for 93 yards against the Rams. Philadelphia went 0 for 12 on third down. And yes, injuries matter. They do, but everybody has them. And I think my concern is how little the offense had available once the plan stopped working, the original plan they came into the game.
Starting point is 00:24:46 They didn't have anything that they were able to pivot to offensively. They've got no, when you say identity, like what can you hang your hat on? It's not the run game. And again, the injuries are really difficult to overcome, especially when you talk about Dallas Goddard going out. Lane Johnson hasn't been playing. Devante Smith went out with injury as well.
Starting point is 00:25:04 So you're talking about a lot of dudes that are supposed to be part of the production. But the fact that they haven't even been able to look like a high school football team is very concerning. Dang, it's a heater right there. I know, that's a hater. Number three, Detroit's defense.
Starting point is 00:25:18 The lions are two and two, and they've allowed an NFL worst 31.8 points and over 400 yards a game. So it's as bad as it was whenever the bills were playing them, we're going, man, they're injured. They're really bad. They're still injured. They're still injured and they're still really bad.
Starting point is 00:25:33 Yeah, I mean, and just think if they had a defense. I mean, because that offense is productive and they're healthy and they're getting all the things that they want that offense. They're scoring a lot of points, but if the defense can't make a stop, you can't win ball games. And number two, the Chargers, just across the board. I thought they would be number one.
Starting point is 00:25:51 No. It's hard. It's another O and 14, but at the Chargers at two. I think it's disappointment. The Texan's at one. Yeah. What happened to their defense? They can't hold fourth quarter leads.
Starting point is 00:26:04 They can't. And you know what? CJ Stroud's playing his off. I agree. So Houston's not just losing games, which is weird. They're showing you the win. They're like titillating you with it and then taking it away, which feels a little bit worse than what the charges are doing,
Starting point is 00:26:16 where they just are bad. They're just are bad. They just show up and get beat. Like the Texas are stripteathing you. Yeah. They're like, we're here. I love a good strip team. We're here.
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Starting point is 00:27:01 Always free. Download the free air radio app today. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikima. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score? That's exactly why we created NFL Prox. Got a man wide open. Seahawks!
Starting point is 00:27:19 Every week, we use exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content to break down the biggest stories, matchups, and moments from around the league. We go beyond the box score to uncover the numbers, the tendencies, and details that help explain what actually happened all. on the field. Fires it out in the flat to Barclay who beats one man, spins past another, leaps over a third. And don't worry, this isn't just a show for stats experts.
Starting point is 00:27:47 We use advanced analytics to help tell the story behind the game, turning the numbers into insights that every fan can understand and enjoy. So whether you're a casual fan learning more about football or a hardcore fan who can't get enough analysis, our goal is to help you see the game in a whole new way. If you've ever wanted to know why a play worked, how a matchup was won, or what most fans missed on Sunday, NFL Pro delivers insights you simply can't get anywhere else. Listen to NFL Pro on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. The new NFL season is here, and you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61.
Starting point is 00:28:33 Last year, we had Mike McDonald, Sam Darnold on the field after the game. But that was last year. If you're a football sicko like me, NFL Daily is your kind of show. It is in the name NFL Daily, fresh content in your feed every day all season long. Matthew Stafford coming off his MVP season. On a dazzling darts from Matthew Stafford. Big time trades that shake up the NFL. A.J. Brown is loose.
Starting point is 00:29:01 And of course, those Seahawks trying to run it back and win another Lombardi trophy. The Seahawks win Super Bowl 60. They are bringing the Lombardy back to the Northwest. If it's happening on a football field, NFL Daily will cover it. Listen to NFL Daily on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Football's back. Hey, it's Drew Franklin from NFL Cover Zero. Enjoy the NFL season while listening to NFL Cover Zero.
Starting point is 00:29:33 We have storylines, predictions, and lots of silliness. Here's what you can expect from the podcast. our second season. When you meet people and you say your job's a sports announcer, it's always interesting to see what the first thing they say is. I did have one of the more difficult questions, though. He sits next to me and he sees, I'm on my computer and he goes, being sports fan. And I was like, yeah, actually. And he goes, we think about my Jaguars this year. I realized like, no one's ever asked me that question ever about anything. And I was like do you.
Starting point is 00:30:11 Listen to NFL cover zero on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. All right, we're going to bring on Albert Breer now, which I did not know that you guys knew each other. Oh, he's the best. He's the best. One of the best insiders, always respectful, well, well respected across the league can get more information than anybody. Senior NFL reporter for Sports Illustrated and one of the league's most connected national reporters. you can follow him on Twitter at Albert Breer. Why don't you take it away, Castle? Albert, how are you doing, buddy? Hey, what's up?
Starting point is 00:30:58 I can't imagine you meant all that stuff you just said. Yeah, because you know me personally, and you know how I normally text you, which is never really nice. Yeah, it's all good. How you doing, buddy? Good, buddy. Good to see you again.
Starting point is 00:31:11 Hey, talk to me a little bit about Lamar Jackson, this injury, how that might impact Baltimore moving forward. Yeah, I mean, I think like any high ankle, it's certainly something that you're going to pay attention to and you're going to be careful with. And, you know, I think, you know, based on the way that he plays the game, they've always had to take a little bit of a different approach with his injuries. You know, and so, like, I put them in the day-to-day category, but in the day-to-day category where, you know, you're looking at this from a big picture perspective, if you're the Ravens. And so, you know, they
Starting point is 00:31:50 They've got an Atlanta team that's red hot this week, and, you know, I think we'll probably know more in a couple days. Like, I don't know that there's anything definitive that's going to come out of Baltimore tomorrow when they open the week, but I think we probably will know more later in the week. We saw Sequin come up and hobble a bit as well. He left the game. What's happened with Sequin on his hamstring? I'd expect they don't miss some time.
Starting point is 00:32:18 You know, I think, again, like, this is, one of those injuries, and I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but it's one of those that can recur, and especially with the player who's got mileage on him, like, Sequin. So it sounds like he's not going to I-R, but that doesn't mean this isn't a painful thing, and that doesn't mean this isn't something they need to take care of. And there's so much focus there on trying to fix the run game. Like, the main reason they brought in Sean Mannion to run the offense is because they really like the run game that Matt LaFleur has in Green Bay. And,
Starting point is 00:32:50 that that family of coaches have always had. They're trying to recapture some of the stuff they had with Sequin a couple years ago. So, again, I'd say, like, there will be a cautious approach with bringing him back. And I would expect that he probably will miss at least a week or two. How much pressure is on Nick Seriani? I mean, because on the outside, especially amongst that group, right, there's a lot of noise. But it feels unwarranted at a time with the success rate that he's had. However, I'm interested to hear your perspective.
Starting point is 00:33:22 If that's real at all. Yeah, I mean, I think the outside view of Nick is a little different than the internal view. I think the outside view is that he's a cheerleader and kind of a, you know, a meathead and all of that. Like internally, I don't think it's that way. You know, I think internally, I would say he's viewed as sort of, and I guess like comparing him to Mike Tomlin, a lot of people won't buy into that. But I think if you follow me here, you'll understand what I mean. Like, one of Mike Tomlin's best traits and one of his best qualities was his ability to manage personalities, right? And there's a reason why over the years they were able to cast such a wide net from a talent perspective in Pittsburgh and take on guys like Antonio Brown and Leveon Bell.
Starting point is 00:34:09 You know, it's because Mike Tomlin was a master at managing personalities and being able to handle egos. And I think that's, you know, a lot of what Nick brings to the table in Philly is that he's been able to manage, you know, the big stars they bring in there. So, for example, when they trade for an AJ Brown, he can handle it. When they draft a jail and Carter, he can handle it. And so that's been, I think, his biggest strength, Matt. Now, you know, like on the flip side of that, like, I think their issues now are a little more specific football issues. You know, the offensive line, I don't think is quite what it was. Jordan Malata and Lane Johnson have gotten older.
Starting point is 00:34:54 You know, Landon Dickerson obviously had the injury issues beforehand. He wasn't playing very well. Now he's out. So the offensive line, which had been an overwhelming strength of the team, is not what it was. And then, you know, along the defensive front, where is your pass rush coming from? Well, Jalen Carter's a little nicked up. And I'm not sure that they've really done enough to replace what Jalen Phillips brought them at the end of last year.
Starting point is 00:35:18 So, you know, I think it's sort of where they are in the window with this group. And is Jalen Hertz giving you enough at quarterback based on what you're paying him and lifting up everybody around him? And, you know, like, so like you've got like a coach who is, again, really good at handling and managing a star-driven team. And you're seeing some of those stars dim. And so I think the big picture question for the Eagles going to, four, it isn't going to be like schematically, can he run this or that?
Starting point is 00:35:50 You know, I think as it always is for Jeffrey Lurie, it'll be when they do decide to retool what they're doing. Is he the right guy to lead that retooling? Because I do think they're getting closer to that point now with the current group of players. Maybe not there yet. But I do think that the window is not as wide open as it was a year or two ago to compete for championships.
Starting point is 00:36:13 We're getting to the part of the season where the IR, the pup guys are coming back. Who do you expect to make an impact that hasn't been able to play so far? So, I mean, I think the first one on anybody's list would probably have to be Michael Parsons. You know, I think the one thing about Green Bay, they've done a really nice job drafting and developing Bobby over the last couple of years, right? And really historically, they've always been that. And I thought, like, last year at this time, they were kind of at a point where it was a lot like what the way where Seattle was. and I think Seattle, one of the keys for Seattle is, like last summer they had a lot of good players. And the question was how many of those guys could become great players?
Starting point is 00:36:51 And it happened, right? Witherspoon became a great player. Jackson Smith and Jiggoe would became a great player. Charles Cross, Byron Murphy, all these guys. The Packers, like I think are still at that point. They need more great players. And that's why they traded it for one in Parsons in the first place. I think they thought Tucker Kraft was getting there at tight end last year when he got hurt.
Starting point is 00:37:11 So, you know, now they've got these big pieces coming back off of injury, and they're really solid across the board, but do they have real game changers? Michael Parsons has obviously been one over the course of his career. Can he be one coming off the ACL? That's a big question. The second name I'm going to give you is a little more under the radar, but I think he's an important one. And that's Zach Charbonnet in Seattle. And the reason why Charbonnet was really coming on at the end of last year when he tore his ACL. You know, and then, you know, obviously in the offseason, they lose Kenneth Walker.
Starting point is 00:37:46 They drafted Erie and Price out of Notre Dame. Now, Price just went on IR. And, you know, so much of what Seattle does offensively, both last year, you know, with Clint Kubiak as a coordinator, now at Brian Fleury, who worked with Kubiak and San Francisco as the coordinator, is based on the run game. And what they're able to do to kind of establish that and kind of helps set up everything else they do. And so now with Price Out, with Walker gone, can Charbonnet kind of pick up where he left off? Because he's playing really well before he got hurt last year. So I think those would be the two names that would be the first ones that would come to mind.
Starting point is 00:38:22 It would be Parsons and Green Bay, which is obvious. And then the little less obvious one would be Charbonnet in Seattle. Hard Rockback Casino app is here, Ontario. It's safe, secure, and crystal clear with fast payouts and 24-7 local support. You can play over 3,000 games right here. here, including hard rock bet casino exclusives. The hard rock bat casino app is here, Ontario. Roll with us.
Starting point is 00:38:57 Must be 19 years of age or older to play. Ontario only. Please play responsibly. Concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, visit connectsontoreo.ca. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikima. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score?
Starting point is 00:39:12 That's exactly why we created NFL Pro. Got a man wide open. Docs! Every week, we use exclusive. exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content to break down the biggest stories, matchups, and moments from around the league. We go beyond the box score to uncover the numbers, the tendencies, and details that help explain what actually happened on the field. Fires it out the flat to Barclay who beats one man, spins past another, leaps over at third.
Starting point is 00:39:43 And don't worry, this isn't just a show for stats experts. We use advanced analytics to help tell the story behind the game, turning the numbers into insights that every fan can understand and enjoy. So whether you're a casual fan learning more about football or a hardcore fan who can't get enough analysis, our goal is to help you see the game in a whole new way. If you've ever wanted to know why a playwork, how a matchup was won, or what most fans missed on Sunday, NFL Pro delivers insights you simply can't get anywhere else. Listen to NFL Pro on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. The new NFL season is here,
Starting point is 00:40:26 and you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61. Last year, we had Mike McDonald, Sam Darnel on the field after the game. But that was last year. If you're a football sicko like me, NFL Daily is your kind of show. It is in the name NFL Daily,
Starting point is 00:40:44 fresh content in your feed every day all season long. Matthew Stafford coming off his, VPCs. On a dazzling darts from Matthew Stafford. Big-time trades that shake up the NFL. A.J. Brown is loose. And of course, those Seahawks trying to run it back and win another Lombardi trophy. The Seahawks win Super Bowl 60.
Starting point is 00:41:09 They are bringing the Lombardy back to the northwest. If it's happening on a football field, NFL Daily will cover it. Listen to NFL Daily on the IHeart Radio app. podcast or wherever you get your podcast. Football's back. Hey, it's Drew Franklin from NFL Cover Zero. Enjoy the NFL season while listening to NFL Cover Zero. We have storylines, predictions, and lots of silliness.
Starting point is 00:41:36 Here's what you can expect from the podcast in our second season. When you meet people and you say your job's a sports announcer, it's always interesting to see what the first thing they say is. I did have one of the more difficult questions, though. He sits next to me and he sees I'm. I'm on my computer, and he goes, big sports fan. And I was like, yeah, actually. And he goes, we think about my Jaguars this year.
Starting point is 00:42:01 I realized, like, no one's ever asked me that question ever about anything. And I was like, Duvall. Listen to NFL cover zero on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. For a team like Kansas City, who's obviously four and all going into a biweek, but they obviously have injuries at the wide receiver position, Rashid Rice, Taekwon, Thornton. What do you think that they're going to do to address that position? I think, well, I think this, you're leading me into a tiring.
Starting point is 00:42:44 Everybody knows where we're going to go. Yeah, yeah. So I know where you're going with that. I, yes, yes. I, I, what I like about where Kansas City is, Matt, is like, you know, when you watch the way that they've constructed this team, team. Kenneth Walker was perfect because Kenneth Walker, going and getting Kenneth Walker, it stabilized the offense. It creates more manageable down and distance situations for them more
Starting point is 00:43:14 consistently where Patrick Mahomes doesn't have to carry the team as he's coming back from the knee. It also, as I see it at least, buys them, bought them some time to develop the receiver position. And that's, I mean, it has something that's been a big question for them for a while. So it was what's that group going to become with Rashi Rice can he stay healthy now we've seen he's gotten hurt again. Tyquine Thornton is starting to play really well for them. You know Xavier Worthy obviously a first round pick from a couple of years ago. You've seen some things from him
Starting point is 00:43:46 earlier on. Cyrus Allen, a guy they drafted that they really liked that they think actually compares as a fifth round pick to Stefan Diggs. So so much of like their approach I think going into mid-season was always going to be, was always going to be, do we need to add it? that position. And with Thornton down, with Rice down for now, I think that it's something that they take a serious look at. And Tyree Kill, I think, would certainly be somebody who would be, you know, a name they have circle and somebody they could, you know, put in there seamlessly.
Starting point is 00:44:16 The question is going to be, like, what percentage of Tyree Kill are you getting coming back off of what's a really serious injury? But even if it's not Hill, like I could see them, you know, fishing around, like, hey, you know, Marvin Harrison Jr. as a, as a reclamation project, is that something they would look at? I think these are all things that they would consider, you know, as they go into the back half of the year.
Starting point is 00:44:39 Detroit could get potentially some of these defensive starters back because it's been brutal for them defensively. How much can getting healthy now actually turn that team into a contender? Yeah, I mean, I know, like, getting Brian Branch back, getting Kirby Joseph back's going to help. Brian Branch is one of their best players. And their issues have been on the back. end. I still don't know. I don't know if it's going to be quite enough. I had them like kind of like as a
Starting point is 00:45:10 team that I thought should be interested in Joey Porter if Pittsburgh was going to trade him. And obviously Pittsburgh did last week. And I still think they're a team that should look at the idea of adding it corner. The interesting thing about them is it's not like they haven't invested on defense, right? Like they, I mean, they drafted Aidan Hutchinson with the second over. pick, they've paid him. They drafted Jack Campbell in the first round. They paid him. Alene McNeil, really good player that they drafted in the third round. They paid him. So there are guys on that side of the ball that they've paid. And like the makeup of the group, you know, it's pretty clear that something needs to change. Because this isn't something that I
Starting point is 00:45:50 think getting one or two players back is going to materially change. Because kind of the same old story as the last couple of years. And it was fascinating about them. is they're right in a championship window with that offense? I don't think anybody could watch that offense and not think that offense is good enough to win a Super Bowl. Golfs played really well for them. I mean, go down the list, the offensive linemen, you know, obviously starting with Pinsé Sewell, Jameson Williams, and St. Brown, and Jemir Gibbs is one of the best players in all football. So they're, like, clearly in a window to compete for a championship was what they've got offensively. And they've got some pieces on defense.
Starting point is 00:46:26 And so, you know, now I think they've got to look at it and say, okay, what can bring all of that together? And is it a coordinator change in season? Dan Campbell's done that before. He fired Anthony Lynn halfway through his first year. Is it adding something at the corner position? You know, I think it's pretty clear something needs to change. It'll be interesting to see what that is. There was a lot of noise last week leading up to this week on Drake May and the Patriots.
Starting point is 00:46:52 And they just obviously had a huge victory on the road against the Buffalo Bills. Is the narrative changed a little bit? or is there still some concern about how he played early in the season? Well, you've worked up here for long enough. Oh, yeah. Matt, that you know the narrative. The narrative can change day to day. You know, so yeah, it's changed, but it could change right back.
Starting point is 00:47:15 Yeah, I think what's so interesting about his, his, the where he's at, and I think the guys up here would tell you this. It's actually sort of logical if you think about it, right? So going into year two, you know, he gets one of the best play callers of the last 25 years in Josh McDaniels to come in and design an offense for him. Josh hasn't really worked with a quarterback like him. I'll do respect to you, Matt. He, like he hasn't had some moves.
Starting point is 00:47:40 I had some moves. I was going to say he hasn't worked like an athlete like this, but you could actually tuck it and run. So maybe I'm wrong about that. I think what it added up to, right? I think what it added up to was they didn't, I don't think, I don't think, other teams had a real idea of how Josh was going to use him, you know, and how Josh was going to deploy him.
Starting point is 00:48:05 And so, like, I think that gave them an edge. And they had that edge plus, like, the advantage of a softer schedule last year. You know, so for, you know, 17 weeks there, you were looking at, you know, I think a lot of things coming right into place for Drake, where he hits his back foot and he can just rip it. Or they're not ready for the athlete he is, so he can break the pocket and make plays on scrambles. And I think as you got into the playoffs where you saw better defensive coordinators he was playing against, better defensive personnel he was playing against, and now there's starting to be a book, you know, drawn up on him. And that carried over to this year where it's pin him in the pocket, you know, protect your defense over the top,
Starting point is 00:48:46 whether that's, you know, going to two high safeties. I know we saw a lot of like quarter quarter half type coverage. They saw all that stuff and then, and then, you know, make him read it out, right? Like, and make him go to number two, go to number three. And that's where I think he struggled. Now, he came back this week and I think really played well. I think some of that was Buffalo let him out a little bit more than we saw the last couple of weeks. And I think Buffalo let him run a little bit more, let him make plays off schedule a little bit more, which opened everything up. And so what I'm interested to see now coming back, you know, against the Raiders, are the Raiders going to go back to what he's seen more often
Starting point is 00:49:31 over the seven games previous to this one? And I think the answer would probably be yes. Rob Leonard's, their defensive coordinator, he's from that Baltimore background, from that Baltimore system. Mike McDonald, obviously, was from that system as well. Mike McDonald beat them twice. So I think it's going to be a really interesting challenge for Drake this week.
Starting point is 00:49:49 And another step he can take where he could show that he's kind of gotten past some of the things. that have gotten him over the course of the last seven games going back to the playoffs last year. Or eight games. Final two questions. After watching Dallas, when the way they did,
Starting point is 00:50:06 do you view the Cowboys any differently than you did a week ago? Yeah, I think the Cowboys to me are a very real Super Bowl contender. I think the offense is there, right? So I like how Brian Schottenheimer fell on the sword in front of his team on Wednesday, day and took the blame for the loss against the Ravens. I think you saw a lot of good things in that Baltimore game that obviously were washed away
Starting point is 00:50:34 by the fact that they didn't wind up winning it in the end. And to me, this was what was amazing. They were down by 10 at the half in Houston coming off of that Brazil trip, right? Which they had to make that trip in a regular week. First two teams to ever do it were the Ravens and the Cowboys, 10 and a half hours back from Brazil and into a regular week. And so with all of that up with all of that. against them, down 10, in that building, against that defense.
Starting point is 00:51:01 They scored touchdowns on four of their five second half possession. So I think Dax's playing out of his mind right now. C.D. Lamb is obviously great in that game. The offense is there. Now, can they get better on defense? And I think a lot of that's going to come down to player development and the development of the defensive coordinator, right? So can Donovan Azaraku take another step?
Starting point is 00:51:21 Can DeMarvie and Overshon, you know, at the linebacker position? Can he start to look like the guy that he was before the injury? Where's Joey Porter look like a corner coming over from Pittsburgh? Can Caleb Downs continue to progress? And he looks like already he's one of the best players on defense. And then can Christian Parker grow and mature as a coordinator over the course of the year? If they can just be the 10th best defense in the league, the 12th best defense in the league, the 14th best defense the league,
Starting point is 00:51:53 I think they're a threat to go pretty deep in the playoffs. but all that I think is going to ride on their ability to come along and that's out of the ball. Final question for me, Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings, they're one of the four-and-o undefeated teams right now. Is it sustainable, though, the way that they're playing on the offense and side of the ball? Yeah, I mean, it's almost like the reverse of Dallas, you know, like where if they can just be league average, the defense is playing so well. And Brian Fulers has done such a great job there. since half time of week one, this is crazy to me. Since half time of week one, they've only allowed two touchdowns.
Starting point is 00:52:29 And one of them was at the end of the game against Miami on Sunday. So they're playing great defensively. You know, offensively, my question, Kyler started to play better at the end of the game against Miami, right? So you give him credit for that. The big criticism on him has always been his ability to throw the ball over the middle of the field. We saw some of that and how he was hooking up with T.J. Hawkinson and key spots against the dolphins. I don't know, like, how great the fit is there.
Starting point is 00:53:02 And Kevin's really smart. Matt, you've been around him. You know this. I think he's going to adjust the offense as much as he can to what Kyler does well. It's just going to be like how that marriage comes along. The marriage with Kevin O'Connell, his scheme, and Kyler Murray. And, again, there was some encouraging. signs later in that game.
Starting point is 00:53:24 But I think a lot of it's going to come down to just that. And if it's not Murray, are you okay with, okay, like, we'll go with a guy who's going to put his hands at 10 and 2 and just run the offense and Carson Wentz. I do know this about Kevin. If the Kyler thing doesn't start to work better, three weeks from now, five weeks from now, seven weeks from now,
Starting point is 00:53:48 I think he's got so much respect for the players that he's got there and feels bad enough about what they went through last year at the position that he's not going to just throw the season overboard to try to make it work with Kyler. So Kyler does need to play better. And I think it's because he wants to give Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and Christian Derisaw and Blake Cashman and Andrew Van Ginkle
Starting point is 00:54:15 and Byron Murphy and Harrison Smith. He wants to give those guys the best opportunity to go compete for a championship. Because remember, a lot of those guys were around in one 14 games two years ago. And, you know, I think the right thing to do by them is to give them the best possible answer that you got at the most important position on the field. You guys follow him on Twitter. He is the best at Albert Breer. Albert, appreciate it. Matt says so many nice things about you before we even started.
Starting point is 00:54:42 He couldn't love on you anymore until he got on and then made fun of you. It's a weird relationship. It's a weird relationship. but that's how I show my love. That's how all my friendships are, Matt, so I'm good with it. We're good. Albert, thank you, man. I really appreciate it. All right, thanks, guys. Thanks, buddy.
Starting point is 00:54:58 The music you love. Your favorite radio stations. Everywhere you go. The podcasts, everyone's talking about. All in one place. And it's free. My heart radio. Whatever you want to hear.
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Starting point is 00:55:31 I heart radio. Everywhere you go. Always free. Download the free IHard Radio app today. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikima. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score? That's exactly why we created NFL Pro.
Starting point is 00:55:46 Got a man wide open. Touchdown! Seahawks! Every week, we use exclusive next-gen stats. Insights and NFL content to break down the biggest stories, matchups, and moments from around the league. We go beyond the box score to uncover the numbers, the tendencies, and details that help explain
Starting point is 00:56:06 what actually happened on the field. Fires it out to the flat to Barclay, who beats one man, spins past another, leaps over at third. And don't worry, this isn't just a show for stats experts. We use advanced analytics to help tell the story behind the game, turning the numbers into insights that every fan can understand and enjoy. So whether you're a casual fan learning more about football or a hardcore fan who can't get enough analysis, our goal is to help you see the game in a whole new way.
Starting point is 00:56:37 If you've ever wanted to know why a play worked, how a matchup was won, or what most fans missed on Sunday, NFL Pro delivers insights you simply can't get anywhere else. Listen to NFL Pro on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Yes. The new NFL season is here, and you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61. Last year, we had Mike McDonald, Sam Darnel on the field after the game. But that was last year. If you're a football sicko like me, NFL Daily is your kind of show.
Starting point is 00:57:14 It is in the name NFL Daily, fresh content in your feed every day all season long. Matthew Stafford coming off his MVP season. Are they dazzling? Darts from Matthew Stafford. Big time trades that shake up the NFL. AJ Brown is loose. And of course, those Seahawks trying to run it back and win another Lombardi trophy. The Seahawks win Super Bowl 60.
Starting point is 00:57:41 They are bringing the Lombardi back to the Northwest. If it's happening on a football field, NFL Daily will cover it. Listen to NFL Daily on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. football's back. Hey, it's Drew Franklin from NFL Cover Zero. Enjoy the NFL season while listening to NFL Cover Zero. We have storylines, predictions, and lots of silliness. Here's what you can expect from the podcast in our second season.
Starting point is 00:58:11 When you meet people and you say your job's a sports announcer, it's always interesting to see what the first thing they say is. I did have one of the more difficult questions, though. He sits next to me and he sees I'm on my computer and he goes, I was a big sports fan. And I was like, yeah, actually. And he goes, we think about my Jaguars this year. I realized, like, no one's ever asked me that question ever about anything.
Starting point is 00:58:39 And I was like, do youvo. Listen to NFL Cover Zero on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. You still calling games? I got one more later in the year. I've got Wisconsin Purdue. Well, they gave me all Wisconsin games, which I'm not, you know, I'm not worried about because at the same time, from a steady standpoint, because you grind on players and knowing some backstories and coaches,
Starting point is 00:59:16 and you kind of build a little bit of a relationship. But when you have them multiple times, it's great because I exchange numbers with the offense and defensive coordinator, and you can call them up and kind of track them throughout the year and see how the progress is going. So I got one more. You had the Wisconsin Penn State game? Penn State game. That's a good one.
Starting point is 00:59:31 Yeah, it was good. That's a couple weeks ago. Penn State's lost again. I know. But I... Northwestern. Did you see their new stadium? Like legit.
Starting point is 00:59:39 Fickle was on the hot seat. So, so much so that it was getting a little nerve wracking just how that game started because it was 17 nothing at one point. And, you know, the expectation of Wisconsin is you win. They had two losing seasons. They won four games total the year previous. So there is a lot of heat on that seat. But the fact that he went and won at Penn State was the first time since 2005.
Starting point is 01:00:07 that they had won at Penn State was a big deal. And then they came back last week and drummed. I don't know who they played last week, but they're off to a great start. Are you enjoying doing the color commentator? So much fun. I love talking ball. You know what I mean?
Starting point is 01:00:22 And there's a flow to it for sure that you kind of got to get used to. But at the end of the day, I'm describing football and get to watch it in person. And it's not all the hypotheticals. It's not this, that, or the other. It's what you see is what you get, and I get to try to educate. That's cool, man. This is fun. Congratulations.
Starting point is 01:00:41 Thank you. I appreciate you. My top five MVP's, ready? Top five MVP's. And number five, I made three power rankings this week. I was going to say, everything is a list, but I kind of like it. I'm a huge list guy. I tell my wife, look, you can tell me 800 things right now.
Starting point is 01:00:56 I'm going to remember maybe one or two of them. That's just how I operate. You make a list? Yes. But then if the list is over like 10 things, then it becomes overwhelming again. See, I like a long list. He has been something to accomplish. Yes, that's true.
Starting point is 01:01:10 And number five, Dag Prescott. Yes, deserving. And he has the visibility that if it's close, tie goes to the Cowboys. Tie goes to Cowboys. But there's not another quarterback. Well, every quarterback has pressure on. But in that market, that type of visibility with the star in your helmet. And you got Jerry Jones every other week going on to his radio show,
Starting point is 01:01:33 throwing a little bit of shade. He handles it as a true professional. never says anything bad and it just goes out there in balls. Number four, Trevor Lawrence. Like it. He's my breakthrough candidate. Also, for the first time in the power rankings earlier, the Jacksonville Jaguars made the top five.
Starting point is 01:01:48 But I've got Trevor Lawrence at four. If Jacksonville becomes the top AFC seed, it's Trevor Lawrence has finally put it all together. And that's been the story, Kenny, Willie. He's a different coach every year. Now he finally has a really good coach and some stability there. Right.
Starting point is 01:02:03 And Liam Cohen. So I have Trevor Lawrence at four. I have Mahomes at three. Now a little bit of that is... The Mahomes factor. Absolutely. But if he can put it together, I think an unbeaten
Starting point is 01:02:16 first eight or nine games firmly puts him there. Listen, Kenneth Walker will definitely take a little bit of that away from him. Yes. But he needs Kenneth Walker to play so well that it's not putting too much on him. Especially early in the season coming back from ACL.
Starting point is 01:02:32 I mean, what a blessing to have somebody that can take a workload off of you, You don't have to do everything and be Superman, which we know he has that ability. But let's be honest, he's still healing from an ACL, getting back into the flow of things, didn't play in preseason. So the fact that he has him there is a huge asset. And number two, you're a guy Brock Purdy. Number two, my guy, Brock Purdy, just crushing it right now. The only reason I have him at two is because he has more weapons than the guy at one who is also just crushing it right now, which is Josh Allen.
Starting point is 01:03:04 Yes. So if San Francisco finishes at the top or maybe second in the NFC, I think his efficiency, that team's success, create an obvious case because he was after four weeks, him or Josh Allen has been it. Right. He's been it from the start, right? It's continuing the narrative of how great he's playing.
Starting point is 01:03:23 I have Josh Allen at one because all his rushing touchdowns, the fact that he has to be Superman in order for them to win or to lose the game. It's all on him. and the weapon that he was supposed to have has been hurt. Yes. He's a hurt. He got hurt.
Starting point is 01:03:39 Keon Coleman goes out and has a huge day. Yes. So next man up, he'll make you a star. I have Josh Allen won. Yeah, well, Josh Allen is the ultimate difference maker, right? He can put the team on his back.
Starting point is 01:03:50 He can do it with his legs. He does it with his arm, but he does so much for that organization. And that's sometimes when you think about that MVP, most valuable player, but not just your play represents it, but can you, uplift your team. And because
Starting point is 01:04:04 like you said, Brock Purdy has a lot of diverse weapons to go out there and attack a defense with Josh Allen has good weapons, but they're not that type of caliber. He has fine weapons. Yeah, Dalton Kincaid. He's fine. Knox? And I don't, I'm not penalizing
Starting point is 01:04:22 Brock Purdy for having weapons, but I am lifting Josh Allen a little more for not having weapons. Yes, and I totally agree with that. But then you look at Josh Purdy's conference or division what he's in, those will be the ones, if he goes out and plays well against Seattle, against the Rams, against some of these opponents within his league that know
Starting point is 01:04:43 are familiar with you, know you, and all that stuff, well, that can be a separator as well. The NFC has three teams in that one division that all three could win the Super Bowl. I think they're the top three teams in the NFC. Legit. All three of those teams. Which is the Seahawks of 49ers and the Rams. Yep. And that's a brutal.
Starting point is 01:05:01 division. I think that's that tier in the NFC. You can put the Cowboys in that tier below. You can put anybody else. But that top tier is all in the same division. Same division. And also shout out to Kirk Cousins. Not even in the NFC. But we were talking about injuries and coming back because he did
Starting point is 01:05:17 have the Aaron Rogers disease, which he tore his Achilles. Aaron Rogers' disease. Yes, he did. Him having success this season has shown with a little time, you can bounce back and be quite good. It's not like he has the best weapons.
Starting point is 01:05:34 He's got a good running back. Brock Bowers. No, but he was hurt. Bowers was hurt. Bowers is the man, but a number one tied in is not a number one wide receiver. True. But Brock Bowers is the dude. He's the dude. But he was winning without Brock Bowers. Right. When Brock was hurt. So,
Starting point is 01:05:49 I don't know, maybe I believe in Achilles injuries, just rub some dirt on it. No, I mean, the guy's playing out of his mind right now. And again, went way over the expectation that we had for this team early on. We thought it was going to be just a matter of time that Mendoza steps in. Obviously, Kubiak had a vision, and that's why they paid him to come here,
Starting point is 01:06:08 and they paid him a good amount of money. But he understood, look, I need a veteran guy that understands this offense, knows the ins and out, and can play good football and put us in a position to win. And he's exceeded that. He's playing great football. Even at the end of the last game, when the chiefs go up, he goes down, gets him back within a field goal to go kind of close that gap. I mean, he's just making plays.
Starting point is 01:06:30 He drank a little cup from the fountain of youth. Yeah, I let them back and they covered. Had the Chiefs minus four and a half. Oh, that's brutal. Brutal. Brutal. Just hurt your soul. I then started rooting for the Raiders to tie and kick a field goal to go to overtime.
Starting point is 01:06:48 So they get scored. So then the Chiefs could win by a touchdown. Dude, NFL is so hard to bet on. Oh, it's the hardest. Yeah, I agree. And the spreads are so accurate. It's unbelievable. It sucked.
Starting point is 01:07:02 Yeah. That is it. Thank you everybody for listening. That is Matt Castle. That's Brandon Ray. Double Dillon stepping in for kickoff Kevin today. I don't think he's ever been called Double D Dylan. I don't even think he has another D in his name.
Starting point is 01:07:14 The Double Dizzle. Thank you guys for watching. If you're watching on YouTube, thanks for listening to the podcast. If you're listening, we will see you guys next week. All right, bye, everybody. Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle is a production of the NFL and IHeart Podcast. For more podcasts, from IHeartRadio, visit the IHeartRadio app Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
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