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00:00:01
Coaching Carousel 1/6/26
12 Plays9 days ago
Listen in to this exciting episode where the boys talk about the HC changes that are happening and where we think these coaches are going to end up.
Reach out to use on socials at ZNG Dynasty and email us at zngdynasty@gmail.com
Thank you for tuning in!
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Transcript
Intro
Introduction and Special Guest
00:00:38
Zig
Thank
00:00:39
Ninja
Ladies and and gentlemen, welcome back to a brand new edition of the ZNG Dynasty Podcast. And like last week, we've been telling you, we're going to try and bring some people onto this podcast, and boy, do we have a special one today. But before we introduce our main man of the hour, I'll throw it to our other main host, Junior. How you doing, buddy?
00:01:02
Dakota Zeigler
Doing good, doing good. as always, it's your guy, G, behind the ones and twos. I love this producing thing. I'm a big fan of it, and I'm glad this is how we're going to be doing stuff moving forward because, obviously, we're the two main people on this podcast. We always have and we always will be.
00:01:17
Ninja
Yeah, I love you on the ones and twos. i think I think you're best in that role. Just absolutely love you in production.
NFL Coach Firings Overview
00:01:23
Ninja
Beats the heck out of the other guy in this podcast. But bringing it to our special guest of the evening.
00:01:26
Dakota Zeigler
Mm-hmm.
00:01:30
Ninja
And guys, this is a real honor to finally have him join us to grace us with an appearance. It's the one, the only, Zig. How you doing, buddy? Welcome back.
00:01:42
Zig
Hey, what's up? I mean, that third guy on your podcast, I mean, that sounds like an absolute loser.
00:01:47
Ninja
Yeah.
00:01:48
Zig
Glad I'm not him. So, I mean, no one really likes that third guy anyway. So, no, glad to be back on the podcast. glad that you Glad to be the guest host here. And, you know, hopefully I can live up to the hype of of that Zach kid last week.
00:02:01
Dakota Zeigler
No chance.
00:02:02
Ninja
Yeah, he's a stud. I don't know what you are. But we're going to get going here. We actually have an agenda, unlike last pod, where we got a couple things we want to talk about. And as everyone knows, week 18 ended. We know everyone is going to be in the playoffs. And being so, there is a lot of coach firings. So we're going to start it there.
00:02:20
Ninja
And I'm going to go with some ones that we already knew. The Giants fired Dayball mid-year. We all know that. The Titans fired Brian Callahan mid-year. We all know that. But a couple guys who got fired after week 18, probably the most...
00:02:35
Ninja
known one. Everyone knew it was going to happen. It's Pete Carroll getting fired from the Raiders. Everyone saw this coming. They just looked bad no matter how it got drawn up. I think he had both of his sons as quarterback and offensive line coach, and you saw how that went.
00:02:51
Ninja
You don't shit where you eat. I like to say, Junior, anything here about the Pete Carroll fire?
00:02:56
Dakota Zeigler
No, I mean, it was a weird hire originally. Didn't make much sense for a rebuilding team that doesn't have anything going forward to hire a 70-something-year-old head coach.
00:03:06
Dakota Zeigler
It was not a good fit in the beginning. Turns out it never was a good fit either way. I do think the fact that they were bad enough to get the first overall pick means they have a better chance of getting a higher-end head coach because someone's going be like well, maybe I can bring in my quarterback of the future and kind of build around this team. But even then, this roster sucks. This team stinks. Organization stinks. So it's not a great position to want to be the head coach of.
00:03:29
Ninja
Yeah, and I think I saw something today where after the Pete Carroll fire, and obviously they're going to bring in a new head coach, they will have to pay five head coaches.
00:03:41
Dakota Zeigler
Yes.
00:03:41
Ninja
Five.
00:03:42
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:03:43
Ninja
That's how bad it has been for the Raiders.
00:03:45
Zig
it like It's like million dollars a year.
00:03:46
Ninja
Zig.
00:03:49
Zig
They're paying five head coaches.
00:03:50
Dakota Zeigler
and
00:03:50
Zig
It's it's insane. To not coach.
00:03:52
Dakota Zeigler
that aren't currently coaching your team.
00:03:52
Zig
Yeah.
00:03:54
Dakota Zeigler
And then they're still going to have to pay new head coach that they hire this offseason.
00:03:57
Ninja
Yeah, it's terrible. And then the next...
00:03:59
Dakota Zeigler
Sorry, Brady.
00:04:02
Ninja
Brady don't care. He's not paying them. Our next fire this week, probably one that hit close to home for me and Junior because I still think he's a great coach, just maybe not head coach. I think he was dealt a really bad deck there with quarterback play, but Jonathan Gannon was fired from the Cardinals. I think a lot of it came down to quarterback play, and Kyler just didn't live up to give him a chance. I thought his defense showed flashes of what it could be, and I think he hung in with a lot of good teams over his three years. It's just he never was able to build the roster,
00:04:33
Ninja
there, and most of that has to go with QB play. It wasn't good any year he was there, but Zig, anything here about the Jonathan Gannon fire from the Cardinals?
00:04:43
Zig
No, I mean, we kind of all saw this coming. The team just didn't live up to the hype he had. I'm the type of person I'd like to see an off offensive head coach. So seeing the defensive head coach here, you know, I mean, I kind of saw it coming.
00:04:57
Zig
Not really shocked. Hopefully something, hopefully someone can come in and turn this team around. This team has been in the doghouse for a while.
00:05:03
Ninja
You guys are so new school, always wanting an offensive mind. I'll stay over here that if a good enough defensive guy as a head coach, I'm happy with it. I don't need some new school young guy to lead my team. But anyways, junior.
00:05:18
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, I don't mind having a defensive-minded head coach if he's more of a culture builder, team builder kind of guy. I don't like the defensive head coaches that like call the defense and have nothing to do with the offense.
Notable Firings: Harbaugh and Others
00:05:31
Dakota Zeigler
It just seems like it it never ends up working out well. Yeah.
00:05:36
Dakota Zeigler
But also to go on the Jonathan Gannon firing, I don't think he's a head coach. I think he showed he's not a head coach at Arizona, but I still think he's a top end, high level coordinator. So I think he'll go somewhere, get a DC job and be there forever. So I still like him as a defense coordinator. I just don't think he's a head. he I don't think he's head coach material.
00:05:57
Ninja
I absolutely agree. A team I would love for him to go to. Titans, please. Anyways, we move on to our next fire. And I saw this coming a mile away too. It was Raheem Morris out of the Falcons. The Falcons just continue to remain mid. And I think that's all they're destined to be. and they overcorrected themselves last year. And it didn't work out. So now they don't even have a first round pick. I think this is maybe the worst...
00:06:25
Ninja
coaching job for a new candidate to go for. I think this is a dumpster fire. i don't think their quarterback situation is settled. I'm not a big fan of Michael Penix, and even so, he's injured, so we don't really know. And then they got Kirko Beans, Kirko Chain, Kirko one time for the one time, and he sucks.
00:06:44
Ninja
And the defense is still average at best. I just think there's no direction with this team. And they have a lot of aging assets that aren't going to do themselves well. And you can't just pull yourself over the top with B. John Robinson.
00:06:58
Ninja
Gary, anything here about the Falcons job?
00:07:01
Dakota Zeigler
I'm a little bit more surprised about the Raheem Morris firing than I think you are. I didn't see it coming right away, but I wouldn't say it's like not predictable. I think the main thing for me was they also fired their general manager, their you know player personnel guy. which I think is the main reason this team ended up sucking because obviously they have no future and their team is not set up very well to you know compete, let alone look towards the future.
00:07:29
Dakota Zeigler
And I think that's the GM's job and player personnel's job. like They didn't draft too well. I think that's the main reason why Raheem Morris got fired. i I still don't think he's a bad coach, but i I think I also see him just being a coordinator somewhere else.
00:07:43
Dakota Zeigler
And I don't think this, one more point, I just don't think this, i don't I think this Falcons team is like middle to the upper end of the pack of available head coaching positions.
00:07:43
Ninja
He's definitely...
00:07:53
Dakota Zeigler
Like they have a good young roster. They have nice young pieces. Now, i i'm a I'm slightly a Michael Penix fan. I wouldn't say I'm a big fan, but I believe in him the player. He just has to be able to stay healthy.
00:08:04
Dakota Zeigler
I just, I don't think this is the worst job with all the other job openings that there are.
00:08:11
Ninja
Yeah, I guess I'm just a little bit lower. I don't like the direction that the Falcons have been building for a couple years.
00:08:16
Dakota Zeigler
There is no direction.
00:08:17
Ninja
But once you fire the GM, it's just bound that the head coach goes with them. And our next fire, this one actually surprised me. I didn't think it was going to happen. I think this guy's going to get scooped up pretty early in the process.
00:08:31
Ninja
It's Kevin Stefanski of the Browns. I think they just never built a roster around him for him. His defense has been elite, as it always has been with him in there. You're just dealing with a rough bag when all you get is a rookie quarterback.
00:08:48
Ninja
and some bum wide receivers in old aging and bad offensive line. Like that's not on a head. you Like you can't fix that as a head coach when his scheme going in as an offensive guy was pound the rock and play action.
00:09:04
Ninja
Which is can work. It works very well. The Seahawks have proven that this year with Clint Kubiak. it's It just has it doesn't work when you don't have the skill position players in the offensive line to execute that scheme. But, Zag, since you're giving yourself so many pats on the back in the chat, why don't you just go ahead here and say what you want to say?
00:09:24
Zig
Called it. I don't know if I said this on a pod or not. I don't have the actual data, but we were talking about this before. And he's not a bad coach by any means. But it was one of those things where I said, why don't they just fire him?
00:09:36
Zig
I mean, he's just change a pace for this team. Give this guy a chance to actually win something.
00:09:41
Dakota Zeigler
you
00:09:42
Zig
i mean, it got boosts his morale, probably leaving this team and going somewhere where he can actually win. I honestly, this is going to be a guy that he's going to boost any team he goes to. I like him.
00:09:52
Zig
There's definitely better fits, but I like him anywhere. He's just that good of a head coach. He's a great minded head coach, great player person. i He's going to succeed wherever he goes, honestly.
00:10:05
Ninja
I absolutely agree. I think he was one of the best coaches. on Maybe not one of the best, but definitely an upper echelon head coach in this league. I've always liked him as a head coach, but Junior, anything here?
00:10:18
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, I like him as head coach a lot. I would love, love, love for him to be the Birds offense coordinator next year. That's probably not going to happen because he'll get another head coaching job because he is that good of a head coach.
00:10:31
Dakota Zeigler
But that would be my glory all-time higher as the Birds offense coordinator would be Kevin Stefanski to the Birds next year. But I think he'd probably go somewhere like the Giants or, i mean, Baltimore, him and Lamar.
00:10:46
Ninja
Whoa, you spoiled it! Breaking news, hit it!
00:10:50
Dakota Zeigler
Al speaking of.
00:10:50
Zig
Yeah.
00:10:54
Ninja
Man, you ruined my surprise. I was saving it at last for a reason. as As in about three hours ago, John Harbaugh is fired from the Ravens.
00:10:58
Dakota Zeigler
I didn't think.
00:11:05
Ninja
I'm stunned. Still am stunned. I think he's a top five coach in the league. I think what he's been able to do with creating a year after year an elite team in the playoffs and this year just didn't work out. And after one bad year, you can the guy.
00:11:24
Ninja
Whoa, Super Bowl winner for the team? Culture setter? Culture builder? I'm stunned. I think he's going to get picked up instantly from a team. I think he's going to interview
Coaching Future and Candidate Discussion
00:11:35
Ninja
with every team that has a head coaching vacancy. A team I would like him to go to is the Browns.
00:11:42
Ninja
I think he could work some real magic there.
00:11:42
Dakota Zeigler
Whoa. Inner division.
00:11:45
Ninja
Inner division, we love it. Elite defense like he's always had in Baltimore and then build up that offense. Zig, anything here for the surprising John Harbaugh fire?
00:11:57
Zig
I want to just add to your points here about how good this guy is. Adam Scheffler reported within the first 45 minutes after being fired, he received seven calls from teams interested in him for a head coach position.
00:12:10
Zig
Seven calls in 45 minutes for a new position.
00:12:12
Dakota Zeigler
There's not even seven jobs. Wait, I think actually there is exactly seven jobs available.
00:12:15
Ninja
a
00:12:15
Zig
Yeah, exactly.
00:12:18
Dakota Zeigler
i thought there's more I thought he got more phone calls than open jobs. I thought that would be crazy.
00:12:24
Ninja
I mean, dude, i people should have them over. Like, let me think.
00:12:28
Dakota Zeigler
He'll have the pick of the litter. He'll get to go to whichever team he wants to.
00:12:30
Ninja
Yeah, he'll go wherever he wants.
00:12:32
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, every team that has an open head coaching position will allow him will give him a good offer, and he'll just have to pick whoever he wants to go to.
00:12:41
Ninja
Like, I would love him to go to the Browns, but if he went to the Raiders and faced off against his brother twice a year, that'd be some special football.
00:12:41
Zig
Is this?
00:12:46
Dakota Zeigler
That's what I was thinking.
00:12:47
Zig
I was going to say that.
00:12:47
Dakota Zeigler
That was my pick.
00:12:49
Zig
Dang it.
00:12:49
Dakota Zeigler
My pick was the Raiders.
00:12:49
Zig
yeah
00:13:01
Dakota Zeigler
yeah, Max Crosby, you have Jen T on each end. it's It's not a good team to build around, but it's like it's a team you can build a culture for, and John Harbaugh is that guy. so I would want him to go to the Raiders. I think that'd be so fun.
00:13:15
Dakota Zeigler
Him and Harbaugh twice a year.
00:13:15
Ninja
I mean, they've been looking for a culture setter for the Raiders for a long time now and they didn't have it. I thought they had a decent option with Antonio Pierce.
00:13:21
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah. They thought it was... Yes, that's his name.
00:13:26
Ninja
I thought he was a good culture guy, team guy, but it just didn't work out there. But we're going to start talking about where we kind of see these openings going. Who is our favorite team? If we were a head coach, where would we want to go? And then obviously at the very end, I'll go through all the viable coaching coaches for the head coach job that I saw. Obviously, you guys can chime in if you have anything else.
00:13:50
Ninja
But the top three teams, as discussed with me and Junior... It's the Baltimore Ravens, the Atlanta Falcons, and the New York Giants.
00:13:56
Dakota Zeigler
Easy.
00:13:59
Ninja
I i think they're far and away the easy three to go to. me I have my bet. It's Baltimore. I think that's the easiest job. You have an MVP quarterback, a pretty good defense, and I think you can't go wrong. like You already have one big problem that a lot of teams have. It's that franchise quarterback. You have it. You don't have to go anywhere. You don't have to draft. You don't to trade your draft picks. And they already have a pretty good culture there where you don't really have to change anything. You just have to reasset the firmness in that culture.
00:14:31
Ninja
Junior, anything here?
00:14:33
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, it's rare that a head coach gets to go into a new position in an already winning culture. like That really doesn't come available in the NFL very often.
00:14:43
Dakota Zeigler
Usually these new head coaches are trying to rebuild awful teams that sucked. like The Baltimore Ravens have an MVP quarterback.
00:14:48
Ninja
Thank you.
00:14:52
Dakota Zeigler
Derrick Henry, they have a good good enough offensive line, couple weapons on the outside. Now they're an aging team that might need a quick little rebuild here here in like three years, but You can bring in a head coach, you can commit to winning right now this season and go all out. And that's rare for these new head coaches to be in a position to just compete instantly for a playoff position, let alone the Super Bowl.
00:15:14
Dakota Zeigler
So they have they have a pretty good defense, young young enough team, but a few pieces they might turn around sooner rather than later. But easily the the best opening head coaching position available right now. Easy.
00:15:28
Ninja
Easily, and I definitely agree with that. You have the Falcons at two. I'm going to give you a little push. I think the Browns are two, and that's with all sincerity.
00:15:35
Dakota Zeigler
Sure. I like the Browns too. Ooh.
00:15:37
Ninja
i You already have a Super Bowl-caliber defense. You just have to build out the offense a little bit, and the main thing is getting a wide receiver, and when we get to the mock drafts, baby, give me Cornell Tate to the Browns.
00:15:48
Dakota Zeigler
Oh,
00:15:51
Ninja
Anyway...
00:15:52
Dakota Zeigler
oh
00:15:53
Zig
Ho ho.
00:15:55
Ninja
Zigg, anything here about the top three landing spots or where you would want to be as a head coach? What team would you choose?
00:16:03
Zig
I mean, we all know the easy choices to Baltimore. Honestly, if we're taking Baltimore out of it, I think the Giants would be a fun place to go. I mean, you got the rising Cam Scadabo coming off the injury.
00:16:11
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:16:14
Zig
Jackson Dart has some energy. i mean, we all know I'm not the biggest Jackson Dart guy, but you can't tell me that that room is not so much fun to play in, that that room is not so much fun just to kind of watch and let them just ball, honestly.
00:16:29
Zig
So i think the Giants are a lot of fun. Junior?
00:16:34
Dakota Zeigler
my My one gripe, with if I were to take the head coaching position with the Giants, is that they kept Joe Shane as the GM.
00:16:37
Zig
Thank you.
00:16:42
Ninja
Yep. Yep. yep
00:16:43
Dakota Zeigler
that is That is the one gripe I have, because that would pre that would be easily the second best position for a head coach if they fired Joe Shane. I might even be able to argue it might be better than Baltimore future-wise, but the fact that they kept Joe Shane as the general manager there and I would have to deal with him on a constant basis could never take that position.
00:17:04
Ninja
Yeah, that's the only rough look for the Giants, in my opinion. Everything else is looking up. I think they have a lot of defensive studs. I think their offense is turning around.
00:17:11
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, lot of young talent.
00:17:14
Ninja
But yeah, Joe Shane shouldn't be there anymore. I don't know why he is. He must have done a lot of things in the background, if you know what I'm saying.
00:17:21
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:17:21
Zig
yeah
00:17:21
Ninja
But...
00:17:22
Zig
I thought you guys just weren't taking him just because it was the Giants and you guys were Eagles fans. We are.
00:17:27
Dakota Zeigler
No, I think they have a lot of young talent.
00:17:28
Ninja
No, this is an unbiased podcast.
00:17:29
Zig
Yeah.
00:17:29
Ninja
Yeah.
00:17:30
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, buts super unbiased.
00:17:30
Ninja
They have Abdul Carter and Theo Johnson.
00:17:30
Zig
Yeah.
00:17:32
Ninja
What are we doing?
00:17:33
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, super unbiased.
00:17:34
Zig
we are
00:17:36
Dakota Zeigler
Also, Abdul Carter's got to get his crap together.
00:17:39
Ninja
Dude, he's been pissing me off.
00:17:40
Zig
yeah
00:17:40
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:17:43
Ninja
Like, play football.
00:17:43
Dakota Zeigler
He's not representing Penn State too well over there.
00:17:45
Ninja
No, not at all. But getting into some viable coaches for head coaching vacancies, I put out a big list of names i've been hearing thrown around. Some of them a lot more prominent than others. Maybe you've heard some of these guys. Maybe you haven't heard of some of these guys.
00:18:04
Ninja
But in the names and searches, and especially in a new series coming to you this offseason,
00:18:13
Zig
What?
00:18:13
Ninja
We'll feature a lot more of these guys, but some viable coaches we think that could go to teams this offseason. The first one being Clint Kubiak, the Seattle offensive coordinator.
00:18:23
Ninja
That's a name being thrown a lot a lot for a lot of jobs.
00:18:24
Dakota Zeigler
Love him.
00:18:26
Ninja
Me too. Same thing with Brian Flores, the Minnesota DC. I think he's a special kind of guy. i think I would be happy with Brian Flores leading my team.
00:18:37
Ninja
Brian Dayball, free agent, I still think he'd be a good head coach. I just think he was dealt a bad hand. That's all it was.
00:18:44
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah. Joe Shane.
00:18:47
Ninja
Chris Shula, the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator, he has been a protege. Of McShay.
00:18:56
Dakota Zeigler
McVay.
00:18:56
Ninja
McVay. McVay. Yeah. For about...
00:18:59
Zig
Yeah.
00:18:59
Ninja
I think he's been on that staff for about eight years now.
00:19:02
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, he was like he was like one of those ball boy makes his way to the whatever coordinator of something else.
00:19:14
Dakota Zeigler
Hmm.
00:19:16
Ninja
He's going to be a hot name this season. I actually, i think he goes to the Cardinals. But our next name here is Cliff Kingsbury.
00:19:21
Dakota Zeigler
Ooh.
00:19:24
Ninja
was like go by the commanders. and by I mean, like, oh, it was a mutual parting of ways is what I'm hearing. So Cliff Kingsbury, I think, could be a decent head coach.
00:19:35
Ninja
A nice little fun running gun kind of guy. And then we have to bring him up. Mike McCarthy, I still will think is a good head coach.
00:19:41
Dakota Zeigler
Oh.
00:19:41
Zig
Yeah.
00:19:43
Ninja
He just wins.
00:19:45
Zig
yeah
00:19:45
Ninja
I know it's gross. He just wins, though. He just wins. I think he's going to be a name thrown around in a lot of circles. Robert Sala, the former New York Jets head coach, now on the 49ers staff. I don't know if he's DC, but he's on that staff. I think he gets another look at a coaching job. of Vance Joseph, the Denver defensive coordinator, has done a stellar job there the past couple of years. Definitely deserves some interviews.
00:20:14
Ninja
Steve Spagnola, same thing there with KC. I think he has done a stellar job, although I think that's probably the least likely of these guys to get a head coaching job.
00:20:24
Ninja
Matt Nagy, KC's offensive coordinator slash QB coach, I think could deserve another shot.
00:20:27
Dakota Zeigler
Yes, yes.
00:20:30
Ninja
I think he was a good head coach, just dealt a rough hand. Joe Brady has been talked about a lot. The Buffalo offensive coordinator. Kind of following in the day ball footprints, if you will.
00:20:44
Ninja
And then obviously two new names to the list. It's John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski. I think they both get jobs instantly in this league. But anything here about any one of these candidates? And is there a candidate that sticks out to you particularly? Because I have two.
00:20:59
Ninja
Zig.
00:21:01
Zig
First thing I want to say here. Damien, I'm proud of you, buddy. You didn't put Eric B. Enemy on the list. I'm so proud of you. This is the first year you didn't bring him up. Oh, my goodness.
00:21:11
Ninja
He should be a coach.
00:21:13
Dakota Zeigler
Where is he?
00:21:15
Zig
he's a
00:21:15
Ninja
Eastern Michigan or some
00:21:15
Zig
Is he college?
00:21:17
Zig
Yeah.
00:21:19
Ninja
Which is such He's such a good coach. Eric Biennemi, if you ever find this podcast, just know, the Ninja Moore has always stood with you.
00:21:26
Dakota Zeigler
yeah you got one fan.
00:21:29
Zig
You got one fan. I mean, John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski
NFL Playoff Game Previews
00:21:32
Zig
should have jobs. I mean, they should be the first two hired immediately. It'll be all right. Time to announce and there will be back to back, you know, reports for that. It should be anyway.
00:21:43
Zig
As a homer pick, I'd like to see Vince Joseph. Honestly, love to see him get some interviews. Hope he stays. I like him as a defensive coordinator. Don't know what he'd be like as a head coach, honestly. I think there's definitely some better names on this list. A little more... ahead.
00:22:01
Dakota Zeigler
Wasn't he a head coach with the Broncos years ago? In between whoever else you had? I forget exactly.
00:22:08
Ninja
Jack Del Rio?
00:22:09
Zig
Go ahead.
00:22:11
Ninja
Tell me I'm right, tell me I pulled it.
00:22:14
Dakota Zeigler
I think you are right.
00:22:15
Ninja
Oh, buddy.
00:22:16
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, he was the head coach at Denver Broncos from 2017 and 2018 seasons. He went eleven and twenty one in those two years.
00:22:24
Zig
I mean, quarterback purgatory years.
00:22:28
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, that was back in, what was that guy's name?
00:22:28
Zig
so
00:22:31
Dakota Zeigler
Brock Osweiler. No, not Brock Osweiler. Who was who is the other guy? Peyton something. Peyton Lynch.
00:22:36
Zig
Peyton Lynch and we had...
00:22:38
Ninja
Oh, gross.
00:22:39
Dakota Zeigler
You remember that? That's a poll right there.
00:22:41
Ninja
Is that not even Drew Locke's season?
00:22:43
Zig
would say that would should have been in close to Drew Lock years as well. The list of quarterbacks is bad.
00:22:59
Zig
Yeah, would love to watch him stay.
00:23:00
Ninja
Shane Stutt can come back.
00:23:01
Zig
Just...
00:23:02
Ninja
Shane Stutt can come back.
00:23:04
Zig
Yeah, I'm shocked that he's not, you know, looking for a new job either, honestly.
00:23:08
Dakota Zeigler
I would have loved for him to be fired, man. Another guy. Just bring him back as the OC.
00:23:11
Ninja
No, he's such a good he's such a good coach, though.
00:23:15
Dakota Zeigler
He is, but I want him as a bird, though, see.
00:23:16
Ninja
He shouldn't be fine. He wouldn't come back to the Birdseus. He'd get a head coaching job elsewhere.
00:23:21
Dakota Zeigler
Probably, but I'm going hope.
00:23:22
Ninja
He'd be in the same tier as... Well, a lesser tier, but on the same tier as John Harbour and Kevin Stefanski. He's just the next level below.
00:23:29
Dakota Zeigler
Just the third guy in line.
00:23:30
Ninja
He'd be the third favorite.
00:23:31
Zig
theyre guy
00:23:32
Dakota Zeigler
Man.
00:23:32
Ninja
Yeah.
00:23:32
Dakota Zeigler
Man.
00:23:33
Zig
Anyway, the outside of the big two Harbaugh and Stefanski, I think like Damian mentioned when he was introducing him, Clint Kubiak and Brian Flores, they should be the other two Those four guys should easily get head coaching jobs this offseason.
00:23:46
Zig
That's my shout. But those four should be shoe ins for the positions.
00:23:50
Ninja
Thank you.
00:23:52
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, I think my favorite, like, i agree with you. I think Harbaugh is by far the top head coaching position. He'll get whoever he wants. Kevin Stefanski will go to whoever else is next after hardball signs.
00:24:04
Dakota Zeigler
But Clint Kubiak's my favorite first-time head coach. I think he's he's he's fun. He's exciting. He's a new offensive mind. He's been able to make Sam Darnold look good. I mean, they're their number one seed in the NFC in a tough division. Yeah, Clint Kubiak's impressed me a lot.
00:24:22
Dakota Zeigler
so i that would be my next favorite hire where like wherever he goes i'm looking at that team in we can bring it back to fantasy wise like wherever clink kubiak gets hired to that offense gets an immediate bump up like significantly too same thing with stefanski
00:24:39
Ninja
Man, I feel i feel differently. but
00:24:43
Dakota Zeigler
what's yours
00:24:44
Ninja
my My two favorite here, I love Brian Flores. As I said before, I think he's fantastic. And then my next one I like is Chris Shula.
00:24:54
Dakota Zeigler
I like Shula too.
00:24:54
Ninja
i love I love him studying under McVay for many, many years.
00:24:54
Dakota Zeigler
He'd be four.
00:24:58
Ninja
I think he's a dog. if That defensive culture has not wavered, and we thought it would after Aaron Donald. They just doubled down, and it's still elite. Even with guys who we don't think are great, they perform well above their weight class.
00:25:14
Ninja
And i I love this guy's personality. I love what he's done for the team. So my two favorites this year are defensive guys, but I also... wouldn't mind a little Matt Nagy.
00:25:24
Ninja
I might be a Matt Nagy fan. I do like me some Matt Nagy.
00:25:26
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, I don't hate McNaggy either. I think he also got a bad rap in Chicago, what, four years, five years ago?
00:25:31
Ninja
He got such a bad rap.
00:25:33
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:25:34
Ninja
Yeah, I think he's a good coach. And if you ever know the backstory of why Mahomes got drafted there to Kansas City, Matt Nagy's a big reason why. But anyways, we start to go into our playoffs of, you know, football because we're done with fantasy, but we still got absolute bangers coming up for you in the first round of the playoffs. Junior, why don't you take over?
00:26:19
Dakota Zeigler
At home, I think they're like 10.5-point dogs, like up some absurd number.
00:26:19
Zig
Thank you.
00:26:24
Dakota Zeigler
I'm taking them plus 10.5 plus a point. I do think the Rams probably win because they're just overall a better team, but I love the Panthers' story. I love that they snuck in. I love that Bryce Young is turning it around.
00:26:36
Dakota Zeigler
They're a fun story. I just do think it ends. But give me the Panthers keep it close, but the Rams to win pretty easily. Zieg, what are your thoughts?
00:26:46
Zig
I agree 100% with that. Like you said, amazing Panthers. I mean, this is Damien's, you know, side team here. I'm watching this team go from, oh, Andy Darnold.
00:26:58
Zig
Yeah.
00:26:59
Ninja
so
00:26:59
Dakota Zeigler
Any Darnold?
00:26:59
Zig
Oh, my goodness. Andy Darnold. I'm sitting over here.
00:27:02
Dakota Zeigler
Jackson Dart and Sam Darnold as one person.
00:27:03
Zig
Yeah. Oh, my gosh. Wow. Andy Dalton.
00:27:08
Ninja
It's a whole blend of bad.
00:27:09
Zig
Wow.
00:27:10
Dakota Zeigler
Can you imagine? Imagine that quarterback.
00:27:13
Ninja
Terrible.
00:27:15
Zig
Yeah.
00:27:15
Ninja
Turn off the TV.
00:27:15
Zig
Andy Dalton.
00:27:18
Zig
But, I mean, watching you know Bryce literally getting benched last year.
00:27:24
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:27:24
Zig
Benched. And then this year comes out and is... a pretty dang good quarterback. I mean, it just took him some time to figure it out. And he doesn't even have the best weapons around him. Like give this guy a few more years, a few more weapons. Like i said, I love this head coach, his head coach. He has a quarterback whisper. I mean, this is what I wanted to see coming from this team, watching them improve. Again, don't think they win. I'm with you, Gary. I think they keep it close. Rams a win, but you got to love this for the Panthers. Any Panthers fans out there after, you know,
00:27:56
Zig
Watching Baker play, you know, backup, scout, D-tackle, giving away CMC, DJ Moore. You have been through the trenches, and this is a team to be excited for again.
00:28:05
Dakota Zeigler
If they pull this game off, I'd go nuts.
00:28:09
Zig
Woo!
00:28:10
Ninja
Let me hop in here real quick. In our notes, just to save face, I put Panthers 7.5 to cover the spread.
00:28:12
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:28:19
Ninja
Plus 7.5, that is. So it's a little bit more eager than your normal sportsbook. I will bet Panthers outright this game. As a single bet, I...
00:28:29
Zig
I love it
00:28:30
Dakota Zeigler
Mozzie plus 460.
00:28:30
Zig
We're going to be rooting for you.
00:28:31
Ninja
i
00:28:31
Dakota Zeigler
I'm behind it.
00:28:32
Ninja
I love this Panthers team a lot. Their defense, so their offense has been what it is. But their defense has played as a good unit this year, which no one expected at all.
00:28:43
Ninja
I really like this team. I think i think they're dogs. They fight. They're in scraps a lot. And they always play up to an opponent. So, and I think they beat the Rams earlier this year at home.
00:28:52
Dakota Zeigler
Yes.
00:28:58
Dakota Zeigler
Yes, they did.
00:28:59
Zig
h
00:29:00
Ninja
Can we repeat a little bit of that magic?
00:29:03
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:29:03
Zig
who
00:29:04
Ninja
For all Closeted Panthers fans like me, I hope it happens. I will bet it.
00:29:09
Zig
Do we have the odds on that?
00:29:10
Dakota Zeigler
I would love to see it. Plus 460 for the Panthers to win outright.
00:29:15
Ninja
Smash!
00:29:17
Dakota Zeigler
460.
00:29:17
Zig
Bet that right now. Bet that right now, kid.
00:29:20
Dakota Zeigler
I love it. I do think in that Panthers game, Panthers-Rams game earlier in the season, the Rams did have like five turnovers or something on offense. I think Kyron fumbled twice.
00:29:29
Ninja
Hey.
00:29:30
Dakota Zeigler
Stafford threw like a pick six or something crazy. Obviously, they would need something like that to happen again, but it could.
00:29:38
Ninja
hey
00:29:38
Dakota Zeigler
Next up on our list, we got the Packers at Bears. I think this one's going to be a classic.
00:29:41
Zig
Thank you.
00:29:43
Dakota Zeigler
I love divisional matchups in the playoffs. They always mean a little bit more like when the birds come up against the Cowboys or, you know, like the Lions play Minnesota.
00:29:54
Dakota Zeigler
But the Packers playing the Bears, I love it. They split the season series. Both home teams won both matchups. I think the Packers are a lot of people are kind of like writing the Packers off.
00:30:06
Dakota Zeigler
I think the Packers got a chance to win this game. If they stay healthy, Jordan loves healthy. Josh Jacobs is healthy. I think they got a chance in this game. Matt LaFleur is the more tenured head coach. I kind of gave him the nod there, but I think it's going classic. I think it's going to be a 12 round boxing match with just bunch of blows. Pause, but I think it's going to great game. Ninja. What are your thoughts?
00:30:30
Ninja
First off, I need to say this is the Ninjas game of the week.
00:30:34
Zig
hey of the week.
00:30:38
Dakota Zeigler
Totally on sync.
00:30:38
Ninja
You're so late. It's fine.
00:30:40
Zig
I was on cue here.
00:30:40
Ninja
Yeah, this is an absolute classic. I agree with you. This is what I wanted to have happen in the playoffs. I like the Bears a lot. I like the Bears at home a lot. Give me a Monungi anytime touchdown if you're bet out there.
00:30:51
Dakota Zeigler
Wide.
00:30:52
Ninja
Combine that with the Panthers anytime or if you know what I mean. Or the Panthers outright, if you will. But this is going to be a fantastic game.
00:30:57
Dakota Zeigler
That's absurd.
00:30:59
Ninja
This is going to be game of the week. This is going to be a defensive trench kind of battle. This is a...
00:31:08
Ninja
Who is this? Tyson and whatever the heck. well I can't remember the tough opponent he played. Anyways, it's his Apollo and our boy from Philly.
00:31:21
Dakota Zeigler
Rocky?
00:31:21
Ninja
What's his name?
00:31:22
Dakota Zeigler
Jesus, man.
00:31:22
Ninja
Rocky blanked on it.
00:31:23
Dakota Zeigler
Come on. At least act like you're Philly guy.
00:31:24
Ninja
i just thought i thought I just said Stallone in my brain. I'm like, nope, that's not it.
00:31:30
Ninja
this is This is Apollo and Rocky. This is two heavyweights going to fight. I'm picking the Bears. Give me them by three and a half. I don't know what the spread is right now. I didn't look at DraftKings, but I like the Bears. I like their fluidity at offense where they're not so dependent on a certain guy. i think their defense is slowly starting to turn it around. Hopefully all their cornerback room is healthy. I think they've been banged up most of the year. But I think the Bears clinch one at home and kind of hammer home why I love Caleb Williams so much. I think he's going to have a great game.
00:32:06
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, I think as of right now, it's basically a pick-em. Packers are actually slight favorites at minus 116 compared to minus 102 on my end from what I'm seeing. So a little surprising there. I think a lot of people that I've been talking or like seen online expect the Bears to win this game, especially at home. But think it's going to be a classic Saturday night. Yeah.
00:32:29
Dakota Zeigler
One o'clock on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills go down to Saxonville to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Zig's team of the South. Right now, straight pick them across the board. No one knows who's going to win this game. The over-under is 52.5 points, and I'm still taking the over. Points, points, points, points in this game. As of my predictions...
00:32:53
Dakota Zeigler
I think the Jags win this game. I think they have a better overall team. I think the Bills, the only position they beat Jacksonville in is with the quarterback and the running back position. The rest of it, I'd probably give to the Jaguars as of right now. Better overall team, playing better at home.
00:33:10
Dakota Zeigler
Trevor Lawrence is playing well. Josh Allen would have to play the hero ball of all hero bowls to win this game. And if anyone's going to do it, it's probably him. But I like the Jags to win this game.
00:33:23
Dakota Zeigler
I like the over. I love all the points. I think it's going fun one to start your day on Sunday. Ninja.
00:33:31
Ninja
I agree with you, but there are some caveats. I do think the Jags have the better overall roster.
00:33:34
Zig
you
00:33:36
Ninja
I think they should win. But...
00:33:39
Dakota Zeigler
But...
00:33:42
Ninja
Josh Allen is that dog. He's a superhero. I think he's going to play like a superhero. I think he's going to have a tremendous day. I think he's going to carve this game.
00:33:53
Ninja
It's a warm weather environment. You don't have to worry about the cold or any of that bull crap. The Winter Soldier is going down south and he's going to beat some butt is what I think is going to happen. Give me the over. I love 38-34 type of game.
00:34:07
Dakota Zeigler
Oh, yeah.
00:34:08
Ninja
I think the Jags have the better overall team, but give me the proven guys in the playoffs. I'm still not a true believer of the Jags. I'm not a big fan of Trevor Lawrence.
00:34:19
Ninja
Has choked in some big moments already in the playoffs. But I love my staters this game. Go Brent Strange. Go Parker Washington. I love you. But I think ultimately if I were to bet on this game, I think I'd just take the Bills money line. and Or just smash that over, baby.
00:34:40
Zig
Duval. Yeah. I was waiting for that one. I was waiting for the crickets.
00:34:46
Ninja
Why do you sound like the alien from toy Story?
00:34:51
Zig
The claw. Get copyrighted for that one.
00:34:56
Dakota Zeigler
okay
00:34:58
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, we're done.
00:34:58
Zig
Don't talk about my side stories.
00:35:00
Zig
on My side quests. Anyway, I... Yeah, I'm with you guys. With Gary. Let's go Jags. I mean, and the points. This is like... This is going to be such a fun game at 1 o'clock.
00:35:12
Zig
Just should be touchdown after touchdown after touchdown. I mean, this is what you want to a game you want to watch in the playoffs. Like, Damian wants these defensive battles, you know.
00:35:19
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:35:22
Zig
Sure, they're fun to watch, but I mean, to really get the views, points, points, points.
00:35:28
Dakota Zeigler
point point point point Points, points, points.
00:35:30
Ninja
Defense wins championships, Zig.
00:35:33
Dakota Zeigler
It does, but offense gets to the views, buddy.
00:35:37
Zig
I'm just here for the money.
00:35:37
Ninja
don't care about it.
00:35:39
Dakota Zeigler
and This will be a game where I place a lot of...
00:35:40
Ninja
Whoa! You greedy.
00:35:42
Dakota Zeigler
What did he say? I missed that.
00:35:44
Ninja
He said he's all about the money. Kick him off the pod. We don't have to pay him anymore.
00:35:46
Dakota Zeigler
This guy.
00:35:47
Ninja
He's just here for the money.
00:35:48
Dakota Zeigler
please He's not making crap off of this podcast.
00:35:51
Ninja
Joke's on you. I gave Zach your salary for the month. Yeah, bum.
00:35:56
Zig
Good. Can I pay off my loans?
00:35:58
Ninja
yeah
00:35:59
Zig
It's all the negatives.
00:36:03
Zig
You just give a pile of debt.
00:36:06
Dakota Zeigler
I'll take a Jacoby Myers anytime touchdown. Love it. Next game we got. Ninja.
00:36:15
Ninja
Yeah, buddy.
00:36:15
Dakota Zeigler
Niners travel across the country. To come to the link, baby. Niners at Philadelphia. The healthiest team in the NFL as of this season.
00:36:29
Dakota Zeigler
takes on the most injured team in the NFL.
00:36:34
Dakota Zeigler
It's going to be it's goingnna be a tough one. I think it's going to be a really, really good game. A lot of people, the spread right now I think is four and a half towards the Eagles. It's a high number. I think we win the game, but I think it's high. We're going to need to bottle up CMC. It's going to be a CMC and Kittle game. We just need to figure out a way to slow those two down and make the wide receivers beat us. I trust our corners to be able to shut them down.
00:36:58
Dakota Zeigler
It's just where do we match up in the middle of the field? That's going to be the the question defensively. But the Niners just have way too many injuries to overcome. I saw a report out earlier that their starting linebacker is now out for the season. And when I say starting linebacker, he was like their fourth string linebacker coming into the season. Seventh round pick, special teams guy that had to start because of Fred Warner being out and the other guy being out, who I totally forget his name. Their backup city in that defense, especially in that linebacker position, secondary as well.
00:37:32
Dakota Zeigler
It's going to be a tough one for them to overcome. i think if Trent Williams is out for them, stud starting offensive tackle, if he is out, I don't think this is a close game at all, especially with how good the U.S.
00:37:38
Ninja
so
00:37:42
Dakota Zeigler
defensive line is. Yeah. But at the end of the day, we just we just have to stay healthy. We have to play our game. If we can get this offense moving, it's just depleted Niners defense. I don't think it's close.
00:37:54
Dakota Zeigler
Give me a Saquon anytime touchdown. Give me Saquon two-plus touchdowns, and I relieve the floor ninja.
00:38:02
Ninja
I'm going to differ with you a little bit. For one, I just want to say Kyle Shanahan deserves coach of the year. He won't win it, but he absolutely should.
00:38:10
Dakota Zeigler
The fact that this awful team made the playoffs, like there's no – he missed Purdy for how many weeks?
00:38:14
Ninja
That's what I'm saying. But...
00:38:18
Dakota Zeigler
No CMC for a couple weeks. Kittle was in and out of the lineup.
00:38:20
Ninja
Yeah, but it's it's going to be Mike mcda or mikeah McDonald, whoever the Seattle head coach is, probably.
00:38:26
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, he'll win. Yeah.
00:38:28
Ninja
But I think it should be Shanahan.
00:38:29
Dakota Zeigler
Or Payton.
00:38:30
Ninja
He's been snubbed. No. no
00:38:34
Dakota Zeigler
like
00:38:37
Ninja
But as far as defense goes, I'm not really concerned defensively. i think we can do okay enough against CMC and Kittle.
00:38:40
Zig
Thank you.
00:38:53
Ninja
i think we match up very well against them defensively. The problem is the offense. I am not confident in the Eagles offense to get moving. I kind of want to shoot out just so I can see the offense go a little bit.
00:39:06
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, we need him to move.
00:39:08
Ninja
I don't trust the offense with a lick. I think Goddard is going to have a day. I think Saquon is going to have a day. But it's it's playoff time. It's shut up or go home.
00:39:21
Ninja
And I haven't liked this Eagles offense all year. i don't see a reason to change my thinking now. The defense is going to win this game.
00:39:27
Dakota Zeigler
fair.
00:39:29
Ninja
I think they're going to lock stuff up. I think they're going to be great. It's just, can we get this offense showing any kind of life like we did last year? i don't know.
00:39:41
Ninja
And I don't want to, I think we need a shootout. I think I'd rather a shootout where I get to see my offense go a little bit than a close defensive game. Because if we survive round one with a bad offensive showing, i don't know if we survive round two.
00:39:56
Ninja
With a bad offense showing. But, Zig, anything here for Niners at Bird's?
00:40:03
Zig
Honestly, nothing really to add here other than what you guys said to this. I mean, this is one of those games. The birds are heavy favorites right now, but I think this game is going to be closer than a lot of people realize. So if you think that the birds are going to choke with that terrible defense or terrible offense, bet the Niners now.
00:40:26
Zig
But I mean, this is going to be, This is going to be one you have to pay attention to. You can't really plan for this game to go one way or the other.
00:40:36
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, that's fair. I think for me, I think with how depleted the Niners defense is, if the Eagles cannot get this offense moving at home in a playoff game when your starters have been resting, then I don't know if we ever will. And then again, we're talking about this Eagles offense getting it going in the first week of the playoffs. like We haven't had 18 weeks to warm this thing up.
00:41:00
Dakota Zeigler
It's sad. Anyways, I think we move on here before we talk about this game forever. But like you said, I love Saquon. I love Goddard in this game. I think they just tear it up. I don't really want to shoot out. I want us just to blow them out, but we'll see what happens.
00:41:13
Dakota Zeigler
Chargers at Patriots. Sunday night game. A lot of people like the Chargers as a little bit of an upset dog against this Patriots team that just hasn't really, you know, had that big win this year besides, you know, beating the Bills in Buffalo. I like the Pats, man. I like the Pats at home. I think they control this game. the offensive line for the chargers is one of the worst I've ever seen an NFL team, but out in a long time.
00:41:39
Dakota Zeigler
And I think Vrabel is a good enough head coach to be able to take advantage of that kind of detrimental side of a game. So I like the Patriots to win this game. I think it's a low scoring affair. I think they win the game comfortably. I don't think it's really out of their control ever. The Chargers defense is good, but I love Drake May. I think they're going be able to move the ball enough. I see this game i see this game being like a 17-7 game where like the Patriots are up 10 points the entire game, and it just never feels like it's ever out of their control. So give me the Pats at home. i think they win. I think they cover, a and I like the under in this game. Ninja.
00:42:19
Ninja
Yeah, I'm going to differ from you a little bit as in our notes. I think I like the Chargers this game. and I know I said New England was my dark horse team of the year. They still are. They just haven't played a lot of good competition this year, and it's proven by their strength of schedule. And I trust Harbaugh a lot more than I trust Vrabel in a playoff scenario. I know the Chargers have a bad offensive line. I think they figure it out. I think they work through it.
00:42:45
Ninja
I think the Patriots have a lot of defensive holes that just haven't been properly disassembled from an offensive standpoint. I think any good coordinator is going to see the weaknesses that I see in their play calling, in their scheme, in their overall talent on the defensive side of the ball, and is going to take advantage. Now, don't get me wrong. I think Drake may balls out.
00:43:10
Ninja
Uh, pending what the over is this game, I wouldn't mind hitting the over. If it's over 46 and a half, I think I'd be okay hitting that over.
00:43:20
Zig
On the money, kid.
00:43:21
Ninja
so... Oh my god, shit! Am I part of DraftKings right now?
00:43:25
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, it's literally 46 and a half.
00:43:27
Ninja
God, I'm so good. Uh, sorry, Zig. Uh, 44 minutes on the dot. I like the over in this game. I think it's going to be a nice 28-21 type of something like that.
00:43:44
Ninja
i like to charge you so As much as that O-line has done criminal things Justin Herbert, he has found ways to fight through. I'm going to rely on Harbaugh as the better playoff coach than Mike Vrabel.
00:43:57
Ninja
And I don't really have anything bad to say about these teams. It's just, I think I'd prefer the Chargers, but mainly give me the over if it's the exact line I said, which is absolutely bananas.
00:44:08
Ninja
Sig.
00:44:11
Zig
Man, I don't even know what to say for this game. My heart leans Chargers to win. Even as a divisional opponent for the Broncos, I mean, i want the Chargers to win this game.
00:44:27
Zig
Like Junior pointed out that that offensive line is just so bad. i don't know.
00:44:30
Dakota Zeigler
So bad.
00:44:31
Zig
It's just so bad. I don't know how you have faith they'll figure it out, Damian. That's the one thing. i just I have no idea how you have faith they can figure that out.
00:44:39
Dakota Zeigler
It would be all scheme. it Like, the only way you do it is scheming.
00:44:41
Ninja
I have faith in Herbert, not the offensive line. i have faith in Herbert.
00:44:44
Dakota Zeigler
That's fair.
00:44:45
Zig
Okay, fair. I mean, they need to get that ball out insanely quick every single play. So this this is Damien's game. This is what Damien's game is defensive. This is going to be a defensive game. It's going to come down to the better defense here that wins this game.
00:45:06
Zig
I think that's what it comes down to. But i'm i I'd put money on the Chargers, honestly. As much as...
00:45:14
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:45:15
Zig
I think I would. In fact, I actually did, but it's a close one. this This one's a really close one for me. This is almost as close as the, oh my goodness, the Packers-Bears game to me. Like, this is, it's those are going to be two super tight games.
00:45:38
Dakota Zeigler
Honestly, the fact that the spread is three and a half, I don't love betting the Patriots at three and a half if I'm a betting man for this game. I'd probably just bet their money line like parlayed with something else.
00:45:49
Dakota Zeigler
But... and Moving on to the final game of the playoffs for the round one divisional matchups. We have the Texans going up to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers who won that absolute. Did you guys get to watch that game on Sunday night? Did any of you eitherer you stay up for that game?
00:46:07
Dakota Zeigler
No chance.
00:46:07
Zig
that All I can say is that kicker made so much money at whoever was paying him off.
00:46:13
Dakota Zeigler
Oh, yeah. But, I mean, just an awesome fourth quarter to that game. i'm Both kickers missing kicks for their respective teams. Just absolute drama and chaos. like They couldn't write the script better for that game. But, anyways...
00:46:29
Dakota Zeigler
Steelers end up winning that game, and I guess we can talk about it since we already talked about the Harbaugh signing. I think me and Damian actually talked about this before we got on the podcast. If that kicker for the Ravens makes that kick, I think the jobs are flipped.
00:46:43
Dakota Zeigler
I think Mike Tomlin gets fired instead of John Harbaugh, and now John Harbaugh is playing in a home playoff game in Baltimore with a job for the next couple years probably.
00:46:45
Zig
Oh.
00:46:51
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:46:52
Zig
I could totally see that. I could totally see that. Just kind of being like, all right, this is the last straw for you know both organizations.
00:46:58
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah, that was a job game.
00:47:00
Zig
That's crazy. That's crazy to think about.
00:47:03
Dakota Zeigler
but Yeah, i I truly believe that. But yeah, Texans going to Pittsburgh. I think it's kind of gross, to be honest, for a Monday night football game, for the playoffs at least. like This would be a game I would love to like bury on a Saturday afternoon. like I think they should switch this. I think the Texans are a better team and the Steelers, but the Steelers play really at well at home.
00:47:22
Dakota Zeigler
I think it's close. I think it's low scoring. I think it's a barn burner. I like the Texans just because they're a better team, and they I think they have a way better defense. I honestly i think this game ends like thirteen seven i think it's gross.
00:47:35
Dakota Zeigler
I think it's nasty. I love the unders this week. But, yeah, give me the Texans to win outright. Give me the under for this game. Zig.
00:47:42
Zig
Yeah, i I completely agree with this.
00:47:42
Dakota Zeigler
Zig.
00:47:45
Zig
This is going to be another under game. I don't see how the Steelers pull this one off. I think the Texans are just a better team. No, we have a lot of Steelers fans that listen to us as well. Shout out Tiny Ty out there, but... a I just don't see how the Steelers pull this one out. This is, I would say, maybe Aaron Rodgers' last game.
00:48:07
Zig
And, you know, going out with a bang at home, but I just don't know how they can beat the Texans with that incredible defense. I mean, they have a really strong offense. Damian's boy out there, Jaden Higgins, is looking really nice in that wide receiver two spot.
00:48:21
Ninja
Say it again.
00:48:22
Zig
Nikos, Jaden Higgins is looking really nice in that wide receiver two spot, buddy.
00:48:22
Ninja
Say it again. Say it again.
00:48:30
Zig
yeah
00:48:30
Ninja
Thank you.
00:48:31
Dakota Zeigler
he
00:48:31
Zig
Even their rookie, Woody Marsh, is looking decent as a decent, not great, but I mean, he's holding it down at the running back position. I mean, this is a team that has the pieces. I mean, not as well built as some of the other teams this league, but has the pieces, as but excuse me especially to win this game.
00:48:52
Ninja
Yeah, I think I'm obviously a Texans outright because I'm a closeted Texans fan as well. I love Nico. I love everything I've seen from Jaden Higgins. If you're in fantasy, dynasty-wise,
00:49:02
Ninja
It might even be too late to buy this kid. But I think you should try, if you can, to buy Jaden Higgins. I think he's an absolute stud. But I think the Texans, this is going to be a gross, probably the grossest game of the week. This is going to be a gross under typeer type of game.
Podcast Conclusion and Future Content
00:49:18
Ninja
But I think the Texans' role, I think their defense is spectacular.
00:49:22
Ninja
And I think their offense has more juice than the Steelers. So, give me the Texans outright.
00:49:31
Dakota Zeigler
Love it. Absolutely love it. I feel like I'm going to be betting a lot of unders this weekend, and that just feels gross as like a you know fan of football. But, yeah, I got to give my honest takes, and if you know if I think it's going to go under, I'm betting it under.
00:49:39
Ninja
Let's play football, baby.
00:49:46
Dakota Zeigler
But, fellas, I think that kind of wraps up our podcast for the week. This was a fun one to do. Zig, I really appreciate you actually making it on time today, buddy. Like, you were here for the start of the podcast.
00:49:55
Ninja
yeah
00:49:56
Zig
you
00:49:56
Dakota Zeigler
can you but Like, how long has it been since you were actually here for the start of a pod? Months?
00:50:04
Zig
Months.
00:50:04
Ninja
Years.
00:50:06
Dakota Zeigler
Months.
00:50:06
Zig
It's probably been two months since I made it to the start of a podcast.
00:50:11
Dakota Zeigler
Yeah.
00:50:12
Zig
Yeah, it's...
00:50:12
Dakota Zeigler
Really appreciate seeing you, buddy. In all seriousness, I love it when you're here. It's always better when you're here. But, yeah, I was really glad you able to hop in and actually get some free time with all you got going on. Ninja, always a great time talking to you, buddy. How you doing over there?
00:50:28
Ninja
I'm doing great, buddy. i I enjoy hearing you kind of take over. I'm not used to it. I was just about to ask, are you closing out or me? But you made it very clear to you, and I'm kind of down for that.
00:50:38
Dakota Zeigler
i think i yeah I think I'm in. I think I got it.
00:50:41
Ninja
I think you earned it tonight. I think I earned it too, but I don't know.
00:50:43
Dakota Zeigler
Have I earned it? I've been doing well.
00:50:46
Ninja
I think you did good.
00:50:46
Dakota Zeigler
I've been doing well on the ones and twos. You've got to give me an outro every once in a while.
00:50:47
Ninja
Yeah. Yeah, yeah. No, no. Yeah, I'll give you a biscuit every now and again. But no, it's been great talking to the boys, especially Zag finally being able to get to the start of a podcast.
00:50:58
Ninja
It's been a rarity. That's why he's a special guest at this point. I don't i think Zach might have more a calling or more presence in this pod than Zag at this point, but who knows?
00:51:09
Zig
zach Zach, you are welcome.
00:51:09
Ninja
We'll we'll see with Zach.
00:51:11
Zig
You're welcome to sit in here at any time and have my spot. These boys apparently love you more than me.
00:51:15
Ninja
Yeah, he heard that from the actual podcasters here.
00:51:17
Dakota Zeigler
Oh yeah, he will be here.
00:51:21
Ninja
He doesn't need to hear it from a part-timer. But no, I appreciate the heck out of everyone listening. We do have a lot of content. And I like i was brainstorming with the boys today.
00:51:31
Ninja
a little bit of Fixture Division? What?
00:51:34
Dakota Zeigler
wide
00:51:35
Ninja
So we're brainstorming a lot of ideas to bring to this pod. So keep listening, guys. We got a lot of offseason content and just wait till we get to the rookie mock drafts, the season breakdowns.
00:51:46
Dakota Zeigler
I can't wait to start talking about rookies.
00:51:49
Ninja
Oh my God, I can't wait. I'm so excited.
00:51:52
Dakota Zeigler
It's going to be great. I cannot wait to get to this offseason. It's weird getting excited for an offseason because, you know, that means football is over. So I am going to soak up as much football as I can this weekend and the next couple weeks, which you guys should do as well.
00:52:05
Dakota Zeigler
Do not think these playoff games are granted, even though it's Texans-Steelers on Monday night and you might have something going on.
00:52:09
Ninja
Hmm.
00:52:11
Dakota Zeigler
Watch a football game. You know, there's there's only a few number. There's a finite number of football games you have left. This season, let alone your lifetime.
00:52:18
Ninja
no
00:52:30
Ninja
yeah
00:52:34
Dakota Zeigler
<unk> We're going to be wrapping up here. I appreciate everybody listening. I appreciate you guys tuning in. We have a lot coming for you this offseason, so don't just because the football season is over, don't tune us out. We're going to have a lot of rookie breakdowns, a lot of mock drafts, a lot of looking forward to next year. So we will be continuing this podcast throughout the offseason, so tune in to us. as much as you possibly can. But fellas, as always, thank you guys for listening. in Appreciate it as always. Holiday times are kind of fishing up and we're going to get to that time of the year where there's not really anything happening, you know, like it's January, February, like what happens? We're kind of just waiting for, you know, our tax returns to pop up and that'd be pretty cool, but that's pretty much it
00:53:14
Dakota Zeigler
So yeah, check in on your boys as always. Say hi to people. Be nice to people. you know Hold the door open for that old lady in the wheelchair. She appreciates it as much as you think she does. But yeah, be kind. Tell the friend something nice.
00:53:27
Dakota Zeigler
And as always, thank you guys for listening. Peace.