1 00:00:07,266 --> 00:00:09,666 Speaker 1: The Season with Peter Scheger is a production of the 2 00:00:09,786 --> 00:00:28,906 Speaker 1: NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio. We got a lot of 3 00:00:28,906 --> 00:00:31,426 Speaker 1: the Bengals right they were on national TV the final 4 00:00:31,466 --> 00:00:32,306 Speaker 1: two weeks in the season. 5 00:00:32,386 --> 00:00:35,706 Speaker 2: Day of these dramatic comeback wins, and the Bengals gave 6 00:00:35,786 --> 00:00:39,066 Speaker 2: us fantasy football, and they gave us some really excellent fodder. 7 00:00:39,106 --> 00:00:41,706 Speaker 2: When we heard Joe Burrow be mentioned as the MVP 8 00:00:41,786 --> 00:00:44,306 Speaker 2: from Troy Aikman, that was about two segments of content 9 00:00:44,386 --> 00:00:46,666 Speaker 2: for us last week, so I'm happy with that. I 10 00:00:46,666 --> 00:00:49,346 Speaker 2: would also note that the Bengals lost Week one to 11 00:00:49,426 --> 00:00:53,746 Speaker 2: the Gerardmeo Jacoby Burssett Patriots at home, and the first 12 00:00:53,786 --> 00:00:56,626 Speaker 2: month of the season does happen to matter in the NFL. 13 00:00:56,666 --> 00:00:58,626 Speaker 2: I'm sorry to tell it. It's an eighteen week season, 14 00:00:58,866 --> 00:01:01,226 Speaker 2: and when you start off losing the first few weeks 15 00:01:01,266 --> 00:01:03,746 Speaker 2: every single year, year in, year out, eventually it's going 16 00:01:03,786 --> 00:01:06,146 Speaker 2: to bite you in the butt. I would rather us 17 00:01:06,546 --> 00:01:09,706 Speaker 2: the table and celebrate the team that did make it. 18 00:01:10,066 --> 00:01:12,066 Speaker 2: You see the season that bow Nicks just put together 19 00:01:12,106 --> 00:01:14,106 Speaker 2: in his first year. You could talk about Joe Burrow 20 00:01:14,146 --> 00:01:17,106 Speaker 2: and cry alligator tears about not seeing him. Bow Knicks 21 00:01:17,146 --> 00:01:20,546 Speaker 2: just had one of the greatest seasons in Broncos history 22 00:01:20,546 --> 00:01:24,626 Speaker 2: in a franchise that includes John Elway and Peyton Manning. 23 00:01:25,026 --> 00:01:28,386 Speaker 2: Bow Knicks put up the fourth best single season touchdown 24 00:01:28,426 --> 00:01:33,546 Speaker 2: record in the franchise's history. And gosh, let's enjoy this 25 00:01:33,746 --> 00:01:35,986 Speaker 2: for that fan base that hasn't been to the playoffs 26 00:01:36,146 --> 00:01:39,266 Speaker 2: since Peyton Manning was a quarterback and actually earned it 27 00:01:39,306 --> 00:01:43,066 Speaker 2: by winning enough games and getting the tiebreakers needed. Bengals fans, 28 00:01:43,066 --> 00:01:46,386 Speaker 2: I hear you. We got our Bengals moments. They happened 29 00:01:46,426 --> 00:01:50,666 Speaker 2: in late December and early January. They were able to 30 00:01:50,706 --> 00:01:54,506 Speaker 2: celebrate money. Go not give up five hundred yards of 31 00:01:54,506 --> 00:01:57,826 Speaker 2: offense to the Russell Wilson led Steelers. That's my thought. 32 00:01:58,466 --> 00:02:01,586 Speaker 2: Go beat a team of significance in September. I have 33 00:02:01,626 --> 00:02:04,586 Speaker 2: no problem with the Bengals messing the playoffs. You gotta 34 00:02:04,626 --> 00:02:07,666 Speaker 2: play defense. Also, they didn't do that all season. Can 35 00:02:07,706 --> 00:02:10,186 Speaker 2: I give my game ball to a player who has 36 00:02:10,266 --> 00:02:13,306 Speaker 2: had maybe the biggest roller coaster season? I can imagine 37 00:02:13,306 --> 00:02:15,666 Speaker 2: an NFL history It ends up on top in the 38 00:02:15,706 --> 00:02:19,506 Speaker 2: best place possible. About Bryce Young getting my game ball 39 00:02:19,626 --> 00:02:23,506 Speaker 2: for Week eighteen. Bryce Young completes twenty five passes for 40 00:02:23,546 --> 00:02:26,626 Speaker 2: two hundred and fifty one yards and three touchdowns as 41 00:02:26,746 --> 00:02:29,226 Speaker 2: the Panthers, who quote unquote had nothing to play for, 42 00:02:29,986 --> 00:02:34,186 Speaker 2: shock the Falcons who had everything to play for and 43 00:02:34,226 --> 00:02:37,106 Speaker 2: did so in Atlanta. That's the highlight of the game. 44 00:02:37,146 --> 00:02:40,306 Speaker 2: We know that Bryce also added five rushes for twenty 45 00:02:40,306 --> 00:02:43,746 Speaker 2: four yards and two touchdowns there. He's had at least 46 00:02:43,746 --> 00:02:46,906 Speaker 2: two touchdown passes in three straight games and a passing 47 00:02:46,946 --> 00:02:49,586 Speaker 2: touchdown each of his last ten games. Those are obviously 48 00:02:49,626 --> 00:02:52,626 Speaker 2: the longest streaks of his two year career. Bryce Young 49 00:02:52,666 --> 00:02:55,626 Speaker 2: went from being benched for what looked like could be 50 00:02:55,706 --> 00:02:58,266 Speaker 2: eternity based on how he looked in the early season 51 00:02:58,706 --> 00:03:02,546 Speaker 2: to having one of the greatest November December January turnarounds 52 00:03:02,546 --> 00:03:05,226 Speaker 2: you can imagine for a second year player. The Panthers 53 00:03:05,266 --> 00:03:08,106 Speaker 2: have their quarterback, they have their coach, they have their 54 00:03:08,106 --> 00:03:10,546 Speaker 2: front office, and for the first time in years, they 55 00:03:10,586 --> 00:03:13,666 Speaker 2: have hope and optimism going into next season. And shut 56 00:03:13,666 --> 00:03:16,506 Speaker 2: out to my guy Coker, the rookie got a Holy 57 00:03:16,626 --> 00:03:20,666 Speaker 2: Cross who was freaking awesome in this game. Cocher was 58 00:03:20,706 --> 00:03:23,506 Speaker 2: the guy who Bryce Young was looking for. Including this 59 00:03:23,546 --> 00:03:27,786 Speaker 2: cool play here, Cocher almost got in great finish to 60 00:03:27,866 --> 00:03:31,706 Speaker 2: the Panthers season, Jalen Coker Jalen cocher at a holy 61 00:03:31,786 --> 00:03:36,226 Speaker 2: Cross Mat League undrafted player, and Bryce Young, the first 62 00:03:36,266 --> 00:03:38,986 Speaker 2: overall pick out of Alabama on a former number one 63 00:03:39,426 --> 00:03:42,146 Speaker 2: five star high school recruit. They both ended the season 64 00:03:42,186 --> 00:03:44,906 Speaker 2: in the right place. I couldn't be happier for a 65 00:03:44,946 --> 00:03:47,586 Speaker 2: player and for a franchise and for how things ended 66 00:03:47,666 --> 00:03:49,826 Speaker 2: up for Bryce Young and the Panthers. Kudos to those 67 00:03:49,826 --> 00:03:54,466 Speaker 2: guys down in Carolina. It was the rare decision that 68 00:03:54,626 --> 00:03:58,106 Speaker 2: was made to get an individual something over necessary the 69 00:03:58,146 --> 00:04:02,066 Speaker 2: team's needs, and that was universally celebrated. And that tells 70 00:04:02,106 --> 00:04:03,746 Speaker 2: you how people feel about Mike Evans. What do I 71 00:04:03,786 --> 00:04:07,466 Speaker 2: mean by that? If for some reason Mike Evans bubbles 72 00:04:07,506 --> 00:04:09,546 Speaker 2: that ball and it's a pick six. The other way, 73 00:04:09,586 --> 00:04:12,546 Speaker 2: it's arguably the worst playing NFL history and can cost 74 00:04:12,586 --> 00:04:16,106 Speaker 2: the Buccaneers a chance to not only win the division, 75 00:04:16,106 --> 00:04:18,626 Speaker 2: but to go on in the playoffs. Instead, they trot 76 00:04:18,666 --> 00:04:21,426 Speaker 2: the offense back, which I mean in some ways, if 77 00:04:21,466 --> 00:04:23,106 Speaker 2: it wasn't with this, I think you'd say it's a 78 00:04:23,186 --> 00:04:27,466 Speaker 2: massive sportsmanship gaff. It was like he had spit the 79 00:04:27,466 --> 00:04:30,466 Speaker 2: eight yards at one point. Yeah, But they trot Evans 80 00:04:30,546 --> 00:04:32,466 Speaker 2: back on the field after he gets all these things, 81 00:04:32,506 --> 00:04:34,986 Speaker 2: and they do it. There's a specific play at the 82 00:04:35,106 --> 00:04:38,386 Speaker 2: end of the game they put Mike Evans in when 83 00:04:38,386 --> 00:04:41,186 Speaker 2: they're already winning. Hear it, Here we go trot them 84 00:04:41,186 --> 00:04:44,146 Speaker 2: out beautiful, they're up eight. It makes no sense. And 85 00:04:44,186 --> 00:04:47,066 Speaker 2: this was like universally celebrated. I'll tell you what. Even 86 00:04:47,186 --> 00:04:49,546 Speaker 2: the Saints guys were like cool with it, Like they 87 00:04:49,546 --> 00:04:51,546 Speaker 2: weren't like outraged or anyday I don't that little push 88 00:04:51,586 --> 00:04:54,066 Speaker 2: by five. But after the game they're game. And here's 89 00:04:54,066 --> 00:04:56,586 Speaker 2: what you earn that you earn that you earn this celebration. 90 00:04:56,746 --> 00:04:58,586 Speaker 2: You earn that you also earned it from around the league. 91 00:04:58,866 --> 00:05:01,786 Speaker 2: Mike's Mike Evans is now in an eleventh year. He 92 00:05:01,946 --> 00:05:04,946 Speaker 2: is beloved and earlier in the in the season we 93 00:05:04,986 --> 00:05:08,426 Speaker 2: did this MVP debate was like non, sometimes where's this going? 94 00:05:08,706 --> 00:05:10,466 Speaker 2: Where Peter, where are you going? But we do the 95 00:05:10,546 --> 00:05:13,826 Speaker 2: MVP debate. First it was Sakwon, then it was Josh Allen, 96 00:05:13,866 --> 00:05:15,546 Speaker 2: then it was Lamar, then is Joe Burrow. Now we're 97 00:05:15,546 --> 00:05:18,226 Speaker 2: back to Lamar. Maybe actually Josh Allen somebody we don't 98 00:05:18,226 --> 00:05:19,866 Speaker 2: do on the show because it's maybe a little unsem 99 00:05:19,946 --> 00:05:22,346 Speaker 2: because they're all wonderful man. We never knew the Walter 100 00:05:22,586 --> 00:05:25,626 Speaker 2: Peyton Man of the Year debate. Oh yeah, yeah. You 101 00:05:25,666 --> 00:05:29,226 Speaker 2: know who's a nominee this year, Mike Mike Evans. I 102 00:05:29,266 --> 00:05:32,706 Speaker 2: know Travis Kelsey's more famous, and I know Bobby Wagner's 103 00:05:32,706 --> 00:05:35,386 Speaker 2: been in the league a long time. Mike Evans. If 104 00:05:35,386 --> 00:05:37,746 Speaker 2: you saw that reaction from everybody, Mike Evans is my 105 00:05:37,786 --> 00:05:39,626 Speaker 2: pick for Walter Payton Man of the Year. Aston to 106 00:05:39,666 --> 00:05:42,586 Speaker 2: the community, but Mike Mike Evans Family Foundation is great. 107 00:05:42,786 --> 00:05:44,466 Speaker 2: Mike Evans for Walter Payton Man of the Year. On 108 00:05:44,586 --> 00:05:50,466 Speaker 2: the Walkall how about a Sunday Night Collinsworth Tarico Buccaneers 109 00:05:50,586 --> 00:05:54,946 Speaker 2: Commander's Game. Like it was nobody's prediction before the season started. 110 00:05:54,986 --> 00:05:56,866 Speaker 2: Maybe you thought the Bucks wouldent the division. You didn't 111 00:05:56,866 --> 00:05:58,906 Speaker 2: pick the Commanders to be a wild card, and you 112 00:05:58,986 --> 00:06:01,866 Speaker 2: certainly didn't pick them as the sixth seed and not 113 00:06:02,026 --> 00:06:05,266 Speaker 2: the seventh seed. Two of the most fun electric teams 114 00:06:05,466 --> 00:06:08,626 Speaker 2: that oh, by the way, have put on great performances 115 00:06:08,706 --> 00:06:12,226 Speaker 2: in the month of December in dramatic fashion. I love 116 00:06:12,266 --> 00:06:14,986 Speaker 2: this two Heisman Trophy winners going at it, and I 117 00:06:15,066 --> 00:06:17,386 Speaker 2: liked it. They got what I consider the premier treatment 118 00:06:17,426 --> 00:06:20,266 Speaker 2: that Sunday night game with those two voices on it. 119 00:06:20,746 --> 00:06:24,306 Speaker 2: You look at this Commander's story. What they have done 120 00:06:24,346 --> 00:06:26,946 Speaker 2: in the final seconds of games has made them the 121 00:06:26,986 --> 00:06:29,346 Speaker 2: cardiac kids, and they have found a way. They have 122 00:06:29,386 --> 00:06:30,466 Speaker 2: won on a Hail Mary. 123 00:06:30,626 --> 00:06:30,786 Speaker 3: Yep. 124 00:06:31,066 --> 00:06:33,906 Speaker 2: They have won on a walk off overtime touchdown on 125 00:06:33,986 --> 00:06:37,146 Speaker 2: Sunday Night to beat another rookie quarterback, Michael Pennix. They 126 00:06:37,186 --> 00:06:39,466 Speaker 2: have beaten the Eagles at home, they have beaten the 127 00:06:39,506 --> 00:06:42,026 Speaker 2: Giants at home, and then yesterday they go into their 128 00:06:42,146 --> 00:06:45,066 Speaker 2: arch rival Dallas Cowboys building in a game that didn't 129 00:06:45,066 --> 00:06:48,746 Speaker 2: matter for seeding, and Marcus Mariota says, you know what, 130 00:06:49,186 --> 00:06:52,026 Speaker 2: Jaden chill over there. I'm gonna do a little something too, 131 00:06:52,066 --> 00:06:54,906 Speaker 2: and he finds a way to have the dramatic win 132 00:06:55,306 --> 00:06:59,706 Speaker 2: the Commander's Buccaneers game. It's not the same storied franchises 133 00:06:59,746 --> 00:07:02,426 Speaker 2: in recent years as the Ravens and the Steelers on 134 00:07:02,546 --> 00:07:05,946 Speaker 2: Saturday Night, or the dramatic matchup that we're gonna have 135 00:07:06,546 --> 00:07:08,946 Speaker 2: the Eagles and Packers, but you got maybe the two 136 00:07:09,026 --> 00:07:12,546 Speaker 2: feel good stories of the entire season going at it 137 00:07:12,586 --> 00:07:15,306 Speaker 2: in what might be the most fun wild Card matchup 138 00:07:15,946 --> 00:07:19,066 Speaker 2: if I'm picking this one now, like you're telling me 139 00:07:19,146 --> 00:07:21,746 Speaker 2: that Jaden Daniels is going to be playing in great 140 00:07:21,746 --> 00:07:25,626 Speaker 2: weather on a Sunday in Tampa with all the momentum 141 00:07:25,666 --> 00:07:28,466 Speaker 2: after having just won two key games to get in 142 00:07:28,586 --> 00:07:31,346 Speaker 2: this thing against Atlanta. Of course, but I look at 143 00:07:31,386 --> 00:07:34,106 Speaker 2: that Philadelphia game three weeks ago where they had to 144 00:07:34,146 --> 00:07:37,946 Speaker 2: get that win at the end and they did. Gosh, 145 00:07:38,146 --> 00:07:40,546 Speaker 2: the names of players that have stepped up for Washington, 146 00:07:40,586 --> 00:07:44,906 Speaker 2: whether it be Alamid's a Chaus or zach Ertz, it's 147 00:07:44,946 --> 00:07:47,546 Speaker 2: a really cool story. I don't know if it necessarily 148 00:07:47,666 --> 00:07:50,466 Speaker 2: ends in the wild card round, they might be marching on. 149 00:07:50,986 --> 00:07:53,546 Speaker 2: They could be the hottest team in football. So Washington 150 00:07:54,066 --> 00:07:56,146 Speaker 2: that's who I'm looking at right now. And I also 151 00:07:56,186 --> 00:07:59,746 Speaker 2: love what Tampa's got going. You know, it's interesting. I 152 00:07:59,746 --> 00:08:01,426 Speaker 2: talked to it at the start of the show about 153 00:08:01,426 --> 00:08:04,426 Speaker 2: how much there's such high stakes for everyone involved in 154 00:08:04,466 --> 00:08:07,226 Speaker 2: Pittsburgh and Baltimore and like, what a loss mean the 155 00:08:07,306 --> 00:08:09,506 Speaker 2: complete opposite of that? And I really mean this, and 156 00:08:09,506 --> 00:08:11,186 Speaker 2: I think I would hear that from the fan bases 157 00:08:11,426 --> 00:08:14,786 Speaker 2: is Buccaneers commanders like those teams are having great seasons. 158 00:08:14,826 --> 00:08:16,506 Speaker 2: I don't know if the fans expecting them to be 159 00:08:16,546 --> 00:08:18,586 Speaker 2: here and if they lose, all right, we had a 160 00:08:18,586 --> 00:08:20,346 Speaker 2: great season and we got young team who we're gonna 161 00:08:20,346 --> 00:08:23,106 Speaker 2: be back. Jaden Daniels has nothing to lose this week. 162 00:08:23,226 --> 00:08:27,186 Speaker 2: I cannot wait to see Jaden Daniels on Sunday Night Football, 163 00:08:27,546 --> 00:08:31,986 Speaker 2: Tariko and Collinsworth on the call in warm weather, where 164 00:08:32,026 --> 00:08:34,946 Speaker 2: he can run around, he can throw the ball, and 165 00:08:34,986 --> 00:08:37,786 Speaker 2: if I'm taking a Jaden Daniels cue from this season, 166 00:08:37,986 --> 00:08:40,666 Speaker 2: it's gonna come down to the last second. It just will. 167 00:08:41,066 --> 00:08:44,186 Speaker 2: The Commanders have won five different games with Jayden Daniels 168 00:08:44,226 --> 00:08:47,866 Speaker 2: at quarterback in the final thirty seconds of regulation or overtime. 169 00:08:48,546 --> 00:08:51,186 Speaker 2: They also won one with Marcus Mariota in the final 170 00:08:51,266 --> 00:08:55,226 Speaker 2: thirty seconds of regulation overtime into that week eighteen. Jaden's 171 00:08:55,226 --> 00:08:57,706 Speaker 2: been a treat to watch all season. He's your offensive 172 00:08:57,746 --> 00:08:59,786 Speaker 2: Rookie of the Year. I think he wins it unanimously 173 00:09:00,106 --> 00:09:01,546 Speaker 2: and I can't wait to see what he's got in 174 00:09:01,546 --> 00:09:05,106 Speaker 2: store for the playoffs. January Football, the Commanders are there 175 00:09:05,346 --> 00:09:07,586 Speaker 2: for the first time and it feels like forever, and 176 00:09:07,706 --> 00:09:28,026 Speaker 2: Jaden Daniels is their quarterback. What's up everybody? Every Monday 177 00:09:28,066 --> 00:09:30,106 Speaker 2: I give out the Coach of the Week award. It 178 00:09:30,146 --> 00:09:33,066 Speaker 2: could be a coordinator, It could be an assistant. Sometimes 179 00:09:33,066 --> 00:09:34,786 Speaker 2: it's a head coach. He just does the right thing 180 00:09:35,186 --> 00:09:38,306 Speaker 2: and gets the job done. Today's Coach of the Week 181 00:09:38,346 --> 00:09:40,666 Speaker 2: award for Week eighteen ghost to a guy who has 182 00:09:40,706 --> 00:09:44,546 Speaker 2: now won yet another straight division title in the NFC South. 183 00:09:45,106 --> 00:09:47,706 Speaker 2: Todd Bowles is our coach. Right a week Tima Bay 184 00:09:47,746 --> 00:09:50,946 Speaker 2: Buccaneers head coach not only win the division title with 185 00:09:50,986 --> 00:09:54,186 Speaker 2: the win over the Saints, but does the right thing 186 00:09:54,226 --> 00:09:57,066 Speaker 2: and getting Mike Evans on the field and getting him 187 00:09:57,066 --> 00:10:00,026 Speaker 2: a thousand yards so he could keep that awesome streak going. 188 00:10:00,586 --> 00:10:02,786 Speaker 2: Bulls could have easily taken a knee in a lot 189 00:10:02,786 --> 00:10:05,306 Speaker 2: of ways that was the right play to make, but 190 00:10:05,426 --> 00:10:07,586 Speaker 2: Mike Evans is a special player and this is a 191 00:10:07,626 --> 00:10:11,426 Speaker 2: special streak that they've got going on eleven straight years. 192 00:10:11,466 --> 00:10:14,506 Speaker 2: He now ties Jerry Rice in the record books for 193 00:10:14,626 --> 00:10:18,026 Speaker 2: most one thousand yard receiving seasons. The reaction from the 194 00:10:18,026 --> 00:10:21,306 Speaker 2: team tells you everything about how the players felt. Todd 195 00:10:21,346 --> 00:10:24,866 Speaker 2: Bowles in the locker room afterwards, was right there celebrating 196 00:10:24,906 --> 00:10:26,906 Speaker 2: with a giant smile on his face, and we see 197 00:10:26,906 --> 00:10:30,426 Speaker 2: his general manager Jason Light behind him. They're celebrating Mike. 198 00:10:30,826 --> 00:10:33,186 Speaker 2: This is the family and Mike Evans has been there 199 00:10:33,226 --> 00:10:36,226 Speaker 2: over multiple regimes. He goes back to Lovey Smith and 200 00:10:36,266 --> 00:10:39,546 Speaker 2: Dirk Cutter, and he goes back to Bruce Arians, but 201 00:10:39,666 --> 00:10:42,226 Speaker 2: they've had a lot of success under Todd Bowles. Todd 202 00:10:42,266 --> 00:10:44,186 Speaker 2: does not get enough credit for what he's done in 203 00:10:44,226 --> 00:10:47,586 Speaker 2: Tampa Bay. They have lost offensive coordinators over the year. 204 00:10:47,666 --> 00:10:50,986 Speaker 2: Dave Kanalisa left last year. They still find a way 205 00:10:51,026 --> 00:10:55,146 Speaker 2: to win yet another division title on Todd Bowles's resume. 206 00:10:55,426 --> 00:10:58,786 Speaker 2: The guy who's very seldom given praise on the national media, 207 00:10:59,066 --> 00:11:01,226 Speaker 2: I gotta do it today. He wins and he does 208 00:11:01,306 --> 00:11:02,986 Speaker 2: it the right way. Todd Bowles is our coach of 209 00:11:02,986 --> 00:11:07,226 Speaker 2: the week for Week eighteen. I look at philadelph and 210 00:11:07,266 --> 00:11:10,306 Speaker 2: hear me out here. They opted not to go for 211 00:11:10,346 --> 00:11:13,706 Speaker 2: the Saquon Barkley single season rushing record, and talking heads 212 00:11:13,786 --> 00:11:15,626 Speaker 2: like us had a field day with it and went 213 00:11:15,706 --> 00:11:19,106 Speaker 2: thirty ways backwards forwards. Everyone had to take Saquon Barkley 214 00:11:19,146 --> 00:11:21,466 Speaker 2: was at his locker after the decision was made. Take 215 00:11:21,466 --> 00:11:22,946 Speaker 2: a listen to what he had to say in Week 216 00:11:23,066 --> 00:11:25,666 Speaker 2: eighteen before a game he ended up not even playing. 217 00:11:25,706 --> 00:11:27,986 Speaker 3: It was somebody in your family who did take it 218 00:11:28,066 --> 00:11:29,266 Speaker 3: the hardest my following life. 219 00:11:29,466 --> 00:11:30,466 Speaker 2: Yeah. 220 00:11:30,266 --> 00:11:32,306 Speaker 3: Yeah, he tried to act like he didn't, but he 221 00:11:32,346 --> 00:11:35,146 Speaker 3: called me yesterday say happy New Year. Is checkable me. 222 00:11:35,866 --> 00:11:39,066 Speaker 3: He definitely wanted me to play, you know, selfishly for him. 223 00:11:39,146 --> 00:11:41,466 Speaker 3: You got to think about it for however long, whether 224 00:11:41,466 --> 00:11:42,866 Speaker 3: it would take a year if I would have broke it, 225 00:11:42,946 --> 00:11:45,386 Speaker 3: or for someone to break it, or another forty fifty years. 226 00:11:45,666 --> 00:11:47,266 Speaker 3: Our last name would have been attached to that. So 227 00:11:48,106 --> 00:11:49,946 Speaker 3: I see it from that side too. But at the 228 00:11:50,026 --> 00:11:51,626 Speaker 3: end of the day, the most important thing is one 229 00:11:51,666 --> 00:11:53,786 Speaker 3: of the football games. And he's the one that raised me 230 00:11:53,826 --> 00:11:55,386 Speaker 3: to kind of be all about the team too, So 231 00:11:55,546 --> 00:11:57,586 Speaker 3: he could have his little selfis moment, but he'll get over. 232 00:11:58,466 --> 00:12:00,666 Speaker 2: It's a fun moment. It's a great SoundBite, and Saquon 233 00:12:00,706 --> 00:12:02,626 Speaker 2: seems to be taking it in stride. But you get 234 00:12:02,626 --> 00:12:05,106 Speaker 2: the feeling that Sakon probably wanted to get that record 235 00:12:05,346 --> 00:12:07,466 Speaker 2: and he didn't bang it his head. He didn't bang 236 00:12:07,506 --> 00:12:10,266 Speaker 2: as he understands. But I think Saquon would have liked 237 00:12:10,346 --> 00:12:13,386 Speaker 2: to have been the single season rushing record holder for 238 00:12:13,426 --> 00:12:14,866 Speaker 2: the rest of time, Like I think that would have 239 00:12:14,906 --> 00:12:16,786 Speaker 2: been nice. And he won't get another shot. He won't 240 00:12:16,786 --> 00:12:18,946 Speaker 2: get another shot. It's very unlikely you get that other shot. 241 00:12:19,106 --> 00:12:21,826 Speaker 2: They opted not to and when you ought not to 242 00:12:21,826 --> 00:12:23,786 Speaker 2: do that in Week eighteen, because you think about the playoffs, 243 00:12:23,826 --> 00:12:25,866 Speaker 2: you better succeed in the playoffs. Take a look at 244 00:12:25,906 --> 00:12:28,466 Speaker 2: the reaction when another team that had already clinched a 245 00:12:28,506 --> 00:12:30,906 Speaker 2: playoff spot and had nothing else to play for except 246 00:12:30,906 --> 00:12:36,546 Speaker 2: that individual's accolades got that individual the accolades a thousand 247 00:12:36,666 --> 00:12:39,186 Speaker 2: yards for the eleventh straight year. And look at the 248 00:12:39,226 --> 00:12:42,266 Speaker 2: way this team reacted and look at how excited they were. 249 00:12:42,346 --> 00:12:44,186 Speaker 2: Do you think this is a good moment for the 250 00:12:44,186 --> 00:12:46,786 Speaker 2: Ten Bay Buccaneers heading into the playoffs? Do you think 251 00:12:46,786 --> 00:12:49,666 Speaker 2: they were happy? Do you think that they were galvanized? 252 00:12:50,026 --> 00:12:53,186 Speaker 2: Do you think that maybe, just maybe Saquon getting that 253 00:12:53,226 --> 00:12:56,426 Speaker 2: record could have been a positive thing heading into January 254 00:12:56,826 --> 00:12:59,866 Speaker 2: instead of going into this postseason like, well that was 255 00:12:59,906 --> 00:13:02,906 Speaker 2: the regular season. It's an individual effort and we're hurting 256 00:13:02,946 --> 00:13:05,946 Speaker 2: the page. It's not that significant. These things matter, and 257 00:13:05,986 --> 00:13:07,986 Speaker 2: it's good that's her team. And in the locker room 258 00:13:07,986 --> 00:13:10,186 Speaker 2: after the game, Todd Bowles had a smile as wide 259 00:13:10,186 --> 00:13:13,666 Speaker 2: as you've ever seen Todd Bowles have. Now, I say 260 00:13:13,666 --> 00:13:16,306 Speaker 2: all that to lead to Nick Sirianni because he's the 261 00:13:16,346 --> 00:13:19,066 Speaker 2: man in charge, and he's the one with a decision 262 00:13:19,586 --> 00:13:22,666 Speaker 2: if the Packers come in and beat the Eagles on Sunday, 263 00:13:22,906 --> 00:13:26,706 Speaker 2: that decision Week eighteen to not let Saquon get that 264 00:13:26,786 --> 00:13:30,066 Speaker 2: record and to hold Saquon back and to take the conservative, 265 00:13:30,186 --> 00:13:33,706 Speaker 2: long term approach about we're going for it all. It'll 266 00:13:33,706 --> 00:13:36,186 Speaker 2: be analyzed for the rest of time. It'll be a 267 00:13:36,426 --> 00:13:40,626 Speaker 2: historical decision to not let Saquon get their guys. Derrick 268 00:13:40,666 --> 00:13:43,786 Speaker 2: Henry was on the field in a thirty five to 269 00:13:43,786 --> 00:13:46,506 Speaker 2: ten win over Cleveland where it was all done also, 270 00:13:47,026 --> 00:13:49,266 Speaker 2: but the Ravens wanted to see Derek Henry eat the 271 00:13:49,346 --> 00:13:52,306 Speaker 2: Derrick Henry Ravens wanted to see Derek Henry get more yards. 272 00:13:52,306 --> 00:13:54,306 Speaker 2: That game was never in question in the second half, 273 00:13:54,586 --> 00:13:57,106 Speaker 2: but Derek Henry was still ripping off yards. We saw 274 00:13:57,146 --> 00:13:59,306 Speaker 2: Mike Evans get his. We didn't get a chance to 275 00:13:59,306 --> 00:14:01,666 Speaker 2: see saquons And the reason why it is a smart one. 276 00:14:01,786 --> 00:14:03,946 Speaker 2: We don't want any injuries, and we want the offensive 277 00:14:03,986 --> 00:14:05,866 Speaker 2: line to be fresh, and we want Saquon to be 278 00:14:05,946 --> 00:14:08,506 Speaker 2: fresh because we're going for a bigger goal. We're going 279 00:14:08,546 --> 00:14:11,266 Speaker 2: for a Super Bowl championship. Don't lose to the packers 280 00:14:11,306 --> 00:14:15,546 Speaker 2: at home on Sunday, nothing short of clumsy. Why not 281 00:14:15,626 --> 00:14:17,946 Speaker 2: do it Sunday night or do it Monday before. Antonio 282 00:14:17,986 --> 00:14:20,226 Speaker 2: Pierce speaks in front of reporters at one pm and says, 283 00:14:20,226 --> 00:14:22,866 Speaker 2: I think I'm fine. Matt Eberflu suffered the same fate. 284 00:14:23,026 --> 00:14:26,386 Speaker 2: He lost that game on Thanksgiving Friday morning. After Thanksgiving, 285 00:14:26,386 --> 00:14:27,826 Speaker 2: they made him go speak in front of the media. 286 00:14:27,826 --> 00:14:29,346 Speaker 2: Then an hour later they told him he was fired. 287 00:14:29,426 --> 00:14:31,986 Speaker 2: It looks clumsy, it looks like the timeline's off. But 288 00:14:32,026 --> 00:14:34,466 Speaker 2: I would say with the Las Vegas Raiders, there are 289 00:14:34,506 --> 00:14:36,546 Speaker 2: thirty one teams the NFL, and then there's the Raiders. 290 00:14:36,586 --> 00:14:39,186 Speaker 2: They operate on their own rules and they do it 291 00:14:39,186 --> 00:14:41,626 Speaker 2: by their own set of standards and their own procedures, 292 00:14:41,666 --> 00:14:43,266 Speaker 2: and that's maybe one of the reasons why they've had 293 00:14:43,306 --> 00:14:47,066 Speaker 2: so many down years in the last two decades. Mark Davis, 294 00:14:47,066 --> 00:14:48,506 Speaker 2: I think his heart is in the right place. He's 295 00:14:48,546 --> 00:14:50,666 Speaker 2: got good intentions, and I think this new ownership group, 296 00:14:50,826 --> 00:14:53,946 Speaker 2: which includes Tom Brady and Richard Seymour and some other voices, 297 00:14:54,226 --> 00:14:55,706 Speaker 2: are going to do the best job they can to 298 00:14:55,746 --> 00:14:57,786 Speaker 2: help advise and get the right thing right. But at 299 00:14:57,786 --> 00:14:59,946 Speaker 2: the end of the day, they don't have a quarterback. 300 00:15:00,746 --> 00:15:04,386 Speaker 2: They just fired another offensive coordinator. You know, they had 301 00:15:04,826 --> 00:15:07,666 Speaker 2: Luke Getzi for eleven weeks. They fired him, and then 302 00:15:07,666 --> 00:15:09,506 Speaker 2: they had Scott Turner and North Turner and the booth 303 00:15:09,546 --> 00:15:12,746 Speaker 2: they're out. There's a great amount of instability in this job. 304 00:15:12,786 --> 00:15:15,066 Speaker 2: I don't know who would find this attractive if you're 305 00:15:15,066 --> 00:15:19,946 Speaker 2: looking at it objectively, compared to say Bears or a 306 00:15:20,026 --> 00:15:23,666 Speaker 2: Patriots or a Jets or a Saints. The Raiders' job, 307 00:15:23,666 --> 00:15:25,946 Speaker 2: it's more like, I guess I want to work with Brady, 308 00:15:25,986 --> 00:15:28,106 Speaker 2: but Brady's not there every day, and he hasn't been 309 00:15:28,106 --> 00:15:30,146 Speaker 2: there every day, so I hate to be so down. 310 00:15:30,586 --> 00:15:32,826 Speaker 2: I don't have a quarterback, I don't know what the 311 00:15:32,866 --> 00:15:36,146 Speaker 2: salary cat situation is, and I don't necessarily know how 312 00:15:36,226 --> 00:15:37,946 Speaker 2: much I'm gonna be able to spend on a coaching 313 00:15:37,946 --> 00:15:41,546 Speaker 2: staff going into this. So everyone's saying l Vrabel Vrabel 314 00:15:41,586 --> 00:15:43,786 Speaker 2: because he used to play with Brady. Rabel might have 315 00:15:43,826 --> 00:15:46,266 Speaker 2: more attractive options than going to this Vegas situation, which 316 00:15:46,306 --> 00:15:48,426 Speaker 2: doesn't look ideal for me as I'm just looking at 317 00:15:48,426 --> 00:15:53,306 Speaker 2: the other landscape. The Brady situation is fascinating Jamie because 318 00:15:53,346 --> 00:15:55,626 Speaker 2: he's the number one broadcaster for Fox and the most 319 00:15:55,626 --> 00:15:58,066 Speaker 2: important games of his broadcast career are about to kick off. 320 00:15:58,106 --> 00:16:01,226 Speaker 2: They're gonna be thirty million people watching Packers Eagles on 321 00:16:01,346 --> 00:16:04,026 Speaker 2: Sunday on Fox, and then the following week he's gonna 322 00:16:04,026 --> 00:16:05,666 Speaker 2: have a Divisional round game. There he's gonna have the 323 00:16:05,746 --> 00:16:07,466 Speaker 2: NFC Championship, and then O, yeah, he does a Super 324 00:16:07,466 --> 00:16:10,626 Speaker 2: Bowl that takes you through February fourteenth or so, that 325 00:16:10,666 --> 00:16:13,226 Speaker 2: takes you through Valentine's Day. The Raiders hope to have 326 00:16:13,266 --> 00:16:15,866 Speaker 2: a coach by then. We'd think the Raiders would have 327 00:16:15,906 --> 00:16:18,786 Speaker 2: a coach in next few weeks. So is Brady juggling 328 00:16:18,866 --> 00:16:20,906 Speaker 2: both because all these reports and he included that he's 329 00:16:20,906 --> 00:16:22,306 Speaker 2: going to play a role, well how big of a role, 330 00:16:22,346 --> 00:16:24,266 Speaker 2: because he's also got a very important job at Fox. 331 00:16:24,306 --> 00:16:26,586 Speaker 2: So I'm actually interested in the Brady mechanics of it, 332 00:16:26,586 --> 00:16:28,266 Speaker 2: because I'm sure he can multitask and I'm sure he 333 00:16:28,266 --> 00:16:30,026 Speaker 2: can weigh in. Is he going to be sitting in 334 00:16:30,066 --> 00:16:32,906 Speaker 2: on zoom meetings with eleven different coordinators around the league 335 00:16:32,906 --> 00:16:35,186 Speaker 2: and asking them questions about and doing the work. I 336 00:16:35,186 --> 00:16:37,466 Speaker 2: don't know. So this whole feeling of just put it 337 00:16:37,466 --> 00:16:39,626 Speaker 2: in Brady's hands, It'll all work out. Brady's got a 338 00:16:39,626 --> 00:16:41,546 Speaker 2: full time job that I think is pretty serious, and 339 00:16:41,546 --> 00:16:43,706 Speaker 2: he's been pretty dedicated to this year. I don't think 340 00:16:43,706 --> 00:16:47,426 Speaker 2: he wants to finish that job half whatever in it 341 00:16:47,466 --> 00:16:50,266 Speaker 2: because he's now interviewing Liam Cohen from the Buccaneers to 342 00:16:50,266 --> 00:16:53,826 Speaker 2: see what his thoughts are on quarterback play around the league. 343 00:16:54,386 --> 00:16:57,426 Speaker 2: I think it's interesting that Trent balk keeps his job 344 00:16:57,586 --> 00:16:59,746 Speaker 2: and Doug Peterson loses. I don't know if the job's 345 00:16:59,786 --> 00:17:03,066 Speaker 2: as attractive when you have an incumbent GM that you're inheriting. 346 00:17:03,466 --> 00:17:05,986 Speaker 2: If you're one of these big names, I honestly think 347 00:17:06,026 --> 00:17:09,506 Speaker 2: if you can both the coach and the GM in Jacksonville, 348 00:17:09,786 --> 00:17:12,546 Speaker 2: you can lure a Mike Rabol if that's your number 349 00:17:12,586 --> 00:17:14,586 Speaker 2: one target, or a Ben Johnson and say, and you'll 350 00:17:14,586 --> 00:17:16,266 Speaker 2: have input on the GM, so you could come in 351 00:17:16,306 --> 00:17:18,266 Speaker 2: and bring your guy and we could build this thing together. 352 00:17:18,906 --> 00:17:21,306 Speaker 2: You're inheriting Trent Balke as a GM who you probably 353 00:17:21,346 --> 00:17:24,346 Speaker 2: have no relationship with. Does that become a less attractive job. 354 00:17:24,386 --> 00:17:27,266 Speaker 2: I think it does. As opposed to a clean slate, 355 00:17:27,586 --> 00:17:29,866 Speaker 2: which will be the case in New York or somewhere else, 356 00:17:29,906 --> 00:17:32,666 Speaker 2: and maybe even in New England. We believe Elliot Wolf 357 00:17:32,786 --> 00:17:33,946 Speaker 2: is keeping his job, but at least there will be 358 00:17:33,986 --> 00:17:37,746 Speaker 2: an open conversation. What Tom Pellisera said is interesting. Whereas 359 00:17:37,746 --> 00:17:41,106 Speaker 2: Peterson reported to Balkey, like Balkey reports to the owner, 360 00:17:41,146 --> 00:17:43,146 Speaker 2: and then the coach will reports the owner. I say 361 00:17:43,146 --> 00:17:45,586 Speaker 2: all this because I think Ben Johnson is a really 362 00:17:45,586 --> 00:17:48,226 Speaker 2: attractive coach right now is the offensive coordinator, and I 363 00:17:48,266 --> 00:17:49,506 Speaker 2: think he's going to have his pick of the litter. 364 00:17:49,546 --> 00:17:52,466 Speaker 2: And I'm looking at all of the different jobs available, 365 00:17:52,546 --> 00:17:55,226 Speaker 2: and I think, to a man, most coaches want to 366 00:17:55,266 --> 00:17:57,746 Speaker 2: go where there isn't a GM already hired, so that 367 00:17:57,786 --> 00:17:59,546 Speaker 2: you can at least have input from the gut go. 368 00:17:59,746 --> 00:18:01,826 Speaker 2: And that's usually how this works, whether or not you've 369 00:18:01,826 --> 00:18:04,026 Speaker 2: got an arranged marriage with the person or even know them. 370 00:18:04,266 --> 00:18:06,906 Speaker 2: We're coming in together. We're on the same page. Balky 371 00:18:06,946 --> 00:18:09,346 Speaker 2: knows how that building works. Balky knows all the politics 372 00:18:09,346 --> 00:18:12,146 Speaker 2: of that building. Balcy knows everything to do with how 373 00:18:12,146 --> 00:18:14,266 Speaker 2: the cons like to operate. So as a coach, you're 374 00:18:14,266 --> 00:18:15,426 Speaker 2: going in and you're like, all right, I have to 375 00:18:15,426 --> 00:18:17,506 Speaker 2: meet this new owner and the owner's son, and I 376 00:18:17,546 --> 00:18:19,866 Speaker 2: also need to get to know this GM and how 377 00:18:19,906 --> 00:18:22,466 Speaker 2: he works. A clean slate often is the way to 378 00:18:22,506 --> 00:18:23,946 Speaker 2: go if you're going to do this thing from the start. 379 00:18:24,026 --> 00:18:26,146 Speaker 2: So I never call for anyone's job. I just look 380 00:18:26,146 --> 00:18:29,026 Speaker 2: at office politics and structures and the Jets having a 381 00:18:29,066 --> 00:18:31,146 Speaker 2: clean slate right now and saying, all right, we don't 382 00:18:31,146 --> 00:18:32,666 Speaker 2: know who we're hiring first, and we're going to figure 383 00:18:32,666 --> 00:18:35,466 Speaker 2: it out. Might be a better opportunity for a hot 384 00:18:35,506 --> 00:18:39,826 Speaker 2: young coach than oh, but I'm inheriting that to me. 385 00:18:40,546 --> 00:18:43,026 Speaker 2: I look at this, and I look at the entire slate, 386 00:18:43,186 --> 00:18:46,306 Speaker 2: and you're talking about the AFC specifically. I look at 387 00:18:46,346 --> 00:18:49,466 Speaker 2: the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I think it's a very loaded 388 00:18:49,586 --> 00:18:52,506 Speaker 2: topic when you talk about Mike Tomlin and what he's 389 00:18:52,546 --> 00:18:55,226 Speaker 2: walking into right now. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have 390 00:18:55,306 --> 00:18:57,746 Speaker 2: made the playoffs. Again. If you talk to a Jets fan, 391 00:18:57,826 --> 00:18:59,866 Speaker 2: if you talk to a Browns fan, if you talk 392 00:18:59,906 --> 00:19:02,706 Speaker 2: to a Jaguars or Titans fan, they will tell you 393 00:19:02,706 --> 00:19:06,546 Speaker 2: you are spoiled, you made the playoffs, You're in January. 394 00:19:06,986 --> 00:19:10,266 Speaker 2: What are you crying about? But if you talk to 395 00:19:10,346 --> 00:19:14,026 Speaker 2: a Steelers fan, they are very triggered by this also, 396 00:19:14,066 --> 00:19:18,546 Speaker 2: and they say, the national media kisses this guy's heinie 397 00:19:19,066 --> 00:19:21,546 Speaker 2: like no end, and he gives a great sound bite 398 00:19:21,586 --> 00:19:25,866 Speaker 2: and it's wonderful. But the last time they won a 399 00:19:25,866 --> 00:19:30,826 Speaker 2: playoff game was before Patrick Mahomes was in the NFL. 400 00:19:31,826 --> 00:19:34,826 Speaker 2: They play in several of them. The last time the 401 00:19:34,866 --> 00:19:37,906 Speaker 2: Pittsburgh Steelers won a playoff game was against the Kansas 402 00:19:37,906 --> 00:19:41,306 Speaker 2: City Chiefs, and it was in the divisional round, and 403 00:19:41,346 --> 00:19:44,226 Speaker 2: it was on a Sunday after it was actually post 404 00:19:44,306 --> 00:19:46,746 Speaker 2: bone due to weather, and they played on a Sunday. 405 00:19:46,746 --> 00:19:50,386 Speaker 2: Says after Aaron Rodgers went to Jared Cook and killed 406 00:19:50,426 --> 00:19:53,066 Speaker 2: the Cowboys in Dallas. This is the game that followed. 407 00:19:53,106 --> 00:19:56,226 Speaker 2: I was at this game. This was twenty sixteen. This 408 00:19:56,386 --> 00:20:00,426 Speaker 2: is the last time the Mike Tomlin Steelers have won 409 00:20:00,466 --> 00:20:04,306 Speaker 2: a playoff game. It was with Alex Smith and Eric 410 00:20:04,386 --> 00:20:08,146 Speaker 2: Fisher was running as an eligible at the offensive line position. 411 00:20:08,186 --> 00:20:11,226 Speaker 2: I mean, look at the board here, look at we're 412 00:20:11,266 --> 00:20:16,466 Speaker 2: talking about last year. They lost wildcard round Kansas City. 413 00:20:16,666 --> 00:20:21,226 Speaker 2: They lost at home to Baker Mayfield. They lost forty 414 00:20:21,226 --> 00:20:23,506 Speaker 2: eight to thirty seven when they were big favorites. Some 415 00:20:23,546 --> 00:20:26,706 Speaker 2: blowouts in there. How about the Jacksonville Divisional round when 416 00:20:26,706 --> 00:20:28,906 Speaker 2: they had it all going on and they lost forty 417 00:20:28,946 --> 00:20:32,786 Speaker 2: five to forty two to Cecil Shorts. The third and 418 00:20:32,866 --> 00:20:38,066 Speaker 2: Blake Bortles, and you talk about it from that Jaguars team, 419 00:20:38,186 --> 00:20:40,786 Speaker 2: Alan Robinson and whoever else. Then they lost a conference 420 00:20:40,826 --> 00:20:42,866 Speaker 2: championship and the last time they won was that divisional 421 00:20:42,946 --> 00:20:47,386 Speaker 2: round in twenty sixteen. Good Morning Football's first season as 422 00:20:47,426 --> 00:20:50,186 Speaker 2: a show eight years ago. Nate Burleson in a pink 423 00:20:50,226 --> 00:20:52,506 Speaker 2: suit on the show, like, that's what we're talking about. 424 00:20:52,626 --> 00:20:54,506 Speaker 2: So does he have a lot to get yet because 425 00:20:54,506 --> 00:20:56,426 Speaker 2: they're not favored this time? How about they going there 426 00:20:56,426 --> 00:20:57,946 Speaker 2: and they actually win one of these and they win 427 00:20:58,026 --> 00:20:59,546 Speaker 2: one that they're not expected to it and they do 428 00:20:59,666 --> 00:21:02,946 Speaker 2: so against the Ravens team that they have had dominance 429 00:21:03,026 --> 00:21:06,186 Speaker 2: over the last five six years. Harboughs record is not 430 00:21:06,226 --> 00:21:08,706 Speaker 2: much better in the playoffs in these first round games. 431 00:21:08,746 --> 00:21:11,266 Speaker 2: Since they won a super Bowl, He's won two games, 432 00:21:11,426 --> 00:21:15,346 Speaker 2: Harbos Tomlin's won this many. I feel like Mike Tomlin, 433 00:21:15,586 --> 00:21:18,306 Speaker 2: to silence a lot of the doubters in his own market, 434 00:21:18,506 --> 00:21:21,346 Speaker 2: that fan base would go a long way to upset 435 00:21:21,386 --> 00:21:23,666 Speaker 2: the Ravens on Saturday night on Amazon. Is he his 436 00:21:23,866 --> 00:21:26,506 Speaker 2: job in Jeopardy? No, that's not how the Steelers do 437 00:21:26,586 --> 00:21:29,826 Speaker 2: their business, But for the narrative locally, it would go 438 00:21:29,826 --> 00:21:31,866 Speaker 2: a long way to win a Wildcard round game against 439 00:21:31,866 --> 00:21:33,146 Speaker 2: the hated Ravens in their building. 440 00:21:42,346 --> 00:21:45,026 Speaker 1: The Season with Peter Schrager is a production of the 441 00:21:45,186 --> 00:21:49,146 Speaker 1: NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, 442 00:21:49,226 --> 00:21:54,106 Speaker 1: visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts.