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What is the Point in VAR? | The Embiid & Paul George Experience in Philly | Four Super Bowl Appearances in a Row for the Chiefs?
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VAR CHAOS AGAIN?! The Premier League was in meltdown this weekend and we’re breaking down ALL the controversy! Has VAR officially lost the plot? (03:02)
Plus, we preview two MASSIVE clashes:
- Man City vs Spurs – Can Frank pull off his first shock? (10:50)
- Newcastle vs Liverpool – Goals guaranteed? Or upset brewing? (14:14)
Over in the NBA, we’re diving into:
- The Cavs’ dark horse potential (20:28)
- What exactly are the 76ers building? (31:09)
- And why the Nets are STILL a mess (46:04)
Transfer window drama is heating up and we’ve got takes on the smartest (and dumbest) moves so far (52:48).
Then, we break down the AFC West battle:
- Can Mahomes and the Chiefs hold off the challengers and push for ANOTHER Super Bowl? (01:06:55)
- Are the Raiders quietly building something under Pete Carroll? (01:14:33)
To wrap up, we draft the best players under 25 in the NFL (01:21:24).
Hit play to catch ALL the takes, debates, and chaos from this week’s episode of Who’s Got The Ball?
Like, comment, and subscribe if you love your football with a side of NBA and NFL heat!
Don’t forget to give us a follow across social media too!
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Transcript
Introduction and College Football Plans
00:00:09
Speaker
All right, lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got the Ball. we got a lot in for you in this episode. Shane is here as usual. How's things, Shane? All good, how are you?
00:00:21
Speaker
I am good. I'm going to be in for a good weekend of college football. I'm heading to a couple of pep rallies tomorrow, Kansas State and Iowa State pep rallies, hoping to get some score predictions and the like from some fans and hopefully you'll see that up on our social media. And then on the Saturday I will be heading to the college football game with the two teams I just mentioned. and Maybe a bit of tailgating beforehand. So I'm looking forward to that this weekend. Obviously a lot of football, soccer on as well.
00:00:50
Speaker
So a lot ah love to be casting my eye out on this weekend.
Spurs vs. City Game Expectations
00:00:54
Speaker
Anything that you're looking forward to the most apart from Liverpool? Well, don't know if Liverpool count at the weekend on Monday night.
00:01:02
Speaker
So, it's not fair to weekend. What are we looking forward this weekend? Looking forward to that Spurs City game we touched on. I think that has the potential to It can either be a cracker or could be a bore. and Hopefully it'll be a cracker. Other than that, just can't wait to have one of the other two sports back in. I think it's three Sundays from now we have the NFL back, so we just have to get through to that now.
00:01:25
Speaker
Yeah, just can't wait to have it back. Yeah, I'm buzzing for that too. Red zone on a Sunday. I think that's the first weekend back is an international break. So we've got the full Sunday. Which is the deal. Yeah.
00:01:36
Speaker
So actually I'm going to watch Ireland the day before. So I'm going to suffer for that. And then I'm going to be watching my red zone to make me feel better on Sunday. but Everything we touched on this week, we got a lot in. and First of all, we touched on what's the crack with VAR, what's the crack with handballs, what's going
Sports Previews and VAR Controversies
00:01:52
Speaker
on from last weekend. We went into that.
00:01:54
Speaker
Then we previewed City and Spurs, as Shane mentioned. We also previewed Newcastle and Liverpool. We went on to the NBA. Then we had Michael on. We continued to preview teams. and We did the Cavs, we did the Sixers, absolutely no bias at all there from myself and Mike, two Sixers fans.
00:02:10
Speaker
Then we looked at the Nets very quickly because, yeah, you can imagine what we're supposed to do. Then we moved on to a transfer roundup, a lot of interesting ones. Forrest were busy.
00:02:21
Speaker
Then NFL stuff, we touched on the Chiefs on the season preview for them and how far they can go this year. And then the Raiders, are they going to be underdogs? What are they going to do? And then lastly, wrapped up with the best players under 25 in the NFL as our draft. So I think Shane, you did the best that you've done on these under 25 drafts because you kind of. Yeah, after i made an abysmal effort at the other two, like it did the other two were actually embarrassing. So I really did have to bring myself back to show that I do know my sports, though I finally got one right this time around.
00:02:53
Speaker
Yeah, that was a good one. So if you're still here at the end, we appreciate you because it's a bit of a long episode and we cover it a lot. So we'll let you get into it and enjoy everything that's ahead. Right, let's start with football this week.
00:03:04
Speaker
We've got a couple of topics to touch on from stuff that happened over the weekend, but also to look over last weekend, but also to look at like what's coming up this weekend in terms of games. So the first thing was VAR.
Handball Calls and VAR Critiques
00:03:16
Speaker
Pretty much what's the point of it and what is but half of the rules that they're using in this game anymore? Because there's too many to touch on. What one do you want to touch on first? Because it was too many from last weekend.
00:03:30
Speaker
but I actually want to start in defence of Everton and talk about da James Tarkowski handball because it kind of feeds into handball because what is a handball? i That's not a penalty for me. His hands couldn't be more by his size.
00:03:45
Speaker
ah He's leaning across to try and block it. He's not got his arms stretched out to try and block it. His hand is literally almost behind his back. Yeah, like how are they not overturning that but then looking at the Sonesty one for Bournemouth against Liverpool where he's played basketball and its saying, oh yeah, it's leave that one alone.
00:04:04
Speaker
Then jumping on a rule. I'm sorry, we're actually not going to talk about them all. Touching on a rule where Mark Gay in the wall. Like no one cares. Everyone thought it was for a push. It's like even it's a push, it's a stretch.
00:04:15
Speaker
No, it's because he got too too close to Chelsea wall and it's the first game of the season so we need to so we need to set this all out. It's just... No, I'm sorry. It's absolutely ridiculous. And i' I've always been an advocate for VAR.
00:04:29
Speaker
I think if it's used properly, it it is a benefit. Look at it in rugby. It's incredible. They made 18 errors last year, the referees on VAR. It was down from 31 the season before, but 18 is still too many.
00:04:42
Speaker
That's half. That's one every two weeks. Each team plays 38 games. that's Yeah, it's one every two weeks. That's... criminal okay it's down from 31 out of 38 that's brilliant fair play well done big clap 18 is ridiculous and that's why it's subjective as well to be like oh we got this subjective yeah most of the things they got wrong too so like they'll probably say that maybe one thing was wrong last weekend whereas I could pick out five you know so I agree with you with the penalty for Everton there's no way that's a handball he's pulling his hand back his body's in a natural position it's extremely harsh
00:05:19
Speaker
How they can't overturn that is beyond me. And then, like you said, looking at Sinesi, how can you determine that he didn't stretch his hand towards the ball? When he did, you can see him.
00:05:30
Speaker
He moves his hand to the ball. So how is that not handball? How that not handball? How is that not a handball? And then it's a free kick to Bournemouth was the end result. Yeah. like that That was actually the that that was the funniest part of it. It like, oh, yeah, I'll just give a free kick to Bournemouth. It's like, how on earth are you giving a free kick to Bournemouth?
00:05:49
Speaker
ah It's just, said it's it's week one and we've already had all this. like And I can't, like, as you said, you could pick out five. I probably could as well for the weekend. So the couple of just...
00:06:02
Speaker
horrific decisions already. and I think this is the eighth season of Barr and while it's probably getting better, it's still far, far too far away from being a reliable use, especially with the state some of the refereeing as well.
Crystal Palace Match Incident Analysis
00:06:20
Speaker
The refereeing is as bad as the Barr, I guess. And I think the to touch back on the Crystal Palace one, like he like if you're going to give something there, give it for a Gay, he's shoving him. Because, and like yeah, he's just stronger than him, but he does basically essentially picks him up, how much he grabs him.
00:06:38
Speaker
like I haven't seen players do what he did before. So if they gave a free because they said they pushed him, that's fine. But they're referring to some fine fringe rule that nobody ever follows. You have to be away like one meter away. When does that happen? Sometimes there's players standing in the wall from the other team.
00:06:54
Speaker
Yeah, right and to see down the referee putting down a line but that was immediately away from the wall for for the next free kick to Chelsea on the second half. Someone put a video up as well of a free kick in the exact same division or close enough at the same end that Rhys James scored last year that a Chelsea player did the same thing, pushed a whatever team's player out way to give him a free pass, pushed him into the wall.
00:07:15
Speaker
ah it's just and It's not even that the refs are not giving things to certain teams. like there's like Every team is feeling the pain of this. And you could say, OK, it's going to even out across the season. But that's not the point. because It doesn't. You'd say that with the old way of things, like just normal refereeing things that will even out across the season.
00:07:36
Speaker
So why do we have to suffer through this situation? every week and in the united game i don't understand how that's not a penalty on konya like he doesn't touch the ball and then you have whatever ref i can't remember who was mike dean or something is who's working for sky sports now just absolutely waffling and like defending his ref buddies being like oh foot on foot contact isn't a penalty what are you talking about so you can kick someone drink yeah since when And then you have... Cunha's controlling that ball.
00:08:06
Speaker
Yeah, he's about to... Cunha's controlling that ball. And he's about to either shoot or roll it back for someone to roll into corner. He's four yards out from goal. He's going to roll it back, max to eight yards. Someone's going to come on and...
00:08:18
Speaker
and But no, it's okay for Saliba. It's completely wiped from out. i I backed United and Everton in this, which goes to show how bad it's gotten. This is the level. This is the kind of level they put me on when I'm backing up those two teams. It's just...
00:08:35
Speaker
And it it cost United at a point. It cost Everton a point. And thankfully the Senesi one didn't cost Lufthul a point. It potentially cost Palace two points. It could have, yeah. like you on these Like they're saying, oh, these aren't match-affecting decisions.
00:08:50
Speaker
Three of the four of them that we've spoken about were match-affecting decisions. Yeah. and then it's It's crazy. The way that Sky is covering it then is just like, now you can't, like, I'll just take in and then just be like, oh, I know already like what they're going to say.
00:09:05
Speaker
like they just try to rage bait man united fans because they know that they go crazy online and they do like there's a certain set of fans that's easy to rage bait and man united is one of them and they always do it like i knew before i clicked into it like your man gallagher is going to be like oh no, I agree with that. That's a great decision. Like, there's nothing wrong there. Not enough in it for me. And I was just like, I could have just wrote the script.
00:09:28
Speaker
And then you switch to next one and it was the Sanessi one. And then he's like, oh yeah, the referee just made a mistake there. You know, he he he should have given a red card for that one. So he's agreeing with that, but not the other because he knows it's easy to rage bait.
00:09:41
Speaker
ah certain Like, Sky Sports is not a proper source of analysis anymore. No, but even the way he said about... Yeah. Even the way he said about the United one was, oh, it's one that if the referee gives on the pitch, then it's not going to be overturned.
00:09:55
Speaker
Well, then it's a correct decision. Yeah, then it's a penalty. So not giving it is an incorrect decision. So how you decided that neither of you are going to look at it? The referee is not going to be sent to look at it. The VAR is going to say, oh, yeah, it's grand. He's only kicked both of his heels and knocked them over.
00:10:10
Speaker
It's a penalty all day. The Leeds one is not a penalty. The Sonescu one of the right cards. Mark Gay won as a bit, okay, it probably isn't foul. But the reason they're given is ridiculous.
00:10:22
Speaker
Like, just she use it properly. It's week one. We have another 37 weeks of this to go through. And there's going to be mistakes pretty much every single week, I reckon. If it was 18 last year, if we keep count what we think are mistakes, I guarantee you we'll hit 40 before the season finishes.
00:10:40
Speaker
Easily. should be that by Christmas if they keep this up. but Yeah. Yeah. Moving on to actual football and not the ridiculous system that's set in place.
City vs. Spurs Match Predictions
00:10:50
Speaker
We've got two big games.
00:10:51
Speaker
We've got a few big games, but two we've looked at specifically is City versus Spurs half 12 on Saturday. Nice way to start the weekend. It's going to be a very interesting game. What's your take on how this is going to go?
00:11:07
Speaker
I think Spurs are going to cause a surprise. i I don't think Spurs are losing this game. I think it will be a draw, and to be honest. I know it's the first game at the City Stadium, the Etihad, whatever it's called. za Is it the Etihad?
00:11:21
Speaker
Yeah, I think so. It is the Etihad, isn't it? yeah Yeah. So it's the first game of the Etihad. Their last five games, it's it's actually mad when I look at it. Three wins the City and two wins the first in the last five. So they've clearly kind of, they've been very, very back and forth with each other over the last while.
00:11:36
Speaker
There was, of course, the 4-0 that Spurs went and did there last season. I don't think we're going see repeat of that. But I think it will probably be a draw. yeah Yeah, I think you're like, I don't know if I'm going to go draw or win for City here, but in terms of how I think it's going to go, I think it's going to be definitely a game where both teams score.
00:11:59
Speaker
Because but City are just for a relentless attacking-wise and they have too many talents. So no matter how well Thomas Frank has Spurs set up, they're going to score. Same as the way PSG scored against them.
00:12:10
Speaker
It's inevitable have a team that attacks that well. But I think it will definitely be both teams to score. City looked open against Wolves. I know the scoreline didn't reflect it, but Wolves didn't play that badly. They were just very wasteful when they got into attacking positions.
00:12:25
Speaker
So if they actually have had been more precise, like Spurs more than likely will, like they were against PSG... they'll probably get a goal or two in this game. And City will probably get a goal or two. So I actually like that shout of a draw. And I'm going to, yeah, I'm going to go 2-2 maybe. I think could be a good one. And it'll be interesting to watch Reinders to see if he's able to find as much space as he was last week the anger that he's playing against the Thomas Frank drill team.
00:12:52
Speaker
And that'll be a very interesting one. Yeah, I think there was a couple of things that from the Wolves game. i The big man really, really looked back to himself, Erling Haaland. I thought he was it was he was a menace without touching the ball much. I think there was this this stage before his goal, he went 20 minutes without touching the ball and then just taps in at the back post.
00:13:13
Speaker
His second finish is just ridiculous. it just lethal. He really looked back to himself. Brian, as I thought, was just a joy to watch, unfortunately. and He looks like a proper Pep Guardiola player.
00:13:24
Speaker
a really, really good Pep Guardiola player. And I think Van de Ven and Romero are going to have quite an evening, or sorry, quite a morning to have a kickoff. I think they're going to have quite a tough run in the park, so we'll see how goes. Neither team will get any clean cheeks. I think two-all are the really, really fair show, but I can't go the same as you, so I'm going to go... just going to go one-all. I'm not saying three-all. That would be ridiculous. It's going to be half-twelve on a Saturday.
00:13:50
Speaker
yeah Yeah, that would be some way to start the weekend with a 3-3, but... Another player we have already mentioned him, but just to shout before we move on is Kulis. There'll be a lot of space when we go forward.
00:14:02
Speaker
If he can use the space properly, like he did against Burnley and like we saw at times against PSG, he'll definitely give chances, but it's just up to Richarlison and Johnson maybe to finish them. so Looking at another one that has an interesting backstory right now, obviously you all know the Ezek situation. So there's been dueling statements where, you know, he said he wanted to go.
00:14:24
Speaker
There's obviously stuff with the agent at play and Newcastle said that he didn't want to go. Liverpool probably came in too low with their initial bid. Sometimes that can work out for you. Sometimes it can sour the start of the bidding. But let's look at what's going to happen on the
Newcastle vs. Liverpool Game Strategies
00:14:40
Speaker
pitch.
00:14:40
Speaker
It's going to be a fiery encounter, I think, with everything that's going on. How I see it going is, I think, it's again, there's going to be goals because Liverpool leave themselves open. I know Newcastle don't have a striker. They couldn't score against Villa, but Villa were incredibly compact. They stayed back nearly the whole game when they knew it wasn't on for them.
00:15:00
Speaker
And then they got their red card. But Liverpool are going to be open. Newcastle have pace on the attack. So I think and both teams to score again could be a shout. And I think the the Newcastle midfield may overpower Liverpool. I think Virts is going to get lumps kicked out of them in this game because that's just what Newcastle like to do a lot when and they want to settle into a team and and show them what playing in St. James' is is really about.
00:15:25
Speaker
It's just a very interesting game. What way do you think it's going to go? Yeah, I think the Lufthul players are going to need helmets and two sets of Shingerdi because they're going to just be kicked around the place.
00:15:37
Speaker
and i don't think Lufthul will be as open as they were against Boromir for the simple reason is that Frimpong is out for the next two matches and Conor Bradley is also not fit. So I think it would probably be Joe Gomez who goes in at right back.
00:15:50
Speaker
right And there probably be more like a three at the back nearly all the time. They'll probably just leave the two centre backs and Gomez back and Kirkes will drive on. I still think both teams score is a good shout because it's going to be, Liverpool are complaining, it's a completely different system this year to the world last year. It's really, really, it's 3-2, 4-3-2-1.
00:16:08
Speaker
four three two one 4-2-3-1, good. It's really, really that this year with first three way higher. So they are sitting with two. It would probably be Gavin Merton and McAllister this time around where it was McAllister and Sabadell last week. He could be Sabadell right back as well if there was talk of that today.
00:16:25
Speaker
If that's the case, then it's definitely both teams to score because he'll spend more time on the edge of their box instead of his box. I think Liverpool will win it. I think Newcastle, it's going to be very emotionally charged.
00:16:39
Speaker
Newcastle fans are going to boo the life out of Liverpool every time they touch it and I think Liverpool will just have a small bit too much. I'm going to say Liverpool. OK. and I think you make an interesting point about the way things are set up by bringing up Joe Gomez because ah guy, when i i think I tweeted after the first game about how Semenyo's goal was an absolute cracker the way he sent Alisson at Liverpool's fans,
00:17:06
Speaker
ah got onto me back on Twitter and was saying about how poor they were defensively. And I said that if they did sign another centre-back, it could be a possibility that they play centre-back at full-back and then allow one of the wing-backs to go up, which is what you're saying they might do. I think that would definitely work better.
00:17:22
Speaker
But I would be wary if that centre-back is Joe Gomez because if he's on the right-hand side and Kanata is also there, if Newcastle play Gordon on the left... which I think they definitely should play him on the left and not up front. I don't think they will, though. I think he still plays up front again. But even if they do, it's going to be Barnes on the left. He's still rapid.
00:17:42
Speaker
Whoever's there, is gonna he's going to cook him there. So I think that's... If it was someone else, then yeah, that system works. I'm a bit worried about Gomez. um I find it hard to pick Newcastle when they have no striker.
00:17:54
Speaker
So I'm going to double up on the draws here. The draws? Yeah. I'm going to go 2-2 again. Let's go for 2-2-2s for the crack. I thought Gomez was excellent he came on against Bormus.
00:18:09
Speaker
Yeah, he settled the team. He did, definitely. Yeah, I i thought he made he made a massive difference when he came on. And I don't see i don't think he has 90 minutes in him. ah He may pretty much missed all of pre-season.
00:18:21
Speaker
So like even if he does start there and he you get 60 out of him, you're going to have to put Sabah's there someone in there for the last half an hour. So that's where I do think Newcastle will get the joy. Especially if Bradley and Frimpong have all out. You've known natural right back.
00:18:34
Speaker
So I think that's when Newcastle will get joy. But I just don't see... don't think Liverpool are going to be as open as they were. I think Liverpool are just going to want to get these games won and just kind of... Like last year, they were the 3-0 draw.
00:18:46
Speaker
But the season before, Liverpool won both games. The only game in the last five to beat them was the League Cup final and that was just Liverpool... very, very bad that day. They just made, like, McAllister, American Dan Byrne. If I see that from the start, from the first corner on Monday, if I see McAllister, American Dan Byrne, I'll probably just turn the two off and go for a long walk because that's only going to end up one way again.
00:19:08
Speaker
i just think they'll hopefully be too strong. Ekitike looked unbelievable against Bournemouth as well. Beert stops finding Lillipox's face. so just hopefully they can link up again.
00:19:19
Speaker
Salah as well. Hopefully we see the Salah that we had. Sorry, go ahead. but just so I hope we see the Salah we had last year but and not last week. I know he got his goal, but he was really out of the play.
00:19:32
Speaker
was saying to my father that I think there's going to be a bit of a battle between, do we play through Salah or do we play through Beert? And I think it's going to take a while for that to settle down, which is probably why Salah was so out of the game at last again. you'll see.
00:19:44
Speaker
I just think we win. They really weren't even touching his side. I thought Gatpo was quite impressive as well. i berne yeah i I think Virts had a tough time just with the physicality but the actual play on the ball when he has the space there's clearly no issues there but that takes time. I have no issue with the physicality.
00:20:02
Speaker
He's big, strong. I really liked the look of him. Yeah, he's a monster. I regretted swapping in Watkins for him at the last minute in my fantasy team work.
00:20:13
Speaker
That's the way it goes. and One more to keep an eye on. We're not going to preview, but another one is a really interesting. There's Palace are playing Forest because of the whole European situation. And Mr. Maranakis, I'm sure, will be watching. So that's another one to keep an eye on for you.
00:20:26
Speaker
Yeah, Mr. Maranakis himself. So we've got our man Michael back once again. This time he's rocking the tash. He's ready to go. He's locked in for some NBA season previews. How are you, Michael?
00:20:39
Speaker
Thank you. I'm feeling pretty good. You know, I'm i'm ready to come in, bring in, you know, that that good energy I brought in last time. There's no Lakers, there's no LeBron. So I had to cape for a different team on this special, special occasion.
00:20:55
Speaker
you're not If you're not watching, if you're just listening, first of all, tune into YouTube now so you can see all of our beautiful faces. But also Michael is rocking the 76ers t-shirt.
00:21:05
Speaker
As you know, I'm a Sixers fan as well, so I opted just to wear something blue and not a Sixers top and for cutting the clips up because people think we're a Sixers pod. So at least we've got one man rep in the good thing. But we're going to hit them in a few minutes.
Cleveland Cavaliers Playoff Preparation
00:21:21
Speaker
We're going to start with the Cavs. So we're continuing on our NBA season previews.
00:21:25
Speaker
with the four questions that we've started but last week. So first up is this the Cavs, as I just mentioned, but where do they need to improve most from last season? I'll throw it to you first, Michael.
00:21:38
Speaker
Well, I think, first of all, you can't predict Darius Gerland's injury, okay? So I think that was a huge blow to them, especially in the playoffs. But I think if Ty Jerome played the same way he did in the regular season in the playoffs and didn't lay an egg for the whole series, I think we have a much different conversation.
00:21:59
Speaker
um i think ah what they need to do is find a replacement for that. So they've signed Lonzo Ball, which I feel like is a swing, especially at this point with his like bionic knee.
00:22:16
Speaker
But if it works, I mean, they're imagining the, what the 2021 bulls, like when it was in that 20 game stretch where they were looking great. I think, uh,
00:22:27
Speaker
i think I think, interestingly enough, I think Tyrese Proctor as a rookie and is a nice look. I think therere they're looking for someone to develop kind of into that off-the-bench role who can kind of play point a little bit, especially if Darius Garland goes out.
00:22:44
Speaker
Now, so he's always a big guy to kind of ask to step up. Yeah, that's true. But if we were pinpoint like one specific thing that you wanted them to improve on, what do you think would be key to their consensus?
00:23:00
Speaker
Helping Donovan Mitchell. yeah Somebody has to give some sort of consistent airplay beside Donovan Mitchell, especially when they need it the most. Regular season is great, but it seems like every playoff he's trying to drop 65 points.
00:23:16
Speaker
yes Yeah, that ties in perfectly with what I said, actually, because I just said their playoff performance because Darius Garland was excellent during the regular season.
00:23:26
Speaker
In general, they were so good. As a team, just putting everybody away, mostly after like three quarters, they had a nine and a half differential across the season. So that was only plus nine and a half, should I say.
00:23:39
Speaker
And that was only second to OKC. So I think the injuries, yeah, that was bad. And some luck may help them, but they need to translate what they do in the regular season to the playoffs. Did you have anything different than that, Shane?
00:23:53
Speaker
No, hate the same with you. Their playoff execution needs to be better next year. um I think we can all agree that they are going to be a playoff team again this season coming. So it's just about actually making a decent run in the playoffs next year for me.
00:24:06
Speaker
Yeah, yeah. I think it's the clearest thing because of how good they were last year. and But if we look at someone who's maybe under the radar that might help the team going into the season, which one player did you pick out, Shane?
00:24:19
Speaker
I've got my dad with Max Shrews. There's a belief there is a championship but in reach for them. And if he just keeps going, keeps being a quietly influential player and getting... then I think they can get there next year.
00:24:32
Speaker
and There's no real lucky that stands out coming into next season, obviously. So I've just gone with someone that's a bit kind of good player, which remains under the radar, Max Struess. Yeah. Michael, did you have anybody different?
00:24:46
Speaker
Uh...
00:24:49
Speaker
Honestly, i was thinking about this hard, and I feel like DeAndre Hunter, especially with Ty Jerome going out, has a really good chance to step up, kind of get back into the form where he was, where he's a more looked after option in the offense and stuff. I feel like he came in late at the end of the season, kind of struggled to fit in.
00:25:14
Speaker
fully, I think they could do so much with him, yeah especially with how big he is and how they can use him on defense as well. Yeah, that's the exact same answer I have.
00:25:25
Speaker
Gives them juice off the bench. They'll probably put up 15 points at least per game, as you mentioned, with Jerome Golan, that could take a higher jump. It gives opponents something to think about if he plays with one of Mitchell or Garland at the same time as him.
00:25:42
Speaker
It gives the team that they're playing another thought. If Mobley also steps up a little bit and you have that size of Hunter and he's able to shoot the three, but he can also drive with the ball, it gives them something else to think about.
00:25:57
Speaker
And I think he's probably going to be somebody that could help a lot in a playoff situation too, if they rely a little bit more on him and he settles into the team. So I like that shout.
00:26:08
Speaker
Looking at their over-under wins then, It's projected at 55 and a half with the bookies. I'll give my thoughts on this. I said that, yes, they're going to hit this mark. I know it's really high, but last year they hit 64. Then there's no Boston to contend with this time around in the East.
00:26:26
Speaker
They'll cruise through the regular season like they did again last year. And that was kind of even restricting minutes for the likes of Donovan Mitchell and some of their other players in fourth quarter of games. I think They have more in the tank if they need to go after it in the regular season.
00:26:42
Speaker
So I think, yeah, I'm probably going to hit around the 60 mark. So I think that's a pretty decent lane. I'm happy enough to take the over on that. What did you have there, Michael?
00:26:55
Speaker
I had the over as well. um thought about it. 55 and a half seems like a lot for a team that we just saw kind of flame out. But if you think about it, most of the team is really the same.
00:27:09
Speaker
They have like we both think DeAndre is going to have a big season. But even with Lonzo Ball in there, I think regular season you're looking at Maybe they dropped seven games, but that's still 57.
00:27:26
Speaker
You know, I still think they hit the over on it. Yeah. But did you have, Sean? Yeah, same. Same. Yeah, they're they're going over. and they're They're too good not to go over this line. And as you said, there's no set to scotend with.
00:27:39
Speaker
And they still have the same team as I think Michael just approach is kind of pushed on there as well. So they're not dropping from 64 down to 54. So, yeah, they should be absolutely fine to go over here.
00:27:50
Speaker
yeah Even if they perform, it's a good point if they can still afford to have like eight less wins, which is a little bit of a drop, like a good bit of a drop, and still hit over on that line. So actually i think it's pretty pretty conservative for them. I think they're well capable of it. They're probably the best team in the East battling maybe with the Knicks like we talked last week about them. So looking at the ceiling with the current roster and coach for the season ahead, add an absolute push.
00:28:18
Speaker
How high do you think they can go, Shane? Yeah, they can win it. I just, I don't need to, any real need to kind of go too high into it. Like 64 wins last year, I know they fell away in the playoffs. If we are talking about their absolute ceiling, they they can definitely win it.
00:28:34
Speaker
Yeah, I think I have the same. I said the championship is on the cards. I think Kenny Atkinson is an excellent coach. He showed his worth last season in the regular season, but obviously the playoffs fell a little bit.
00:28:47
Speaker
They have more than enough to take the East. and And I think they're the type of team that has the strength and depth if things work out, that they'll still have enough in the tank to beat one of the bigger teams from the West.
00:28:59
Speaker
I don't think probably there's no, there's probably no other team in the East that I'm going to say could win a championship as they're sealing. Honestly, i right at this point right now, They're probably the only team I could see doing that um from the position that we're looking.
00:29:14
Speaker
I know we mentioned Knicks could get there. I don't think either of us said we thought they could win it. But what did you have, Michael? I had Eastern Conference Finals. i like I don't know what it is about the team. You guys are both absolutely correct.
00:29:31
Speaker
And I'm looking at my list here on the right where it has the Eastern Conference teams. And I kind of like had my kind of little prediction for for next season and stuff.
00:29:42
Speaker
And they're at the top. I have absolutely nothing to say. They almost definitely will be a one seed if injuries doesn't kill them. But I guess that playoffs gave me a bad feeling, and question...
00:29:58
Speaker
question how they're going to do next season, especially with some of these other Eastern Conference teams that are kind of retooled.
00:30:08
Speaker
Now, last season, I don't think anyone could have given them a problem, but I feel a lot better about like the Knicks, Pistons, and Magic, even if they make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. I think it takes five or six games in each series.
00:30:24
Speaker
and maybe they just hit a wall in the finals but I just can't see them making the finals yeah that's fair argument don't believe yeah based on what they've done the last like number of years in the playoffs it's hard to argue with your point and to see them expand coming back to your first point to expand around Donovan Mitchell is in the playoffs and give him some help like we haven't seen it yet so it's hard to believe but I think the thing for me, and I touched last week, is that the Knicks will probably find it harder to beat the likes of the Magic and the Pistons than the Cavs will because of their physicality.
00:31:01
Speaker
And I think that they might come unstuck in that way, whereas I don't see the Cavs doing that. But it's interesting to have both sides of the coin. Let's move on then to the Sixers. Our team, both of us, are Sixers fans, of course.
00:31:15
Speaker
Where they need to last season. I leave this to you, really. We'll throw it to you first, Shane, since you have the unbiased view. But of course, we're coming here from ah factual point of view, just looking at it on paper. But we'll throw it to you first, Shane. Where they need to improve most from last season.
00:31:32
Speaker
I think they need to somehow to keep people fit. Obviously, it's joe it's a simple thing to say, but Embiid, George, McCain, all missed time last season. It just really, really affected to see the season throughout. Joel Embiid probably missed more than he played. i just think if you could just get people fit, we could see a completely different team.
00:31:51
Speaker
Yeah, I think that's the key thing. i I didn't say exactly to keep them fit. I just said like to manage them correctly. Because any of you read that yeah ESPN article in the summer about Joel Embiid, it's just ah basically a class in mismanagement by an organization of your star player.
00:32:11
Speaker
If you want to know how not to manage your player correctly, that's exactly how to do it. So if they can actually figure out how to manage him correctly and listen to him, because he knows himself and now Paul George is another player that they have to manage but mostly Embiid.
Managing Injuries for Sixers' Success
00:32:27
Speaker
If they manage him correctly that's the biggest thing they can do this season. What did you have for this Michael?
00:32:34
Speaker
I had fired the whole medical... No, I had the same as you guys. yeah It was... ah and Manage the injuries ah better. Just as soon as last season... You know, I was so high on us.
00:32:49
Speaker
And i knew we weren't going to get Paul George. I keep saying we. It's supposed to be unbiased. I knew the Sixers... weren't going to get MVP OKC Paul George, but I expected him to contribute in some level.
00:33:03
Speaker
And then to be fair to him, at the times he was probably at his healthiest in the season, we had to ask him to play power forward and center yeah because 90% of the team felt like they were injured all the time from like about...
00:33:18
Speaker
a third of the way through. um And i i think as soon as Paul George hyper-extended his knee in that preseason game, he should have been shut down for a month and two months, like trying to rush him back for the start of the season.
00:33:33
Speaker
I don't think Sixers fans need a good first two weeks. If we kind of suck for the first three months and then people start coming back fully 100% healthy and we have a good end to the season, I think people are going to appreciate that a lot more than trying to get Paul George six man of the year this year or like try and get MB to get comeback player of the year or something. I don't know.
00:34:00
Speaker
Yeah, it's pointless any of that stuff. The main thing is the playoffs and they haven't had the success and that's what fans want to see. And to just be open as well is another thing with the fans like about what the issues are and when the player is probably going to come back.
00:34:16
Speaker
And that's how you do it, because if you manage it correctly, you can be honest. Whereas if you're doing this stuff where you're not correctly managing the player and you're trying to force them back in, that's when you say, oh, we're not sure. Because you're not sure, because you're forcing them to do something they're not ready to do.
00:34:31
Speaker
So that's that's another issue altogether. But if they can cut out some of that, that would be a benefit. and Looking at one under-the-radar player that I like for the team, I'll go first here. i had Justin Edwards.
00:34:43
Speaker
The shot improved last year a lot. he He was asked to do quite a lot when he stepped into the team. Now, he's the kind of guy that can fight for everything. He fought very hard for what he has right now, the contract that he has.
00:34:55
Speaker
He had a difficult final college year. The Sixers took a flyer on him as an undrafted rookie. They've locked him down now. He's only 21. He's got the size. He can defend pretty much any position on the court.
00:35:08
Speaker
And if his shot has consistently fallen... that helps the team even more. Even if it's not, he adds a defensive presence that isn't there with some of the some of the other players. So I'm really impressed with him and I think he will be a future staple of the team and in the long run. Michael, who did you have there?
00:35:28
Speaker
Actually, i had a feeling you were going to go Justin Edwards because I really, really like him as well. So had to go different. My one under the radar player, I think, for this season is going to be Kelly Oubre, which sounds insane.
00:35:44
Speaker
But i mean again, I'm not asking Kelly Oubre to have a breakout season. But I do think last season, especially...
00:35:53
Speaker
With everything falling apart around him, there's some quotes about him in the media. i think it was partly... Will, will, ah in term of his down season. I think if they're competitive, even halfway through the season, if they're, you know, not at the bottom of the table, if they're the 7-6 seed, I think he's going to play a lot better.
00:36:16
Speaker
shot maybe has an upturn in efficiency from the three-point, especially with Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey, you know, on the floor at the same time as him. And he also is kind of a dog. He brings sort of an edge to the team. He's not afraid to be physical. He's not afraid to get a tech.
00:36:35
Speaker
And i think the Sixers have always been good with having one or two of those people, which is probably why Kyle Lowry is still on the team. Yeah. Yeah, no, I agree with that as well. Because I like, although it is bit of a rogue shape to throw Uber in there, I think he has a lot more in him.
00:36:54
Speaker
And I loved him the first season with the Sixers where he almost had to prove it. And he almost has to prove it again because he's in the second year his contract. And if he played like he did last year, he ain't getting another contract that's similar to this one.
00:37:06
Speaker
So yeah, he has to prove it once again. But you're right. I actually really like to watch him when he's on form. Shane, did you have somebody different to who we picked? Yeah, so I've gotten kind of under the radar rather than under the radar. I honestly, when I was looking through the rosters, like everyone I know is definitely known.
00:37:25
Speaker
Like I wasn't going picking Kelly Oubre. didn't watch enough of the Sixers last year to know that he was going to go under the radar. So I've gotten with Vijay Edgecombe, the draft pick. I think he is...
00:37:36
Speaker
a potential monster if they can get him flying from game one keep his confidence up keep him fit like the rest of them I think he could be and a menace to absolutely anyone they come up against this season yeah love that show any Sixers fan would be happy to hear that one because that's one that's certainly you pick like a ah guy that high when you have the chance you want him to work out and it looks like it's going to be in the gym with Tyrese every morning at 6am so Let's keep that up.
00:38:05
Speaker
Do we think they'll hit the over-under with their bookies this year? So, with the bookies, should I say? Not their bookies. But it's 42.5. That's the wins. 24 wins last season. and What do we think, Shane?
00:38:19
Speaker
Sorry, guys. It's the under for me. You're not adding another 20 games to what he did. this No, not a hope. I'm sorry. You don't just go from being that rubbish to a team that's going to walk into playoff fixture.
00:38:34
Speaker
Like, it's just not happening. And I can tell first thing Michael said to me when I came on the call was taking the over with the Sixers is the easiest pick of all time. was like, oh Not for me it wasn't, so I can't wait to hear your reasoning for going over here because i don't see it. I don't see where you're adding 20 games to what you, not 20, sorry, but say 15 games to what you did last year. I just don't see it.
00:38:55
Speaker
Okay, Michael, make the argument. Yes, Michael. I'd like to state my case, Judge, okay?
Sixers' Season Predictions
00:39:03
Speaker
have to take the over. Now, I get the word.
00:39:08
Speaker
Joel Embiid's going to be out. Okay, we're kind of expecting that. It's okay. He's not going to be there for 35 games. I'm going to put it in now.
00:39:19
Speaker
But... I think he is going to, I think they do plan to to have him in the schedule and to manage him lot differently than they've managed him in the past.
00:39:31
Speaker
He's had his MVP, he's had his his scoring seasons. He knows he needs to win in the playoffs as well. And then I think Trenton Watford is a great you know forward signing for us that I think will just kind of help stabilize that back end, especially if, you know, God forsake, Andre German decides to go down again and we need a backup center or a third string center.
00:39:59
Speaker
I don't think we need to ask Paul George to step down to the... to the to the paint, you know? And I think with kind of how Maury has situated the team, I think you definitely see at least 14 more wins.
00:40:18
Speaker
And you're hoping that Paul George doesn't just explode halfway through the season again. But... You know, there's a lot of hoping. There's a lot of hoping. An awful lot of bits and busts in this. This is not a convincing argument.
00:40:34
Speaker
It's not a convincing argument. Okay. let qui let me hy like again and Let me give my kiss. Okay, go, go. Okay, so I've gone 42 and a half wins. Yes, I've also gone with the over.
00:40:47
Speaker
I think it's I agree with Michael. It's one of the easiest ones you can take because like last season, the team, let me just say this now, they would have won 35 games if they actually wanted to.
00:40:58
Speaker
They were not trying to win for the last like 20 games. They were trying to lose on purpose. That's the first point that have to remember tanking in the NBA. Second of all, if they want to make it into any type of seeding, which I think they will in this East, which is weak, they're going to have to get like 44, 45 wins.
00:41:17
Speaker
If they just played Paul George and Embiid together in games, and if there was back-to-back, they arrested both of them, they still hit this. Because the both of them stay healthy, and they might pick up a win against another team without those two guys. Because as you mentioned, now...
00:41:34
Speaker
They've got some more depth. They've got Watford, who was also like close to being somebody on under the radar for me there. They've got Adam Bona. They've got Johnny Broome, who they drafted if if he does need to come in and and play a bit more than is probably expected.
00:41:49
Speaker
They've got people who can actually cover now for once, and that's really important. So, look, we spent too much time on the Sixers over under wins. As expected, me and Michael said yes. Shane said no. You guys can decide if who's right.
00:42:02
Speaker
What's the ceiling then with the current roster and coach for the season ahead? I'm going to take it that me and Michael will have a different answer here to Shane. So I'm going to get the ball rolling. Maybe not. I'm going to say Eastern Conference Finals.
00:42:15
Speaker
I can see the young roster with some of the vets leading in the playoffs. I know they haven't done it in a long time, but if they manage things correctly, like we've highlighted they need to do, then they can definitely get very far because they have the pieces.
00:42:30
Speaker
People say this whole two different timelines thing all the time, which I i can't understand because in every other sport, You need young players and you need older players, and that's what they have. And the teams who have that often do work out quite well in the NBA.
00:42:44
Speaker
So teams need to stop with this. Media needs to stop with this two timelines crap, because I think it is actually well done when you have a lot of young players, but you have some older guys like the likes of Kyle Lowry. He might not play, but then you also have Embiid, Paul George, and Uber going to pick up minutes. So I think it's a nice balance.
00:43:01
Speaker
Michael, what you have? I had two answers. I had with Embiid. i basically have the same answer as you, James. I think it's Eastern Conference Finals as ah as ah as a total. Honestly, deep down, i really wanted to say Finals, especially with the asterisk that with Embiid is healthy and their team isn't falling a apart or he isn't falling apart in the playoffs. But You know, even just a second round win would do so much for, i think, Joel Embiid and for the Sixers organization as well.
00:43:43
Speaker
I think it's got to be the ceiling to improve otherwise. Which just means so much, like... It just would, like after all the years, it just being able to to at least have the shirts would be nice. hey Well, is it going to be yes sirs, but it's going to be XERS.
00:44:04
Speaker
I'm going to just copy the Pacers on, I'm going to just rip them off. Shane, what do you have for this one? First of all, the Rockets are trying to get to Neeson Conference Vinyls and they're mile ahead of our year. So I don't know how we're going to get into this conference room. I don't know how they're going to get into the Neeson Conference Vinyls.
00:44:20
Speaker
ah Sorry, Brock's trying to get into a conference win. I think he can win a playoff. He can win one playoff series. I'd take it. Yeah, fair enough.
00:44:31
Speaker
if you keep If you keep them all healthy and they can do what you really think they can do, then I think you can win a playoff series at a push. That's it. You're not getting to finals. Not this year. Maybe next year. but so Okay, hypothetically, yeah this team is healthy and you think one playoff series.
00:44:51
Speaker
If it's healthy, that's crazy because Embiid, if healthy, is probably one of the best players to have played in the last 30 years. What is healthy for Embiid now? like ten you We're just saying if healthy, where are they going?
00:45:07
Speaker
but Okay, let's let's let's put it like this. Joel Embiid averages like 26 on minutes. And that's a bad game.
00:45:19
Speaker
But if he did that to add to everyone else on this team and Paul George doesn't need to score over 20 points, Quentin Grimes stays and then you have Jared McCame and Tyrese Maxey.
00:45:29
Speaker
That's a crazy team to play against in the second round. And the bench is loaded. So, yeah i should see yeah, this is one to come back to. And again, like I said already with the Sixers, it's always ifs.
00:45:45
Speaker
and So if they could eliminate the ifs, they'd be doing something good for once. Let's move on to the Nets. To be fair, they would have won. go ahead. They would have won like six years ago if they could eliminate the ifs. Yes, exactly.
00:46:00
Speaker
Ben Simmons not able to shoot under the basket, but anyway. Brooklyn Nets. God, let's quick fire this one because I don't want to spend too much time on the Brooklyn basketball.
Brooklyn Nets' Offensive Improvements
00:46:10
Speaker
Where they need to improve most from last season?
00:46:13
Speaker
going to say that, first of all, the defense wasn't even that bad when they tried. was actually not the worst, but the offense was woeful. Not sure if that improves at all as they're probably going to bottom out again, but that's where it needs to improve the most for me. What did you have, Shane?
00:46:31
Speaker
Same. Offensively, they were just a shambles, except when they played the Rockets and a back-to-back. They were just horrific. like it's It was actually embarrassing in time watching but yeah, they really need to improve their offense. What do you have, Mike?
00:46:46
Speaker
I had the exact same thing. Just offense, underlined six times. Fair. exactly like sidechain Honestly, it was woeful. like it It was actually sad and how it looked sometimes.
00:47:00
Speaker
Yeah, no, I agree. But you can always bet on a Cam Johnson step back. That's what that's what we can confirm after 82 games. He's with the nuts. Now you're going to have to get a Michael Porter Jr. step back. And yeah, God help you.
00:47:14
Speaker
ah Who is one under the radar player that you like for the team, Shane? Danny Wolfe, the rookie. 7'1", 7'2". Let's go. I think if they're going to have anything, it's going to be him this season.
00:47:30
Speaker
Adam too. Center out Michigan. 10 boards, 13 points in the final season there. Not afraid to shoot the three. He can pass a little too. I like the guy. Mike, who did you have? He seems like your play-by-player.
00:47:42
Speaker
The exact player I'd love. i I actually think that's a bad sign that all three of us went down and looked to this and said they've only one good player and it's Danny Wolfe. Well, I really wanted to choose Igor Demin.
00:47:56
Speaker
I watched his college stuff and he just, the non-shooting, I see so much of Ben Simmons, I can't. I just can't, okay? I have to stay away from it for my own health.
00:48:10
Speaker
Yeah, I looked at Demin for a a little bit. bit as well but then quickly I was like no what am I doing there Wolf is the pick so then looking at the over under 21.5 they had 26 wins last year but they have a completely different team now with a whole pile of first round picks that maybe none of them will be good it's hard to know we're hoping our boy Danny Wolf will be but I'm gonna go under because I think they're gonna try and lose really badly like Hornets Wizards level badly where you get under 20 wins even though it's ridiculously low I just think last year they got very low and they actually were winning games and they didn't want to now they're going to just be losing they won't be able to help it so I think yeah I'm going under Mike what you have
00:48:59
Speaker
I went over. gosh. But I i i really... i need you to understand. I mean over. i mean they... Like 22 games. script Like the 0.5, I think, is going to be there. They have...
00:49:17
Speaker
Spanish professional coach who's been assistant coaching for the last eight years. I think he's going to try and instill some sort of culture in them this year. i think having Terrence Mann vet from from the Clippers is huge for them. Even Haywood Highsmith coming from the Heat.
00:49:33
Speaker
I think he's going to want to try and establish... He's going to want to double down on the defense. And they were 11th last season as a total at the Yeah, they were. I'm pretty sure. And he's going to try want to try and recreate that.
00:49:47
Speaker
As long as the offense isn't literally 29th. Like it was last season. Which, if it's 25th, they might win two more games.
00:49:58
Speaker
Like... I just think they're actually angling to do something and it's not like some of the other lottery teams that are just kind of whipping eight players onto the court and and hoping they don't end up on ESPN for how badly they lost.
Brooklyn Nets' Season Performance Predictions
00:50:17
Speaker
shut home that's all ah can but Yeah, not definitely not over but I think over 21 and a half. It is just so low that you you're you know probably, it's not a bad argument to say. i think, Shane, you're going under as well.
00:50:34
Speaker
Yeah, I'm going under. I'm saying 15, Max. I just think they're horrific. They will beat the Rockets twice. Mark my words, they'll beat the Rockets twice. But I'm saying, yeah, one-eight of their wins are going to come against the Rockets. like they're just So what's their ceiling for you? Danny Wolf for four threes against the Rockets. But those Rockets wins. I actually think...
00:50:57
Speaker
I actually went with this as what's their floor and their floor is getting the number one pick in the lottery. They don't have a season for me. They're just they're going to finish bottom of their conference. Yeah, their floor is hoping to get the number one pick in the lottery.
00:51:10
Speaker
Yeah, I went with 23 wins. Like, what's the point here? can't see them getting more than 23. Like, they're just, yeah, too many rookies, too many new things.
00:51:22
Speaker
Too much Michael Porter Jr. Good night. Michael, what you have for the season?
00:51:29
Speaker
I felt really bad that I couldn't do anything for the playoffs. So, like I said, i wrote down my prediction for the season and I genuinely was like, they might be an 11 seed.
00:51:42
Speaker
Oh, God. um Maybe a 12 seed. This is worse. Horrible. This is worse than you picking the Brown in the next 20 years drafts.
00:51:52
Speaker
They need 30 wins to get there. i I really, I'm talking about just in the Eastern Conference, by the way. I just, look at some, I look at them, ah look at Washington, and I think the Raptors are in for for a number one pick, honestly. I just, don't know.
00:52:10
Speaker
Talk about a team of individuals. I actually like the Wizards a little bit. I actually like what they're doing, but maybe not next year.
00:52:19
Speaker
funnily enough but yeah that's uh that's and that's wrapped up um sorry you guys had to listen thank god um nice to have michael back on once again really appreciate you joining us we'll hear from you again soon i'm sure you have lots of takes to get off your chest and probably when we get to the lakers it would only be right to have you back on so appreciate you jumping on and we'll link your stuff down below to your instagram and all that jazz so thanks again like like thank you guys so much Touching on transfers then, and as we usually do.
00:52:52
Speaker
It'd only be right to start with Palace, considering what's just gone down. Looks like Eze is on the way to Arsenal. I think Arsenal are reactionary here, because firstly, they obviously don't want Spurs to get them, and Havertz getting injured, and thirdly, because they were so stodgy against United, they were absolutely useless. i I know they won their game, but if they play like that all season, they'd struggle for top four.
00:53:14
Speaker
So they need some more flair, and they've got now with Eze. Yeah, I think he's a really good signing. I feel sorry for Spurs. Last week they were getting Tobinio and Eze and now it looks like they're getting neither of them. Like ah you said, i didn't even think about how bad they were against United as part of this.
00:53:31
Speaker
um I just think it's the Havertz injury. it's It's a weird replacement for Havertz because Eze can't play the ball sign the way it is. They just knew they needed more flair.
00:53:42
Speaker
Honestly, I think it is. yeah they definiteafing They definitely needed something. They've spent an absolute ton of money this summer. um it's gone under the radar a bit somehow, but the amount of money they've spent the summer well is crazy that they kind of need to be, they need to be winning the league.
00:53:57
Speaker
So, let's see how that goes. I absolutely hate them. I hate everything about them. No, come on now. Can't be saying you hate other teams. We're being unbiased here. You just have a... My apologies. I dislike them.
00:54:11
Speaker
Yeah. I actually saw a staff there today. It was like Arteta has got spent more money at Arsenal than Pep Guardiola has at Man City which is crazy considering City spend a lot of money so yeah I think they're in a similar boat to how i kind of pointed out but Liverpool if they keep spending on this much money they really just have to win the league and I think Arsenal are in the same boat now where if you don't win the league it's a failure because they spend so much money but I really do like the sign and i think it's probably the best one they've made Then let's keep rounding up as we do, looking at some of the transfers. I'll go through a few and we'll take our opinions on them. First of all, Leon Bailey's gone on loan to Roma from Aston Villa. That kind of quashes any Jadon Sancho to Roma situation, but I don't think he was willing to accept the... No, he turned it down.
00:54:58
Speaker
Yeah, because for some, no not to get into him again, because we've touched on him before. He's clown. Mercenary kind of behavior to not, just over a small fee, whatever the difference is, how much money is already earned, but that's neither here nor there. and Second is Jackson to Chachua. That was really good.
00:55:18
Speaker
Yeah, signed to Wolves from Hellas Verona. For 12.5 million, i I like this move because they needed a ah right back who can play right wing back because that's the system they play.
00:55:29
Speaker
And I think if that's what basically what he did a lot for Hellas Verona last year. And they got and a nice young player in here now and I think it's it's nicely set into their system and it makes sense for them. Another one then, Ben Doak, gone from Liverpool to Bournemouth for 23.2 million euros.
00:55:47
Speaker
So any thoughts on those? um Liam Bailey, I think, just needs to get out the Premier League. um i actually should think he's either a really solid player. I think Serie A will suit him.
00:55:58
Speaker
um I don't know a single thing about Jackson, so I really can't comment him. But as you said, Wolves definitely did need to bring in a right-back, especially they lost to Maito. They started Keanu Hoover at the weekend, who hasn't been in favour anywhere he's been for the last five years. So that was a bit mad. so And Ben Doak, I think it's a great move for him I think he's definitely going to be their starting right winger and will be sooner rather than later as I'll let him keep a class act.
00:56:22
Speaker
Luka will have put in a buyback as well so hopefully he comes good enough to weaken when Salah retirees maybe bring him back hopefully it's ah it's a loan for Bournemouth to pay 25 million to bring him in a loan for two or three years and then Luke will take him back yeah sometimes that's the case with these ones if they work out and then if he doesn't no hard feelings but yeah they're the sell-on fee as well so they'll make more money off him regardless yeah similar to what you know you'd have about Alanga then another one Arnaud Calimuendo gone from Stavran to Forrest for 30 million euro
00:56:58
Speaker
We've got Jacob Ramsey, a big one, going from Villa to Newcastle, just over €45 million.
Jacob Ramsey's Transfer to Newcastle
00:57:04
Speaker
And then Nardi Mucchielli, gone from PSG to Sunderland for €12 million. Thoughts on these?
00:57:11
Speaker
Forrest went mad this week, whenever he was in the water. Mr. Maranakis really put his hand in his pockets. um I think Kelly Mourindo, from what I saw of him, very little last year. I think he is talent. I think 23. He's tall, he's strong.
00:57:27
Speaker
Now, Chris Wood last week showed that he probably he is probably capable of scoring another 15 Premier League goals with the way he took those two chances last weekend. But he's a really good backup to have. Jacob Ramsey, I wonder if Newcastle are getting all this money all of a sudden. I wonder if they're going to sell a certain someone to a certain somewhere. Oh, come on, now. I think he's a really good sign in all jokes aside.
00:57:49
Speaker
I think he is not a centre mid the way that Trangton Markham have him lift here. I think he'll be playing off the left wing for him or kind of in behind the striker. and We'll see about that. And then Nani Maduweke.
00:58:02
Speaker
I've completely made that up. I've i've called him two different people there. and but Nardi Mukiyele. Mukiyele. Sunderland just loves signing. Big lads. I think he would go for the business. Wasn't getting anywhere near looking at PSG last year, so why not give a go in the Premier League?
00:58:19
Speaker
Yeah, um looking at Cali Mwendo, I don't know whole lot about him, but 17 goals and four assists last year in London is not bad going. And I think a backup to Chris Wood, as you mentioned, is is essential for the long run.
00:58:33
Speaker
Ramsey, I really like that deal. I think if Eddie Howe believes in a young player and he knows what he's talking about, and he knows what he's doing. So getting him in, I think, is nice, fits into the system. um let's see where he will play as things shake out but it's a it' he's a very good talent and it's a good signing and then Mukiele last year on loan at Leverkusen obviously under Xavi Alonso he played on and off played a few Champions League games but look uh 12 million euro I think Sunderland are just banking on getting a little bit more experience there he is 27
00:59:09
Speaker
Next one then, Dango Watara, gone from Bournemouth to Brentford. I think this then knocked on to the Ben Doak deal because they then needed a right winger because they sold Watara and they got in Ben Doak. But 42.8 million euro is absolutely crazy obviously we'll we'll talk about that in a sec and james mackety from city to forest 25.5 million euro this is more like a decent fee for a for a solid player yeah and then amari hutchinson from ipswich to forest for 43.4 million euro and forest as you said going mad what do we make these
00:59:46
Speaker
I'm sorry, but who is clocking the numbers for Django Atara and Amari Hutchinson and pricing them both at well over 40 million? James McTee with 25 million looks like an absolute steal when you look at the two you've mentioned beside it there. James McTee a better player than both of those lads and he's the cheapest one.
01:00:03
Speaker
He's also, he's not the youngest himself and Hutchinson are both the same age. I think one of them just hasn't had their birthday yet, I suppose. 42 million for Django Atara is crazy from Bradford. Yeah. He really is. It's crazy. He was okay last year. Like, he wasn't anything amazing. Okay. Exactly. Yeah.
01:00:18
Speaker
Like, he scored some goals. He played up front some games, right some games, left some games. He does have versatility. On the bench. Yeah. They're going nuts here. Like, that's his Darren Dumo money slowly dripping away.
01:00:30
Speaker
Like... Yeah. And I think that is the... That's the kind of... Okay, we can sell Vista to Newcastle now as well, but... That's not a great replacement for the two lads they've sold.
01:00:41
Speaker
Not anywhere near. He didn't hit double figures last year. James McAtee, I think, is brilliant business for first. I really do. I think he is. I think he's really, really good. And if you can get him 30 or 31 Premier League games, if he stays fit, he's only going to get better and better week on week. And he's you' going to be...
01:00:59
Speaker
Like, I reckon he'll he'll be in talks for young player of the year come the end of the season if he plays week in, week out for Forrest and keep going to be. Himself and Gibbs White are just going to run the show there for him.
01:01:10
Speaker
Yeah, Gibbs White looked really good at the weekend as well. Yeah, he his assist incredible at all. And then Hutchinson, I don't get it. I didn't get it when Ipshred signed him. I don't get it when Forrest signed him.
01:01:21
Speaker
Still lost money. Yeah. think... With Wissa, as you touched on there, it looks like they turned down Newcastle again, like 35 plus 5 million add-ons. Like, I don't know how much more they want because he's getting older. They want 60, apparently. Apparently, they've gone up to 60 out of nowhere. They did similar with United. They kept putting the price up. And i feel like their sporting directors came out and had some quotes as well. He's trying to make a bit of a name in the media. I feel like it's a bit strange, but...
01:01:51
Speaker
It's funny because I feel like between Mr. Maranakis and Nuno, they're playing a bit of chess with each other here because Nuno came out in the media and said, you know, they're not getting a whole lot. They didn't have enough. Next thing, bang, bang, bang. Three very young talented players coming in, ready to stock you up for the Europa League. So interesting one and well played by Nuno, that's the case.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Transfer Impact
01:02:11
Speaker
Then the last three, Giovanni Leone from Parma to Liverpool, 31 million euro. Toby Collier gone on loan from United to West Brom. And then Dominic Calvert-Lewin gone from Everton to Leeds on a free transfer.
01:02:26
Speaker
What do you make of these last three? Calvert-Lewin. Good. it's It's a bit like the Jordan B thing. like If you can keep him fit, then he can get you goals. He's more likely... It's more likely that he won't be fit, then he will play. like He'll...
01:02:46
Speaker
i just so I think Lee's just needed something to make it to let their fans think they've done something different. He's not the answer. Toby Collier looked decent in parts I've seen of him. i Very, very little. Obviously, I think you might know more about him than I do.
01:02:59
Speaker
I saw some fella say that he'll be the best player in the championship on Twitter. So that means he'll probably be in the top 20 best players in the championship next season. Yeah. And then Giovanna Leone is...
01:03:12
Speaker
He's 18 years old and 6'5". It's just like, let let's see where it goes. I think 31 million a lot of money for an 18 year old, um especially coming to a new country. Italians don't typically travel very well, but hopefully he will.
01:03:24
Speaker
We'll just have to wait and see in that one. thats It's very hard to, like he played 17 senior games football. It's very hard to say, oh, this guy is going to be next van dyke the next maldini he could be the next shane fleming for all we know like joe he could actually he could be absolutely rubbish at center back so we'll have to wait and see on that one yeah but all the features are there like six foot five italian center back those are all you know usually pretty good uh indicators of of things that are going to work out but let's see how that goes collier i like him go ahead
01:03:57
Speaker
go ahead I actually talked to her finished talking, but Stephen was just going to throw in another one. I'll let you finish first. oh yeah yeah Collier is like, I think he's an interesting player.
01:04:09
Speaker
He could play for United in the future if he gets more minutes elsewhere. So I think that makes sense. He is very solid. He's a good passer. He can run with the ball. He's a little bit raw at times and a bit erratic.
01:04:20
Speaker
So I think playing in the championship will be good for him. And I think and Ryan Mason is the West Brom manager now. So let's see what he's doing. And then Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
01:04:30
Speaker
We talked about his XG underperformance, the number of times he gets caught offside, he barely plays. Just think it's a waste of time for anybody really to get him in opinion. But let's see how it ends up going. Who is the other person you're going to throw out there?
01:04:45
Speaker
and Well, I mean, we can't leave the pod without mentioning Chelsea. And this signing of Julio and CISO is mad. Even another lad who signed... He signed for Chelsea, he's been given his sack of coal and been sent off to Strasbourg. Like, it's... Oh, we see him as a long-term player for Chelsea. No, you don't. You see him as a long-term chance to turn 21 million into 40 million.
01:05:06
Speaker
That's what you see him as. I can't believe... But it's technically like a Strasbourg sign-in, but they're like... link Is this... it it's No, like, the thing says Strasbourg signed him, but it says Chelsea, Strasbourg, blue coal, link.
01:05:20
Speaker
Like, how is that allowed? Because... Yeah. Like, yeah Like you said, it is essentially a Chelsea sign-in, but they're putting it as a Strasbourg plus Chelsea plus Bluco all in the one. like How is that allowed when teams that have moments of their deal each other?
01:05:36
Speaker
Like, yeah, I don't understand how it's like, because even the way Fabrizio tweeted it was, Blueco have signed Julio and Ciso new winger. ah he'd He'll go to Salzburg first and then see Messina's long-term Chelsea player. Something along those lines. The first line was, Blueco have signed Julio and Ciso as new Chelsea. I'm like, what on earth is this?
01:05:58
Speaker
They're not a football club. Companies can't sign players. This is how West Ham got in trouble for Carlos Tebos and Marciano back in the day because it was company that they signed the players from. It wasn't a football team.
01:06:10
Speaker
Chelsea just drive me insane. And they don't they have done some really good business this summer. Then they go and spoil it all by doing this. They're just crazy. It doesn't sit well with that that's going to be the way things go on.
01:06:23
Speaker
it's Some things are allowed for some teams and some for others. yeah It would rub you up the wrong way as fans in general. yeah justice um yeah it It's like Chelsea have decided they've spent enough money now and Sharsburg haven't spent anything. So we have £50 million in Sharsburg we can play with. So let's sign someone for them that's going to play for Chelsea next year and we can sell them there for £30 million next year when the PSR resets. It's just sick.
01:06:49
Speaker
Yeah, no, it's not fair really sick. So moving on from that, we we'll touch on some couple of NFL teams in our in our previews like we have been doing.
01:06:59
Speaker
We've only got two more next week then, and then we've got an NFL preview episode coming for you with a couple of couple of guests. So we'll start with the Chiefs. We'll see very, very big team, team that's gone to three Super Bowls in a row.
01:07:14
Speaker
Where do they need to improve most from last season? So their their running back situation last year was a bit of a problem, especially when Pacheco got injured. They decided in Kareem Hunt,
01:07:25
Speaker
If that continues into this season again and teams kind of get a feel for what they've been doing, then I think they could struggle there again. So I really think fixing, having it like a true, proper, like, three down running back, one that you can throw in and you know, okay, he'll he'll do the three and then we can bring in someone who's big or fast. Like Brandon Allen, I know he doesn't play at any place with Jesse, the first time I can think of, that can come in and do the four and one yards. They need someone they can trust for the first three downs and then say, okay, now we need the big boy to get pushed over the line here.
01:07:55
Speaker
yeah Yeah, I think that's a good point because Hunt is only getting older. You can't really use him as your explosive back and really what they have outside of Pacheco is not much and if he gets injured again, it's going to be a tough one.
01:08:08
Speaker
I've said to stop having so many close games. You can't keep getting away with winning one-score games. I know they're the Chiefs, it's what they do, but teams are getting better.
01:08:20
Speaker
Some of their star players are aging like Chris Jones and Travis Kelsey. um 17 games in a row now they've won if it's a one score game that's going to end this season um i i definitely um so they need put games away earlier and stop trying to stop trying to ride things out the way that they have been so then looking at three key players on the team that are going to make the biggest impact who did you have for this So kind of leaning on my first point, I put in Brashard Smith.
01:08:52
Speaker
He has the potential to be their three down running back if they need him. Now, I know they have a checker with that, but if it does come to point where they need to put Smith in, he's fast, he's quick feed. He can definitely do de tree da the three downs for him if they do need him.
01:09:07
Speaker
what He could be the spark they need, the stops at being one-score games and they start getting into two-score games or something because, that's as we said, that's something they really, really need to do. Obviously, Patrick Mahomes, he'll always be MVP calibre even if he is dropping a bit. and he is just However far the Chiefs are going to go is going to depend on how good a season he has and how...
01:09:28
Speaker
how often he can throw more touchdowns than in interceptions in games because he had a really poor year last year. I'm banking on him to bounce back. And then I've gone for Kingsley Suha Mattia.
01:09:41
Speaker
I hope I've said that right. yeah you did I think da he's yeah he he's the one that needs to be on form if this offense is going to really kick on this year. and If he bounces back, all well and good, fire away. But if he doesn't, then they could be in trouble.
01:09:57
Speaker
Yeah, I think I've gone with but somebody who's... I've gone with some other players. I've actually also gone with ah an offensive tackle, Natsuo Mataya.
Chiefs' Key Players and Season Outlook
01:10:05
Speaker
I went with their first-round pick, Josh Simmons.
01:10:08
Speaker
They got him up late first round. Injury in his last season of college. So he's kind of his stock dropped and they were only delighted to get him at the end. And everything that's coming out from all the experts and everybody around the Chiefs is just rave reviews about how good he is. So it looks like they've fallen into a real star there.
01:10:28
Speaker
And Trent McDuffie, one of the top corners in the league. um I think... Looking at him, if he plays to the best of his ability, he's the type of player that the ball never comes as well.
01:10:40
Speaker
And it rarely does because he doesn't get that many interceptions, but that's because people don't throw it towards him. He always has the wide receiver locked down and it's hard to go in his direction at all.
01:10:50
Speaker
He's had a first team and a second team All-Pro in his three seasons. Part of that 2022 draft class that has been unbelievable for the Chiefs. So I think he'll just continue to kick on as one of the best corners in the league.
Chiefs' Challenging Schedule
01:11:03
Speaker
And then thirdly, I've also gone with a running back, but I've gone with Pacheco because i think he was unlucky with injuries last year. ah think if he can ramp up to the carries he had the year before, like last year, even when he was playing, he only had like 11 carries per game.
01:11:18
Speaker
The year before, I think he had 14. He was impressive in the playoffs um when they when they won the Super Bowl the year before last. So I think if they can ramp him up similarly to that, then i think he'd be very important for them. But I i agree the running game needs to improve in general.
01:11:34
Speaker
Looking at whether they'll hit the over-under then with the bookies, it's 11.5. I've said no, that they're going to probably get 11. I know it's the Chiefs and everyone will think yeah other they're locked in for 13 or 14 wins, but if you look at their schedule, they have to play the Eagles, Ravens, Lions, Commanders, Bills and Texans.
01:11:51
Speaker
And then their own division is very tough, so they've got the Broncos, Chargers and Raiders... who they have to play home and away. um So it's not going to be playing sailing. I think other teams are getting better and the AFC is
Chiefs' Super Bowl Prospects
01:12:04
Speaker
very, very tough. So I'm penciling them in around 11 wins.
01:12:08
Speaker
Yeah, I've gone under as well. The thing for me was that so after three Super Bowls in a row, like there is a point where you do you have to dip before you can come back up again.
01:12:20
Speaker
And I think this year is going to be their dip. Obviously, we'll talk about their ceiling in a second, but I just thought 11 and a half. I think if they get to 10 or 11, as you said, I think they'll be having a good year and that'll still get them into playoff contention, obviously.
01:12:33
Speaker
ah just I don't think they're going to be winning the 14, 15 games this year. As you said as well, too many one-score games and that they're going to lose a couple this year, and that's going to drop them quite a bit as well.
01:12:44
Speaker
Yeah. And then, as you mentioned, looking at the ceiling, what have you gone with there? They can obviously still get their Super Bowl. and Do you think they can win it? Can they win it? I don't know.
01:12:56
Speaker
I think there's there's better teams than them in it. I don't think personally they will get their Super Bowl. I think this is the year where the Bills do finally beat them out to get their Super Bowl. But I think they can get there. and It's hard to bet against them if they do get there. But what the Eagles did them last year was a blueprint for a lot of teams heading into this year on how to beat the Chiefs.
01:13:16
Speaker
So we'll have to wait and see. But they can definitely get their Super Bowl. Yeah, you're right that to eat what the Eagles said to them completely undid them, but no other team has that defensive front um like fungi yeah two thousand and So it's kind of tough, but I agree with you that Super Bowl to get there, I'm going to say that their ceiling is to win it because they have Patrick Mahomes and they have Andy Reid.
01:13:40
Speaker
When they have those two, I'm never going to say that it's not a Super Bowl. They could lose half of their team and half of an Irish-American football team could be slotted in there. And they still have Mahomes and Reid. I'm still going to say that they can win it.
01:13:54
Speaker
That's ah a ceiling, without a doubt. I just think that, you know, you said they're going to have a slump season. I think, yeah, like to them, 11 wins... But then doing the some playoffs is still a slump to them because they didn't win enough games in the regular season or losing that Super Bowl and getting whacked.
01:14:12
Speaker
That's a slump
Raiders' Offensive and Defensive Needs
01:14:13
Speaker
for them. You know, that that's the kind of mindset they have. So, yeah, I think just it's hard to write off in homes. But again, we'll do our full. NFL preview of the season and I'm very similarly aligned to you that I think it could be the Bills here instead of the Chiefs in the AFC so watch watch out for that one um moving on to their divisional opponent and the Raiders where they need to improve most from last season I said they need to have solid QB plays was the first thing I thought about but then I said more importantly than that they need to have a good running game because by god it was awful last year 79.8 yards per game worse than the league by 12 yards now they have genti so let's see if he he's he can make the most out of all the carries that he's going to get because he's going to get a lot and their offensive line isn't anything amazing so
01:15:07
Speaker
Let's see. Let's see what he does. They've addressed their biggest issue, but let's see if it works out. What did you have? Yeah, so good I actually put down two because I had a feeling you were going to the go with the running game as well. So I have put down as well.
01:15:19
Speaker
their Their early game defense is horrific. They conceded 84 points in first quarters last season. and Somehow that was only the eighth were the eighth most in the NFL so there were seven teams worse than them but like as you said if they want the likes Sebastian Genndy the likes of Brock Bowers to be able to do anything on the offensive side they need to shore up that defense and give them Like you don't want to be starting in second quarter seven points down every single time and all it's been guaranteed. It's just straight away behind the eight ball. So they definitely need, I can't believe I just said that they definitely need to, to sort out that, that first quarter defensive bill, as well as make sure to give Ashton Jinty the ball.
01:15:57
Speaker
Yeah. I think it's a good point because as well, when you have Gino Smith, who let's just go into it, he's one of my players, my three key players to make the biggest impact. Having a solid QB to finally throw the ball consistently is so important. 4,320 yards last year, 21 touchdowns. But the point I was going to make is that he does throw interceptions.
01:16:18
Speaker
So if you're going to be losing by 7, 10 points after every first quarter or most first quarters, he's going to go chase in the game and he then becomes more likely to throw interceptions.
01:16:29
Speaker
I think he had the fourth most yards in the league last year, but the second most interceptions are close to it. So that's it's the good with the bad, but at least they have a solid QB.
Raiders' Player Expectations
01:16:40
Speaker
The other two I went with then are Brock Bowers, unreal player who can block, catch anything, run so many routes, and get yards after the catch no matter what.
01:16:51
Speaker
He almost had the rookie receiving record, only for the fact that Malik Neighbors and Brian Thomas Jr. both beat him to it because of how good they were. And then the last one is Jeremy Chin.
01:17:02
Speaker
I think he had a really good year with the commanders. He needed that. Working with a guy like Dan Quinn, he's in at safety for them now. He got a two-year $16.25 million dollars deal. He had a career-high 117 combined tackles last year, five pass deflections, and a career-high two sacks as well.
01:17:20
Speaker
So him starting 17 games, though, is the biggest fact for me, that he could stay healthy. He could return at the full season. And now the Raiders have somebody they can rely upon and who has still got a lot of upside left to him.
01:17:34
Speaker
Yeah. And they're three good picks. I had Brock Bowers as well. Um, he's just he's He's not the main man because I think the main man this year in the offense is going to be Ashton Janty, who's the second one of my picks. But Brock Bowers, just what he did last year was insane. I just thought he incredible for a team that was really quite poor.
01:17:53
Speaker
He still managed to shine. Ashton Janty is going to be the face of this offense next year and for many years to come. if he It's the ceiling that he looks like he's going to hit. He just looks incredible. He's had a really good preseason as well by all accounts.
01:18:06
Speaker
And then ah Max Crosby is my third. I just think he is... He's a machine and he's so dominant. Everything he does is just so dominant. He just looks like he's not a man you want to run into anywhere and especially not on an NFL field. So he's he's there.
01:18:23
Speaker
He's kind of, he's the key to their defense as well as the the safety you mentioned there, his name has really slipped my mind. I think the two of them, yeah, keeping Shane and Crosby healthy for 17 games is going to go a long way in helping that off and earn that defense this year.
Raiders' Season Predictions
01:18:37
Speaker
Yeah, a little bit of pushback I have on Gentry is, I think he's going to be unbelievable now, don't get me wrong. I'm not going to say he's not going to be after what we saw in college, but I think... It's not even pushback. It could be more so that he hasn't like lit the world on fire. like We didn't see Travion Henderson like kickoff return like we did with him from Denti in the and the preseason. But again, he could be just running at 50%. He could be saving himself.
01:19:07
Speaker
They could be trying out different things. So I wouldn't read into it too much for the people that are expecting him to light the world on fire in preseason already. Like you said, he's been solid and he's going to ramp it up.
01:19:18
Speaker
So I think it's yeah it's too early to make a judgment, but I think you're looking at all the right things. So I agree that he's going to be massive for them if they get it. Yeah, I think another thing with preseason is you're not going to see the Giants absolutely destroy the Jets in a receiving game.
01:19:36
Speaker
I hope so.
01:19:39
Speaker
You're not going to see the Jets only Well you might see the Jets only score one touchdown in couple of games but it won't be against the Giants hopefully Come on now That defensive front Here we go. Already doubling that Bill Carter in the preseason game. Write that in the regular season and tonight Brian Burns and Dexter are on you.
01:19:56
Speaker
But no, you're right. The preseason is nothing to read into. In terms of results, I would look at like some individual players if they're matched up starter on starter or something like that. Or you're trying to gain which guy is your best like backup at a certain position. But yeah, terms of results and stuff, it means not a whole lot.
01:20:14
Speaker
Then the over-under is six and a half. Do you think they're going to get there? Gone over. Gino, Brock, Ashton. like I think it's just it's it's a really, really solid place to start. it Add in a couple of wide receivers, I think they'll get eight wins minimum.
01:20:30
Speaker
I had it over as well. I said between seven and nine. Just having a well-coached team, having and Pete Carroll there who knows what he's doing, and having some decent quarterback play.
01:20:41
Speaker
All those things will elevate the team. and They'll just be competent. um They'll be tough to play against. Then they're sealing with the current roster and coach for the season ahead. I've gone with nine wins.
01:20:53
Speaker
So the top level of what I said there. But I think they'll still miss the playoffs because the AFC is strong. Bengals missed it last year with nine. I just think they won't have the tiebreakers either to get there if they did have nine. So I'm going go with nine and just miss out.
01:21:07
Speaker
Yeah, exactly. Same as you. and Nine wins and just being unlucky and the look being unlucky not to make the playoffs. Yeah, it'd be a huge set for us.
01:21:18
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. So that that would be something I think they could be proud of that came about.
NFL Draft Picks Under 25
01:21:24
Speaker
Last up then, the draft. We've done it already for the NBA and we've done it already for the Premier League. Best players under 25 years of age.
01:21:33
Speaker
This week, we're looking at who's going first. It's going to be you. So I went last week. So you work away first this time. Chris, I actually want to go a second again this time. It's so much, it's actually better going second than these to get two in a row. But I'm going to start by taking Penne Sewell, the offensive tackle from the Detroit Lions.
01:21:53
Speaker
If I find it, maybe I'm not going to make a mess of this one the way I did the other two. So and he he's a bit back-to-back, all throw teams. I think he's absolutely class. And yeah I think by your reaction, he was the consensus number one pick here.
01:22:06
Speaker
Yeah, was my number one as well. Like you said, first team all pro two years in a row. The absolute size of him is an unbelievable tackle. He can even catch the ball. I'd say next up he'll be thrown. yeah So yeah, he's just unbelievable.
01:22:21
Speaker
The next two I had on my list were actually two quarterbacks, but I'm just going to pick one because I don't want to pick two. So I'm going to take Jaden Daniels. it was between him and somebody else but I just think that the way he played last year he's like probably the best rookie quarterback we've ever seen in the league what he did yeah outrageous he got them and what he's able to do under pressure just everything unbelievable and then next I'm going to go with Kyle Hamilton I think he's one of the main parts of that um Ravens defense.
01:22:52
Speaker
First team All-Pro 2023, second team All-Pro last year, two-time Pro Bowler. He's just 24 years of age versus Matt. I um honestly thought he was he was older than that. He seems just like a veteran the way he plays the whole time.
01:23:05
Speaker
Really good next to Roquan Smith. I like him a lot, so I'm going to go with him as my next pick. area and My next two, I'm going to take Bison Robinson, who is definitely the best running back in this age category.
01:23:19
Speaker
I had to look all of these lads up twice to make sure they were all under 24. Sorry, 24 and under after my howler in the last two goals of this. I'm putting Bison in second. And I'm trying to think of what quarterback you have now. I reckon you're thinking it's Steve De Sherwood. I'm not putting him in here. Yes, I'm going to go with Puka Nakua next to me. Yeah.
01:23:38
Speaker
His rookie season in particular, he was incredible. even but He was injured enough last year, and but I think if he's back and he's the way he was year one this year, I think he's one of the best receivers in the league.
01:23:49
Speaker
Yeah, I really like that pick. I like Puka a lot. I think he's one of the best wide receivers in the league, like you said. And he's not afraid to put his body on the line and block, which may shorten his career a little bit, but it makes his football ability amazing.
01:24:03
Speaker
um Yeah, I did have CJ Stroud, but i'm goingnna I'm going to take Derek Stingley Jr. next instead. Five interceptions in both of the last two seasons, first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl last year.
01:24:15
Speaker
I think he's the best cornerback in the league. um and know Sauce Gardner got paid marginally more than him, but he's unbelievable. The way he reads the game, he's going to be one of those guys that people just don't throw the ball in his direction.
01:24:28
Speaker
He's a ball hawk. He's able to break up anything he has that pays to match any... pacey wide receiver but he also has the ability to read what's coming and then I will take CJ Stroud with the next one because I had him third overall I just think leaving him any later than that would be wrong he's he's so good he has a lot of talent I actually wrote an article year before last that he was the was he was he the best rookie quarterback of all time looking at his stats and how it matched up with Andrew Luck and then last year I wrote
01:25:00
Speaker
was Jadon Daniels the best rookie quarterback of all time as kind of a follow-on piece and I think yeah Daniels was slightly better as a rookie. Stroud stepped back last year he made some silly mistakes but he was under a lot of pressure and he has the talent so I still think he's he's very very good so going to pick him up next.
01:25:17
Speaker
Nice one. My final two you've left in the two I wanted and go for the other cornerback that you mentioned and putting in Soska Ardener had to get in one of the One of the big boys for the New York Jets after the money they paid him in the summer. And unfortunately, Wilson's birthday is too early in 2000 for him to be considered here. And finally, Dan, I have Brock Bowers. and We spoke about him enough a couple of minutes ago. He's just ah two absolutely class. Absolutely class.
Draft Discussion Completion and Episode Wrap-up
01:25:42
Speaker
I had Bowers as as one of my guys um to pick next up. It does pain me not to take Malik Neighbors, but i do as a wide receiver, I do want to see one more year. It's the same as Brian Thomas Jr. I did have Bowers, though, on my list, just because of all the other things he can do.
01:25:58
Speaker
I think it's it's very valuable, and I've seen enough to put him in my top 10. So my last pick, I'll take Jameer Gibbs. I think he can give a lot in the passing game. We've also seen him throw the ball.
01:26:10
Speaker
He can run like crazy. He'll slowly face Montgomery out of that team. He'll just play a less and less. Definitely. um And look, that's the way things go. There will be two backs. Montgomery will take snaps off him, but it will be whittled down over time. And...
01:26:25
Speaker
Gibbs will be the focal point of that run game so he was my last pick so I've got Jaden Daniels Kyle Hamilton Derek Stingley Jr CJ Stroud and Jameer Gibbs and I finally draft a well I have seen since less
01:26:42
Speaker
Sewell Bijan Puka Sauce Gardiner and Brock Bowers nice yeah I think we both have pretty nice lineups there The one honourable mention I had on my 10 that didn't get picked was Jalen Carter, but I think we all know how good he is, so he doesn't need to be on any lists to justify that he has a Super Bowl ring.
01:26:59
Speaker
That's it for this week. Hope you enjoyed it. A longer episode. We got a lot in. covered a lot. There's a lot sport going on right now. So we'll continue to cover as much as we can every week.
01:27:10
Speaker
In a couple of weeks, we'll have a double episode again with the NFL preview. So keep your eyes and ears out for that one. going have two guests on, so it's going to be a good time. um Appreciate you listening. Hope you enjoyed. Leave a five-star review. All that good stuff. Shane.
01:27:24
Speaker
Cheers lads, I won't keep it here long this time, we've helped you long enough. Just like and subscribe as always and thanks very much for watching. Thanks.