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Liverpool Living On The Edge, Pep Adapts, Haaland vs. Kane & NFL Early Season Declarations
15 Plays1 month ago
Football Week in Review
Liverpool
- Last minute wins
- Concern vs Heart of a Champion
Man City
- Derby win, Napoli win
- Has Pep figured something out
Kane and Haaland break records - who is the best striker in the world?
Other takeaways from the CL midweek
Balon Dor
- Who do you think will win
- Who would you vote for
NFL True or False
- Kansas City will make the playoffs and win a game
- Tua is the problem in Miami not McDaniel
- The Tush Push will be banned next season
- The Giants made a mistake cutting Daniel Jones
- The Chargers are the 3rd best team in the AFC
- Packers will win the SB
Game Of The Week
Arsenal Vs Man City
Recommended
Transcript
Podcast Dedication and Introductions
Weekly Reflections and Sports Anticipation
00:00:20
Emeka
Welcome, welcome, welcome everybody to episode 34 of the Love of the Game podcast. You know, recording this later on Friday night because the grind never stops here. And as always, I'm joined by the by the boys, my brother Chukwu. Chukwu, how you living this evening?
00:00:38
Chuku
and We good over here, man. It's been a long week. Glad to end the week off with my gang, my boys. Ready to talk some you know some sports and ready to give the people what they want. Let's go.
00:00:49
Chuku
i'm ready for another Bangin' episode.
00:00:53
Emeka
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And a fresh off an exclusive ah ah club, pre-playing EA FC 26, taking some time off the sticks to join us tonight. We have my man Chinna. Chinna, how you living?
00:01:05
Chino Onwuka
Bro, I just want to start by saying I'm washed. Like, this is my my first time playing FIFA slash AFC in a couple of years. And even just the changes they made with career mode took me like 15 minutes to figure it out because they've got a whole new career mode life thing. But anyways, that's not what we're here for today.
00:01:26
Chino Onwuka
I'm doing good. It's Friday night with the boys. Actually, hold on. How are you doing? I know you're always being a good friend asking how we are, but how are you?
00:01:35
Emeka
Let me tell you, boy, I had myself a day. But it's nice to end it talking to the guys. You know, it's been a long week. We're starting recording this on a Friday.
00:01:47
Emeka
you know, ideally we get earlier in the week. But i I'm kind of glad it took to the end. We can now take a ah ah step back and look
Champions League Format and Liverpool Analysis
00:01:53
Emeka
at everything. But, hey, man, the weekend's coming up. I'm always happy for the weekend. and happy to happy for y'all. And hopefully we can deliver a great podcast episode to our listeners.
00:02:02
Emeka
As I mentioned, it's been it's been a long week in sports and, now you know, love of the game. We cover going to be a football-heavy episode in both footballs. We have NFL down the line at end the end episode. going ask these guys some some questions and see if they agree or disagree.
00:02:16
Emeka
But at the beginning, we have the beautiful game, you know, put Soccer, football, however you want to call it. And it was a great week because the Champions League returned. I love the Champions League.
00:02:29
Emeka
I know last season we talked a lot about whether we liked the new format or not. But a year in, week one, you know they have the games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I'm just going to start with review you, Chenna. Chenna, what are your thoughts on this new Champions League format now that it's been a full season?
00:02:43
Emeka
We're back in it again. yeah i know we're all fans. you still a fan? or do you miss the old home and away group stage we used to have?
00:02:51
Chino Onwuka
No, I like the new format. I think we we spoke about it last year when it first introduced more games. allows for more teams that we've never heard about. I don't have it in front of me, but there's some some teams from different countries, one team from pretty much Asia that probably under the old format would have never had the chance that to be in the Champions League. And I think we get more big gains, you know, against again some of the bigger teams.
00:03:26
Chino Onwuka
Probably you lose a little bit of the jeopardy, you know, you lose a little bit of the group of deaths. lose sort of that rivalry when you play a team once and have to play them again. But, know, I think on the whole, I like this new format.
00:03:41
Emeka
Juku, you thought of new format still?
00:03:44
Chuku
Yeah, I mean, I just echo everything you know, saying and I mean, I i just think to emphasize really what it is as a football, you know, i as a football fan, i think we can all agree, you know, having the ability to not only watch more games, like watch more of the products that we all of.
00:04:03
Chuku
But on top of that, you know, with this new format, it just gives us a chance to see my like matchups that we wouldn't normally get to see, you know, happen, you know, till later on in the knockout rounds.
00:04:16
Chuku
We got to see them as early as in the, you know, I guess what we call the new group stage. So for me, I just think, you know, I think it really just... I guess allows for more better content, in my opinion, as and as football fans. I'm all here for it because I would love to see all these different, a chance to see different matchups, you know, ah ah no different teams get to play each other. I mean, getting to see Man City, Napoli, getting to see, you know, just Newcastle, Barcelona. It's just, it's very, it's nice to get to get, just to be able to watch and see that kind of product, you know.
00:04:50
Chuku
early as you as early as we get to do. And only that, but we get to see more of it, more of that product. So for me, I'm all for the new format. And yeah, excited for the second year of the run-in.
00:05:03
Emeka
ah ah Exactly, man. like i said it all last year. I love it. I like seeing more games against big teams. i like you know the The only thing I will agree of the critique is that.
00:05:15
Emeka
You play eight games to eliminate eight teams. But, hey, listen, I like football. More football for me. So I'm loving it. The first week, I'm not a big fan of the Thursday thing they do in the first week where they play Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I mean, let's be real.
00:05:34
Emeka
Thursday nights is for Europa. You know what I'm saying? Like, we... You work too hard to be playing on Thursday for a Champions League team. But I will say this week, though, I do appreciate that Arsenal played on Tuesday and Man City played on Thursday. But we'll we'll get to that later.
00:05:49
Emeka
A lot of games to talk about Champions League, and and I'm sure we'll try and touch on more. But I want to focus on two teams. I know we could be accused of being a a Premier League heavy podcast, and you're absolutely right, we are.
00:06:01
Emeka
I want to talk about two teams that had won two games this week. a big game, and the domestic game, and a big game midweek. We start off with the champions of England, Liverpool, who had themselves a week. They won two games in the 90th minute.
00:06:18
Emeka
First against Burnley with a, I will say, generous penalty, although probably fair, by Mo Salah. And then midweek, Wednesday, they go host Atletico Madrid, score two early goals,
00:06:33
Emeka
It looks like an easy, smooth win. You know, Eastside's debut, everyone's feeling great. And then that guy, Marcus Llorente, who just hates Liverpool, mix the two one makes it makes it 2-2. Everyone's freaking out, but also everyone's thinking, there's no way they do it again. Well, guess what? They do it again, and Van Dijk powers in the header, 91st minute to win 3-2.
00:06:54
Emeka
Chukwu, I'll start with you in this question. Liverpool have now won five games this season. All of them have come with a winner in the last 80th minute plus. Is that a concern or is that simply Liverpool showing at the heart of a champion and never say die attitude?
00:07:11
Chuku
Obviously, you know, the heater in me wants to say this should be a concern, but the reality is I think it's a mix of the two, right? Because on one end, you know, truth of the matter is they can't continue this way. There's no way they can go the entire season playing this way, relying on, you know, last minute winners in order to collect all three points or to collect a win.
00:07:39
Chuku
This is not sustainable. And then ah the other side of it, it's the whole, well, you know, we're still in the beginning of this season. You know, if Liverpool are still finding ways to get these w's when they're still trying to click, goingnna look at what's it going to look like when they actually do fully click and, know, everything's going great and they're hitting on all cylinders?
00:08:01
Chuku
Well, that's something we're going to have to just, time will tell. But on paper, I mean, I'll be frank, I definitely lean more towards the worried, concerned, not too concerned, but just a bit concerned.
00:08:14
Chuku
Just because, again, with the names they have on paper, like, I know he didn't score yesterday, or, he didn't score when they played, but You can tell, yeah, man, this guy has quality, man. I don't think we need to, you know, i watch more tape on him. mean, we've all seen what Isak has done, you know, since he's been in Premier League.
00:08:35
Chuku
So, you know, seeing him in the Liverpool shirt was definitely, you know, a little... It was a hard pill to swallow. You know, was definitely something I had to, you know, was hard to just it was hard to see. But, you know, truth is, he looked good. He looked good for his debut.
00:08:49
Chuku
He played well. And you can just imagine what things are going look like when him... Salah, Gakpo, or Ketike, either way, a rotation of those three, when they start, you know, performing and if Wurz ever gets, you know, going on his side of things, I mean, you can see why Liverpool feel the like a team that is going to be able to contend heavily when it comes to, know, winning the league. So I'm very interested to see how all plays out, but I'll say at this point, I'm just –
00:09:22
Chuku
If I had to put out a 10, I'll put up put my panic level at a six. well There's definitely some concern, but I'll still, at this point in time, believe... Arsenal still as are at their strongest versus Liverpool at their strongest.
00:09:36
Chuku
I still think we we have the edge this year on them. I just think we have a better squaw of draw squad, overall squad. And I think hopefully that's what I believe will help see us through. You know, if but if we're going to have a chance, I wouldn't believe this year.
00:09:48
Chuku
It will be definitely due to our squad depth. So we'll see how goes. But yeah, Liverpool, you know, definitely keeping one eye open watching them whenever they're playing. So...
00:10:01
Emeka
And what about you, Chennault? you think ah ah it's a good thing to have all these last-minute wins, or is it a little possible for concern that they keep conceding goals?
00:10:11
Chino Onwuka
I think it's a good thing in in with the, with the frame of mind that they're not clicking yet. I don't think we've seen a complete game from Liverpool, you know, they've had a big squad overhaul. They've brought in a lot of new players.
00:10:33
Chino Onwuka
you know trying to adapt to Trent not being there. You had Kitsuke come in, Wurtz come in, I have Isaac, Kerkas, Frimpong. So you're betting in a lot of new players. They're clearly not at their best. There's some defensive frailties, and yet they've managed to win all their games and some tough games.
00:10:57
Chino Onwuka
There is lot to be worried about that they do need to fix. You know, I think this is what the third game where they've been up by two goals and conceded to to to lose the lead. But it's the fact that there's all these question marks about them and yet they've still won every game, including some really tough games. So, you know, if if you're of the belief that, you know, the stars that they've bought will get better adapt you know,
00:11:26
Chino Onwuka
And you're off the belief that they can only play better than what they've done then. The fact that they've been able to win all these games, you know, at the death and Liverpool winning games at the depth is not something new. I know we can say it's not sustainable, but we've seen over the years how many games have we watched where they've managed to do just that. So is it something they'll do every game? no but it seems to be something that they can dig deep and do when they need to.
00:11:56
Chino Onwuka
You have Salah dangling his legs in the box, so you can always get a penalty, a ricochet back to him, and he'll snipe on in. You have Van Dijk and Paris in the air, and now you're bringing in Isaac and Wurt's a creator. So I think painfully, you know, for all those who who might be hate watching, I think it's it's only a good thing for them so far.
00:12:22
Emeka
Well, I largely agree with both of you in that it's a good thing. Like, and heart of a champion, you know, never say die. We saw with Fergie all the time. for Just for sake of devil's advocate, I will say it's a concern to me in the sense that they concede a lot of goals.
00:12:39
Emeka
And Teams that win things usually don't concede that many goals. And more concerningly, I would also say is they can't kill off games. Like Chinon said, there's been multiple times they go up two goals and they concede two.
00:12:55
Emeka
ah you shouldn't be doing that. Now, yes, they have firepower and they press and they go forward and, you know, they never lose. They all that's like, it's great to do that. And like, they're going to be really good this year.
00:13:07
Emeka
But I do think it's somewhat concerning that they keep conceding goals and, And at some point, it's going to catch up to them. Because it just, especially in the big, you know, knockout fixtures in the Champions League or even in the Cups, like, you concede these goals and then eventually your luck runs out. You don't get these 90th-minute winners.
00:13:26
Emeka
Yeah, they've done it in the past. But I'll point out that the one year they did win before last season, they they they were just smashing teams. They were just beating 3-0, 4-0, 2-0. The one year they won in COVID, they weren't coming back.
00:13:41
Emeka
The years they were doing all these comebacks were when they would lose to Man City in the end. Because, yeah, it works on in some games, but eventually your luck runs out and you win – no like Look up the teams who've won the Premier League in the last decade.
00:13:53
Emeka
They're all finished top three least goals conceded. It's a consistent thing. Yeah, goals win games, they say. Defense wins championships. So I'll just say that little concerning a little bit that they seemingly just can't stop conceding goals and eventually it's going to catch up to them, especially if it's like a Van Dijk or someone gets hurt.
00:14:12
Emeka
They're running on thin ice, but maybe that's just a hater in me being somewhat optimistic. But, hey, I don't know. That's one thing I'll say. A little concerning that they're conceding goals.
Simeone's Reaction and Manchester City Updates
00:14:22
Emeka
If you guys watch the game, I'm curious, what are your thoughts on Simeone getting tossed out after Liverpool score the goal?
00:14:29
Emeka
I'm sure you've seen the stories that come out. The fan is of a certain character. i won't comment on him, but he has a reputation in these streets, apparently. But Simeone, I'm going just start off by saying a guy who chats...
00:14:43
Emeka
so much and always gives the big one to his opponents getting triggered by a fan giving him the middle finger is soft i'm sorry it's soft like there's certain managers i can have time for because they're classy the simio is the opposite of classy if you're going to be giving out and holding your balls and all that stuff you used to do you can't flip out and crash out when a fan gives you the finger that's just me what are you guys thoughts
00:15:09
Chino Onwuka
i agree with you completely. Considering the type of player he was, like like if your nickname is El Cholo, considering his antics as a manager, bro, come on, like act like you've been there before.
00:15:24
Chino Onwuka
You give it the big one all the time. That's how you encourage your team to play. That's how you encourage your fans to back you. This isn't your first time. Being getting some back from fans, especially as I'm sure he gives it a lot to the fans on the sideline as well. So for him to crash out like that, like, dude, don't blame it on the fan.
00:15:46
Chino Onwuka
You lost your head because, you know, you came back from two goals down and then you got daggered by last minute winner. Like, that's going to piss you off. Like, come on, b do do better, do better.
00:16:00
Emeka
Hey, man, it's time in your life. You just got to crash out. Chukwu, what are your thoughts?
00:16:02
Chuku
Hey, man, this was a valid crash job, man. I'm sorry. It's a valid crash job. For me, the end of the day, man, like can this guy just seen his team go Anfield, literally played know came back from two goals down.
00:16:19
Chuku
You know, it was an amazing volley, I got to say, for Llorente with that second goal. Holy. And, I mean, he was just saying it was a little bit emotional. It emotional. and The emotions got the best of him. You know what I'm saying? He's seen, you know, even the buildup to that.
00:16:33
Chuku
I'm not sure if you guys, you know, did pay attention there. But, like, if you remember they even got that last corner for them to score, I'll be livid because was a situation where,
00:16:45
Chuku
i feel like I felt like the defender could have, if he was strong enough, could have shielded the ball because there was no need reading need for him to even touch the ball before it was going out because he was already on his way going out.
00:16:56
Chuku
But somehow but Bradley somehow put enough of his body against the defender where he had to pressure the pressure of the guy to, guess, get touch.
00:17:08
Chuku
And somehow that's how they got a corner. And, you know, we we know the rest, you know, with Van Dijk and whatnot. So it's like, I mean, I understand the my year girl you live it as a as a manager. you know, your team has fought to you know to come back, strip a point.
00:17:23
Chuku
You get a corner that's, you know, really... could have been prevented to the if the defender was strong enough. And then that leads to a last-minute winner. I do agree that, obviously, you know, you should do a better job. pay you enough to be, know, composed in that kind of scenario. You'd think so, some of his experience, will be able to handle it better. But again, you know,
00:17:46
Chuku
Experience, when it comes to crashing out, crashing out doesn't care about experience, man. And he just let the emotions get to him. And like I can understand where he's coming from after seeing his team work so hard just to get beat like that. So, I mean, I just think, you know, he will learn from it.
00:18:02
Chuku
you he I mean, I'm sure, obviously, looking back at it, that's not what you understand. That's not as one of his proudest moments. And, you know, we move on. I don't think it was anything too crazy. This happened, again, it was already over by that time. So, honestly speaking, I think,
00:18:16
Chuku
not much can be made of this whole situation because quite frankly, you know, I don't think it was that big of a deal, if anything, to be honest.
00:18:25
Emeka
There's anything. See, the thing is, it was any other manager, I would just i would agree with you. Maybe except Mourinho. But when your whole thing is you're the guy who, like, tune know what I'm saying, Cholo, crazy, coming at people, the most spastic coach on the sideline, starting beef everywhere, you can't be soft. I'm sorry, man. You can't be soft. You can't give it out, and then when someone gives it back to you, it just flips you off.
00:18:50
Emeka
You start crying. You can't. I'm sorry, fam. That's just... That's just soft, Simeon. That's just soft to me. Like, i I get a crash out. Like, i don't i don't i'm up the don't understand people who get so upset when, like, someone will lose and then not shake hands at end of the game.
00:19:06
Emeka
Man, I just lost. Free me. But, like.
00:19:07
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, like it's an emotional game.
00:19:08
Emeka
Yeah, like, Simeon.
00:19:10
Chino Onwuka
You're angry. We're you're not human. We're human. We aren't perfect. So like it's i feel it's so hypocritical. I think it's just a media thing where if every ah manager loses and their and they don't say, oh, the other team was amazing or they're not or they don't want to talk about the other team, it becomes a big deal where it's just normal behavior.
00:19:32
Emeka
Absolutely. But the thing is, I know for a fact, if Slott did that to Simeone, he would never shut up about it. Simeone would be bringing up five months later and be saying, oh, I rattled this man, blah, blah, blah. So that's my thing. Again, if any other manager, I wouldn't even bring it up in the pod like this. But the fact that was Simeone was just, I can't help but but laugh, man. This guy, the biggest terrorist in football.
00:19:53
Emeka
He gets a little taste of the medicine and can't help himself. what Like Chico said, though, it's not the end of the world. It's just a minor thing, whatever. Good for Liverpool. you know Two wins on the bounce.
00:20:04
Emeka
Still undefeated. Still haven't dropped points, actually, this season. Only team in England who i who can say that. We'll see how long it continues. They got a big fixture this weekend. But, you know, props to the scouts, man. I'm trying to be a hate like Chico said.
00:20:17
Emeka
The hate watches and are tough these days. I can't lie to y'all, man. You watch them. You watch You have some hope, and then all of a sudden, they rip your heart out. But another team in England we want to talk about, who also had two wins this week.
00:20:31
Emeka
Manchester City went into the Manchester Derby, smacked up United Although 3-0, I would say it's both accurate and flattering because, man, you should really should have scored a goal. I don't know how they did it, but.
00:20:45
Emeka
Man City, you know, coming off back-to-back losses the international break, so pressure was building up. Pep made some changes to the lineup. he He brought Rodri back, who as he was slowly introducing him.
00:20:57
Emeka
Doku, and then Foden back as well with Reinders, and then Bernardo Silva on the right wing. And then another big change he's made is that Kushanov is now a right back. They had that lineup against Emmanuel in the Derby, and I know Pep liked it because he played the exact same lineup again,
00:21:13
Emeka
against Napoli in KDB's return to the Etihad, which lasted all of 20 minutes as the fucking Napoli guy lost his head, red card. They hooked KDB. It was one-way traffic.
00:21:25
Emeka
Ended 2-0. really could have ended like six nil like City all over them. But that's two wins now, 2-0, two clean sheets for a team that struggled famously defensively. One of the things i want to touch with a Man City, but just start off generally with you, Chukwu.
00:21:41
Emeka
Has Pep figured something out with this? Foden now at the 10, you know, Brunello Silva tucking in a right wing, Kushanov right back. Just more root-one football, I'd say i'm The traditional Man City, everyone's tiki-taki. Now there's more direct. I'll describe it. Has Pep found something there, or is it just two lucky wins on the belts at home?
00:22:01
Chuku
I think it's just too early to say, man. It's two games, you know I'm saying? Like, it's two games. I mean, Doku has been the one that's really stood out for me, those two games. I know you brought Foden, but for me, it's really been Doku and his, you know, his willingness to...
00:22:16
Emeka
We'll be right back.
00:22:17
Chuku
Yeah, but he's been, yeah, for me, he's the one that's been standout with how I've seen him play from the left. It doesn't look like he's playing left wing at all, primarily only, just because you see a lot of time he's coming, drifting in more into the middle. He's playing both both wings.
00:22:35
Chuku
like he's I feel like Pep has given him some license to basically, you know, maneuver his way around the pitch and find areas to attack, I guess, because... yeah he's been he's been while he's been uh performing but folding has also yeah found this he's found the shooting boots again like he's been looking a lot like his like the stuff that we accustomed, you know, when he had when he had that breakout year.
00:23:00
Chuku
So, no, I would say so far so good, you know. Even Haaland, you know, Haaland doing Haaland things. And, you know, this is without the likes of Mamouche and others that, you know, I like a lot. So, I mean, I think, you know, so far, I mean,
00:23:19
Chuku
I really think this Doku and Foden run, let's see how long it lasts. These are players that are in the past, know have they have their the ups and downs. So right now they're they're in their ups. They have one of their better, their own form. They look like they've got their shooting boots on and they're ready to produce. So we've got to see what that looks like for the next couple of games and see how consistent they can be.
00:23:45
Chuku
But as of right now, I'll just lean more towards the side of You know, I got to see more for me to be sold on this new look pep side. So let's go see.
00:23:56
Chuku
so let's go see
00:23:58
Emeka
Let's see. no I just want to echo a point you made because it's I think it's really worth emphasizing. I didn't mention him because I want to talk about him later, but you're absolutely right. Doku, he's like those NBA guys will draft a 6'8 wing who's very athletic and always say, man, if you learn how to shoot.
00:24:18
Emeka
And I feel like Doku is the football equivalent of that with the amazing dribbles. And, you know, it's like a lot of wingers who they go, they go a man, if they ever learn how to finish. And the premier example of recent times, in my opinion, is Vinny Jr. Who went from a guy who just dribbled all the time to a,
00:24:33
Emeka
elite winger when he learned how to finish. And it's very early, but Doku is looking like he's he's taking a step. He always was the best dribbler in the Premier League. Now, he didn't go anywhere, but he was the best dribbler.
00:24:46
Emeka
And now he's dribbling forward, he's dribbling sideways. And that's just a big change, and he's creating things now. He was amazing at the dirt, are amazing against Man U, like the best game I've ever seen him play in a City shirt.
00:24:59
Emeka
And he followed up by scoring a fantastic goal against Napoli. if yeah If he takes that step, City have been lacking ah ah another forward aside from Holland to really do something this year.
00:25:09
Emeka
If Doku can take that step and be there, o that's that's dangerous. Chenna, what are your thoughts about this week for Man City? Do you think it's real or just, again, just a nice two results and nothing truly to say anything real yet?
00:25:24
Chino Onwuka
It's been a great week for Man City. I mean, it's always a great week when you won you win the Derby, you win it convincingly, you know, without even having to get out of second gear. And again, you know, the European Knights, you know, that that's still a big win, a clean sheet in back-to-back games when the worry has been a little bit of a soft underbelly.
00:25:46
Chino Onwuka
Defensively, Pep might have figured something out to to make the team a little bit more solid. with Kushanov at right back and O'Reilly at left back. You know, how long does that continue for? Is he going to do it again on on the weekend?
00:26:03
Chino Onwuka
I think it's ah ah it's a good week for them. you know, all the things you guys have mentioned, Haaland continues to score. Foden looks to be finding some form again. And I'm really glad that we're talking about Doku.
00:26:16
Chino Onwuka
Doku and I'm sure Mecca, you can back a little bit. He's someone that's been in our consciousness since he was 16. So that's seven years. And probably because of that, we forget how young he really is.
00:26:29
Chino Onwuka
He's just 23. You know, like said, he's the best dribbler in the Premier League. I don't know if you guys ever, if you ever look at, you know, the the analytics on, you know, ball progression, dribbling, they always have to change the scale to fit Doku in because he doesn't.
00:26:46
Emeka
Top right Doku. Like, I didn't say that thing.
00:26:47
Chino Onwuka
Yeah.
00:26:48
Emeka
He's the best juror in the Premier League. And it's not to me, it's not even an ah ah argument.
00:26:50
Chino Onwuka
Yeah.
00:26:52
Emeka
Like you said, you know, it's bad.
00:26:52
Chino Onwuka
Not even just the Premier League. like he He never fits on the scale. So you always have to adjust the the scale so that you can you can see him, like i like I said, in the top right. So it's scary. I guess I'll save some of my thoughts for when we discuss you know some of the big games coming up this weekend because I'm just imagining you know Doku in this form against a a a certain maverick Italian stallion that we have in and and what that could look like, you know, in in certain situations. But it's ah ah it's a it's a good week for City. I don't know about Joe, but, like, I have heavy PTSD about City. I know in Mecca it's always like, oh, they're done.
00:27:35
Chino Onwuka
They never look good. But I'm sorry.
00:27:36
Emeka
Hey, calling me out. mean, you're not wrong, though.
00:27:39
Chino Onwuka
Hey, hey, it's on the record, bud.
00:27:40
Emeka
You're not wrong, though, right? You're not wrong.
00:27:42
Chino Onwuka
I'm sorry. I will never, as long as Holland is fit and Pep is there, i will i will never... Yeah, they're still Man City. Just like people say, oh, it's Manchester United.
00:27:52
Emeka
I just want to say,
00:27:55
Chino Onwuka
what They are City.
00:27:58
Emeka
All I want to point out, though, is I was saying the previous iteration of City with the Unks were finished. They've swapped a lot of guys out. And i want to highlight, you mentioned, you know, two clean sheets in a row. I want to focus on that and ask you, I know you had some reservations about Donnarumma fitting in a pep team.
00:28:15
Emeka
Two games, two clean sheets. did it Again, didn't do much against Napoli because Napoli were manned out. But in the in the derby especially, that and Wemo volley, I promise you, Edison's not saving that.
00:28:27
Emeka
And that was always my fear with getting Donnarumma is that for all the faults you can say about his feet, he stops the he's the best shot stopper in the world right now. And that's how, you like, when people, i so knew I've seen it in my life with Arsenal in the last five years, going from, you know, i don't want to bespush anybody's name, but, you know, but people before to Ramsdale and then that next step to Raya.
00:28:53
Emeka
When your keeper saves those shots that they aren't supposed to save, it just makes a world of a difference. Because a game going from, like, to 2-1, the The pressure is unbelievable.
00:29:06
Emeka
And City now have Donnarumma who can come in and make those big saves in big games.
00:29:11
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, he he has an aura.
00:29:11
Emeka
And now that you know him,
00:29:14
Chino Onwuka
Like, he is he's been world-class since he was 18. He's a giant in the net, yet so agile. You know, when we brought it up, like I said, my concern was never about him and what he's able to do. My concern was, is Pep going to be stubborn and insist that Donnarumma do something that is not necessarily his game?
00:29:37
Chino Onwuka
Is he going to try to make him do what Ederson does? The shot stopping, like you said, ain't no worries there.
00:29:41
Emeka
you
00:29:43
Chino Onwuka
So as long as they're able to, and and and i that's one thing i maybe we don't give Pep enough credit for. Yeah, he he is still a little bit of a checkbook manager, but he's willing to adapt.
00:29:56
Chino Onwuka
He went from small ball, tiki-taka, to the Premier League where you're supposed to be big and physical. He still did what he wanted to do. Then he adapted to having four center backs at the back. He did the inverted wing back thing.
00:30:12
Chino Onwuka
Went from a false nine to a big nine. So he maybe we need to give him more credit. He is willing to adapt. And so maybe they they change the way they do things a little bit in terms of their building out from the back with Donnarumma. Because again, you know those that save he made on Mbwemo, that is what he does that Probably the only other keeper i would put in that echelon is Courtois.
00:30:36
Emeka
No, I agree. And, you know, it's funny, the other manager in Manchester today, I saw a quote where he said, even the Pope wouldn't make him change the system. I echo that point you made so much. The best managers adapt to the players they have.
00:30:51
Emeka
And it's always so funny when people, you know, like every time ah ah someone plays a false nine or or a keeper with a feet, they say, Pepe is ruining football. Pep can adapt. Pep played four centerbacks.
00:31:02
Emeka
People come our touch-up of playing four centerbacks. Pep won a Champions League when he played four centerbacks. Like, he can adapt. He can play Aguero up front. He can play Foden up front. He can play Haaland up front.
00:31:14
Emeka
He's a good manager. So I don't get this married-to-a-system thing. Change the system to suit the players you have. And my thing with Donnarummo is always, yeah, he's not as good with his feet, but he more than makes up for it with his shot-stopping.
00:31:29
Emeka
and And we'll see how it goes on because was just two wins. Big game this weekend. We'll see it up front. But I happen to keep with that aura. I've always, you can tell how people fear a keeper when it's one-on-one and they start doing crazy finishes because they don't believe if they just shoot it, they'll score.
00:31:48
Emeka
And the two keepers I found, well, three, i'll yeah I'm disrespecting OG newer, but Courtois and now Donnarumma, the two keepers I found, when it's a one-on-one, the strikers, they start overthinking it because they think if I shoot, he's just going to save it.
00:32:04
Emeka
And that's incalculable, the benefit it gives you ah ah to a team.
00:32:08
Chino Onwuka
And i think I think that's why Arsenal are trying to get Ylan Garcia as good, as as amazing as as our our current keeper is.
00:32:09
Emeka
Yeah. Oh, trust me,
00:32:18
Chino Onwuka
I think they were trying to get that element as well. Because I don't know if you guys have seen what he did for Barcelona in their in their in their last couple of games.
00:32:25
Emeka
I appreciate it.
00:32:28
Chino Onwuka
and i And Raya is amazing, but it's like...
00:32:35
Chino Onwuka
Pep and Arteta are different but alike in certain ways. And they're always looking for the the next the next iteration, the next thing. They're not stuck in their ways like some coaches.
00:32:43
Emeka
you
00:32:45
Chino Onwuka
They're looking for the next element, any marginal gain. And, you know, that's why, you know, Pep was willing to pivot. You know, even even a good point is we've talked about their soft underbelly. You know, that's probably something he's recognized and say, okay, what can we do to counterbalance for that is, okay,
00:33:05
Chino Onwuka
We're a little bit weak going back. Let's have a guy that can bail us out of a certain situations.
00:33:12
Emeka
that's literally my, like, i you nailed it. Man City got away with playing Ederson because they used to dominate possession and have the ball all the time. Teams didn't get shots against them.
00:33:23
Emeka
Now teams getting shots against them, and when it turns out, I need a keeper to save some shots. And Pep adapted and said, if we're not going to dominate the ball all the time... let me get a keeper who can save a shot. and And sadly, that's why I was terrified of them getting Donnarumma.
00:33:38
Emeka
Maybe I'm just overhyping myself into it, but early signs is frustrating. Before we move on, Chico, any thoughts on the city keeper situation?
00:33:53
Chuku
and but Yeah, so I'll just keep it simple. I mean, Donorama ain't the, you know, ball player that Ederson was. There's no doubt about that. But the thing is, he ain't have to be because this dude is just a freak of nature with the with the size he brings the ability to you know, be a huge one-on-one goalkeeper defender. Like it's, it's amazing some of the the saves he's able to pull off for a guy of his size.
00:34:23
Chuku
And I just think the end of the day, when it comes to, you know, doing the job of a goalkeeper again, which is simply stopping the ball from crossing the back of the net. I just think he is probably one of the best, if not the best at doing just that.
00:34:40
Chuku
And Donorama is going to be a problem. No question about that. Again, You know, we've seen what he's done, you know, we've seen what he did last year for PSG side, ended winning the Champions League.
00:34:52
Chuku
And, you know, I just think Man City get a benefit from one of the top goalkeepers of his generation. And, yeah, it's going to be interesting to find ways to, know, see how we can score goals on him.
00:35:06
Chuku
So far, he has those back-to-back knee sheets. But the thing is, Funny enough, I still feel pretty confident heading into the weekend with our game against Man City. And, know, I'm very interested to see, you know, the guys, your y'all's views on on on our on the matchup.
00:35:23
Chuku
But I'm sure we'll get to that when we get to when well get to the game.
00:35:28
Emeka
I mean, why not just do it
Arsenal vs Man City Predictions
00:35:29
Emeka
now? We're already on it. So as you can, know, big game this weekend. Normally we do game of the week at the end, but it just makes sense to do it now. Man City, away to the mighty Arsenal, the Emirates.
00:35:42
Emeka
Oh, last season, this game will always have a, you know, the fixture last season has a special place in my heart to the day I die. I'm sure if I ever have kids, there better be some good kids to knock off that game for being tough tough five moments of my life. ain't going to be honest with you all.
00:35:58
Emeka
Will there be a repeat this year? i highly doubt it, but who knows? So predictions for game of the week. I'll start with you, Chukwu, because you just brought it up there. What's going to happen on Sunday when Arsenal play Man City?
00:36:13
Chuku
i think I think we're going to come away with a W. I really do. At home, in front of our fans, the way the team has been playing, way we've been clicking, the the you know the additions that we've made this summer coming together. Eze, Marueke, Yoko Rez.
00:36:29
Chuku
I just think, you know, hopefully we have Odegaard back. hope you all But I just think, you know, with the team we have, I just don't see any reason why we don't we don't ah ah don't get all three points against this current Man City side, do which I do respect. We have no a lot of attacking weapons, but let's be real. They're not really...
00:36:52
Chuku
hitting at all cylinders like we know they can. And quite frankly, I just think this is the time to get at Man City. Even though they've won those, you know, gotten back-to-back wins, those were wins against, let's be frank, a very poor Mayon United team and 10-man Napoli. So I just think this game is going to be a real test to see where Man City are at. But I think we pull away at home, 3-1, comfortable.
00:37:18
Emeka
you know
00:37:20
Chino Onwuka
oh Look, I think we're at home. You know, i think we will win the game. We should win the game.
00:37:32
Chino Onwuka
You know, i I'm hoping Odegaard's back. I'm hoping Saliba's back. Saka, at best, we might see from the bench. Here is my thing.
00:37:45
Chino Onwuka
In my mind, Haaland... has been in his basement in the dark rewatching gabrielle miles luiskelly on repeat over and over and over again in my mind that's all he did during the summer and The Norwegian Viking is out for revenge. So I i think we'll win, but i I just have a deep fear within me that Haaland is out for some serious, serious revenge.
00:38:23
Chino Onwuka
Looking at it on the macro level, you know removing my heart out of and just thinking it with my head, think it'll be a really good game. I think this is a really big... This will show me a lot about yochare because this is, we have bought him to be somebody to, to be our Haaland light.
00:38:48
Chino Onwuka
So I think this is a good opportunity. him I think, i I think he had ah a really great game um um on Tuesday, you know, he was showing a little bit more of himself. It's unfortunate about the head injury and, you know, he's someone that we're having to manage right now because we don't have a backup striker. So I think it's a really good opportunity for him. You know, can Maduweke continue his good form?
00:39:10
Chino Onwuka
What sort of midfield are we going to play? If Odegaard is not fit, does he, does Arteta be brave and play?
00:39:18
Emeka
Oh, you know what it is, brother. Haramid Phil is coming again.
00:39:21
Chino Onwuka
Ethan, but I think it's going to be that Haram midfield.
00:39:21
Emeka
to
00:39:25
Chino Onwuka
And then can Eze continue? Can we see Eze have, he's played really well against Man City last couple of games. Can we see Eze really, he he's shown good, but is is this this an an opportunity for Eze to have a second you know coming out party?
00:39:43
Chino Onwuka
on you know i think this is a chance to talk about Mascara. Man, what a find, what a player he has been. Saliba is out, and we don't even sweat right now.
00:39:56
Chino Onwuka
If Saliba is fit, I do want him to start because he is, in my mind, one of the top three center backs in the world, but you know, it's to the point where there's ah ah a 21-year-old from Spain, first season in the Prem, and, you know, how i feel like he can do a as good a job as anyone can do against Haaland. So, I think that's it for me. I think we'll probably see Calafiore, you know, on the left again.
00:40:25
Chino Onwuka
know, it'd be nice if we'd gotten Hencapier earlier, because I think that this would be a really good game for him, but Yeah, I think it'll be a tight game, you know, a nervy game, but, you know, I hope we'll come out on top.
00:40:39
Chino Onwuka
I'm sure you're you're you're tracking all and you're wanting me to put to put to put a prediction down. All right, three two Arsenal.
00:40:49
Emeka
Well, I hate that we're all going to pick Arsenal to win, but I got to be true to myself. I was originally going to lean towards a tie, but then the more I thought about the two days rest advantage we have and we're playing at home.
00:41:02
Emeka
Yeah, I definitely know Harlan. He's got a celebration planned if he scores. I know that for a fact. But Gabriel, hopefully Saliba. I think we got enough, I'm say.
00:41:15
Emeka
I'm going to say 2-1 Arsenal. I don't think be a high-scoring game. 2-1 Arsenal. We go with Gabriel from a corner. get some jammy goal. Howland scores is inevitably a goal. But I'm feeling ah good about it, man. I'm feeling good about Arsenal win.
00:41:29
Emeka
I hope it's a five one again like it was last year, but I highly doubt look get that again. But... Hey, I'm looking – it's a game of the week, I'm telling you, man. Like, I feel like every week in the Prem so far we've had some bangers.
00:41:42
Emeka
And even Saturday there's Man U Chelsea. Like, this is the Premier League, man. i love You love to see us
00:41:47
Chino Onwuka
was going to say that there's other games of the week we could Manu, Chelsea, Merseyside Derby as well.
00:41:51
Emeka
hy it. It's crazy out there, man. i love vi Football's back, baby. Football's back. We talked about the man, Holland, real quick. He broke the record easily for fastest to 50 goals and in the Champions League in 49 games.
00:42:07
Emeka
He's hit 50 goals. What can you say? Same match day before, actually, game that we had briefly.
Striker Debate: Kane vs Haaland
00:42:14
Emeka
maybe we We didn't really know what to talk about. Bayern smacked up Chelsea 3-1.
00:42:19
Emeka
Kane had a brace, and then with the second goal, broke a record. was surprised was held by David Beckham, but the Englishman with the most goals and assists in Champions League, 52 for Harry Kane.
00:42:32
Emeka
I think I know no disrespect to Barcelona fans, Real Madrid fans, and allegedly Liverpool fans. I think it's fair to say that Kane and Haaland are the two best nines in the world. Maybe Mbappe.
00:42:46
Emeka
ah ah He's been a striker for a year.
00:42:46
Chino Onwuka
yeah i thought out i Yeah, I'm so glad you, and even the maybe is, is is it's me. but
00:42:54
Emeka
I just don't see him as a striker for me, but yes, you know what, Mbappe too. But for the sake of this argument, we're only going to do Kane and Holland because whatever. Of the two guys who broke records in Champions League this week, Chenna, I guess we're just going to be piped up. Take Mbappe out of it. He's your son.
00:43:09
Emeka
Mbappe out of it. If you had a game tomorrow, who would you pick as the best number nine in the world to start for your team? Harry Kane or Holland?
00:43:17
Chino Onwuka
Erling Haaland, I'm going to read something to you right now. With five goals in four games, this is Erling Haaland's worst ever start to a Premier League season.
00:43:29
Emeka
That's actually crazy.
00:43:30
Chino Onwuka
Enough said.
00:43:33
Emeka
He's the hat-trick king. He's due for a hat-trick. Hopefully not against us, but hey.
00:43:39
Emeka
I love Kane. I'm glad I can say this openly now that he's left Tottenham. I've always banged the drum. He's the most underrated player in football because for some reason, we attribute team trophies to individual players.
00:43:50
Emeka
And we'll get to that a little bit later. Kane has been killing it now that he's on a good team. He's still been the same player he was, but now people are appreciating it. I really want to say Kane, but man, I just, the hit man that Holland is, Kane is a better footballer, but as a striker, as a goal scorer,
00:44:09
Emeka
man Give me Erling Haaland, man. i Just something about a guy that big, that fast, who's got good dribbling. He actually has some great passes against Man United. Some great hold-up play. He gets criticized for that a lot. And just the finishing.
00:44:21
Emeka
The man exists to score goals. And at end of the day, like I want a keeper who can stop the ball from going in the net, and I want a striker who put the ball in the net. And then no one puts the ball in the net better than Erling Haaland.
00:44:33
Emeka
Chukwu, would you take? Kane or Haaland?
00:44:36
Chuku
And at this point, look, I know why you know people pick Holland, but for me, for me, it's just something about Harry Kane, man.
00:44:48
Chuku
and just his overall game, I just think, I just love the, I just love Harry Kane. I wish there was a, you know, some alternate universe that, you know, Harry Kane played for Arsenal and, know, he came to the ranks, never wore that white shirt and was a short tour and through Arsenal striker. But anyways, you know, it is what it is. But for me, I just think Harry Kane for like,
00:45:13
Chuku
how long he's been doing it for and just being as consistent as he's been, even entering his early ages, sorry, even entering his latter years, know,
00:45:25
Chuku
Harry Kane was someone that, like let's be frank, I still remember arguments in the group chat many, many years back when people didn't even think Harry Kane was going to be even like considered you a top striker, let alone a world-class striker, let alone one of the best strikers.
00:45:43
Emeka
The one season wonder, Harry Kane back in the day.
00:45:45
Chuku
I'm pretty sure y'all can remember some of those conversations were having. And look where, you know, look ah ah look at the career he's forged for himself. And I just think, you know, with the his style of play, it's just something about his game that just speaks to me and the type of striker that I personally like. I would want for my you know ah team that I would be you know, that I'll start or I'll be one on watch and Hurricane is just my kind of striker. So for no other reason, that is a personal preference. And yeah, i'll I'll be taking a Hurricane over Harland.
00:46:22
Emeka
I know. Again, they're both fantastic. And yeah, I apologize to Real Madrid fans. Yes, Mbappe is probably the best player in the world right now. Yeah. Sick of this. We leave it to Kane and Haaland. And speaking of alternate universes, there's an alternate universe where Haaland chooses to play for England.
00:46:36
Emeka
And man, those two together would fit perfectly. Kane and Haaland side by side. But thank God for everybody else. He chose Norway. And I hope he make the World Cup because guy like Haaland needs to be in the World Cup, man.
00:46:49
Emeka
It's unbelievable. Before I move on from ah midweek, again, now a lot of Champions League games. We just touched on very few. lot happened. What are your takeaways or anything you want to talk about? Players, goals, moments, matches from the Champions League midweek.
00:47:06
Emeka
Start with you, Juna.
00:47:10
Chino Onwuka
I mean, those are probably, we've we've spoken a lot about it, but I guess the Dortmund Juventus game was pretty crazy.
Champions League Standouts and Ballon d'Or Predictions
00:47:23
Chino Onwuka
4-3, Dortmund, man, like, there's some teams that just live up to their story type, their stereotypes, you know, allegedly, you know, we hear what people always say about Arsenal, you know, it's the history of the Tottenham, but yeah, Dortmund and choking, yeah, it's, it's, yeah, yeah, it's,
00:47:42
Emeka
There's no one like it. There's literally no one like it. Dortmund are the biggest chokers in football.
00:47:47
Chino Onwuka
it's it's It's ridiculous. So, you know, i would say that was one big standout for me. I think there was something else that stood out for me.
00:47:58
Chino Onwuka
Again, shout out, shout out Kairat. You know, again, this is like I said, something we get with the new format of the Champions League that we probably wouldn't have, you know,
00:48:13
Chino Onwuka
Kyra Bag, you know, winning winning in the Champions League against Benfica. Union Saints-Gilois beating PSV. got You got, what's the other team? like Pafos, honestly never heard of them before.
00:48:30
Chino Onwuka
And Kairat all the way out in in Kazakhstan. Shout out to y'all.
00:48:35
Emeka
For me, i just want to give a quick shout-out to Marcus Rashford. don't know if those goals are better because the second goal he had with that missile, that's just classic Rashford ball striking, but...
00:48:49
Emeka
The header he had to score to open up the game, man. Mad like Rashford. And I know he's enjoying seeing Man United flounder because Amorim didn't even give this guy a chance. Just shipped him off immediately.
00:49:02
Emeka
And now he's out here. First was balling from Aston Villa, and I wasn't a believer that much. I got to give him props. He's looking good against Newcastle especially. And a quick also shout-out Pedri.
00:49:13
Emeka
Pedri. Pedri is the best midfielder in the world as like just a classic eight. and I'm not going hesitate to say that because when I watched him play, he he makes a two-man midfield look like a three-man midfield because he's just that effing good.
00:49:27
Emeka
So, yeah, I was my i watched that game and, you know, ah my two big takeaways for two busts from the guys, I guess. Chukwu, take us home. What are your thoughts on the Champions League this week?
00:49:36
Chuku
Man, you took spot. You took my shine, my bro. Like, it was definitely seeing Marcus Rashford, bro. Like, that is second goal. Wow.
00:49:47
Chuku
Like, wow. And again, I mean, Rashford that's on form, that's on point, that's someone that I think, you know, a lot of clubs would die to have on their squad, on their team.
00:50:00
Chuku
And, you know, he was just showing glimpses of why i was saying, in our you know, in the group chats, you know, I was one that, hey, man, I'll be willing to to give a guy like Rashford a chance, man, to see what he can do, you know, in a squad like ours. But regardless, needless to say, i mean, it was a good game, but happy for the guy. You know, hope he can enjoy his football because, you know, how things ended to the team, and was just very, very, very, we're just poor, it was just poor on all accounts. And, you know, he seems to be enjoying his football again and, know,
00:50:33
Chuku
Long may continue for him. So, yeah, that was my big tip for me.
00:50:39
Emeka
Yeah, I'm sure there'll be more and more takeaways as the season unfolds, Champions League and and club football. And as always, be here to chat with us on Love of the Game. Real quick, though, i don't know if you guys are aware, but on Monday, the Ballon d'Or for the twenty twenty four twenty twenty five european European football season will be awarded.
00:51:00
Emeka
Real quick. Who do you think will win? And if you had a vote, who would you vote for? I'll kick us off. I think from what I've seen online, I think pretty much consensus is that people think Dembele is going to win.
00:51:13
Emeka
And I mentioned it earlier. He's a deserving winner based on how it's awarded, but... I just don't like that in you know we conflate team of achievements with individuals. And yes, PSG won the Champions League, and the Bentley was to probably the best player in PSG.
00:51:32
Emeka
But you can also argue he wasn't even top three sometimes. He had such depth. The team was stacked. And just because he's on a stacked team doesn't make him the best player in the world. But neither here nor there. Keep it short, if I had a vote, I'm voting for Mo Salah because to me, no one had a better season last year than Mo Salah.
00:51:48
Emeka
And Dembele was a large part of PSG. Salah carried Liverpool. And yes, they didn't win the Champions League. They lost on penalties to PSG. Like if that's the margin we're deciding or not, so be it. But if I had a vote, I'd give it to Mo Salah.
00:52:02
Emeka
But i yeah I definitely do think Dembele is probably going to win. Chukwu, what do you think?
00:52:07
Chuku
For me, this is this is easy, man. And I'll be shocked if it's not the case. But I think Nbele wins it. And i would vote if I had to vote, i would have voted Nbele. Because his team won the Champions League.
00:52:18
Chuku
They won the French League. What more can you ask? In a year where there's no World Cup, I mean, or no African Cup of Nations, or major any major international tournaments, I just think, you know, Nbele caught fire when it mattered.
00:52:33
Chuku
You know, the dude scored 35 goals, in the season, assisted over what? I think it was over 15 plus assists as well to go along with that. Had over 50 GA for his team.
00:52:45
Chuku
The same team won the, you know, again, I said, won the French League and won the Champions League. I just think, is a yeah, he's good money for the Ballon d'Or this year. And, yeah, and he's probably going to win it.
00:52:59
Emeka
You china
00:53:02
Chino Onwuka
I think Dembele is going to win it. And if I had a vote, and this is, honestly, this is this is where sort of recency bias gets to play. Because before, I was going to be like, yeah, Dembele is definitely going to win it. It seems like the conversation has been between Dembele and for some reason Lamin-Yamal, who had a great season, but I don't know what we're doing there. It's going to be his time soon. I think he's already probably the top five best players in the world. But if you ask me who was the best player over the last calendar year, then Billy would come to mind. And then when you said Salah, I was like, oh, right.
00:53:43
Chino Onwuka
I forgot about that. Because again, what what we remember last is sort of what sticks in our consciousness. And so... You know what, that's really a good shout at Salah. And honestly, now that I think back to previous episodes, I'm pretty sure I was here standing on Tanto saying that I would vote for Salah for Belandor. So that's that's really funny. I'm checking myself. But yeah, recency bias. If I had to vote today, it would have it would be Dembele.
00:54:14
Emeka
I mean, look, he's going to win it. So, yeah. On your mile point, it's so funny to me he's getting these Ballon d'Or shouts. I promise you he wasn't the best winger in Barcelona last year.
00:54:25
Emeka
Rafinha had a better season than him. Like, he's a better player and, like, the Euros and all that. But and look at the look at what actually happened. He's not – people are projecting more with him than what's actually existing, even though what's existing is fantastic. Don't get me wrong.
00:54:39
Emeka
But neither here nor there. Shouts out Dembele. And i it's it's so funny. he's going to win a Ballon d'Or before Mbappe. Who would have ever thought that three years ago? But that's how football works.
00:54:50
Emeka
Moving on from the the world of football.
00:54:53
Chuku
Well, that's not a guarantee.
00:54:54
Emeka
That's not guarantee. Not a guarantee for what? 100% blue.
00:54:57
Chuku
one You 100% believe Yamal went to Ballon d'Or before Mbappe?
00:54:59
Emeka
No, I said Dembele will win. Yeah.
00:55:02
Chuku
Oh, Dembele. OK, my bad, my bad.
00:55:04
Chuku
thought you saying Yamal. No, I was tripping.
00:55:05
Emeka
They all came up in the French academies together compared to each other.
00:55:09
Emeka
Mbappe was always the top-rated.
00:55:09
Chuku
Yeah, he's older. He's older.
00:55:12
Emeka
but kind of the same age.
00:55:12
Chuku
Yeah, that's fine.
00:55:13
Emeka
A little year older, but they're the same generation. But, hey, who would have thought?
00:55:16
Chuku
That's fine.
00:55:17
Emeka
Who would have thought? But, you know, the world of football isn't the only – American european football isn't the only football.
NFL Season Kickoff and Team Analyses
00:55:24
Emeka
NFL season is kicking off. We're two weeks into the season. Not much has happened, but a lot has happened. One of those things where because there's only 17 games, two games is kind of a sample size. It's not really like two games, but it's – There's also still only two games.
00:55:40
Emeka
And so have a couple of questions I'm going to ask my two co-hosts, and I want to hear them their thoughts to say, is this statement true or false and the reason behind it just about the NFL in general? I'm to start it off what I think is the biggest surprise. It's probably the word to say, but the 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Chargers and they lost to the Eagles.
00:56:05
Emeka
The Kansas City Chiefs are fine. They will make the playoffs. And although they make the playoffs, they will win a game. Chenna, is this statement made true or false?
00:56:15
Chino Onwuka
Statement is true. I think we're probably seeing just a little bit more regression to the mean. If we remember last season, Kansas City did it.
00:56:26
Chino Onwuka
It didn't look the previous, but they want an insane team. Like every game that went down to the final seconds, they found a way to win those games.
00:56:34
Emeka
10-0 in one-score games last year.
00:56:36
Chino Onwuka
And we're just seeing regression to the norm now. They're still a good team. You know, their two losses have been against a, And on fire Justin Herbert, who has a chance to put together a complete season and be the quarterback that I know I think, and Emeka thinks he is, and to the defending champion, Philadelphia Eagles.
00:56:58
Chino Onwuka
Those aren't the teams they're going to be playing every week. So I think they will make it into the playoffs and they will. Oh, is it if they're both going to make the playoffs and win a game?
00:57:08
Emeka
Yeah, no, I said not only will they make the playoffs, they will also win a game in the playoffs.
00:57:11
Chino Onwuka
Oh, move o i it's it's it's Patrick Mahomes.
00:57:12
Emeka
so
00:57:18
Chino Onwuka
They're going to win a game in the playoffs.
00:57:21
Emeka
Drukul?
00:57:24
Chuku
I mean, i definitely agree that, you know, there there shouldn't be any panic if you're on the Kansas City camp. Because, I mean, you lost to two well above average teams. so I think you lost two teams that are most likely going to make the playoffs themselves. I mean, one of them being the most recent Super Bowl winning champions, my Eagles.
00:57:45
Chuku
And the other being, you know, a Justin Herbert-led Chargers team that I think know So far, they they're clicking and they look like a team that's clicking on all cylinders.
00:57:56
Chuku
So, I mean, yeah, I don't think no there's any room to panic there. So I definitely think they'll win enough games to make the playoffs themselves.
00:58:08
Chuku
I would like to say, yeah, because it's Patrick Mahomes, and all he does is run the playoffs. But I would say this year, it depends on who that matchup is.
00:58:19
Chuku
Are they going to win enough games to put themselves in a home field advantage? Not sure about that. would be interesting, but you know what? Just because the name is Mahomes, I've got to stick with it. Yes, they will be good enough to win at least one game. us I'll stick with that. So I'll i'll say three.
00:58:39
Emeka
I just want to, you know, without comment, just say the Kansas City Chiefs are owe and two They play the New York Giants Sunday Night Football. Probably going to win that game. After that, they'll go away to Baltimore.
00:58:53
Emeka
Week 6, they go away. They'll go home to Baltimore. They'll go home to Detroit. And they still have to go away to Buffalo. a lot of hard games on this schedule. I do think they'll make the playoffs, but I don't know if they'll win a game. Although the thing I'll say, though, is that they get Rice back week six.
00:59:13
Emeka
They have to hope that Worthy gets healthy.
00:59:16
Chino Onwuka
Exactly.
00:59:16
Emeka
Probably, you know, that big big big difference for them.
00:59:20
Emeka
that's Those two things happen.
00:59:20
Chino Onwuka
Exactly. That's what I was counting on. I think, you know, Worthy, he's been listed as as limited. So he's not been put on injured reserve or anything. So he's going to come back and you're going to get Rashid Rice, which will add another dimension to their passing game. And once you just unlock Mahomes little bit, they're a totally different beast.
00:59:41
Chino Onwuka
But yeah, you know, when you would that that added aspect of will they win a p playoff game? you know The fact that I'm even you know hesitant about that shows you know how this might... no And I think it's it's not even just about Kansas City. I think this says a lot about some of the other teams in the AFC.
01:00:01
Chino Onwuka
You've got Buffalo, you've got the Ravens, and depending on how they finish and if they make the mistake of coming up against one of those teams early on,
01:00:14
Chino Onwuka
I would actually have those teams as favorites over them.
01:00:17
Emeka
and And that's the rub of it. Like, Kansas City have won that division 10 years in a row. So they always start off the playoffs hosting a team, and it's usually like the fifth or third or even the – usually the one or two seed that are hosting some trash team and smacking them up.
01:00:32
Emeka
This year, if these things hold, I can see them being a 9- or 10-win team, a wild card team, and now all of a sudden, like you said, you know you're going in a way to Baltimore or going away to Buffalo – And that's a big ask. I don't know. That's a big ask. though I'm really curious. mean, look, they can turn it around. They have Mahomes. They can easily run off 10 straight, 12 straight wins. But I don't know, man. I can see this being one of those seasons. You know, teams lose the Super Bowl. have hangovers all the time.
01:01:00
Emeka
So I can see it, man. I can see it. But, you know, it's also Mahomes. At the end of the day, I can look very foolish. And then in four months, it's the AFC Mahomes invitation like it always is.
01:01:11
Emeka
And they're in the title game. But. I'm very intrigued, and I'm very very, very, very, very concerned for the Chiefs if they lose to the Giants because that's 0-3 going into Baltimore week four. That could be easily 0-4, but we'll get there when we get there. But, okay, so two truths for the first one. Second statement, Tua is the problem with the Miami Dolphins, not McDaniel.
01:01:40
Emeka
Chukwu, is this true or false?
01:01:43
Chuku
I ain't got to put me on the spot like that, man. But um oh know I know See, you know at this stage, this stage I'll take Tua. Yes, I'll go Tua.
01:02:04
Chuku
Just because the angle I'm coming with is, you know, he just taking he's taking too many hits. Like, I just don't know if he can ever get back to the player he was, you know, i mean just a couple years ago, where where he was very, you know, showing a very explosive offense with Tyreek and Waddle and them boys.
01:02:28
Chuku
I just, at this point, i don't know. He doesn't seem to, know, strike me anymore as like, The QB that goes goes deep and and truly like you know hits those deep balls like he's been doing in the past previously. as much as you know I don't know if that's a coaching thing. don't know if it's a player thing.
01:02:49
Chuku
I can go off is... you know, some of the decisions that Tua has been making of late, you know, even just in the but most recent game that just passed this past Thursday with that last interception. The fact that some of the comments he made about that interception, you he has me worried.
01:03:05
Chuku
And I just think at this point, you know, Tua is not the the the same Tua that we, you know, that we initially, we're watching when we first seen the Dolphins offense get things together with Tyreek and them boys. And it's sad to see, but I just think, you know, at this stage, I'll have to say, it I'll put it in more Tua at this point and his play and decision making at this point in his career.
01:03:39
Emeka
the I'll say say um I'm a true, i would have been a false up until the Thursday night football game. McDaniel has the least inspiration of any coach I've ever seen.
01:03:54
Emeka
And from the beginning of the season, the vibes are so terrible. And vibes are squarely a head coach's responsibility. And he just looked overwhelmed. He looked like... His press conferences are cute and funny when they're winning, when you're losing.
01:04:07
Emeka
They look like a guy who just despises zero fear and zero inspiration with the team. But then I was surprised to see the Dolphins came out and fought on Thursday. That easily could have been 50-point, like, chillacking Buffalo gave them. But they...
01:04:24
Emeka
hunkered down and they played their asses off. So that tells me he still has some sway in the locker room. The team hasn't quit on him yet. And Tua, I'm sorry, looked horrendous at times.
01:04:36
Emeka
Like, he has weapons. A-chan, Tyreek, and Waddle are a top 10 core in the league. You can't tell me otherwise. And Tua can barely crack 150 yards. Like, it's... And the interceptions he throws...
01:04:53
Emeka
They just, like, they're Jameis Winston level interceptions where he just, the ball, you just know he's going to turn the ball over in a crucial moment. And there's nothing more backbreaking than that. And like you said, Chukwu, he just can't hit on the deep ball anymore.
01:05:05
Emeka
And that, I mean, he never was a great deep ball thrower. Tyreek would bail him out. But he can't. at all hit on the deep ball anymore. It's it's concerning. So I'm i'm on Latua's moral problem than McDaniel train now, but the sad thing is, McDaniel was the one who convinced the team to pay him all the money, and now he's stuck with him, and he's going to lose his job because of Latua.
01:05:26
Emeka
That's how it goes in the NFL. but i cover your guess you know I hope that Tua and Trevor Lawrence are showing teams that you don't have to break a record and give a guy an extension just because he's young and can breathe and can throw a football.
01:05:42
Emeka
Negotiate. Negotiate with them. Because these QB contracts are going crazy. Jordan Love, bless his heart, he's good. The fact he got a record-setting deal for 10 games just shows the level of payment these QBs are getting these days.
01:05:57
Emeka
And were so we're seeing the blowback a little bit of it now. So Tuna has the problem in Miami. I'm i'm saying it's a true statement. Tuna, what are your thoughts on that?
01:06:07
Chino Onwuka
So on that note, before I give my answer, what do you think Houston should do with
01:06:15
Emeka
That's a very good question. Don't give him a record-setting extension. Let him earn it.
01:06:22
Chino Onwuka
because it's one of those things where it's like, I think we've talked spoken about it again.
01:06:23
Emeka
Yeah,
01:06:28
Chino Onwuka
It's almost like it's just the going rate. So I don't know who will be the first team to try it and how that's going to work for them because
01:06:38
Emeka
I mean, San Fran kind of did. Yeah, they gave pretty a lot of money.
01:06:41
Chino Onwuka
with yeah, he was the last pick in the NFL draft.
01:06:42
Emeka
Didn't give them the record setting extension. Yeah.
01:06:48
Chino Onwuka
We, I think we, we all have to hear that Stroud would probably deal with that a little bit differently.
01:06:50
Emeka
And that's true.
01:06:57
Chino Onwuka
You think Stroud is going to, especially the names you've mentioned, you know, how they're playing in their deal. You think Strau is going to be like, oh, oh, oh, it's me you're going to try and do this to? You think?
01:07:07
Chino Onwuka
Anyway, I think, you know, you know someone who was the last pick in the in the draft, I think, and and is of a certain pigmentation, will handle certain things a certain way.
01:07:19
Emeka
Temptation.
01:07:23
Chino Onwuka
And I think Strau with, you know, the swag outspoken is the podcast, I don't know how that's going to go. But back to the question at hand, I think Tua is the bigger problem.
01:07:35
Chino Onwuka
Not that McDaniel isn't doesn't have an issue, but Tua owes his career to McDaniel. He found a way to make something that people thought was a lost cause and made a system tailored to get the best out of Tua, Tugalova, wow. Tua, you know, built a system that gets the ball out of his hands quick, you know, makes the best use of his, in quotation marks, anticipation. People will say one read system, but hey, it was working.
01:08:13
Chino Onwuka
And now, you know, teams have tape. They're a little bit one-dimensional that they're a finesse team. And i think the league is catching up to them a little bit. So,
01:08:26
Chino Onwuka
He has always been working with handcuffs in Tua. He found a way to make it work. Now is he able to adapt and unlock different facets? We talked about Pep and him, you know, tinkering with things, being able to adapt.
01:08:39
Chino Onwuka
This is what the best coaches have to do. McDaniel has proven to be a good coach in the past. Does he have more aces up his sleeve?
01:08:48
Emeka
For his sake, I hope so, because it's not looking pretty. But at end of the day, he's the one who, like you said, Tua was his career to McDaniel. McDaniel, reports are he fought and pounded the table and believed in Tua.
01:09:00
Emeka
And, you know, sad he's not the first head coach to shackle themselves to a QB and not work out. And he won't be the last. start My next question is directed for Chukwu to start with because it concerns the world champion Eagles.
01:09:13
Emeka
I'm sure like all of the world in America, we watched the Chiefs Eagles game and we saw the refs hyper focus on the tush push and the commentators say, oh, this is not football.
01:09:24
Emeka
And cameras caught Eagles hilariously false starting every single time, lining up offsides, all the da hoopla happening midweek. So i guess, Chico, the question simply the Tush Push will be banned next season.
01:09:38
Emeka
True or false?
01:09:41
Chuku
True.
01:09:43
Chuku
I just think with the coverage that TushPush has been getting so far this year and seeing some of the blown calls that we got away with just the last game, I just think, and again, we're only just after week two. but There's going to lot more.
01:10:04
Chuku
push pushes to come and mean I can't foresee if we're going to get some more errors or or you know or if we're going to get run into some more situations where referees will call or miss a call but you know I just think with the negative media surrounding this whole push push scenario situation I just think over the summer offseason ah ah The gaming committee is going to get together and I think it's going to be last time
01:10:37
Chuku
we're going to be able to see the Tush Push used in the NFL. If not next next year, I'm pretty confident within the next three years it's going to be gone.
01:10:48
Chuku
So I'll say for now true on Tush Push being gone by next season. But if it's not next season, I can guarantee you it's definitely going to be gone within the next three years.
01:11:03
Chuku
So that's my sense.
01:11:06
Chino Onwuka
I think it'll stay because if it becomes, if the ref starts calling it tighter, if it becomes something that's less effective, then teams will have less reason to want to to vote against it because it won't be as big of a problem to them.
01:11:22
Chino Onwuka
So I think the more successful the play was, the more teams want to, who couldn't replicate it would try to to get it thrown away, but the less...
01:11:34
Chino Onwuka
The less successful it is, the less teams will care.
01:11:39
Emeka
I hope they don't ban it, but I sadly think this is a true statement because, like Chukwu said, the attention it's getting, it almost feels like a league propaganda push to draw up support to ban it. you The way the announcer is in the room, they brought in Gene Blandino. He was like, I'm over the touch push, blah, blah.
01:11:57
Emeka
Like, it's so ridiculous to me. If the tush push was so overpowered, every team would run it. Every team doesn't run it because, one, their QBs can't squat 500 pounds, and two, it's hard to do.
01:12:10
Emeka
But I will say, though, the Eagles are cheating, and now that it's been a hoopla about this, they're definitely going to call it a false start next game, 100%. Because some of the tush pushes on the, I guess the Chiefs, were hilariously blatant.
01:12:24
Emeka
I will say, though, one's trying to hear that from Chiefs fans because you get away every penalty in the game. So it is what it is. O'Juro, cancel O'Juro. Sometimes it comes for you. Sometimes it's against you. It was against them last game, but, man, it was hilarious to see the slow-mo cameras, like three eagles moving before the ball is even snapped.
01:12:43
Emeka
I don't blame them, man. if i was that If I knew the play was as soon as we hike this, I'm just crashing into somebody, I want to get a jump on them too. But I think it's going to be bad. i think I was surprised it wasn't bad this offseason.
01:12:56
Emeka
It's definitely going bad next year. and I can really tell they're building their case against it. They tried to safety BS. Turns out there's no safety concerns. Now they're going to be like, oh, it's hard to officiate.
01:13:07
Emeka
But whatever. I hope they don't ban it though because, again, if it's so easy, get QB in the weight room and have him do it. But c'est la vie. Stay in the NFC East channel.
01:13:19
Emeka
True or false, the New York Giants made a huge mistake cutting Daniel Jones.
01:13:25
Chino Onwuka
I don't think they did because it's not like we hadn't seen what he could do in and that team with that coach.
01:13:38
Chino Onwuka
They'd seen how far it could go. And the times where he was most successful is when he had Saquon doing his thing, rushing for almost 2,000 yards.
01:13:49
Chino Onwuka
They don't have that element anymore. They've got Malik neighbors. You know, Daniel Jones a certain type of quarterback. They were looking to for a reset at quarterback. They're looking for a way to save their jobs because, you know, it can go either way with a rookie quarterback. You know, it can either give you some time or if he fails, then you're out.
01:14:12
Chino Onwuka
Now, Daniel Jones goes to the Colts. What type of system is he in? He has a great running back behind him in Jonathan Taylor, you know a good offensive play caller you know in Steichen who'd done great things when he was with the Eagles.
01:14:31
Chino Onwuka
And that's the right balance for him that I think history has shown for him to be successful. So in hindsight, it looks bad. Saquon is the one that was an egregious error they picked.
01:14:44
Chino Onwuka
Daniel Jones seemingly instead of Saquon. That was an error, but I think this is just sometimes players are just better off elsewhere and and and in certain conditions. But got to give Danny Dimes his flowers.
01:14:58
Chino Onwuka
I did not expect him to have this type of season or to be playing this well. Let's see how sustainable it is, but you'll shout out Danny Dimes.
01:15:08
Emeka
I'm going to be so honest. I'm a Danny Dimes hater, so I'm a caveat volunteer the volatility I'm going to say with that. I fully hands up admit I'm a hater. Anyhow, I want to point out the New Orleans Saints started off last season 2-0. 40-point games in both game 1 and 2.
01:15:24
Emeka
Everyone hyping them up. And the New Orleans Saints ended up season 5-12. Not saying the Colts are going to be that kind of bad, but I am just saying it's been two games. And also...
01:15:35
Emeka
My point about the Ballon d'Or with the team accomplishments, the players, applies so much to QBs. In fairness, QBs decide the most influence on any position in sports, the exception of a star player in basketball, I think it's fair to say.
01:15:50
Emeka
So yes, q QB is very important. However, it's so funny to me that Daniel Jones is getting all these headlines when if you watch the games, one, it's the Colts' defense, and two, Jonathan Taylor is amazing.
01:16:02
Emeka
And the amount of huge runs he bursts, and game-changing plays he makes. the Daniel Jones, you know that he's good because he has a great running back next to him who can take a lot of pressure off him.
01:16:14
Emeka
and Yes, the Colts haven't punted, and they've been fantastic, and they're being good. Stutkin's a good coach, blah, blah, blah, blah. blah I think it's crazy to give all the credit to Daniel Jones for it when the defense has been amazing and Jonathan Taylor looks electric.
01:16:29
Emeka
So I think it's a false to say the Giants made a mistake. Although, I will point out, though, this Colts 2-0 start is just 2-0, but it's making me realize, oh, my God, Anthony Richardson was terrible because – yeah Not much has changed from the Colts this season to last season. Unless you're telling me Tyler Warren is you know the best tight end all of all time.
01:16:52
Emeka
This is the same team that I saw struggle last year to move do anything. And Danny Dimes comes in and just being able to complete a five or seven yard pass does wonders for an offense when the QB before was just chucking missiles at people.
Daniel Jones' Performance and Potential
01:17:06
Emeka
So I'm going give Daniel Jones that. He's much better than Anthony Richardson. But Giants making a huge mistake. Nah, I'm not there yet, man. I'm not there yet. Chiku, what do you think?
01:17:15
Chuku
I would definitely say you know, it wasn't false on them making a huge mistake. I think the time Daniel Jones and his time at New York was, you know, was bound to come to an But, you know, like we've seen this before where, you know, highly rated quarterback...
01:17:37
Chuku
doesn't work out in his first, you know, city where it got drafted. And then he's able to find another destination and blossom, you know, at that location. I mean, we've literally seen that with, you know, Baker Mayfield. We've seen that with, you know, Jared Goff. We've seen that with kind of various amount of different type of QBs. So Sam Darnold, I mean, I'm just saying, all I'm going to say is at the end of the day,
01:18:05
Chuku
you know, early on, it looks so far like Daniel Jones is, you know, looking he's looking good at the Colts. And with the Giants, they got they got their other number one draft pick in Dart, you know, they're sitting back watching, learning, and, you know, playing behind, or you know, Russell Wilson, who was the top vet.
01:18:25
Chuku
And, you know, at the end of the day, I think, know it worked it all worked out for the best for the for each person in that scenario. I think it was time to move on and the Giants have their quarterback of the future.
01:18:37
Chuku
So at this point in time, I still think Jones has a chance to prove his haters wrong. And I mean, so far, I mean, I think You know, as much as you want you want to say, you know, the defense has been great, which it has, and most playing with an amazing running back.
01:18:56
Chuku
Daniel Jones, you ought to still give Manning's credit, to man. He was doing his thing. He's been making plays with his legs, making plays with his arms. He's been pretty much, you know, doing things that we've all known, you know, well, basically doing things that, know, ended up making him a top,
01:19:15
Chuku
first round, you know, highly drafted, highly anticipated quarterback prospect. So, I mean, I just think, you know, it's having a chance to put it together at the Colts now. We're getting to see, you know, know why people rated him with his talents all these years. And I really do believe I'm on the camp of, or at least on the side of believing that, you know,
01:19:39
Chuku
Jones is, you know, actually going to be legit this year. So we'll see how it goes. But, yeah, my money is on on on this being a real thing with Daniel Jones and him being top 15, half QB for the Colts rest of season. So we'll see.
01:19:58
Chuku
But, yeah.
01:20:00
Chuku
That
Los Angeles Chargers' Ranking in AFC
01:20:00
Chuku
was my answer. Yeah.
01:20:00
Emeka
Yeah, fair enough.
01:20:02
Emeka
Shout out Danny Dimes, man. Like I said, I'm a hater. I'm not lie. I'm a hater. He's got to be like, he's got to win the playoff game me to give him respect. i'm just going to be honest about it. I just don't think he's a good QB. I've been wrong before.
01:20:13
Emeka
i was a famer, I guess. My fans heard me talk a lot of crap about Sam Darnold. I was a Sam Darnold hater for a time. And he shut me up last year. So, hey, Danny Dimes, put me wrong.
01:20:24
Emeka
You're not the only New York QB to find a ah better spot your next team. But, I just think the we're giving all the qbi the glory to the QB when Jonathan Taylor and the defense are looking great. But regardless, I think it's fair to say the Giants messed up with Saquon, not with Daniel Jones.
01:20:39
Emeka
Chin-O, I'm coming back to you because this is a team near and dear to your hearts. I won't say that you're second team, but close to it. The Los Angeles Chargers are the third best team in the AFC.
01:20:52
Emeka
True or false?
01:20:54
Chino Onwuka
False. I think they started off really hard. I guess the the one the reason why I wouldn't put them you know as the third best team in the league, you know I think it's...
01:21:09
Chino Onwuka
I would have to say it's still you know the Bills, the Ravens, and the Chiefs because for for two reasons.
01:21:16
Emeka
Interesting.
01:21:19
Chino Onwuka
Two reasons. One, we haven't really seen, yes, Herbert has been hot, but the one thing that's supposed to be the foundation of the game, the running game, they haven't really gotten that going yet. So...
01:21:31
Chino Onwuka
you know, and and my, my answer is based also off of, as of right now. So, you know, I think they need to get their running game going a bit more because, you know, we've seen it plenty of times where, you know, it all comes to, to Justin Herbert and his arm and that hasn't taken them so far. And again, but you just said something you need to see
01:21:54
Chino Onwuka
Daniel Jones, who referring to win a playoff game. I've, follow the Chargers, you know, Ladanian LT, he was my favorite player, so I've always followed them.
01:22:06
Chino Onwuka
Justin Herbert still hasn't won a playoff game. And so until they do that, I'm someone where, you know, I need to see a a track record, you know, in certain environments for me to give you flowers. And I think he's one of the best quarterbacks for certain reasons, mostly of them being the Chargers are cursed.
01:22:26
Chino Onwuka
It hasn't worked out for them.
01:22:29
Chino Onwuka
can they overcome that curse this year? So until, you know, they show me otherwise, if you tell me top five, I'll i'll easily, you know, cop to that. But top three, I think it's it's it's too early. were we're We're two weeks in.
01:22:46
Emeka
Hey, man, what is love of the game if not for hard takes? It's funny I'm going so hard on this because preseason my hard take was the Chiefs are going to go fifteen and two That was wrong.
01:22:58
Emeka
I am 10 toes. The Chargers are the third best team the AFC. I might even put them a second. i i might even get them above Buffalo if you get me hype enough because I am so high on this team.
01:23:10
Emeka
I truly believe in the Chargers. I think I've made so many Jim Harbaugh jokes, Jimbo, my guy, all his khakis and stuff. I've forgotten he's an amazing coach.
01:23:21
Emeka
And it it took me seeing this. ah ah funny The funny thing, I'm super high on the Chargers even more after seeing – I call him affectionately J-Jag.
01:23:33
Emeka
J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings look like garbage because it made me realize why Harbaugh was having the Chargers run the ball 800 times last year. He had PTSD. A guy in Michigan was seeing J-Jag stink it up in practice, and he thought QBs...
01:23:48
Emeka
Only job is to hand the ball off. And it took him a year to get used to the fact that, oh, I got Herbert. Yeah, o man I got a great QB. I mean, open up a little bit now. And he listen, to me and you are the same page on this. I think Herbert is fantastic.
01:24:02
Emeka
Team, again, I go back to my points. Team accomplishments versus player accomplishments. The Chargers haven't won a playoff game. Justin Herbert had them up twenty eight nothing or whatever the score was against the Jacks.
01:24:13
Emeka
Yes, he also choked in the second half. He did his part of it. That's all I'm saying. And most of the other years, he had terrible head coaches in L.A. Now he's got a real head coach, and he's got a real defense. The Chargers defense is fantastic.
01:24:29
Emeka
He's got great receivers. And yes, the running game isn't as bad as good as it should be. When I got a QB like Herbert and I got dogs like Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkie, and all of a sudden and now my man QJ, we can throw the ball a little bit.
01:24:44
Emeka
I loved against the Chiefs the last drive of the game when so many coaches just do the simple run three times. Harbaugh said, I have Herbert. I'm putting ball in his hand, and he got them first downs.
01:24:55
Emeka
I love this team. I think they're going to win a lot of games. Playoff games, I'm not there yet, but I think the third seed, maybe even second seed in the AFC, will be the Los Angeles Chargers.
01:25:08
Emeka
Chukwu, what are your thoughts?
01:25:10
Chuku
My brother, i echo everything you said, Maya. Well, everything apart from them being the second best team, but I definitely do think they're the third. They're in the top three and they're third in the AFC. I think they're ahead of Mahomes.
01:25:27
Chuku
And again, there's not no slight, it's not saying that, you know, Herbert himself is better than Mahomes anything of that nature. It's just looking at the team. You have to look at the team, look at where they're at so far in the year.
01:25:40
Chuku
And I would have to say, as of right now, to me, it does look as though The Chargers have the weapons on offense to compete, and their defense is no slouch, no joke.
01:25:56
Chuku
And, yeah, I mean, they did lose Khalil Mack, I believe. He's going to out for –
01:26:04
Chuku
know, sustained period in a few weeks.
01:26:05
Emeka
few weeks.
01:26:05
Emeka
since sustain
01:26:07
Chuku
Yeah, so that would definitely hurt the defense. But, I mean, for the most part, man, um'm yo I'm just telling you, I believe in the Chargers offense, man. Herbert, I mean, from reports from within, people talking about this is the best receiving core that he's ever played with, you know, in the NFL.
01:26:28
Chuku
And, I mean, when you're looking at, yes.
01:26:30
Chino Onwuka
Huh? Who's saying that?
01:26:31
Chuku
yes people So you've not heard anyone say this is best receiving is's receiving core so far that since it's been in the NFL?
01:26:34
Chino Onwuka
How?
01:26:40
Chuku
You've not heard people say that?
01:26:41
Chino Onwuka
So I'm not gonna lie, you guys know I've been in the gulag, I've been locked up, where it's been crazy, so I've not seen a lot of discourse, but that's crazy that they're saying that when, you know, especially his first and second year where he was breaking records,
01:26:57
Chino Onwuka
He had you know a more in his prime Keenan Allen and a in his prime Mike Williams. I think you know those two combined is is better than Ladd McConkie, an aging Keenan Allen, and an improving QJ. But I guess that's just my opinion.
01:27:18
Chuku
Fair enough. Either way, he has a good receiving core with those three guys, three boys. Keenan Allen coming back. I think he's been making a huge difference. And again, me personally, I mean, I know, you know, but the guy is here.
01:27:31
Chuku
They know, especially my my bro, I mean, I've been targeting in all my fantasy leagues for reason. I just believe the connection with Herbert and, you know, what they have going on there.
01:27:44
Chuku
it's it's is It's for real. It's real. And, you know, Herbert is a guy that likes to spread the ball out to his receivers. And I just think... this offense is going to be very tough for a lot of defenses this year.
01:27:59
Chuku
And I think the office will see them through enough games where they're going to finish as a top three team in the AFC. And I definitely think, and I stand by that point that I do think as a right now, there I do feel like they're the third best team in the AFC at the moment.
01:28:16
Chuku
Behind Ravens and the
01:28:17
Chino Onwuka
I love all this love that the Chargers are getting. Y'all don't get me wrong.
Packers vs Eagles and NFC Contenders
01:28:23
Chino Onwuka
i have been very firm in my belief that Justin Herbert is a top four QB for the last year.
01:28:33
Chino Onwuka
is the only three guys I have above him are Mahomes, Josh Allen, and and oh, I'm blanking.
01:28:41
Emeka
and Joe Burr.
01:28:44
Chino Onwuka
No, hell no. Lamar Jackson, those are
01:28:45
Chuku
Lamar Jackson.
01:28:45
Emeka
No, Joe Burr.
01:28:47
Chino Onwuka
Those are the only the only three guys i've had above him.
01:28:47
Emeka
No, no, no, no. Someone's missing. All right, listen, fair enough.
01:28:50
Chuku
Listen, Lamar Jackson.
01:28:52
Chino Onwuka
But here, I guess this is a little bit of PTSD as someone who's followed them closely. You know, one of the things they had coming in was, okay, we have the top two young bookend tackles in the league.
01:29:07
Chino Onwuka
We signed Joe Ault. We drafted Joe Ault. He's amazing. We've got Slater, one of the best tackles the league. We signed him to a record contract. Literally, I'm pretty sure the day after,
01:29:19
Chino Onwuka
his his body tears up and he's done for the season. Then, okay, we draft this young hut running back on our Hampton. We're going to pair him with a nice veteran, Najee Harris.
01:29:32
Chino Onwuka
You know, thunder and lightning. Harris goes in and blows up his eye in fire. this is This is what happens to the Chargers. So just let's be excited. Let's enjoy it. But let's just be aware that, you know,
01:29:46
Chino Onwuka
Juju is real.
01:29:49
Emeka
Listen, I heard all that with Michigan as well. The guy, or my man, Jim Harbaugh, what happened?
01:29:56
Emeka
Just saying, like, this isn't Joe Staley. This isn't Anthony Lynn.
01:30:01
Chino Onwuka
he They have a real head coach and don't know college and honestly the stuff he's he's gotten suspended for
01:30:01
Emeka
They have a real head coach now.
01:30:11
Chino Onwuka
in college are really ticky tacky but this is a guy that won in college and he's a good coach but he can never go back and coach there because he's bad for cheating so
01:30:23
Emeka
Hey, man, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying.
01:30:26
Emeka
All right, well, I'll end on the big one. We actually talked about this three episodes ago, and so I'm curious. We all said no. I'm curious if any of our answers changed. I'll start. The Packers, the Green Bay Packers, will win the Super Bowl this year.
01:30:44
Emeka
I said no to begin with and prisoner of the moment two weeks in. I think this statement is absolutely true. The Green Bay Packers are a wagon.
01:30:55
Emeka
And I want to give a formal apology to Micah Parsons. I said the trade wasn't so bad. The trade was pretty bad. yeah the trade was pretty bad.
01:31:03
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, I'm glad you've changed your mind on that because I was like, it's Micah Parsons.
01:31:09
Emeka
is i oh In fairness, I remember I said there are very few players I wouldn't trade, non-QBs. I wouldn't trade for two firsts. But Micah Parsons might be on that list. I'm to take that might out. Micah Parsons is on that list. He is a game wrecker.
01:31:23
Emeka
He's so athletic. I think the Cowboys were so bad that I actually i didn't respect how good Micah Parsons was. That's what it was. Because I just don't believe in the Cowboys. So every time they do something, like, it's just the Cowboys.
01:31:34
Emeka
Seeing him with a new, fresh set of eyes, oh My god, he's so I haven't impressed with the team yet. He just flies by tackles and when you add a great player Everyone else goes down one slot and now you know before you were the first pass rush now You have second pass rush. You're getting the right tackle at the left tackle all that the defense looks fantastic They have so many weapons.
01:31:58
Emeka
I don't took a craft got a knee injuries. hope it was minor And then Jalen Reed is out, but guess what? They have Dobbs. They have golden. They have Jacobs. Yeah. ah the The Packers are, i think clearly the best team in the league.
01:32:12
Emeka
And yeah, it's, you know, single elimination. Anything can happen. I'm riding the train right now, man. The green Bay Packers are the best team in the football and they might win. They probably will win the super bowl this year. If everyone stays healthy, absolutely true for me.
01:32:26
Emeka
Chuka, what do you think?
01:32:29
Chuku
Oh, no. Are you are you crazy? What the hell? Man, get that shit out my face, man. Yo. When the Eagles are around, you want to tell me the Packers? Man, get this back. No. Hell no.
01:32:41
Chuku
Packers in game. No Super Bowl. No. And Eagles, last time I checked, reigning champs. Still the best team in the NFC. I don't even know if the Packers are going to make it to the Super Bowl, let alone win it. So...
01:32:55
Chuku
Hey, quite frankly, i'll be keep it simple. You got to get through the Eagles if you want to make it to the Super Bowl in the NFC. So I don't think the Packers better than Eagles. So yeah, I would say false.
01:33:07
Chuku
And I stand on that 10-0.
01:33:11
Emeka
Tell her to throw for 100 yards first. I'll give him his respect.
01:33:14
Chino Onwuka
Woo! a
01:33:14
Chuku
Hey, tell the chiefs to still get a big tell the Chiefs to still beat us even without throwing out for 100 yards. We still got the W, man. So, please, worry about Saquon Barkley.
01:33:15
Emeka
a
01:33:25
Chuku
That's the thing. you don't need The fact that we don't have to even throw for over 100, 150 yards and we still get Ws, that just tells you everything you need to know. I mean, I feel like, to me, I find that hilarious that that's even something that can even use as, like,
01:33:40
Chuku
or try to use as an insult or, you know, some sort of, you know, detriment when at the end of the day, all I see is W's in my chat and 2-0 undefeated, we keep rolling.
01:33:51
Chuku
So, ah ah come come and beat us, man. We're here, know what I'm saying? We want the smoke and we're still here waiting for someone to beat us, you what I'm saying? So, good luck.
01:34:00
Emeka
Listen, Hurts gave the the exact answer you need to give when someone talks that crap to you.
01:34:00
Chuku
Good luck to you, man. Absolutely.
01:34:08
Emeka
Shouts out, Hurts, man. But I can't. I'm not going to lie. Chris Jones making a point, though. You're making a point. Like, Hurts, you're winning games. It's great.
01:34:14
Chuku
They make all the points, but it's all invalid when you're catching that L.
01:34:15
Emeka
You're winning games, but then it works until it
01:34:18
Chuku
I'm sorry.
01:34:21
Emeka
Can Hurts throw for 200 yards once this season? can Can he do that for me real quick? Let me just see him this season.
01:34:25
Chuku
Why are we acting as if we haven't seen them through for... Hey, look, have the day. Look, the jokes won't be there. I get it. I get it. But, you know, let's not act as if we're not talking about one of the top, easily, five best QBs in the game right now in Jalen Hurts.
01:34:42
Chuku
And...
01:34:42
Emeka
he
01:34:43
Chino Onwuka
Get out.
01:34:43
Chuku
You know what I'm saying?
01:34:44
Chino Onwuka
Get out.
01:34:45
Chuku
Yo, hey, man.
01:34:45
Emeka
I don't know about easily.
01:34:46
Chuku
I know what you know. All you're talking about is Justin Herbert. Man, get that shit on my face. All I know is my QB's a winner and Herbert ain't.
01:34:46
Emeka
I don't know about
01:34:46
Chino Onwuka
even
01:34:53
Chino Onwuka
Throw for a hundred yards is all we're asking.
01:34:54
Chuku
So I care about others. It's just talk talks, talks, talks, and talks.
01:34:58
Chino Onwuka
Throw for a hundred yards is all
01:34:59
Emeka
easily. didn't say 200. didn't say 300. Just 100 yards.
01:35:01
Chuku
Some of us lost football rings and others can't even get playoff wins. So look, at the end of the day, at the end of the day,
01:35:06
Emeka
Team accomplishments versus accomplishments.
01:35:06
Chino Onwuka
we're asking.
01:35:08
Chuku
At end of the day, back to the statement that was made.
01:35:09
Chino Onwuka
Whoa. Jalen Hurts.
01:35:10
Emeka
Team of the podcast.
01:35:11
Chino Onwuka
No, Chukwu, no, no. Chukwu, okay, I know you're heated.
01:35:13
Chuku
Back to the statement that was made.
01:35:14
Chino Onwuka
It's your team.
01:35:14
Chuku
We're getting ahead of ourselves. Back to the statement that was made.
01:35:18
Chuku
Is Green Bay...
01:35:18
Chino Onwuka
No, wait, before i before before you continue, Chukwu, one sec.
01:35:21
Chino Onwuka
No, like, I know we we're trolling a little bit here, but, like, us people are like, yes, Jalen Hurts is a top five fullback in the league. Like, let's give him his flowers.
01:35:30
Chuku
Okay, bro.
01:35:31
Chuku
All right, bro. Sounds good.
01:35:31
Chino Onwuka
Top five fullback, and I can also pass a couple of times here and there.
01:35:35
Chino Onwuka
Unreal. Unreal.
01:35:36
Chuku
Sure, sure. Hey, sure. Like I said, some of us have rings, others cannot get playoff wins. So and at the end of the day, you know what I'm saying? think the answer to your question is is false.
01:35:48
Chuku
The Packers are not getting to know Super Bowl. They're not winning no Super Bowl. You to get through the Eagles to get to the Super Bowl in the NFC. I just don't see the Packers doing that.
01:36:00
Chuku
So here we are. that's my That's where I stand.
01:36:03
Emeka
Chinon, take us home.
01:36:06
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, Green Bay winning the Super Bowl, which means you're taking Green Bay versus the field. I just can't do it. You know, like Chuku said in the NFC, you've got the defending champ, Philadelphia Eagles, that you've got to go through. you still got some good teams. You've still got the 49ers.
01:36:26
Chino Onwuka
Detroit, we've got to see if they're real or not. But, you know, if they can get through the the losses of their coordinators in the season, you know, you know, we've seen a bad game. We've seen them blow out Chicago. It's Chicago.
01:36:39
Chino Onwuka
So Detroit could be there. But even if we just mentioned Philadelphia in the NFC, in the AFC, got the big, bad bullies of the the Bills, the Ravens, potentially the Chiefs. Y'all just said the Chargers are up there.
01:36:58
Chino Onwuka
And so... it's It's one thing to say, okay, are they going make it to the Super Bowl? But, you know, Green Bay versus is the field. I still got to take the field.
01:37:10
Emeka
Hey, man, we try to keep a spicy off this pod. Yeah, especially in beginning i say football, single elimination, anything can happen. One bad game, you're out. But I got to be honest with myself, man. What I've seen, the the the Packers look amazing.
01:37:26
Emeka
But it wouldn't shock me. i mean, it would shock me. But it wouldn't be the biggest surprise in the world if this week even they lose to the Browns or something. like In football, you never know what's happening. But I just want to.
01:37:38
Emeka
Close it off again by saying, you know what? I'm a man. I'll admit when I'm wrong. Micah Parsons she not have been traded for two first-round picks. Jerry Jones, yeah. And if you're a Green Bay fan, I'm telling you, man, life is good.
01:37:50
Emeka
I don't know how they go from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Love is not there, but the team around him is there. My goodness. Well, we got a lot of sports coming out for us. This is another big week in football. you know, like I said, the Mercherside Derby. We are Man U and Chelsea. We have Arsenal Man City. We got big NFL
Upcoming Sports Events
01:38:11
Emeka
games.
01:38:12
Emeka
Chukwu's Eagles going to the Rams. We have, you know, big Monday night game, Detroit versus the Ravens. It's just that time of year. You know, the leaves are changing. September sports are coming in It's just a fantastic time to be around.
01:38:25
Emeka
And I hope you join us as we cover all that all that and more on the Love of the Game podcast.