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Pre-Season Finale
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We discuss the season opener from the Arlington 8U Tigers, college football Week 0, and preview the AFC West and North in our final episode before the season premier of Goal Line Year 3
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Transcript
Podcast Kickoff: AFC North & West, College Football, 8U Arlington Tigers
00:00:14
Speaker
What is up, Goal Line listeners? We are back with a double episode of the Goal Line. This is the last of our preseason episodes. We're going to be covering the AFC North and the AFC West, talking in the opening week of college football and getting all the other odds and ends from around the football world these past two weeks. First off, Jordan, what is going on, man?
00:00:36
Speaker
Oh, not too much, man. Just... ah ready for college football this week. And yeah, man, I'm just, I'm excited. and we are, we have officially arrived on the week of football. So I'm very excited. and Yep. the The one football team that truly matters in this universe to me, the 8U Arlington Tigers. We had our debut over the weekend. It was a smash success. We beat the Fayette County Lions 24-6. So it was good. Brett had fun, man. He had a big tackle in the backfield to to stop their two-point conversion, and the the team rolled, man. we got This week we got a big game, though. Week two we're playing the team that we played in the championship in 6U last fall. So big big step up in competition for week two.
00:01:18
Speaker
yeah Good news, man. One of those, all that matters. Yeah, you can't win them all unless you win the first one, man. ah What news and notes do we want to cover, man, before we start start talking some
NFL Speculations: Daniel Jones, Joe Flacco, and Browns' Strategy
00:01:30
Speaker
college football games? um There was only a couple things from last week. I mean we can just kind of barely go over it. Daniel Jones was obviously named the cold starter.
00:01:40
Speaker
That's bleak. Yeah. I don't know what that team's doing. Joe Flacco named the Browns starter, which is the least surprising thing of all. I saw they came out. looked like it was earlier this evening. They came out and officially named Dylan Gabriel as the backup and Shador is number three. I mean, also not surprising. like ah Why is anybody surprised by any of this?
00:01:59
Speaker
I still say Shador ends up throwing the most passes for the Cleveland Browns. There's no way. He ain't playing this season, dude. You don't think Shador is this think he's playing it down this season. I think they're literally just holding him for a trade or for something else because I think that team is going to be really fucking bad.
00:02:15
Speaker
Yeah, maybe. i Dude, the more I think about it the more I think the Browns are going to be like bottom five bad. Like, I just i don't think this team is good. Anyway, we're going to get into that. But also, speaking of not good, the Saints named... um I can't think of his name now. Spencer Rattler, the starting quarterback.
00:02:36
Speaker
Oh, he he's starting over. you I thought i thought the Tyler show or whatever was going to be the starter. They named Spencer Rattler the starter today. So it's that team is not winning any games like that team is going to be very, very bad.
Saints’ Struggles: Management and Rebuilding Challenges
00:02:50
Speaker
God, dude, how bad the Saints have followed, man. The Saints had such a – I mean, I always hated the Saints too, but they had such a run of just always being competitive, man. And, yeah, I guess it just finally caught up. you know They kept on kind of like kicking it down, kicking the can down the road on doing any sort of rebuilding. And I guess all the chickens came came home to roost at once now. The problem is is they're still kind of kicking the can down the road because they got a lot of older guys that they deferred contracts for even that are still on the team. It's like, dude, just go up full on rebuilding.
00:03:20
Speaker
The roster is already miserable anyway. Like why they're still paying Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan to play football, I do not understand. Yeah, and the thing is, dude, Kamara's still got a little bit of trade value, man. Like I feel like you get probably a third or fourth round draft pick for Kamara right now, man. maybe Maybe we'll see him get moved towards the...
00:03:38
Speaker
The deadline. They should have dumped him last year. i feel like he's still yeah I feel like he's still got some gas in tank. Obviously, he's not you know what he was ah you know three or four years ago, but he's still a damn good football player.
00:03:51
Speaker
I just, like, dude, last year when you kind of knew the writing, it was on the wall for that team. Like, I just, I don't understand why they didn't just dump everybody with value. I mean, yeah it's that for what you just said, that organization seemed like it was ran so well for, ah what, a 10-year span. And then now it's just like, dude, they kicked it too far down the road. And now they're, yeah, like you said, it's bad Yeah, I mean, that twenty even 2020 is probably the last decent seat like you know season. They really had a strong run, dude. they they I mean, the Bucs had to go into New Orleans to
00:04:28
Speaker
um to to win on the way to the Super Bowl that year, man, in the in the playoffs. so I guess now I'm thinking about it, dude. 2020 is already five years ago, man. How how is that already five years, dude? Time goes quick, man.
00:04:40
Speaker
Yeah, man. That's it for news and notes, really. I didn't have anything else unless you could think of anything. No, it's definitely been a relatively quiet quite NFL preseason, man. i don't feel like we've seen any any big moves. what's the What's the latest on Michael Parsons, man? I saw something about you know he may be coming back. what's What's the latest you're hearing on Michael Parsons? I still have not heard anything about him even getting close to a contract. So I don't, I don't, I really don't understand what the Cowboys are doing. dude They've already blown their hand at this point. Like it's just dumb at this point, I think.
00:05:14
Speaker
Yeah, we saw Terry McLaurin get re re-signed with the Commanders. We kind of knew that was going to happen. Trey Hendrickson. Yeah, I'm interested to see what happens with Michael Parsons. is' definitely It's definitely gotten a lot uglier than most of these holdout situations. filled as It's gotten a little bit personal, and it's not just business.
00:05:30
Speaker
Dude, I think ah the Trey Hendrickson thing is still interesting, though, because they only like re-upped his salary for this year. They didn't sign him to an extension. So they're going to do the same fucking thing again next offseason. Yeah.
00:05:43
Speaker
I don't understand that team at all, man. And they clearly need him. Like if you watched any, and I don't put a ton of stock
College Football Spotlight: Nebraska vs. Cincinnati
00:05:50
Speaker
into preseason. We've talked about this numerous times, but the Bengals defense is miserable. like you not You're not seeing anything to inspire confidence. Obviously, we know the wins and losses don't matter, but you still hope to see a little bit of something. And, dude, it looks like the defense is possibly going to be worse than it was last season.
00:06:06
Speaker
Dude, the Commanders game where both starting offense and starting defense did a series. Yeah, the the Commanders went downfield with absolute ease. like they They ran the ball down the entire field.
00:06:21
Speaker
They had 75 yards rushing on five plays to score a touchdown. like Yeah, the Bengals defense looks miserable. um Are you ready to get into some college football? let's do it, man.
00:06:46
Speaker
They told me bust out my AP. The Browns may not appreciate Shador, but he'll always be appreciated. They'll always be a home for him here on the goal line when it's time to kick off our college football segment. Let's start it off, man. Freaking Thursday night, dude. Big, big time college football atmosphere in the NFL building, man. Jordan's going to be in the house at Arrowhead for the Huskers and the Cincinnati Bearcats.
00:07:09
Speaker
Give us the game plan on the road trip, dude. When when you guys heading up, what are eating? We want to know the the juicy deets before we get to the football. I mean, it's just it's a day of trip. It's only a two-and-a-half-hour drive, so it's just it's just a quick trip, easy drive, so nothing to it at all.
00:07:25
Speaker
Yeah, it's Kansas City's an easy drive, man. so there's you know go know You got any go-to spot you're eating? You guys are on tailgate? What's the plan? Yeah, it's just tailgating, dude. It's Kansas City. All right, cool, man. I saw Nebraska. I think there's six-and-a-half-point favorites in this one, man. Are you at all any kind – Any kind of pucker factor, man, getting nervous on this one? Or are the are the Huskers kicking it off, man? is Is Patrick Mahomes Jr. going to lead them to the start of an awesome 2025 season? Dude, there's always a pucker factor for the first game. Like, I don't care what team you're a fan of. like
00:08:00
Speaker
There's a chance. Especially in college football and the transfer portal now. These teams are so different from year to Yeah, there's an absolute chance that you just come out and lay egg week one. So, yeah, there's always that pucker factor. But do I think they should win? Absolutely. I mean, they definitely have the better roster than Cincinnati. Like, they they built a pretty good roster for Nebraska. So, yeah, I mean, I'm fairly confident. But, yeah, you're always nervous going into week one.
00:08:25
Speaker
You got any analytics on what's been happening with the ticket market? Are you expecting like what what are you expecting the split on the fans to be? Oh, the thing I read today is like the radio host for Cincinnati expect like less than 5% Bearcats fans. It's going to be like 90, 95, five.
00:08:42
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, for those who don't know, dude, the Nebraska is really – they're really kind of a regional team there in the Midwest, dude. Like, they they they kind of got the whole Great Plains, man, locked in. i guess I guess there's some pockets of Iowa fans, dude, but Nebraska was such a dynasty back in the 90s, and there's still just a lot of carryover from that, man. So, yeah, we're we're expecting to see a ah big Red Sea just with that – like usual at Arrowhead, just without the yellow mixed in this time, right? Yeah, it's going to be a shit ton Husker fans, man. But, yeah, it should be good.
00:09:12
Speaker
What are you rocking to the game, dude? you going Are you going to dress up like the Husker with the the denim coveralls and stuff? or what are you wearing? Just a red shirt, bro. Sea of red. Relax. Just a Nebraska shirt. Just a red shirt. It's the season opener, bro. In Arrowhead. And you're wearing just a red shirt.
00:09:26
Speaker
Dude, a red Nebraska shirt. Okay.
Tennessee vs. Syracuse: Season Prospects
00:09:30
Speaker
Like, no, I don't have like $800 Versace Husker shirt. Is that a thing? No, I don't fucking know. You think I'd spend $800 on a t-shirt, bro? You know me better than that by now.
00:09:41
Speaker
Bro, this is the freaking Huskers. I'm thinking you're going to tarp off red body paint all over you, dude. Like freaking Finn Balor or something, dude. Goes like the Cornhusker Demon. Come on, bro. i don't do any of that shit. and like I love the Huskers, but there's... Bro.
00:09:55
Speaker
Hold up, hold up. I literally attended WrestleMania with you in Bray Wyatt cosplay. Yeah, but i wasn't telling it wasn't going tarp off. Relax. Like, bro, I think that takes a whole other level of dedication to go tarp off body paint. Like, that that's a whole different level of dedication that I do not have.
00:10:14
Speaker
You'd probably get on TV. Yeah, well, you'd also look like a fucking idiot because I'd be fucking drunk as shit at that point. It's all sweating off and stuff, dude. It ends up being a humid night. Like, have you seen Saving Silverman? He's like, yeah, was the guy that showed up to Homecoming with the tuxedo painted on my body.
00:10:30
Speaker
Somebody spilled wine in the paint. Everybody could see my dong. Saving Silverman was a funny answer. I love that movie. Yeah. If you can dream it, you can do it. Yeah, Coach told us.
00:10:44
Speaker
Oh, dude, haven't thought that movie in years. There's your movie recommendation of the week for the goal line, Saving s Silverman. There's some football in that too, man. So, good movie. ah Tennessee's opening up a Syracuse, man. They should roll, but, dude, I'm kind of with you, man. Who knows? A lot of turnover on that roster, most importantly at the quarterback position.
00:11:01
Speaker
Yeah. obviously we know nico the potential sky's the limit i like this guy they got from appalachia state man joy aguilar dude like i i i think obviously the ceiling for nico is way way higher he's got way more pro potential all that stuff i feel like for you know for the next 12 games this fall i feel like joey aguilar probably is probably going to give the balls a little bit more production possession of possession than nico did last year i mean nico He had something like eight touchdown passes in SEC play. dude he would He was, you know, as great as he looked at times, dude, he was not super productive. And that was always the deal with him last year. The offense would kind of just go comatose for quarters at a time.
00:11:40
Speaker
um So I'm interested to see how they look, man. Obviously, it's, that you know, coming off last year, they had the surprise playoff run. i don't think anybody's really predicting that this year unless they just get really lucky with some some good breaks. But I do think they should have a nice – Syracuse should be a nice way to ease into the season.
00:11:56
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, they lost more than just Nico, too. Like, losing Dylan Sampson is definitely going to hurt that team. They rode him last year. So, it's going interesting to see how they worked. And lost James Pierce Jr. Yeah, I mean, they they lost some good players. I think the defense should still be stout, which – so i I think they have a high floor. right I don't know how high the ceiling is, but I think the i think the floor is pretty high for Tennessee this year. They're still going to be a tough out week to week, um but you know I'll be surprised if they end up competing for a playoff spot this year. but I do expect them to roll in Atlanta on a Saturday morning.
College Game Predictions: Notre Dame, Miami, Clemson, LSU
00:12:30
Speaker
all right Let's get into our top 25 matchups we want to predict. we'll We'll save the big one for last, man. um but Did you catch any of that Iowa State-Kansas State game in Ireland?
00:12:42
Speaker
That game was so ugly, man. Just the rain falling in Dublin. rain on that soccer pitch. Yeah. i Obviously, you know nothing away from Iowa State, dude. Both teams are playing in the same conditions, man. i'd like to i I thought both teams played pretty good. I'd like to see them run it back.
00:12:58
Speaker
on a neutral site, man. But, you know, Iowa State made the plays they had to, man. Kansas State had to get a stop at the end and just could not get it done to get the ball back to Avery Johnson. But I did think that was a pretty great way to kick off the college football season. Dude, those games somehow are always fun games. Like, they're they're just good games. I don't know how they get so lucky.
00:13:16
Speaker
Yeah, Florida State and Georgia Tech, that came down to field goal last play last season, right? Yeah, and Georgia Tech beat them. That was when Florida State was, like, ranked, like, 10th in the country. Yeah, before they just straight up imploded. Yep.
00:13:28
Speaker
um All right, so let's go notre Dame in Miami, man. This is going to be the Sunday game. ah Is this in Miami it is this neutral site? Hold on, I'm looking right now. I knew were going ask me that. and I didn't have it pulled up No, it's in Miami. So we're in Miami.
00:13:45
Speaker
You know, if this was 1990, this would be the game of the year right now, man. um I think Notre Dame takes this, dude. Obviously Miami, I like what Miami has got going this year. I think Georgia is really going regret chasing Carson Beck out of town or – not doing more to keep Carson Beck, whatever the case may have been.
00:14:02
Speaker
But Notre Dame's a tough team, dude. I mean, they gave Ohio State a hell of a run that national championship game, and Ohio State was playing like the freaking 33rd NFL team ah come playoff time last year. So I like Notre Dame to go to Miami and get it done.
00:14:14
Speaker
Yeah, I do too. I think Notre Dame's going to be good again this year, honestly. Like, they got Love back as a running back. I just – I really do feel like they're going to be a good football team this year. So, yeah, I'm with Notre Dame as well.
00:14:27
Speaker
I think Miami is going to kick ass in the ACC. I expect them go go to win ACC. I think Miami is getting a playoff berth, but i think they're going to start the season with an and they're going to have to work their way up from there. I don't know about kick ass. I think Clemson is easily the best team the ACC.
00:14:42
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, Clemson is good too. Clemson is really good, dude. i've really I'm really high on Carson Beck, dude. I like Carson Beck better than Cade Klobnik. As high as you are on Carson Beck, I'm even higher on Clemson this year. I think that team is going to be really tough.
00:14:56
Speaker
All right, speaking of Clemson, we'll go them next. Big, big game for them, dude. Tigers versus Tigers. LSU, but number nine, going against number four, Clemson. I do agree with you, man. I think k Clemson rolls, dude. i'm I'm not up on LSU, man. I think if Brian Kelly's buyout wasn't so high, I think they would have already ran him off.
00:15:13
Speaker
This going to be in Clemson. I wouldn't be surprised this one gets ugly, man. I see Clemson rolling in this one. Yeah, I – Dude, the vibes around LSU are just not good. i mean... Dude, Kelly's just an asshole, bro. Like, you see, like, his demeanor on the sidelines. I mean, he's still a good recruiter, right? They're still getting a lot of talent in there.
00:15:31
Speaker
mean, they had the Heisman Trophy winner two seasons ago. um But, dude, he just seems like a prick, man. Like, I would not want to go play for him, man. Like, it just, yeah, I'm with you. There's just bad vibes all around. I think his buyout is something like $60 million after this season. So, I mean, he would really have to tank, dude. I'm sure, I ah suppose LSU probably would pay it if they really have an absolute awful season.
00:15:53
Speaker
But that's still, even for a program as big as LSU, that is a big price tag to swallow to get rid of your coach. well Yeah, dude, I'm seeing another eight and four season all day for LSU. mean i I do not like what they got going on. I mean, if you need any more evidence, like Brian Kelly leaves Notre Dame and the argument on him was he could just never get them over that final hump.
00:16:12
Speaker
And then two years later, they're playing for a national title. so So, I mean, read into that what you want. But I don't think that's a good luck for Brian Kelly at all. No. So we're both on the same page with ah yeah with Clemson.
00:16:24
Speaker
All right. And then where are you going on our big one, man? Number one, Texas traveling to number three, the defending champion on Ohio State Buckeyes. This is an absolute shame that this is an 11 o'clock game. i get do this why Why does the Big Ten insist on putting their big games at 11 o'clock? they they that That's been their MO for while. i mean, they did it with Ohio State
Texas vs. Ohio State: Anticipated Showdown
00:16:45
Speaker
and Penn State last year on that ah that game they played with a couple weeks left to go in the season. Because Big Noon is the biggest game on Fox, and that's Fox gets first right on Big Ten games. So that's the entire reason for it.
00:16:58
Speaker
I mean, i whatever. It is what it is. that I mean, why wouldn't Fox instead do a big noon when I do big seven o'clock? Because they want to they want their pregame show to lead right into their biggest game.
00:17:09
Speaker
Gotcha. Fair enough. mean, i yeah i think it least I think it's stupid, too. But whatever. Either way, this game is going to be fantastic. Like this is definitely two of the top obviously three teams. But ah this might be the top two teams this year, honestly.
00:17:26
Speaker
Um, dude, I just think Texas's roster is so good this year. And me and you have talked about it numerous times. I just think Arch is going to be incredible. Honestly, I'm going Texas in this game.
00:17:39
Speaker
i think it's going to be a really good game and I can see their team winning. i just, i think Texas has a better team overall. It's going to be a crazy atmosphere, just absolute insane atmosphere for Texas to be rolling into.
00:17:53
Speaker
you got Caleb Downs, probably the best defensive player in the country. um He's got a chance. I think he had a very good chance to be the highest drafted safety in NFL history next spring.
00:18:07
Speaker
And then they have an NFL wide receiver core. and All that being said, man. And they have the best receiver in the country in Jeremiah Smith. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. I mean, dude, you could roll their receiver. If the Falcons were rolling out the Ohio State's receiver core week one, I don't think anybody would bet I. They'd be okay. they They could go into battle with those guys.
00:18:25
Speaker
Yeah. But ah I just think Arch going live up to the hype, dude. There's a lot of things that say common sense. Yeah, Ohio State probably probably squeaks this one out.
00:18:36
Speaker
And then we see Texas go on a run you know from here on out. But I'm going to go with the fun pick, man. I think Arch lives up to the hype. They go in there and they get it done. Agreed. i just I think Texas is a really good team this year. Yeah.
Fantasy Football Draft Strategies
00:18:51
Speaker
All right. It's going to an awesome, awesome day. what you you donate Are you staying home watching Sunday? Are you going to the sports bar? What's your plan for or Saturday? you going to the sports bar or you just chilling at home? i so I'm probably just staying at home on Saturday, dude.
00:19:04
Speaker
This is a marathon weekend with Nebraska playing on Thursday night and with it being a holiday weekend. So can't go to the bar every single day. Yeah, we ah our game is at 9 on Saturday, so we should be getting back just in time for the 11 o'clock kickoff. and I think Brett's got a couple friends coming over. We're going go play miniature golf, and they're staying the night. I should definitely be able to catch the first window of games, man. Then I probably won't be back until the primetime games. but It's going to be awesome, dude. It's great to have a full slate of games back. And then we got our fantasy draft on Sunday, man, in the Kentucky Football Conference. the
00:19:41
Speaker
It's the fantasy football league we've had going. It's the 20th season now. i think Jordan's been in it for 12 or 13 years at this point. um if you get We don't know the draft order yet, Jordan. Before we roll into our NFL talk, we'll kick it off with this. If you get the number one pick in our draft, are taking?
00:19:56
Speaker
Jamar Chase. Jamar Chase. That's a bold move, dude. I think I'm taking Lamar Jackson, man, if I get first pick. no i just i like I like where your head's at value-wise, man. I think that's definitely the analytics pick. That's probably the smartest, man, compared to you know his production, compared us to rest the positions. But still, dude, the receivers, man, they can just let you down some weeks, dude. I feel like I've always been like – I've typically been like the scavenger hunt for a QB. I'll get somebody eighth or ninth round. I think I went fourth or fifth and got Josh Allen last year. Yeah.
00:20:26
Speaker
But I think if I get a high pick, I think I'm just going for the sure thing and locking in either Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson this time. Yeah, I get it. I would be high Jayden Daniels, but I'm still not convinced that he plays a full season, dude. I could see him getting injured and missing, you know, getting banged up, missing two or three games here or there this year. yeah I think that's a very realistic possibility. For sure.
AFC West Analysis: Raiders, Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs
00:20:50
Speaker
right, you want to do first, man? You want to the AFC West the NFC? Let's do the AFC West. It's a much less exciting division to me. All right, we'll kick it off with the Vegas Raiders. These guys really freaking crapped out last year, man. They went 4-13 after an 8-9, a little bit frisky season the year before.
00:21:11
Speaker
They were 3-4 in one score game, so it's a chance that they could – they could kind of get the – they could do a little bit better on that this year. twenty ninth in offense, 26th in defense.
00:21:23
Speaker
Was last season a success? I'd say no, man. any Anytime you get a clean house in the regime, it's not a success. I think they had some – they had a little bit of hype coming in, bringing Pierce back as a coach, but it was just not a good year at all, man.
00:21:36
Speaker
That was a foolish decision, bringing him back. just They just – they caught fire at the end of 2023, and they just decided to bring him back, which – I mean, dude, it just seemed like such a wild move to to bring him back as the coach. i mean, I'm not saying anything bad about Antonio Pierce, but just not an inspiring hire at all.
00:21:58
Speaker
I think these guys had ah real good meat and potatoes offseason. Bringing in Pete Carroll, that already elevates the culture and just, I think, the intensity and competitiveness your team. And then they brought in Geno Smith, man, who is just, you know, if I had a one word for him, would just be productive, man.
00:22:13
Speaker
That guy, for for years now, you put him on the field, he's going to move your team. ah He's going to move the offense, right? He's going to move the chains. He's going to put points on the board. um i don't know if he's the guy that's gonna you know get the raiders back to the glory days but he's definitely going to be respectable and a competent quarterback in there and that's something that they just haven't really had um really since they ran derrick car out town they just need stability is what they need more than anything right now they don't need somebody to be flashy they just need someone to keep this team grounded and hiring pete carroll is just i mean that's exactly what you want to change like the
00:22:48
Speaker
the direction of your franchise. they They just had no direction at all. Obviously Brady's part owner now, so I'm sure that had a big part in it of bringing in a guy that proven coach, you know, he's going to get you back on track and bringing it like you said, bringing in Gino, it's exactly what you're doing right right there. You're just trying to get yourself back on track. I i don't think anybody's thinking like the Raiders are going to win 12 games or anything this year, but They just need to to find like some some stability and just get back to a little bit of a normal franchise again.
00:23:20
Speaker
Just for shits and giggles, man. week Week six, he's getting itchy up there in the booth. Tom Brady decides he's coming back for the Raiders. Is he immediately the starter over Geno Smith? I mean, what is there, four or five teams that Tom Brady would not be an immediate starter on at this point? Yeah, I mean, where it's been two years since he's been late. You think he's still coming back right into the starting spot?
00:23:41
Speaker
Like, bro, Tom Brady's been eating grass and dirt still for the last two years, right? He's somehow younger than when he left. Yeah, I think he'd be completely fine. But that's not happening.
00:23:52
Speaker
your sword what Yeah, I know. what did What did you think of them taking Ashton Gentry where they did in the draft? I mean, it makes perfect sense. Like a Pete Carroll ah offense having a running back like him. I mean, he's kind of built after Marshawn Lynch, if you think about it. So to me, it makes sense.
00:24:09
Speaker
Are you at all concerned with how he's looked in the preseason, man? Because it's been less than impressive. No, I think that's more just offensive line pi play and getting some continuity more than anything. I think he's going to be okay.
00:24:22
Speaker
I don't, I'm not too worried about him. And like, once they have their full offense in there, I think they'll do okay. 12 carries for 37 yards with a long of 13 yards for the preseason. But yeah, I'm with you. they we don't We don't know exactly how much they're scheming or if they're even really showing any of the more complex like blocking schemes and stuff they're going to roll out in their own game. But just something keep an eye on. them It definitely wasn't – he hasn't burst on the scene what we've seen so far in the preseason. But I'm excited to see how he does. One of the most productive college football running backs we've seen in a very long time.
00:24:53
Speaker
I'll look for 2025, dude. I think these guys get back a little bit closer to where they were 2023, man. I don't see them making a push for the playoffs, but I could totally see them, you know, eight, nine, you know, maybe they get to nine and eight and have a winning season this year.
00:25:05
Speaker
I was thinking about seven wins for them, seven, eight wins, I think. and ah To me – It's a tough division. That's one thing they got going against them, dude. There's no easy wins in this division. To me, they get to seven or eight wins. That's a success for this team. Like first year under Pete Carroll.
00:25:20
Speaker
I mean, dude, they had to kind of do a reset on the roster. Like they they needed a lot. So, yeah, I think that would be a perfectly respectable season if they get to seven or eight wins. All right, let's go to the
Broncos’ Season Outlook
00:25:33
Speaker
Broncos, man. This is a team that I listen to a lot of the ah hardcore NFL pause where they really break down the and analytics. They're high on this team, man. The analytics guys are high on this team and the 49ers to have some breakthroughs this year.
00:25:47
Speaker
ah Broncos last year went 10-7. That was coming off eight nine on the the first year of Sean Payton there with Russell Wilson, still quarterback. They go 10-7 with Bo Nix. Here's a pretty alarming stat if you're – an AFC West ah you know rival with these guys.
00:26:03
Speaker
They were 1-6 in one-score games, man. So they went 10-7 despite going 1-6 in one-score games. That tells me that you know six of their seven losses were by one score or less. So this wasn't a team that was getting blown out.
00:26:14
Speaker
They were really good. If you remember, dude, they actually gave the Bills – you know, they ended up getting blown out, dude, but they were, they came out on fire that first quarter against the bills in the playoffs. You're thinking, Oh shit, are we about to see another bills flame out here?
00:26:25
Speaker
Uh, before they got it together, but 10th in offense, third in defense. I think last year was a ah smash success for the Broncos. Yeah. I mean, when you draft a quarterback and mean, dude, going into last season, there was a lot of doubters of Bo Nix and he, he's definitely quieted every doubter that he could have. I mean,
00:26:43
Speaker
He can play. Dude, yeah. As much as I hate Sean Payton, man, just an absolute perfect team or perfect coach for Bo Nix to learn under. Like, it's just this team is definitely set up for success for a long time. Like, defense was third last year, and I honestly think the defense might be better this year. Yeah.
00:27:01
Speaker
Yeah, the defense actually still has some room for improvement, is as crazy as that sounds. um They picked up Dre Greenlaw from the Niners. Obviously, his best year is probably behind him but i think he could still be a hell of a contributor for a playoff team. and They got Evan Ingram for the Jaguars. i know Bo Nix is going to love having him. yeah um Dude, it's just it's such a tough division, man. I don't know.
00:27:23
Speaker
i could see them improving on 10 and seven. Maybe they get to 11 wins. I think 12 wins is probably the highest I'd go for these guys. But I think they're going to end up, unfortunately, just because their division they're in right around the right around the same same record, man, even if the actual team may be even a little bit better than last year.
00:27:41
Speaker
Dude, this one's a tough one for me because I seriously think their defense going to be better than last year. some high I could easily see this end up being the number one defense this year.
00:27:53
Speaker
i think they end up 11 or 12 wins. like Dude, they went one in six in one score games and still went 10 and seven. That's nuts. Yeah, that is nuts. I mean, a couple of those games bounce differently. they're You're talking 13, 14 wins.
00:28:07
Speaker
ah Yeah, i I think this team is just set up for success all across the board. I mean, they really have built an impressive roster. Like, if you look at their roster, it is really, really good, and their defense is very, very good. So, yeah, I think they're going to be really good this year.
00:28:24
Speaker
right, let's go out to the coast to L.A., man, the Chargers.
Chargers’ Performance Under Harbaugh
00:28:29
Speaker
First year under Jim Harbaugh was a smash success, dude. 11-6, coming off for five and twelve of the year before. These guys were 4-4 in one-score games. 11-0 offense, first defense. It was classic, like early 49ers era, Jim Harbaugh football, dude. Just defense, reflux.
00:28:45
Speaker
running the ball. ah Justin Herbert, super, super protective with the football. he He had three interceptions all season and somehow threw, what, four against the Texans in the playoffs, right? yeah Yeah, like how does that happen, man? A little bit those were bad luck, but still, like, it's like they just decided, okay, this week we're going open the offense up and they just imploded. I thought they had a really good chance of going in there and beating Houston in that playoff game.
00:29:08
Speaker
Yeah, I thought so too. And then they just got absolutely shellacked. So that was definitely not a good look at all for a finish for the season for these guys. Yeah, both of Justin Herbert's two starts in the playoffs have been nightmarish, man. They had that. They blew the 20-point lead against the Jags in the 2022 season.
00:29:27
Speaker
And then, yeah, last year, Houston-Texas team that was limping into the playoffs a little bit, they went in there and got absolutely steamrolled by them. They lost Joey Bosa, one their biggest playmakers off defense. They did sign Trey Lance, man, the of Trey Lance. what What a freaking career this guy has Is he officially QB2 for Los Angeles? Yep.
00:29:49
Speaker
What if we get the replay man of the Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, dude, and Trey Lance comes in like week eight and just sets the world on fire with with Jim Harbaugh? I think the Trey Lance boat has definitely went out to sea. a I don't think we're ever going to see that talent realized in the NFL, dude. It's just – I wonder what happened. man right we need We need a 30 for 30 on him here in a couple He literally went into the best situation quarterback could have went into.
00:30:18
Speaker
Obviously, he got hurt the first year, so you can't hold that against him. Dude, don't know, man. dude i just i don't know man There's... There's got to be just something in this guy's head at this point.
00:30:29
Speaker
Because you saw the highlights from North Dakota State, right? The guy looked like incredible, man. He looked incredible. He had a ah you know a regime as smart as Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch convinced it. We need to bet the farm.
00:30:44
Speaker
on trading up for this guy and then just a complete flame out every time we've seen him, dude. Like remember when he was, you know, when he was named starter and he he was going into that second season as a starter, dude, there were people out there was chatter. He was going to be the MVP because, you know, it's Kyle Shanahan's offense and he, this guy's just tailor made for it. And just based off the numbers she's put up, there was chatter out there floating around. You can still probably go back and find some stuff, man, for that 2022 season. I think it was, um, um,
00:31:10
Speaker
um that Yeah, that Trey Lance is is you know got a chance to win the MVP this year, dude. Yeah, man. what it What a saga. Bro, that draft has two of the big biggest busts in the last 15 years with Trey Lance and Zach Wilson. like Absolutely insane those two guys got picked back to back.
00:31:28
Speaker
Yeah, brutal, man. um You know, kind of same boat as the Broncos, man. I feel like these guys and the Chiefs who are going to to you next, they're kind of all in really same boat. I think we're going see a slight regression with the Chargers. I don't think, you know, i just can't see them improving off 11 and 6, man. I don't i think now they could totally get to the playoffs and go on a run, right? We may see something like that.
00:31:51
Speaker
But I don't see them having a considerably more successful regular season than they had last year. Dude, the other thing is, if you watch their games, they had a lot of stuff go right in a lot of the games they played. Like, I mean, Harbaugh definitely helps a lot.
00:32:08
Speaker
Dude, I don't think Herbert can have a better season than he had last year in the regular season. kicks, man. I just – I don't know how that guy can have a better season than that. Like, I just – I don't know, man. they're They're definitely a candidate for regression. I would agree with you there. mean, they had the best defense in the NFL last year and still got barbecued in the playoffs in the first round. like I don't know, man. That's going to stick with them, I feel like.
00:32:35
Speaker
If I tell you you could only pick one of these teams to have to make the playoffs in 2025 out of the Broncos and Chargers, who are you picking? The Broncos. yes I just feel like their roster is better, dude.
00:32:47
Speaker
Yeah, roster is better. I just feel like there's a little bit more momentum around there, dude. Maybe it's just better PR. I'm hearing way more reports and stuff about you know how great the Broncos are looking and how much improved they are than I've been hearing about the Chargers yeah at this point in the season. Yeah, I think this team, I could see them still winning 10 games, 9, 10 games, but i just I don't think they're going to have the same season they had last year.
00:33:14
Speaker
All right, let's go to the preeminent team in the decade, really, in the NFL, Kansas City
Chiefs’ Consistency and Challenges
00:33:23
Speaker
Chiefs. These guys go last year, best record in the league, 11-6. That's up from 11-6 the year before.
00:33:31
Speaker
These guys were 11 and 0 in one score games. This is one where I don't think that I, you obviously I don't think they're going to go freaking 11 and 0 in one score games again. i don't think there's big of a candidate for aggression as most teams in the situation would be. This is just such a veteran team.
00:33:48
Speaker
So well coached. They're just prepared. They just out executed, man. Now there was definitely some times where they had just some crazy luck, right? But, but dude, luck favors, you know, the team that that's prepared for anything, man. and It just seemed like when they get in a high leverage situation,
00:34:00
Speaker
This team would almost always outperform the opponents up until that Super Bowl when they just got wiped out the field by Philly. 15th in ah offense, 4th in defense. that Really for the second straight year, the defense really carried this team. man That's kind of the the fun thing about the Chiefs. They've changed so much over the course of this run because they were like the freaking greatest show on turf Rams during those first couple years of the Mahomes era.
00:34:22
Speaker
yeah i don't i just don't really know what to think about this team right now the roster is getting a little bit older um i know a lot of people are really high on their receivers i like worthy a lot rashi rice fresh off a acl tear ah i that's never a good sign like when you one of your best players is coming off an acl tear i don't love that um That was probably the worst. He's going to be improved. He was already a pretty solid weapon last year. That was i mean yeah that was by far the worst year we've probably seen out of Mahomes, and they still went fifteen and two
00:35:00
Speaker
yeah i i mean Going in one score games is absolutely insane. like i just i I don't know how you do that two years in a row. like I'm with you on they got Mahomes and they got Andy Reid, and that's all they really need to be successful, but I just I do not see them going 11-0 in one score games again. Yeah, I think they're definitely coming. Yeah, I don't think they're going 15-2 either, man. Like I see them coming down probably around like eleven twelve wins this year. Something I think is to be more similar to that 2023 season we saw. um You know, obviously we know they can go on the play on the road in the playoffs and win. That's that's not an issue. We saw that 2023 well.
00:35:39
Speaker
to To me, man, it obviously it's it's the easy comparison just because it's what we we saw the decade prior. They really just remind me of kind of the late era Brady Patriots at this point, dude. They're not necessarily like blowing you off the page with the talent that they're rolling out there, um but they're just so well-prepared, expertly coached, motivated week in and week out, and they're going find a way to beat you and just start stacking up the wins, man. And postseason – We'll see, man. I don't think they're i don't think anybody fears the Chiefs at this point, right? ah Maybe the Bills do.
00:36:12
Speaker
ah But I don't think anybody else is fearing the Chiefs at this point. But you just know you got to play a damn near perfect game if going knock these guys out in the playoffs, man. We saw Philly do it, so we know it's possible. um This team, but yeah we're we're we're talking about a team that came up a Super Bowl short of being the first ever to pull out the three-peat. So they're still going force to be contended with. I don't think anybody should be shaking in their boots when they see these guys coming up on the schedule, whether it's the regular season or the playoffs. They're definitely beatable. I mean, the Bills – Should have beat them each of the last two seasons probably if we're really yeah of ruing getting down to brass tacks, but they just couldn't quite get it done.
00:36:47
Speaker
And they've just reigned over the AFC, man. and In the the seven years of Mahomes as the starter, they've never ah been eliminated prior to making it to the AFC Championship game, which is just an incredible freaking stat.
00:37:01
Speaker
The thing about that team is that they just execute so well on everything that they do. Like, they just, they know how to play football and they know what they're supposed to do on the field.
00:37:12
Speaker
I don't feel like, I mean, this, like, i agree with you. When you look up and down at this roster, it's not like you're like, oh, God, you've target this guy and highlight this guy. And this is who you have to worry about the most in the playoffs. I mean, Kelsey is obviously not what he was even two years ago. Like, we saw it last year. i mean His athleticism has declined big time over the last two seasons. That's the one of the things. Everybody's like, well, his route running is just so good. I just don't think you're going to see much of a regression.
00:37:41
Speaker
No, you saw it. Like, dude, the thing about Kelsey was he was basically a big-ass wide receiver playing tight end, and he did not have that juice last year. So we'll see, man. I mean, he's a professional, so he could come out there and turn back the hands of time this year and have one more really great season.
00:37:57
Speaker
Either way, I think this is Kelsey's last year. i just do not see him coming back after this year. Let's go to AFC. What's your overall prediction, man? Do you think these guys are still going to be kind of the same, which is right there in the mix? Yeah, I still think they win 11, 12 games, man. i just It's hard for me to think that this is just like ah ever going to be a complete fall off.
00:38:18
Speaker
I mean, unless Andy Reid retires or yeah something happens, i just or Mahomes goes down, that's the only way I'd be like, all right, well, the Chiefs are kind of screwed at this point. Yes or no, do they make it back to the AFC championship game?
00:38:36
Speaker
ah Yeah. I say yeah, too. I don't know if they go past it. Maybe this is the year they lose. But, yeah, if you're if you're telling me straight up, dude, I say it's a soft yeah. I'm probably at like 58, 59% confidence that that it happens. But if you tell me I got to pick one way or the other on the air, yeah, I say the Chiefs are back in the Final Four once again. Something's going to break their way where they don't have to play the Bengals or the Ravens until the AFC Championship game, and I think that's what's going the factor in it.
00:39:05
Speaker
Yeah, yeah, I could totally see that, man. Speaking of ah the Ravens, you ready to move over to the AFC North, the last
Browns’ Disappointing Season and Leadership Critique
00:39:12
Speaker
division? This is it, dude. After this, we're officially like you know we're on the runway, ready to launch for the 2025 season, dude. Let's do it.
00:39:20
Speaker
Let's start off with Believe Land, dude. The Cleveland Browns, man. Pitiful. I think, to me, they're like a half step above the Jets and the Saints for absolute worst situation in the NFL, dude. If they didn't have Shadur, they would be the worst, man. But Shadur's giving them this little glimmer of hope. They're the QB3, who Jordan says won't see the field this year. 3-14 after a really, really fun, really successful 2023 season where they went 11-6, Yeah.
00:39:45
Speaker
um Last year was just a disaster, dude. Deshaun Watson was back, but looked somehow worse. ah Gets injured, man. Just, I don't know, dude. It was horrible last year, man. 3-14 after, yeah, again, after going They were one score offense, defense.
00:40:07
Speaker
how How did Kevin Stefanski keep his freaking job? I honestly do not know. That is like one of the biggest mysteries ever, how nobody got the axe on this franchise after what just happened last year. I mean...
00:40:21
Speaker
The only thing I can think is that like he knows where the bodies are buried on the whole Deshaun Watson deal, right? Like freaking, you know, on what the conversations were behind the scenes. I'm bringing him in, and I'm thinking there could have been a situation where maybe ownership like forced it and like, hey, you're going to play this guy no matter what, and you know they don't want that coming. If the fantasy is a good soldier, they're taking care of him contract-wise, but...
00:40:44
Speaker
Last year was just so bad after a really damn good 2023 season, man, where they had people hyped up for a Joe Flacco run into your playoff run in 2023. Yeah, I just – I know they had a ton of injuries last year.
00:40:59
Speaker
i mean, like, I don't think they could – I mean, they could be worse, but I'd be pretty shocked if they were worse than what they were last year. Like, they're the worst offense in the league in a bottom five of defense.
00:41:11
Speaker
I mean, they're bringing back Flacco, dude. I just i don't know what to think about this team. Dude, this is how you know they're a clusterfuck. They drafted Dylan Gabriel in the third round and then came back and drafted Shador in the fifth. like They just don't know what they're... Who else does that? like Seriously. i They themselves... mean, you know im a Shador fan, but I'm still sensitive to the situation you're putting Dylan Gabriel in, dude. Now you have him more like...
00:41:36
Speaker
One of the most popular young NFL players out there is now behind you on the depth chart, dude. You know the – God forbid, dude, let's say Joe Flacco blows out an Achilles week two and Gabriel gets in there.
00:41:48
Speaker
Dude, the Browns fans are going to be frothing at the mouth to get Gabriel the fuck off the field it and put Shidora in, man. It's not a good situation at all. Like I yeah i just – I don't – Yeah, they better pray Joe Flacco does not get hurt because if if it comes down to him getting hurt and then they have to start Dylan Gabriel, it's going to be ugly.
00:42:08
Speaker
mean, it's not going to be a good thing. Boo Birds, bro. The first time he throws five-yard completion on a third and seven, the Boo Birds are going to be out in full force against him. One thing for them, they this is why I always stuck with the Shador was not starting or even being second string.
00:42:26
Speaker
Dude, if you draft Dylan Gabriel in the third round and then come back three months later and are like, hey, man, this guy's just not good enough. he He's our third string quarterback. I think that is a terrible look on the franchise. Yeah. Definitely. It's a lot of egg on your face. You got Even if it's even if in-house they know, hey, your door is little bit better. You got to save face and at least try Gabriel out there first and let him struggle on the field. And at that point, you say, hey, you know, what we we tried didn't translate. And here's your door.
00:42:52
Speaker
I don't think anybody's going to be successful. do We talked about Brady starting for any team. I don't know if you do prime Brady. On this team this year, I don't know how much better he's making them. This is a bad... I mean, dude, Travion... or not Travion. Judkins still hasn't signed. like That's the one guy on their offense that I was excited to watch, and he still hasn't even signed yet. i I don't know what this team is doing, dude. I just...
00:43:16
Speaker
ah I got no idea here. You know, he didn't get a lot of pub, man, but dude they got Dylan Sampson from Tennessee, dude. He's a damn good running back, man. He had the most rushing touchdowns in ah Tennessee volunteer history. I think some of the running backs have come out of that school over the years, man. So, you know, Judkins not being there to get any reps or anything, it may not be a blessing for disguise. Maybe we see a little bit heavier dose of Dylan Sampson early this season. I mean, it's definitely not a blessing in disguise, dude. That's your second-round pick that's not signed. That's not good at all.
00:43:45
Speaker
Yeah, I think these guys are last place with a bullet in the AFC North. Oh, no question. Oh, we forgot to do our prediction of standings in the AFC West, too. Yeah, I'm going Raiders, Chargers, Broncos, Chiefs.
00:44:04
Speaker
Yeah, I'll go the same. All right, let's go up to Cincinnati.
Bengals’ Offensive Strength and Defensive Weakness
00:44:08
Speaker
Definitely the most entertaining team to not make the playoffs last year. They went 9-8. Actually, two years in a row, they went 9-8. And they missed the playoffs now twice in a row after they had a little mini run of of some serious success, man. That 2021 season, they go to the Super Bowl, gave the Rams everything they could handle.
00:44:25
Speaker
And then 2022, they make it to the AFC Championship and just barely lose to the Chiefs, man. They had some questionable calls down the stretch that cost them going back to the Super Bowl. Um, but they missed it last year's nine and eight Joe Burrow had issues staying healthy in 2023 last year. They had the sixth best offense in the league. would say it was probably the most explosive offense in the league, but the defense was just a freaking pit, man. Like they, they, they were the team. If you were struggling on ah offense, they were the team that you want to face last year. They were somehow 25th ranked, but I felt like every time I saw them play, they were just getting gashed up, man.
00:44:58
Speaker
Um, Last year's success, and it's no, but with the caveat that, dude, what the what the offense was able to put together was so freaking promising, man. like it they They were playing an exciting brand of football.
00:45:12
Speaker
Nobody wanted to see them in the playoffs, dude, right? I'm talking about the other AFC teams, man. They were definitely breathing a sigh relief when the Steelers got that freaking seventh seed instead of the Bengals because this is not a team that you wouldn't have to go, you know, any given Sunday, ah go up against in single elimination format.
00:45:28
Speaker
Yeah. ah Dude, I'm just kind of at a loss with this team. They they always start slow every season. i mean, I hope it doesn't happen this year. Like, dude, they got the Browns week one. Like, dude, if you if you end up – If lose to the Browns, yeah, you may need to fire the freaking coach, man. Like, you just – you can't have it happen, dude. Like, they they got to come out fast. Yeah, the last two years – and even the year before that, man, the year before that, that 2022 season where they Like I said, they almost beat the Chiefs. It's the last three years. They've had absolutely horrible Septembers, man. And they end up digging such a hole that you've got to freaking climb out of, man. It just comes insurmountable by the end of the season. Because that was Patriots that they lost to week one last year, right? They went 0-3 to start the season last year.
00:46:13
Speaker
Yeah. i think I want to say they had the Patriots, though, who who were expecting to be one of the worst teams in the league in week one and beat them. That was like the real shocker for week one. Somewhere like it taking out basically people's suicide pools, man, that they were in.
00:46:25
Speaker
um Survivor? Yeah, Survivor Bulls. But yeah, the but the defense, dude, it hasn't looked good this preseason. It could end up actually being worse. so i don't really even I'm kind of with you, man. I don't even know what to make of this team um here in 2025. Dude, this is a frustrating team because...
00:46:46
Speaker
they're Like you just said, they're extremely enjoyable to watch offensively. Defensively is the exact opposite of enjoyable to watch. like They are a sieve on defense. i mean They lost numerous games with with leads under three minutes and lost because their defense can't get off the field.
00:47:06
Speaker
ah Dude, i just I think their defense is going to be just as bad, if not worse. like They got Trey Hendrickson back under a contract, so he's playing, so that'll help. But, dude, he was the number one sack leader in the NFL last year, and they were still that bad on defense. I just... I don't know, man. I i don't know what to think about this team.
00:47:26
Speaker
They spent all that money keeping T, Jamar, and Joe Burrow, which I get, but... Like, dude... I don't know, man. I just i feel like that money for T could have been utilized on defense, and it would have made a hell of a difference on this team utilizing that money on defense. like Dude, if you're that bad on defense, you have to sign some guys.
00:47:48
Speaker
and i mean They didn't bring anybody in to make this defense better. I'm a fan of maximizing strengths and trying to shore up weaknesses, man. So i i get I definitely get what you're coming from, man.
00:48:01
Speaker
I think you could totally make the case to not sign T. Higgins and get some defensive talent in there. But I'm kind of of the camp that if you've got this great thing, let's keep this great thing that we know we have. Let's keep it together instead of taking a chance and spending some money on some free agents that may not pan out and be worth a damn anyways. Okay, but here's here's my question to you since since you think it's such a great idea when is the last time that somebody that's that bad on either side of the ball offense or defense won a super bowl All right, let's see here. Let's run it back. So last year, Eagles were strong on both sides. Chiefs were strong on both sides the two years before. 2021 was Rams. They were pretty solid on both.
00:48:40
Speaker
um but i don't know. how How good was the Bucs defense in 2020? I don't remember the Bucs defense being like crazy good. I mean, they had good game against Mahomes. They were still top half of the league. Yeah. 2019 was the the Chiefs again. 2018, the Patriots offense wasn't great. Remember, that was a Super Bowl. They won 10-3 against the Rams. But no, I get what you're saying, dude. You need balance, man. we It's typically, you know, even like ah there was a run there in the early 2000s where, you know, defense wins championships was really reign supreme. You'd see some teams that were just freaking nails on defense and offenses were mediocre and they'd get to the Super Bowl.
00:49:17
Speaker
But no, I'm with you, man. But I don't know. I mean, what... i don't know I don't know what's behind door B, right, if I'm the Bengals. I'm not saying that it was 100% the right thing to do. I think it was a good little bit of a coin flip, man, on what to do with that T. Higgins situation.
00:49:31
Speaker
But if I know I got this dude who's like a borderline all-pro, perfect compliment for Jamar Chase behind door A, or I got unknown grab bag of defensive talent um behind door B, I think I'm taking T. Higgins, man. But, you know, I definitely get what you're saying, though, man. Like, it would have... ah it's something they could definitely, they, they end up regretting if this all blows up and they just have a replay of the 2020 portion. You use the 2018 Patriots, for example, they were fourth on offense, seventh on defense.
00:50:01
Speaker
Okay. Well, i'm think i'm think I'm thinking about like, you know, obviously I don't got the DVOA stats pulled up, but I'm just going off the dome. i thinking about what they look like on those playoff runs. And I remember that Super Bowl that I want to say was three to nothing for the longest time in that Super Bowl against the Rams. That was really Sean McVay's like, hey, I'm the real deal for a coach, though. Like, I just felt like they had such a great game plan because their other two playoff games that year, they beat the Chargers 41 to 28 and they beat Chiefs 37, 31 overtime.
00:50:30
Speaker
like The 2015 Broncos, that that's one, man. that now that I was starting starting starting to run it back another a couple years. Remember that year? That's the year we had Peyton Manning with basically, you know, his arm was like a couple of loose ah like strands of yarn by the time they got to the Super Bowl. But that defense was just absolutely freaking wrecking.
00:50:48
Speaker
A wrecking ball season. and They shut down Cam Newton's MVP season there in ah and San Francisco. Yeah. 2015 Broncos, 19th in points per game and fourth in defense. so Yeah.
00:51:01
Speaker
So, yeah, it's been a decade since we've seen somebody. But, again, dude, what tell me what they're getting. if What are they signing if they don't sign T. Higgins? Who was out there that they could have gone and got? Dude, I mean, at this point, anything is better what they than what they got on defense right now. Like, their secondary is miserable. Their defensive line sucks outside of Hendrickson. Like, I just – I don't know, dude. There had to have been something better out there for them to do defensively.
00:51:27
Speaker
Like, you can't just run that shitty defense back and just think bringing in a new defensive coordinator is all of a sudden going to fix it. Because, as you just mentioned, we watched it preseason. It's not going to fix it. That defense is awful.
00:51:40
Speaker
Well, still, dude, I'm not – I just still don't think – like i said, man, if you showed me the list of players they could get instead of T. Higgins, I would maybe go for it. But, I mean, they drafted – they spent their first two draft picks on on defense. Obviously, it doesn't matter since their first-round draft pick still hasn't signed. Yeah, he did. He signed.
00:51:58
Speaker
Oh, he did sign? Okay. um But he had five and a half s sacks in college, and they drafted him to be an edge rusher. Yeah. yeah You know, hey, man, they maybe they saw something that's going to translate to the pro style. It's the Bengals, dude. You can't you're applying logic to an illogical situation. Anytime you try to make. sense I'm aware. i'm just saying I'm just saying like, I just I don't understand running back the same defense again. Like I just it's just crazy to me. I mean, that's why they did not do well last year. So the defense was so bad.
00:52:26
Speaker
All right, um
Ravens’ Roster and Super Bowl Hopes
00:52:28
Speaker
let's move on. What's your outlook for them this season? I think about the same, dude. I think they could probably be a little bit better. I think maybe they get to 10 wins. um But, yeah, i don't I think they're going to be kind of hanging right around that mix where you know they're they're in a winning in or they've got to win and have a couple things go their way come week 17 to get in the playoffs. I don't think they're winning the division. I think they're going scraping by for one of the last wild card spots.
00:52:52
Speaker
Yeah, I agree with you. I could easily see them going 9-8 again, honestly. like It would not shock me if next year when we're talking about this, they were 9-8 again. Yeah. ah Let's go the down the road to Pittsburgh. so These guys were just you know boring competence last year. ten and seven for two straight seasons. 6-4 in one-score games. They were 16th in offense, 8th in defense.
00:53:15
Speaker
um you know At this point, dude the standard is so high in Pittsburgh. It's been a long time. I want to say it's been... since 2016 now, since they've won a playoff game, man, this was a team that, you know, it's always so competitive and they're still competitive, right? That's the big thing with Tomlin. They've never had a losing season with Tomlin there.
00:53:33
Speaker
Um, but it's been a long time since it's been any success in the playoffs. It feels like maybe the natives are getting a little bit restless there in Pittsburgh. Um, So was last year success? I don't know. I mean, I think they did about the best they could with the roster that they had, but still, I think the standard's are raised, and I think they're definitely going to have to upgrade on that to keep Tomlin off the hot seat this season.
00:53:54
Speaker
It's crazy to think that a guy that's never had a losing season is on the hot seat, but I'm with you, man. They haven't had a losing season, and like you just said, and but they also haven't had a playoff win in almost 10 years. like Yeah, they've been slightly above mediocre for almost a decade now. I mean, I just...
00:54:13
Speaker
I mean, at what point does it just wear off and they're just like, okay, we got to try something else, you know? just i totally see them regretting it, man. I can see them getting rid of Tomlin and being like, shit, we should have just hung on to this guy. But, yeah, you wonder what's why why are there ah why are they always really good but never great, man, for this long Because they've had talent in there. It's been a lot of talent year in year out. This is still a team that just – it's just, his you know, it's something built in the water there Pittsburgh now. They do a good job scouting. They generally do a really good job with their drafts.
00:54:41
Speaker
um They did trade the head case, George Pickens, send him out to the Cowboys. They sent Mika Fitzpatrick back to the Dolphins. But they brought in DK Metcalf, man, which I don't think he's ever quite 100% lived up to the potential.
00:54:54
Speaker
But he's still a damn good wide receiver. They got Jalen Ramsey in from the Dolphins. And then the big one, man, they brought in Aaron Rodgers from the Jets. So, don't know. It's definitely going be a different look, man. I'm still kind of trying to picture, like, Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers coexisting because they just their personalities do not seem like they would be a good mix. But, you know, maybe opposites attract on this one and it'll all work out.
00:55:14
Speaker
I'll give this team credit. They really did flip the roster, dude. Like, I mean, the three guys you just mentioned, like, those are like – off-season defining moves for any team. Like, bringing in Jalen Ramsey, he might not be as great as he once was, but he's still a good corner.
00:55:31
Speaker
They also brought in Darius Slay, like you said, DK Metcalf. Like, dude, they they did a lot of of things that, i mean, in in theory, if they work, are going to be really good for this team, but...
00:55:43
Speaker
I just, I don't know, man. ah I'm with you, dude. I just think the Rodgers with Tomlin thing, i just I don't know how that's going to mesh it at all. Also, Arthur Smith is his offensive coordinator, and as a person who's watched Arthur Smith the last few seasons, it usually doesn't end well for the quarterback. So, don't know, man. I am completely torn on this team.
00:56:06
Speaker
I'm predicting an implosion, man. I think Aaron Rodgers is the man to end Tomlin's streak. I think these guys go like 7-10, and it gets a little bit ugly down the stretch, man. I i call them this kind of weird b blend of personalities and talent that they brought in. I think it's not going to mix, and I think these guys fall down and end up behind the Bengals in the standings, man. I think these guys are falling somewhere between the Bengals and the Browns in the standings.
00:56:30
Speaker
I think they end up going 9-8. I think they keep the winning season streak alive. but I don't think they make the playoffs. And I also think it gets Tomlin fired. Yeah.
00:56:41
Speaker
All right. So we're both out on a rod, a rod resurges. I feel bad saying that, man, cause he did play pretty good down the stretch last year for the jets. But, uh, but yeah, man, I just, did he's a year older. it seemed like he had to kind of be cajoled playing a little bit. Like, yeah, I I'm out of this thing.
00:56:58
Speaker
Um, let's go down the road to Baltimore, dude. 12-5 after hurrican four last season. But don't be fooled, man. They they had some bad luck in one-score games. They went 5-5 in one-score games.
00:57:09
Speaker
Third in offense, ninth in defense. I actually think the team last year was better than that 2023 team that was the one seed when they were at their peak. They were a little bit less consistent last year with the defense.
00:57:20
Speaker
um But I thought when they were at their peak, they were the best team in the league last year. I really do. Oh, I 100% agree. Mark Jackson had one of the best seasons we've ever seen. Derrick Henry did not lose a single step going from Tennessee to Baltimore. They brought in DeAndre Hopkins and Jerry Alexander.
00:57:35
Speaker
I think both of those guys are going to be tremendous additions, man. I think, obviously, D-Hop isn't what he used to be, but I still think what he's bringing to the table right now is a perfect complement to everything else they got going in Baltimore. And I think Jerry Alexander is really going to make the Packers regret cutting bait on him.
00:57:50
Speaker
um But it's Super Bowl or bust, man. What do you think, man? How do you like their chances of finally getting past the Bills, finally getting past the Chiefs, and getting to the Super Bowl this year? ah I mean, dude, if you're asking me to to right now predict who I think the best two teams in the NFL are based on roster, coaching, everything like that, I'm taking Ravens and Eagles. I just i think both of these franchises are ran so incredibly well.
00:58:15
Speaker
i Dude, if they cannot get to the Super Bowl this year, mean, dude, at some point you got to start thinking about shaking the team up, don't you? Like, I just – I don't know how you keep running back the same thing over and over. I mean, I know there's a ton of success, like 12-5 last year, the season ago.
00:58:31
Speaker
thirteen in for the season to go But this team ain't playing for AFC North titles. Like, dude, they're playing for Super Bowls, and anything less than that at this point is is a disappointment.
00:58:42
Speaker
That was what I was going to get into. Was last year's success? To me, no. Like, they did not go meet their ultimate goal, which for them coming into last season, their goal was to win a Super Bowl. That was the only goal. And I know everybody who says, like, every team's goal should be to win a Super Bowl.
00:58:58
Speaker
This is different, though, man. This team... they They built this team for the exact reason of winning a Super Bowl, and they brought in guys so they could beat the Chiefs and the Bills, and they failed.
00:59:09
Speaker
like i just i'm I'm with you, man. I think you know you got a team that was the one seed. They lose the AFC Championship at home to the Chiefs. They go out and add Derrick Henry, you know best running back in the NFL, one of the best players overall in the NFL.
00:59:23
Speaker
I think getting to the Super Bowl and losing, you still could have called it a success. getting Losing to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship in a hard-fought game called a success. But, dude, you can't lose to the Bills in the second round, man. And that was like, you know, Lamar, he wasn't horrible, but he definitely wasn't his best that game. He got outplayed by Josh Allen that game. He had, you know, a couple weird turnovers.
00:59:42
Speaker
um Seemed like it took him a little bit to really kind of get his legs under him that game. Obviously, you know, at the end day, they had a furious comeback that really only fell short. because Mark Andrews fumbled and then dropped a gimme two-point conversion catch that that would have sent that game to overtime, um or at least tied it up down the stretch.
01:00:02
Speaker
So I'm with you, man. it It was definitely a failure. This team's right there. I don't think that they're going blow away. The Chiefs or the Bills, I think they're going to need to play their best game in the playoffs and hope that no bad breaks go against them, man. They just need to play the clean games when it gets to that point because they have it. You know the Chiefs the year before, they had a – Zay Jones had a freaking meltdown, man. Zay Flowers.
01:00:28
Speaker
Yeah, Zay Flowers, where he got – ah you know, got a penalty and then fumbled at the freaking goal line, back-to-back plays, kind of snuffed out their last chances. And then, like said, last year Lamar just did not play a clean first half against the Bills, and that was enough to kind of set them back to where they couldn't come back at the end of it.
01:00:44
Speaker
um My thing, know I mentioned this last offseason, too, like, when they brought in odell beckham i'm like dude this is not what they need they need deandre hopkins is literally the perfect person for this team they because hopkins can settle that receiver room down when things start going bad because those their receiving room is extremely young man zay flowers is still young bateman's not an older guy by any means like it's just it's a young team and they need more veteran leadership and that's why I was so high on Derek Henry going in there. Like, dude, just a guy that can write the ship and calm everybody down when it needs to happen. And I,
01:01:23
Speaker
They got to go to the Super Bowl this year, man. i just, if they don't make the Super Bowl this year, I just really feel like they have to make a franchise-altering decision after this season. i I don't know what it is, but you can't just keep running this team out there that every year, like we say, is arguably the best roster in the NFL and not getting to the point where you need to get it.
01:01:45
Speaker
I mean, the Clark's got to strike midnight on Derrick Henry eventually too, dude. Like, it's not basketball. He can't beat LeBron. Like, he's already on borrowed time. You know what i mean? Like, three years ago, if he if he ran out of gas, people would have said, you know, hell of a job, dude. So, all signs point to him having another big year, but I don't know. You know, they got to take advantage. I don't know if he's going to have another one in him after this one, dude.
01:02:06
Speaker
Yeah. They have to take full advantage of what they got now. I mean – yeah I mean, I think this team is going to be really good. Like, I think they're they're just as good, if not better, than the last two years this year. I mean, yeah like we said, the guys they brought in, dude, they made this team better again.
Can the Team Succeed This Year?
01:02:24
Speaker
Like, get how many times can we keep saying this? Like, they made the team better, so this should be the year they do it, right? Like, it's just, I mean, I don't know how many more excuses this team can get is the problem.
AFC North Predictions Favor Ravens
01:02:36
Speaker
Well, we'll save our official Super Bowl picks for next week, so let's not let let's not spoil it too much. I think Baltimore is definitely going to be a team we both think long and hard about. What's your final prediction for the AFC North? I'm going Browns, Steelers, Bengals, and then Ravens by a country mile.
01:02:53
Speaker
Yeah, I'm going the same. I think the Ravens run away with this division.
Preseason Wrap-Up and Teasers
01:02:58
Speaker
All right, that's a wrap for the preseason of the goal line. We'll be back with our full-fledged normal format next week, along with our predictions for the the season award winners and and our Super Bowl picks, along with covering week one of college football. Man, it's been fun. Thank you guys for sticking with us.
01:03:15
Speaker
We're really ready to get into the mix next week and have a full slate of NFL games to to
Closing Thoughts and Labor Day Wishes
01:03:19
Speaker
discuss. Jordan, here's some closing and thoughts, and we'll get out of here, man. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. Enjoy all the college football, and we'll talk to you guys next week.
01:03:56
Speaker
She's a lady through and through She gives them quite a battle All that they can handle She'll bruise some, she'll hurt some too