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Browns & Ravens Striving for the Next Step | Brentford & Fulham Pushing for Top Half | Texans & Titans Needs
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In this week’s episode of Who’s Got The Ball? the lads took a look at the opposite ends of the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns (02:41) and Baltimore Ravens (10:59), what's in store for Keith Andrews at Brentford (17:34) and whether or not Fulham can push on (24:59). To finish up James and Shane discussed what is needed for the Houston Texans (31:18) and Tennessee Titans (38:02) to succeed in the AFC South.
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Transcript
30th Episode Milestone & Holiday Update
00:00:09
Speaker
Alright lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got The Ball. We've hit the landmark 30 episodes. Doing pretty good, getting on nicely. I'm currently on my holidays down here in Kerry with the family, so this is be a little bit of a shorter episode for ye. That's why I have such a gorgeous tan. If you're watching on video, you'll be able to see
Rio and Camoa Discussion: A Messi-De Mal Hybrid
00:00:28
Speaker
it. But Shane is also here. are you, Shane?
00:00:31
Speaker
But um there really wasn't anything on the weekend to talk about, other than I want to have a word about Rio and Camoa being the next coming of Messi and De Mal, if they had a child. Other than that, I think, very little has happened.
Community Shield Anticipation & Wigan Mention
00:00:44
Speaker
There's the Community Shield back next week, and that's when the football is back. Actually, we did have League One.
00:00:48
Speaker
during the weekend. Wigan had a great win. I was watching it with Mossy. He's a Wigan fan. So okay they they they picked up a good three points there and it's a good start to season for them. There's literally nothing happening in the NBA, which is why you we're going to say that we didn't even mention the letter the NBA in this episode.
00:01:05
Speaker
Just about the NFL and the football. Yeah, like you said, not a whole lot going on at the moment, even with the end of GAA early early. It's kind of annoying because I like watching that a little bit later into the summer after the football and stuff was done. But we're not too far now. and As you said, Community Shield isn't too long away.
00:01:26
Speaker
then we've got the the Premier League coming back. So that's why we we we've got for two episodes, as we've mentioned, and Next week we've got the Premier League preview and the usual episode.
AFC North Preview: Browns & Ravens
00:01:36
Speaker
So this week what we did touch on was we we finished up previewing the AFC North, which is the Browns and the Ravens, two teams very opposite ends of the stick there in terms of their quality.
00:01:47
Speaker
Then we moved on to the Premier League previews. We did our last two teams deep dive of Brentford and Fulham. And then we wrapped up with previewing two more teams moved on to the AFC South, which is Texans and Titans. And we'll wrap that division up for you guys next week. But we just left it there since I am a little bit tighter for time. So it's a shorter episode for you this week. So we hope you enjoyed it and we will let you dive straight into it.
00:02:13
Speaker
Just before we jump in there, I don't want people to think that. So they might have seen on Twitter that the Scottish Football Podcast did a 12-hour podcast reviewing the Scottish Championship League One and League Two. Our episode won't be 12 hours next week. Don't worry, it'll be an hour. to just It's only one league. if You're fine. You'll be be able to listen and enjoy it.
00:02:31
Speaker
Yeah, important disclaimer to make before we get into this league's one. So work away, lads, and we'll see you again next week for that one, of course. But as Shane said, not 12 hours a lot shorter than that. So enjoy the episode.
In-Depth Browns Analysis
00:02:42
Speaker
Let's continue. So with their NFC North team previews. So last week we had Danny on and we did... Steelers and Bengals so we've got the Browns and Ravens left kind of two massive gaps in talent between these two teams so let's start with the lesser one no offense to the Browns but probably the worst team in the league right now by many people's metrics so the first question on them as usual is where do they need to improve most from last season Other than everywhere, I think they need to mostly see and improve on offense. So the average 15.2 points per game last year, which was towards the lowest in the league, a lot it is just their tea their quarterback situation last year was horrific.
00:03:22
Speaker
They had no passing game. They really, really... Well, they had five options this year to go from at least. and was no passing game, really poor running game, especially after Nick Chubb left as well. So...
00:03:35
Speaker
Like 15.2 points a game. When I was doing that, I was like, oh my goodness, that is horrific. So they definitely need to improve on offense. Yeah, I had the exact same thing as you. I literally had that same stat because when I saw that, I was like, how does that even make sense? 15.2 points per game, like in the NFL.
00:03:53
Speaker
It's just abysmal. And the thing is, I would more likely go that that's like five field goals than it is two touchdowns every time, like just in my mind when I think about the Browns. makes more sense.
00:04:04
Speaker
But, yeah, worse scoring offense in the league. So, I think just adding more points is not even, like, to win games, but just for the fans is yeah essential for this season. So, that's what I had to. I think it just, yeah, I think it it's such a non-negotiable that you have more points.
00:04:21
Speaker
Like, don't expect them to crowd win 10 or 15 games, obviously. not getting anywhere close to that, but you need to be hitting 20 points, a minimum of 20 points, and see what you can do from there. If you're only scoring 15 points, you're going to lose every single quarter, not alone every single match. So, like yourself now, I couldn't believe when I saw how low was.
00:04:38
Speaker
Yeah, and like, yeah, I i already made the point like a second ago, but like for the fans, it's just so disheartening to see your team doing that every week. So yeah, not even to win. If they can just make their fans a little bit happier, that'd be a win for them, I guess, because they're not, they can hardly expect to be like good enough to challenge. So, but looking at who they actually have on their team right now, that's a solid. Who did you have as your three best players to make an impact?
00:05:07
Speaker
Yeah, but I think one of them, but if we both don't have him, I'll be shocked. Surely you have Myles Garrett as well. Like he's the defensive rock, a new deal, 160 million for four years, keeps him there till 2030, sorry, not 2026. He leads the league in pressure race again in 2024.
00:05:20
Speaker
and he just he he leads the league and pressure race again in twenty twenty four he's just he's He's the only man that's a bright spark for them, really, as far as I'm concerned. I put in Jerome Ford, the running back.
00:05:32
Speaker
he kind of emerged towards the end of last year as a be of kind of is a small bit more reliable than the rest of them. And he was a bit of a good pass catcher as well. So I think if he does get the role...
00:05:43
Speaker
full-time or becomes their running back then they could have something that's decent, but not overly gone in, but I just felt they needed something. And then had to pick between the 42 QBs they had, and I went with Chidore Sanders.
00:05:56
Speaker
He's apparently impressed in camp. and he might fish He might fit well into Stefanski's game, we'll see, but when you have that many quarterbacks, I had to pick one and just for someone someone to try and keep an eye on, so I went with Richard Orsanders. Yeah, it's a pure toss-up at this point. like there even Yeah, 100%. I think their fans are even happy that, not to be happy that someone got injured, but like, can he pick going down injured? At least it makes some sort of an answer. But then, literally, like, I think yesterday they signed Tyler Huntley, so now they have another fourth draft again, like,
00:06:27
Speaker
It's crazy. but So I actually had Garrett as well. As you mentioned, but both of us should definitely have him there. He's the only one that's like, this is one of those ones that sometimes you try not to pick obvious people. But for this, you have to pick the most obvious because he is their best player by far.
00:06:43
Speaker
um And yeah, best defensive player in the league, I think. and And of course, just massive impact in every game, regardless of how they play. And that's the reason why they they paid him the highest in the league ever at and his position, 40 million per year. So yeah, like you said, obvious one there. Second one I went to is Denzel Ward.
00:07:03
Speaker
and you He's a lockdown coroner. Unfortunately, he's had no team success, but in his career, he's had four Pro Bowls and I think if he was with somebody else, another team, you know, that had a decent offense at least once or twice, he he could be somebody that people would say is the best at the position and just because of how good he is. And sometimes that work goes unnoticed when you're constantly bombarded.
00:07:28
Speaker
and But he's unbelievable. So another big season, I'd say, ahead for him. And lastly, had Jared Judy. and He showed what he was about last season. People were doubting him coming off the Broncos, but he he's he might see himself as somebody who can form a relationship with one of these quarterbacks, maybe Shador, like you mentioned.
00:07:45
Speaker
And last year, over 1,200 yards, obviously Jameis Winston helped in a couple of massive games there. But I think if he formed a relationship with a quarterback, that could be something because he is he has a lot of potential. I think he's like 26 or something.
00:08:00
Speaker
Signed a pretty decent handoff. So yeah, I like him. I think he's a he's a good shout. So to move on then to do we think they'll hit their over-under wins? It's five and a half. What did you have?
00:08:12
Speaker
Oh, under. They're the worst team in the league. They're the Panthers this season coming. They're getting three wins max and they'll probably beat the Giants and the Chiefs or something. It'll be something ridiculous like that.
00:08:24
Speaker
No, they're not getting over five and half wins. There's no chance. Yeah, I agree with you I had no... i look I looked at their schedule, like every one of these, I look at the schedule before I decide. And this one, was like, I don't really even need to because I just... How are they going to win games?
00:08:40
Speaker
Just the quarterback situation just makes no sense whatsoever. So much money is still going on Deshaun Watson. like yeah The whole situation is... Very bad. But they'll be hoping that they can develop Shador. But as we've mentioned kind of in a joking way a few times, like the amount of quarterbacks they have is just ridiculous.
00:09:03
Speaker
It makes no sense. So I and you can't see too much going right for this team, to be honest. So yeah, I went to the top. Yeah, they they they could genuinely go into the first five games with different quarterbacks in each one. Like they could go in with Shador for game one. and He chose four interceptions.
00:09:18
Speaker
They bring in Kenny Pickett. He had the howler. They bring in someone else and they could just do that. And they're like, right now we actually need to pick one and then go back to Shador after sitting him out for a month. They just, they don't make sense. I can't believe what have to do. And their draft was hilariously bad.
00:09:35
Speaker
Yeah. Three quarterbacks draft it, wasn't it? Yeah, it's outrageous. Like, what are you doing? What's the point? I think they, yeah, that well, they picked your man.
00:09:46
Speaker
Was it? I can't even remember the first Dylan Gabriel was the first thing that they picked. Let me double check that because I can't even remember who the first. yeah Considering he was picked before. Yeah, he was picked first before Shador.
00:09:59
Speaker
And that's so bad for him. conceion He was picked before him, but nobody is even thinking about him. and And then, yeah, they just signed Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. So they signed in total four quarterbacks. Now, Tyler Huntley makes that five in this one offseason, including the draft. It's just, yeah, it's just laughable. But in terms of their ceiling with the current roster and coach, I said like seven wins, maybe if everything somehow goes right.
00:10:24
Speaker
Like I can never see them getting close to this, but... I think at an absolute ceiling. There's a couple of games there that they did have easy teams, but I think the other team will be seeing that as an easy win for them. So I think sometimes they they they do win a game in division as well, just randomly.
00:10:40
Speaker
But I just wrote that the team pretty much stinks, so I can't see more than seven. yeah Yeah, I agree with you there. I have six or seven wins, but I think reaching five would actually be a real peak for them. So yeah, they're not they're not going anywhere this year, next year, and probably not the year after either.
00:10:58
Speaker
Yeah, I agree with that. and So moving on then to the Ravens, are the opposite end of the spectrum in this division.
Ravens' Improvement Areas & Super Bowl Aspirations
00:11:04
Speaker
Where they need to improve most from last season, I said that the passing defense was really poor last season.
00:11:11
Speaker
They allowed the second most yards per game at 244. They'll probably be hoping that getting Jair Alexander in will help with this. He's a really good player. He has a good relationship with Lamar Jackson, which obviously they're not playing on the same side of the ball, but that should be good for morale and Hopefully he settles in quickly there. I think that he's a really good player if injuries can can avoid if he can avoid injuries.
00:11:34
Speaker
and Him opposite Marlon Humphrey. And then you you still have a couple of really, really good players in the middle there with Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith. So, yeah, I think there's no reason why this passing defense should be so bad. It just really didn't click last year.
00:11:51
Speaker
im Obviously, new coordinator and stuff like that. But, yeah, that's the main thing for me. Yeah, and I just said that they just need to get past the Biddles when it comes to playoff time because...
00:12:03
Speaker
We'll talk about it further on, but if they can get past the Bills, then they are they are a real candidate to go the whole way. But it's just the Bills have their number. They always seem to have their number. So I think if they could just improve on their performance against the Bills, know they were unlucky last year, 27-25, I think it was, and it was a really tight game, but they just keep losing the tight game as well. So they need to just find the way to beat Josh Allen and company and see where they go from there then.
00:12:27
Speaker
Yeah, that's a good point. And that was obviously the Mark Andrews drop in that game that that they could have kind of won the game on that if it didn't. Like Lamar had a really bad first half, but then he turned that around in a way that he hadn't done before in the playoffs. So I feel like they're just stepping ever closer to that. But we already talked about the bills and I think...
00:12:46
Speaker
They're probably the the one of the strongest teams in the league in both of our opinions. So yeah that is a good point. So about the three players on the team that will make the biggest impact. I actually already mentioned one of them. So it's Marlon Humphrey.
00:13:00
Speaker
He had six interceptions last year, his eighth year in the league, four times pro bowler. And now he has more help in Jair Alexander. So and hopefully those two form a nice partnership. But I think he's elite. And...
00:13:13
Speaker
he'll be he'll make a massive impact for them second i've won with and isaiah likely and I think he'll take another jump this year at tight and at tight end. like They play a lot of two tight end, even three tight end in this offense. They always have done.
00:13:28
Speaker
And Mark Andrews may not have the highest confidence after the way last season ended and went to Denver. So think he could even take ah another step up after having nearly 500 yards last year.
00:13:38
Speaker
Six touchdowns. He was big in the red zone at times. So I think, yeah, he'll have another a big season. And then lastly, I went with Derek Henry. Kind of an obvious one, but It's the second most yards he's ever had last year and in nine years up in the league. Usually running backs start to slow down.
00:13:53
Speaker
He took another jump and with 16 touchdowns as well, which is absolutely crazy and nearly 2,000 yards. raous yeah I don't see what stops him doing this again with that offensive line.
00:14:04
Speaker
Lamar being an option there and then the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. I know he's towards the end of his career, but it's another thing for other defenses to think about. So yeah, I think he'll have another massive year.
00:14:15
Speaker
Did you have anybody different? and Yeah, so I did have Jair Alexander. I think he's a great pickup. and We talked about him already. I don't need to go into too much more detail on him. he just He's a machine. As you said, he's going to bring up the morale massively as well. And he's just a really good player.
00:14:32
Speaker
Obviously, I had King Henry for all the same reasons. You said 16 touchdowns, nearly 2,000 yards. Just ridiculous. psy So how is he doing that in his ninth or 10th season? It's outrageous. And then...
00:14:43
Speaker
I put in Mark Andrews and it's not even it's not about him making the biggest impact. I think it's about him trying to get back to a level where he's making some sort of impact. yeah and He had a really off really massive off year last year, but that doesn't mean that he's a bad tight end.
00:14:57
Speaker
I still think he's a really reliable offing for him and I think he's someone that is going to come back to his own this year. Yeah, I think it's interesting. We both went with two different tight ends. It kind of proves the point there that I said as well about how they play two tight ends a lot.
00:15:11
Speaker
So it's interesting to have two guys there be in the same position. but And actually, cornerbacks, you mentioned Jair and I mentioned Humphrey. So it shows how deep this team And that kind of leads us nicely into the next two questions. So next is, do you think they'll hit the over-under with the bookies in their wins, which is 11.5 this year? What did you have?
00:15:33
Speaker
over yeah I didn't even look through their schedule I just know they're going over they're getting 12 or 13 minimum again they were 12 and 5 last year 12 and 6 yes 12 and 5 last year they were just they're so good they are still one of the best teams in football they're good they're getting over and it's going be comfortable Yeah, I said it's over as well.
00:15:54
Speaker
I think they'll just about get to 12 because they have a really tough schedule, but I think it doesn't it won't matter because of how good they are. Like you said, schedule doesn't matter when you're that good of a team. So I think they'll get there again after getting it last season because I think they've they've improved and I think Lamar will be just as good as he was last year, if not better.
00:16:12
Speaker
So having said that, then current roster and coach, the ceiling I went to at Super Bowl, They have the ability without the doubt. it's It's just like whether they can push in that playoff mode where I think they got more confidence last year. like If they got crashed out against the Bills and LeMars didn't bounce back in the in the second half, you'd be the same feeling you did every other year where you're like, no, they don't have the playoff push. They don't have that strength.
00:16:41
Speaker
But it showed that he was able to bounce back from a tough half. And that gave me a lot more confidence in him going into this year, despite them losing that game ultimately. So, yeah, I think Super Bowl is definitely on the cards.
00:16:53
Speaker
Yeah, there's no point saying that anymore. i obviously have the same thing down. I think they are definitely in top three or four teams that we've mentioned so far that are going to be pushing for Super Bowl. And if again, if they can just get over the line against the Biddles, then I don't see why they can't win it.
00:17:09
Speaker
I'd love to see that as the AFC Championship game instead of and seeing the Chiefs there again. i think it'd be good to see those two actually get to that game and battle out the Bills and Ravens rather than you know the Chiefs knocking someone off and then seeing them in the Super Bowl again. I think that'd be nice just just kind of as a bit of a something different. Yeah, absolutely.
00:17:32
Speaker
Yeah, that's that's them wrapped up. Let's move on to two teams then for the Premier League. Our last two and As I mentioned last week, we're going to have an extra episode next week, which is going to be um like a full Premier League season and preview predictions and stuff like that.
00:17:46
Speaker
So let's cover Brentford and Fulham as a deep dive into those two teams right now, because they are the last two we have. So we'll start with Brentford. Do you want to throw them across to me first?
00:18:00
Speaker
Yeah. So where did Brentford need to improve most from last season? and So kind of found it hard to answer this considering they have a whole new system almost in place, but one of their best players gone and their manager gone as well. But I think if they can adapt quickly, i mean that would be the most important thing for them. and it's It's not exactly an improvement, but it will be something they'll need to improve on as learning this new system and working how they're going to play under Andrews and...
00:18:32
Speaker
and without their main guy and Buma playing there anymore. So I think, yeah, that's that's really important for them. but I think that's a good shout, but I went their way for them last year. It was abysmal. They really need to pick up on that. Four wins in the league away from home last year.
00:18:47
Speaker
Yeah. and But like they go away and they beat some big teams and then they just keep living to the likes of Wolves, Ipswich, just go away and just drop silly points at Leicester and stuff like that. So they really do need to improve that this year.
00:18:59
Speaker
um As you mentioned, it's a new tactical approach this year now, so we'll see they get on. But I think they could be in trouble this year. Yeah, I think it's going to be it's going to be pretty tough for to considering like how much they've changed in one year. And if they were to lose Whistle as well, I think that would be would be massive. But um yeah, I think it's going to be a little bit Yeah. And speaking of players, who are their three most important ones would make the biggest impact, do you think?
00:19:26
Speaker
and So I've gone with Nathan Collins first of all. He played all every game last year and we're going to mention him since you know Irish are probably one of the best Irish players we have. He's their captain right now and they've just announced so I think yeah that that tells a lot about him and he's the Irish record transfer and the second highest Irish record transfer in the Canada League or in any league so he might write that again next time he moves but Second, then I've also gone for another Irishman, Kelleher, gone over from Liverpool. I think he'll he'll prove what he's about now.
00:20:01
Speaker
And I think it's as as a starting Premier League keeper. And I also think it's nice for us to have that like build up of an Irish connection and centre back and... and goalkeeper because that'll lead into the Irish team as well so I think that'll work nicely and then last year as someone I already mentioned that they need to hold on to is Wissa and they need to hold on to him seems like they want to keep him because they don't want to let Bogue himself and Mbouma go in one window He is ageing and they're asking for a pretty high transfer fee. So I'm not sure our teams are going to match that, but we'll we'll see what happens with Newcastle kind of still probably interested if they don't get. And Sesco has that kind of unraveled at the minute. But I think he's probably, you know, their main guy.
00:20:47
Speaker
And if they if they let him go, they could be in even bigger trouble. But did you have any other three players? Yeah, just want to mention Vista perspective first. So I think if Newcastle do sign Seshko over United, then they'll sign Vista as well.
00:21:01
Speaker
But if Newcastle sign Watkins, they're to sign Watkins and Vista. They're not going to sign two 28, 29-year-olds and have them both kind of hit the retirement home at the same time. So I think it depends for Vista on if Newcastle can get Sesh over the line. If they don't and he goes to United, which does look likely, then I think Vista will be stuck there and won't be getting his Champions football.
00:21:22
Speaker
I only had one different one to you. I had Collins and Kelleher. yeah Obviously Irish boys took over for the two of us there. But um i then had Michael Peiode. ah He's a new right-back. They had him in, brought him in January and they've signed him full-time now from Fiorentina.
00:21:37
Speaker
He's incredible. so fast. He's athletic. He's very young. And coming in now, he'll probably be the starting. I don't even know if they're going to play a 4-3, 4-3 or 4-3. We don't know yet, but he'll be the starting on the right in the defensive end anyway. And I think he's one to keep an eye for the season. I think he's absolutely quality.
00:21:54
Speaker
Yeah, I was actually impressed with their looking at their squad, like some of the players they have at a young age and ah depth in different positions. Obviously, it's hard to learn some of the best players, but I think that they do still have some some good talent there. So it's just all about the new manager, really, for me.
00:22:11
Speaker
Yeah, i agree. And what do you think their ceiling is for the season? and So I've gone with, after losing different things and different parts and everything changing, the best I could see them doing is 11th.
00:22:24
Speaker
I don't think they can do much better than that. I can't really see them getting top half. So I've cut it off there at 11th because I think it's going to be pretty tough. And i think they could be in a bit of a relegation battle. and They could see themselves slipping into that. But I hope that doesn't happen with kind of the Irish representation there. But yeah, I could easily see it happening. So I've gone with 11th at a push.
00:22:45
Speaker
Yeah, I hope they're standing at 14th and I think they will probably finish 17th. I think, maybe not 17th, 5th between kind of 16th and 17th, think. I think they'll just have enough to be better than the three from other teams.
00:22:58
Speaker
But I don't think they'll have enough to be better in the likes of Everton and West Ham who were battling down there last year. Someone said to me during the week, can't remember who was now, but Thomas Frank went to Spurs and took the kitchen sink and left Keel Angel behind him.
00:23:10
Speaker
So... um I think that might say a lot about what Frank thought about him. Now, maybe he wanted to stay there if he was offered, if you stay, we'll give you the head coach job. yeah That was never said. But Frank literally took the whole place with him and left Keyland behind. So I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing.
00:23:26
Speaker
But we'll just have to wait and see. Obviously, the same as you, I really hope to stay up with Irish manager, Irish captain, Ireland number one goalkeeper. So it is... It's really important for us as a nation that they do stay up.
00:23:37
Speaker
Football in nations. It doesn't matter a thing to the politics. like It just matters to the football det that they can manage to keep themselves in the league. Yeah, no, I agree with that. And I think it could be a point that, yeah, they left him behind. But as you said, I think they must think highly of him to make him the manager. Like, there's so many options out there.
00:23:54
Speaker
And to make him like a Premier League manager is a massive statement. So... I think they probably did think very highly of him. I'd like to think so anyway. And yeah, I think if they did go down or they're in the area, Kelleher and Collins would probably move again, which wouldn't be great to see if they're, you know, they're like making a nice relationship, hopefully there now. So yeah, I agree with you on that.
00:24:15
Speaker
Yeah. And finally then, what's the one piece of business you think they need to do to help them this
Premier League Preview: Brentford & Fulham
00:24:20
Speaker
season? them So I think replacing... have the same one again. Yeah, Embroimos, productivity, good splash of money. I don't want to see you one of these like buying three lads for 10. Yeah, West Ham job that we mentioned. So I think right-sided attacker probably is this top of the list there for them. So that's what I went with.
00:24:41
Speaker
Yeah, same as myself. Yeah. Yeah, we're replacing Mbwemo and potentially Vissa is going to be their biggest ask this summer. And replacing one is hard. Replacing both is borderline impossible. So we'll have to wait and see what they do there.
00:24:55
Speaker
Yeah, no, I agree. I agree with that. so ah moving on to Fulham then. Where do Fulham need to improve most from the last season? So I said i found it hard with Fulham because they have like...
00:25:08
Speaker
A pretty okay squad. They have a good manager. They're like a mid-table team and they've been in the Premier League for a long time. so I think something outside the Premier League is to push for a cup really hard and put everything into that would be a point of emphasis for me that I think they could improve how much effort.
00:25:23
Speaker
I'm sure that they've obviously tried so hard in the cup, but don't worry as much about the Premier League. they're probably going to end up finishing like but in between 12th and 8th. and So you know just push for a cup really hard this year like Palace did and hopefully find yourself a way into Europe that way.
00:25:40
Speaker
Yeah, I actually think that's a great choice. A bit like yourself, I struggled to kind of pick an area to improve without going into the transit and stuff. But then I was looking and I realised that they they never placed Polinio when he left. but so that would that would be a massive improvement if they got in a proper number six there in Sturm midfield.
00:26:00
Speaker
Yeah, well, I actually really like Sander Berge. So he's actually one of the guys I had in my three players to make an impact. I think they bought him before Pelina, so he obviously wasn't in a a replacement for him. But I think i actually like him there. and i But I do still think they probably need someone else. But he's one of my guys there. I think that they were they did a good bit of business to get him.
00:26:23
Speaker
and And I actually wouldn't have minded him at United at the time because I think he was a good option she for decent money. Yeah. I also had Iwobi. He's been a metronome for the team now in midfield, carrying the ball up and down, and fighting backwards. and he He has productivity on the attacking end as well, so he's turned into a nice midfielder for them.
00:26:42
Speaker
and I think he'll have another good season. and then Third up, I went for Anthony Robinson. I think he's a class player. He could probably start for pretty much any team. probably in the Premier League, probably in World Football. He's very, very good.
00:26:55
Speaker
and So they have a real class player on their hands there. So he's he's probably up there for me. Probably their best player in my opinion. I actually had two different players to you. I did have Anthony Robinson as well. and He was the top assistant defender in the league last year. I just thought he was absolutely brilliant for him all year long.
00:27:10
Speaker
with especially good when they played Liverpool at Anfield, who's the one i obviously knows him the most because he's playing Liverpool the most. I just thought he was excellent that day and he was just excellent all season. um I had Emile Smith-Rowe as well, their club record signing last year.
00:27:24
Speaker
I think he needs to be the creative force for him this year. He had a bit of a settling in here last year. He had a lot of ups and downs. I think he needs to show the form now that made him think he was going to be Arsenal's number 10 for the rest of his career. So he needs get back to that sort of level.
00:27:39
Speaker
And then if they can hold on to him, I think Rodrigo Manez is going to be there they their key goal threat this season. and Yeah, I like him. Yeah, Raul Jiménez, he's solid. He's a good backup now at his age. Rodrigo Manez needs to step up and get 10, 12, 15 goals in the league next year if he can and see we'll see where he can push him from there then.
00:27:59
Speaker
Yeah, no, I i like to shout. I'm not sold on Smith-Torough yet, to be honest. Me either. I need to see more from him, but yeah, if he makes an impact and he does, like you said, live up to what he probably thinks and full on thought of him, then that's yeah that'll be good for him. But Mooney's, yeah, great shout on that.
00:28:17
Speaker
um So, Poir, what do you think their feeling is for the current season? and I think 12th I think one position worse than last season i know I said they could finish between like 12th and 8th but um I think 12th is probably the highest that they can do because the league is getting stronger i don't think there's anything wrong with them I just think the gap between like 9th and 12th is probably nothing and maybe 9th and like 14th So maybe a few bounces of ball and they might finish like in the top half. But I really do think that 12th is probably the push for them right now because other teams seem to be storming further ahead, especially with the the money being spent by teams around them.
00:28:56
Speaker
Yeah, I'm glad you said between 9th and 14th because I thought the same as you and I put 9th as their ceiling. That there is no, literally, there could be a two points between 9th and 14th next season or four points between 9th and 14th.
00:29:08
Speaker
As you said, drop for ball, or a decision going their way, they could very easily finish in the top half. So that's what their ceiling is. But they really do need to recruit well in the next couple of weeks if that's going to happen because I don't think they've actually made a single signing yet.
00:29:22
Speaker
I think have the exact same squad. so we That's it. Yeah. So they have the exact same squad to finish last season. Obviously, it wasn't good enough to get top off last year. It's not going to be good enough this year. So depending on what they do in the market in the next month, um it could change for them. But I think realistically, we are looking at between 13th and 15th, but their ceiling is ninth for me.
00:29:43
Speaker
Yeah, that makes sense. that That was your point about how they haven't signed anyone yet. Like looking at what one piece of business they need to do, was like, you know, big pieces of business they need to do because haven't done a thing. And we're only like a week out from the start of the season now or just over a week, a week and a half. So, yeah.
00:30:01
Speaker
and like That backup goalkeeper, I'd say, is probably third choice. I think he was like 500,000 they spent on him and he's like 34. So that's just a third choice keeper. And if I was to pick one thing, I think right winger. I think Adama isn't really a good option in the Premier League in long term. And Harry Wilson is fine, but probably a similar boat. And he is getting a bit older now at this point. So maybe someone young, i write a right-sided player that is young and can can build with the team, I think, would be the first thing I would look at for them.
00:30:34
Speaker
I mentioned already, and I think that defensive midfielder who can sit in besides Sanderberga is the key bit of business for him. Get that number six in and go from there. I agree with you. Adamo Traor is a waste of time.
00:30:45
Speaker
Harry Wilson is kind of, distant he's he at his peak level now. He's not going to be any better than he is right now. So they do need someone there as well, but they just need someone that can sit in the midfield. Yeah, he is 100%. And he's he's a solid impact of...
00:30:58
Speaker
But he's not someone that you want to hang your hat on if you need someone to come on and change a game with 20 minutes to go. they could do with someone like that, but definitely a defensive midfielder. Yeah, I think there's there's a lot they need to do. and but Yeah, there is big watch them for the next couple of weeks because they need to start moving quickly if they want to do this, getting anybody before the season starts. So let's move on into two more NFL teams. We are in the AFC South now.
00:31:22
Speaker
So we've got the Titans and Texans today. So we'll start with the better
Texans' Improvement & Season Outlook
00:31:27
Speaker
team this time. Let's start with the Texans. and So where do they need to improve most from last season? um so interceptions from Cedric Stroud he threw 12 of last season he needs to have a word of himself because he had such a good first year and then a really poor second year this is a massive this is a massive massive year for him now and he really needs to needs to reduce the turnovers and just maybe listen to his offensive coach
00:31:53
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, I think that kind of ties into my point. Mine was that the offensive line was so bad. He didn't really have a whole lot of time I think that probably fed into the amount of interceptions he had. Still doesn't make it acceptable, but I think the two points add together. 54 sacks allowed, third worst in the league.
00:32:13
Speaker
Laramie Tunsell is somebody who they saw as ah as a very good player for a number of years, but they let him go on out to the commanders and... I think he had the most penalties drawn amongst tackles in the league.
00:32:24
Speaker
So he was he was literally just getting called for offensive holding nonstop on any big player, getting called back. and So now they've got Cam Robinson in on one-year deal. I don't think he's anything special really, but it's a one-year deal, so it's probably something that he wants to prove himself.
00:32:39
Speaker
And I think it's close to 10 million maybe that he got. So let's see how he does there at left tackle. and But yeah, Tunsil going, I think apparently he was pretty bad in the locker room too. And he but he was kind of giving a bad vibe to the whole situation. So I think...
00:32:53
Speaker
They've done the right thing and and blown that whole thing up and tried to change it around. So I think the all-in was awful, but I think they've tackled it nicely to to change it. um So looking at the three players then who will make the biggest impact, who did you have for that?
00:33:07
Speaker
So I actually have two for the same position. So i Will Anderson Jr. and Daniel Hunter are two of them. they did They really need to keep doing what they were doing last year. They were both very he good last year, really good pass rushers, the two of them, and then Christian Kirk to help Cedars out.
00:33:22
Speaker
I don't know if he will be wide receiver one, but he's a really, really good option for Cedars out to have. So we'll see how it goes in there. He's kind of the replacement for Diggs, really. Yeah, he slipped under the radar going over there. I actually forgot that he went there until I was looking that some of the roster for this. and But I have Daniel Hunter as well as you.
00:33:42
Speaker
12 sacks last year in his first season with Houston. They need his experience to work alongside Will Anderson. i'm i'm yeah He's not one of the guys I had, but and I think he's unbelievably good.
00:33:53
Speaker
And getting him and Straub in the same draft was so good. But he had 11 himself last year, so... I think five pro balls already for um Daniel Hunter. I think he'll just be trying to add another one to that. And I think he's important. So definitely same as you there. Second, I had Derek Stingley Jr. I think he's the best cornerback in the league.
00:34:11
Speaker
Some of the interceptions he had, that one, ah think it was against the Colts where he had two interceptions. The second one was... utterly unbelievable the way he tracked the ball he's top class he was the highest paid player per year at the position with 30 million and sauce I think got an extra like 100,000 on top of that and but I think the way that the Stingley deal is structured may be better I don't know a lot about but that's some of the stuff bouncing around so I think he's paid like the best cornerback in the in the league and he is probably up there and I i think personally that he is probably
00:34:44
Speaker
And five interceptions the last two years. And I think he'll add to that again. And then last year I had CJ Stroud. We don't mention quarterbacks a lot, but I think this is a massive year for him. As you kind of mentioned with the interceptions he had last year, he had an unbelievable first year, but then last year he got absolutely lit up with sacks through a lot of interceptions. So I think more weapons now, adding Christian Kirk and to already Tank Dell, who I think will be wide receiver one is probably Nico Collins.
00:35:11
Speaker
Yeah. I'd say we'll sit in Kirk maybe number two with Tank Deller in that point too. And then they drafted Jaden Higgins and Jalen Noel who are two top class wide receivers out of college, especially Higgins. I'm excited to see him. So I think Stroud has a lot more to work with this year and I think he'll have very big impact on this team and pretty high on them to be honest.
00:35:31
Speaker
So but actually it's lead then into their wins, which is nine and a half. Do you think they're going to hit it? Yeah, I think they're going over. I have some base around 11 to 12, I think. I think 12 at a push, 11 realistic, to be honest.
00:35:46
Speaker
and I am really high on myself this year. I do think CJ Shaw will turn it around. As you said, they have done a good bit of work on the offensive line. They've added more weapons from the past two. The running game is quite decent as well. So i think they're going over comfortably, yeah.
00:36:00
Speaker
Yeah, I had the same. they're in a They're in a weak division. know some the other teams in the division have an easier schedule than them, given that they finished first last year, but I still think they're good enough to win 10 games again because they had 10 last year and I think they've improved and the culture will probably be better based on some of the reporting that's coming out. So yeah, that's that's what I had too. Yeah.
00:36:22
Speaker
And looking at the ceiling with the current roster and coach, I've gone with them getting an extra playoff win than last year. So that would then win in the divisional round and get into the AFC championship game.
00:36:33
Speaker
Now, I don't see that happening because I think... More realistically is that it's going to be the Bills, Chiefs, Ravens want two of those teams in that game. But I think they are good enough to do it.
00:36:46
Speaker
And I think if Stroud works better with all the weapons and D'Amico Ryan continues to have this defense absolutely humming, they're unbelievable on the defensive side of the ball. So I think they are good enough to do that as an absolute push to get to that game and just go on better than last year.
00:37:05
Speaker
Yeah, I'm saying, I can team against the FC South game and then just saying farewell, we'll we leave it here for now. And then kind of looking for a couple of people who need new homes and just working from there. Then don't think they're good enough to get to win it, but I think they are good enough to get there.
00:37:21
Speaker
Yeah, I'd like to see them in that game. I know you said we want the Bills and Ravens, but I think they have a lot of fight about them. Anyone different yeah anyone different than the Chiefs winning it all over again. I'll just take anyone at this stage.
00:37:32
Speaker
Yeah, it'd be nice to see maybe even a Texans or Ravens or something too strong defense as that would be... Yeah, I really like them this year. i think a lot of people were high on them last year. I did see them, as I've mentioned a good few times, a lot of quarterbacks have that sophomore slump and I'm not overly keen on betting highly on a team that has a quarterback who's had a really good first year and he's going into his second year. But now, after having kind of a tough year last year,
00:37:58
Speaker
I think he's he's going to really bounce back and I really like them this year. So let's move on then to the Titans, our last team. Super exciting team, so much going on over there. ah um Where do they need to improve most from last season? A lot of places, but what did you have? Yeah, well, Pam Ward said that the offence was very mid, in his own words, in an interview recently. So I think they obviously need to improve their offensive cohesion because that's not going to be any good to anyone if their defence is very mid.
00:38:28
Speaker
It really is some way to start. It really is some way to start. he ah He admitted to growing pains with timing and accuracy issues. So that sounds more like a him problem than a very mid-office problem. But I think that's that that's where a lot of their issues are going to come from, and they need to just try and get that sorted straight away. So just deal with their quarterback issues and kind of build from there.
00:38:52
Speaker
Yeah, no, I agree with that. and The offense is just crazy. I didn't even see that quote. Oh my God. he's He's said some mad stuff since he's gone there. like Even when they were like, how do you feel about Will Levis getting injured? He's just like, I just care about Cam Ward.
00:39:08
Speaker
Oh, I don't care. You don't need to say that. But ah yeah he has a lot of confidence in himself. Mine is that they need any type of quarterback play. and Will Levis just... was lighting them on fire every single week with some of the plays he was making. They were crazy. But I think any type of quarterback play would be would be a benefit. So let's see if he gives it to them. Three players then that will make the biggest impact?
00:39:32
Speaker
After the comments I had to put Cam Ward in, um I think he's going to be one to watch for the year. i don't know if he's going good or bad. It's probably going to be bad, but he's someone that's definitely, everyone's going to be waiting for him to say something in press comment after a game or do something stupid on the pitch. He's definitely one to watch.
00:39:48
Speaker
um I think Calvin Ridley, all jokes aside, is going to be the one that if anyone anyone's going to stabilise Cam Ward, it will be him. And then I can't believe I put this fella down because saying his first name's a disaster, but Ola Dejo, the linebacker rookie, and he was really, really good to follow his year last
Titans' Offensive Challenges
00:40:06
Speaker
year. Ola, no, we'll leave it there.
00:40:09
Speaker
I just think he's going to be tasked with kind of Helping to pass rush out, especially after Landry's exit as well. So we'll see how he does. Yeah. So we we've got, and I think the first name he can, he likes to be called Femi. So that makes it easier if you just want to refer to him as that.
00:40:26
Speaker
So Femi. Absolutely wonderful. um He's a great lad. Yeah, that was a nice, ah nice pick there. I've gone with Cam Ward too. I think a lot of people in Tennessee and in Titans culture see him as kind of the savior.
00:40:39
Speaker
and So let's see what he can do. I think he'll have a big impact with the confidence he has even and yeah on some of the players around him. But then if he keeps making this stupid comments, then other players might get a bit annoyed at him, especially veterans. So let's see how that whole thing shakes out. He'll have a lot of learning to do.
00:40:56
Speaker
And then I've also gone with Calvin Ridley. He's always been solid three 1,000 plus yard seasons. And even last year with with this team, having Will Levis and Mason Rudolph playing at quarterback, he still managed that again.
00:41:10
Speaker
So he's very good. And I think an improvement at quarterback will see an improvement with him. And then Lejeri Sneed, I thought he was a really, really good pickup. I was actually really high on this team last year because I thought Will Levis might actually be able to do something for them if he cut out the mistakes.
00:41:25
Speaker
And that I thought the defense was so good on paper. And so that they had some really, really good games. But... I think they're in a situation now where Callaghan really needs to sort them out defensively on a consistent basis.
00:41:39
Speaker
I hope he does because I think i think they have something there. but I think Snead was a class pickup for them and he's still only 28. Still a lot to offer. so yeah I like that one. Five and a half wins then is the over-under.
00:41:52
Speaker
um I presume we both have the same here. Surely you've gone under so No, I'm honking you. Just like Ashton Kutcher, I've gone with six.
00:42:03
Speaker
No, I've gone with five. We're talking about their ceiling in seconds. i just I just don't like them. I don't think they're very good. I think Cam Ward is going to be a disaster for them, to be honest, and with the way he goes out. would if He's too much confidence for a man playing on a rotten team. um I think they're just going under.
00:42:21
Speaker
Yeah, the under is the smart thing. That was my kind of my joke there because I've gone ah over. and You're much smarter in that decision because that makes more sense. But for some reason, just looking at some of the some of the games and that they have on their cards and the fact that last year I thought they were going to be pretty good and I still really like the defense.
00:42:41
Speaker
I just said maybe they'll get six wins and some of Cam Ward's play coupled with a nice defense will get the fans happy and it'll keep the coach in place because six wins would be an improvement.
00:42:52
Speaker
So I can just see maybe that happening, but probably you're on a better boat there than me. yeah So then what's their ceiling with the current roster and coach? And eight wins is their ceiling, I think. and As we just said, five to six does seem likely. and Five and a half is a great line again, because everywhere you look, it's like, oh, five to six wins seems likely here. It's like, yeah, well, that doesn't help anyone trying to bet none, because the line is five and a half. when i I think eight wins is probably their ceiling. think they'll do really well to get there.
00:43:21
Speaker
Yeah, I had the same close. I had seven wins. and Just because they're strong defense, I think they could see a couple of games that they might not be expected to challenge in. And you never know what's going to happen in that division. I know that the Texans are probably the favorites. Some people like the Jags with their new look.
00:43:36
Speaker
Some people still believe in Anthony Richardson for some unknown reason. So i think there's, you know, bit of a mixed bag, but anything can happen in that division and they could end up winning it just ah out of pure randomness. But like I really, really can't see that happening. I could see more likely that they get maybe an extra two wins than people thought.
00:43:56
Speaker
So seven is my push there with them.
Episode Conclusion & Future Episodes Encouragement
00:43:59
Speaker
app But that's all we have for this week. A little bit of a shorter episode. So we'll back again next week with two episodes, as I mentioned earlier. Thanks again for listening. If you made it this far, we hope you enjoyed. Leave a comment, subscribe, all that good stuff. I'll show to you, Shane, to say your goodbyes.
00:44:16
Speaker
Yep. We'll see you twice next week. So make sure you watch both because you obviously love looking at us. Why wouldn't you? So we'll see you next week. Thank you very much. Nice one, Alex.