1 00:00:01,320 --> 00:00:05,240 Speaker 1: Welcome back to the Insiders, Tom pilisero, Ian Rapaport and 2 00:00:05,320 --> 00:00:08,559 Speaker 1: joining us now our good friend Bridget Condon. This is 3 00:00:08,880 --> 00:00:11,799 Speaker 1: if you're listening on the podcast Park two of the podcast, 4 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:14,240 Speaker 1: there's another like twenty five minutes. Do if you'll find 5 00:00:14,240 --> 00:00:15,480 Speaker 1: a part one, but you don't have to do it now. 6 00:00:15,520 --> 00:00:17,759 Speaker 1: It doesn't matter what order you listen. We cover separate 7 00:00:17,760 --> 00:00:20,440 Speaker 1: topics in both. If you're watching us on the NFL channel, 8 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:23,479 Speaker 1: on fast streaming platforms or on YouTube, you're still in 9 00:00:23,480 --> 00:00:26,320 Speaker 1: the right place and welcome in now to Bridget, who 10 00:00:26,400 --> 00:00:30,160 Speaker 1: just got back. I assume on a connecting flight from 11 00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:34,639 Speaker 1: green Bay, Wisconsin, I saw the upset of the weekend. 12 00:00:34,960 --> 00:00:36,960 Speaker 1: I don't think that many people. I didn't see all 13 00:00:36,960 --> 00:00:38,680 Speaker 1: the predictions, but I cannot think a lot of people 14 00:00:38,680 --> 00:00:42,879 Speaker 1: were taking the Panthers as heavy underdogs in lambeau Field. 15 00:00:42,960 --> 00:00:45,720 Speaker 1: But on a day where maybe some of the elements 16 00:00:45,800 --> 00:00:47,960 Speaker 1: might have played into it a little bit here, it 17 00:00:48,040 --> 00:00:51,320 Speaker 1: was unbelievable to watch that Panthers defense really cause a 18 00:00:51,360 --> 00:00:52,800 Speaker 1: lot of problems for green Bay. 19 00:00:53,080 --> 00:00:56,840 Speaker 2: Absolutely, it was interesting because it was really windy, and 20 00:00:56,920 --> 00:00:59,200 Speaker 2: during our live shots for a game day morning, I 21 00:00:59,280 --> 00:01:01,120 Speaker 2: kind of mentioned that one of the coaches was like, hey, 22 00:01:01,160 --> 00:01:04,000 Speaker 2: pay attention because the kicking game and the passing game 23 00:01:04,080 --> 00:01:05,760 Speaker 2: is going to be impacted. And we saw that the 24 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:09,560 Speaker 2: Packers missed a field goal that was crucial, but this 25 00:01:09,680 --> 00:01:12,679 Speaker 2: game felt deflated. I know you guys talked about it 26 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:15,120 Speaker 2: at the top of the show. Tucker Craft out for 27 00:01:15,160 --> 00:01:18,240 Speaker 2: the season with the ACL. Once that happened, Tom and Ian, 28 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:21,840 Speaker 2: you could kind of just feel everybody tense in the 29 00:01:21,920 --> 00:01:24,479 Speaker 2: stance because at that point we didn't know the severity 30 00:01:24,520 --> 00:01:27,840 Speaker 2: of it, but just watching him be helped off the field, 31 00:01:27,959 --> 00:01:30,280 Speaker 2: Like the first thing that happened is he stands up 32 00:01:30,280 --> 00:01:33,240 Speaker 2: and he tried initially to walk off himself, and you 33 00:01:33,240 --> 00:01:35,520 Speaker 2: could tell he couldn't put pressure, so his arms were 34 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:38,560 Speaker 2: over two people. He walked right into the medical tent, 35 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:40,800 Speaker 2: and then probably about five minutes later, you see the 36 00:01:40,840 --> 00:01:43,039 Speaker 2: cart coming. And whenever the cart comes, you guys know 37 00:01:43,120 --> 00:01:47,160 Speaker 2: it best. Like that's probably long term, if not season ending, 38 00:01:47,480 --> 00:01:52,440 Speaker 2: and it's just so disappointing, as just Jordan Love put it, 39 00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:55,600 Speaker 2: because he was having a career year, like he was 40 00:01:55,640 --> 00:01:58,920 Speaker 2: on set to break all these records for tight ends 41 00:01:58,920 --> 00:02:03,000 Speaker 2: for the Packer and it's his birthday today, guys, how 42 00:02:03,040 --> 00:02:07,680 Speaker 2: sad is that it's his birthday and just matt Lefloor 43 00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:10,720 Speaker 2: said it, like we saw what he did against the 44 00:02:10,760 --> 00:02:13,040 Speaker 2: Steelers last week. He was like, we have to continue 45 00:02:13,120 --> 00:02:15,880 Speaker 2: to make this passing game go through Tucker Craft. He 46 00:02:15,919 --> 00:02:19,160 Speaker 2: called him a man possessed, said that he is somebody 47 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:22,440 Speaker 2: that they need to get involved in the passing game. 48 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:26,239 Speaker 2: And then this happens, and I mean, Luke Musgrave is 49 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:28,440 Speaker 2: going to have to step up big for this team 50 00:02:28,480 --> 00:02:30,880 Speaker 2: if they want to continue on this stretch. I mean 51 00:02:30,880 --> 00:02:34,040 Speaker 2: they still are five two and one, so they still 52 00:02:34,080 --> 00:02:36,560 Speaker 2: are in a good place, but just totally change the game. 53 00:02:36,639 --> 00:02:38,919 Speaker 2: Rareshan Gary talked in the locker room. It was kind 54 00:02:38,919 --> 00:02:41,280 Speaker 2: of funny. He was asked what goes through your mind 55 00:02:41,280 --> 00:02:43,440 Speaker 2: when you see Tucker Craft go down? And he was 56 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:47,880 Speaker 2: like a big f bomb. So, I mean it's serious, 57 00:02:47,919 --> 00:02:50,160 Speaker 2: like you don't ever want to see anyone on the 58 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:52,760 Speaker 2: team get hurt. But the way guys were talking about 59 00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:55,160 Speaker 2: how hard he works. Twenty four years old, he's already 60 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:57,520 Speaker 2: a team captain. Like there's just so much we could 61 00:02:57,560 --> 00:03:00,560 Speaker 2: say about Tucker Craft and totally changes theynamic of this 62 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:02,520 Speaker 2: Packers team now with him out for the season. 63 00:03:03,120 --> 00:03:06,400 Speaker 3: Yeah, so you're right. I mean, that's that's certainly something 64 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:09,760 Speaker 3: that hurts. On the other side of it, the Panthers 65 00:03:09,800 --> 00:03:11,400 Speaker 3: have been a little bit of a curiosity. It's like 66 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:14,960 Speaker 3: they started the season a little slow. Chewba Hubbard gets hurt. 67 00:03:15,080 --> 00:03:19,680 Speaker 3: You know, we're sort of wondering, you know, sort of wondering, like, 68 00:03:19,680 --> 00:03:21,520 Speaker 3: all right, it's Bryce Young really going to be the guy, 69 00:03:21,600 --> 00:03:23,560 Speaker 3: and like this defense is supposed to be better, Like are. 70 00:03:23,480 --> 00:03:24,320 Speaker 4: They actually better? 71 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:29,760 Speaker 3: And they've really been impressive, Like they're physical on both 72 00:03:29,800 --> 00:03:32,320 Speaker 3: sides of the ball, they are tough, they run the 73 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:34,920 Speaker 3: heck out of the ball. Bryce Young has been good enough, 74 00:03:35,360 --> 00:03:37,880 Speaker 3: I would say good enough. Definitely has his moments. You 75 00:03:37,920 --> 00:03:39,680 Speaker 3: saw the Panthers up close and you talk to a 76 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:43,480 Speaker 3: ton of people. What sort of reaction did you have 77 00:03:43,560 --> 00:03:46,160 Speaker 3: about the staying power of the Carolina Panthers. 78 00:03:46,680 --> 00:03:50,400 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's interesting. I don't think anyone expected this when 79 00:03:50,440 --> 00:03:52,680 Speaker 2: you just get beat what forty to nine by the 80 00:03:52,720 --> 00:03:56,240 Speaker 2: Bills a week ago. Of course Andy Dalden was in 81 00:03:56,280 --> 00:03:59,080 Speaker 2: that game playing with a thumb injury. But Bryce Young 82 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:02,360 Speaker 2: is really impressed a lot of people. And I don't 83 00:04:02,360 --> 00:04:04,760 Speaker 2: think we're talking enough about Rico Daubtele. They made that 84 00:04:04,800 --> 00:04:08,800 Speaker 2: switch this week with making him the running back number one. 85 00:04:08,840 --> 00:04:10,760 Speaker 2: I know that they were kind of rotating between him 86 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:12,960 Speaker 2: and Cuba, and when Cuba was out during I think 87 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:16,560 Speaker 2: weeks five and six, Rico had the number one reps 88 00:04:16,960 --> 00:04:19,720 Speaker 2: and was phenomenal, and he just he took over as 89 00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:21,920 Speaker 2: that number one running back with both of them active 90 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:25,200 Speaker 2: yesterday and went off. And he has been an incredible 91 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:28,760 Speaker 2: addition to this team this season. And I interviewed him 92 00:04:28,800 --> 00:04:31,479 Speaker 2: postgame and asked him, like, what do you think you 93 00:04:31,560 --> 00:04:33,960 Speaker 2: showed in that position as the number one guy, and 94 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:35,880 Speaker 2: he's like, look, I've always been the number one guy, 95 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:38,400 Speaker 2: but like I never had that opportunity. He obviously was 96 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:41,240 Speaker 2: in Dallas and played behind some great running backs. I 97 00:04:41,279 --> 00:04:46,600 Speaker 2: also talked with Quay Walker Packers player this week and 98 00:04:47,560 --> 00:04:51,479 Speaker 2: he said that, you know, Rico has always been that guy, 99 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:54,080 Speaker 2: like people have known it in the league. He just 100 00:04:54,080 --> 00:04:57,160 Speaker 2: needed an opportunity and now he has that opportunity in Carolina. 101 00:04:57,160 --> 00:04:59,560 Speaker 2: And how fun is it to see this Panthers team. 102 00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:01,440 Speaker 2: I still think about and I know you guys had 103 00:05:01,440 --> 00:05:04,240 Speaker 2: to have seen it the Panthers podcast that like quit 104 00:05:04,279 --> 00:05:06,279 Speaker 2: in the beginning of the season because they were too bad. 105 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:09,360 Speaker 2: Thinking about that right, like, did they come back at 106 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:11,000 Speaker 2: this point? No? 107 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:12,120 Speaker 3: No, no, no no. 108 00:05:12,200 --> 00:05:13,640 Speaker 4: I mean it's like those people like. 109 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:15,760 Speaker 1: There's when Fireman Ed said he wasn't going to be 110 00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:19,880 Speaker 1: a Jets fan anymore. Yeah, it's like it's a bunch 111 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:21,080 Speaker 1: of nonsense. 112 00:05:20,640 --> 00:05:21,039 Speaker 4: Right, Yeah. 113 00:05:21,080 --> 00:05:22,560 Speaker 3: I mean it's like if you're one of those weird 114 00:05:22,600 --> 00:05:24,800 Speaker 3: Twitter accounts, you deactivate your account and then just kind 115 00:05:24,800 --> 00:05:26,520 Speaker 3: of pop back up, like they'll be lame. 116 00:05:26,800 --> 00:05:28,479 Speaker 2: You know when we were bad. 117 00:05:28,800 --> 00:05:30,719 Speaker 4: Stay out of here, Yeah, get out of here. 118 00:05:32,320 --> 00:05:34,120 Speaker 2: A lot of people are impressed. The one thing that 119 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:37,279 Speaker 2: my friend who actually covered the Packers for a long 120 00:05:37,279 --> 00:05:39,680 Speaker 2: time now she's with the Panthers. She was like, I 121 00:05:39,680 --> 00:05:41,760 Speaker 2: didn't want to say this out loud because people would 122 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:44,080 Speaker 2: have told me I was crazy, But I kind of 123 00:05:44,120 --> 00:05:45,840 Speaker 2: saw this coming. I think she was the only person 124 00:05:45,839 --> 00:05:49,039 Speaker 2: who did. Because the one flaw of this Packers team 125 00:05:49,279 --> 00:05:52,520 Speaker 2: you can run the ball against them. 126 00:05:52,720 --> 00:05:55,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, there's no doubt I was. It was a wild 127 00:05:55,520 --> 00:05:57,800 Speaker 1: day clearly in the NFC North, because you had that 128 00:05:57,920 --> 00:06:01,520 Speaker 1: shootout win for the Bears over the Bank, you had 129 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:04,200 Speaker 1: the Packers losing to the Panthers, and then you had 130 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:07,159 Speaker 1: the game I was at, which was Vikings and Lions 131 00:06:07,839 --> 00:06:09,599 Speaker 1: and as much as I have tried to be the 132 00:06:09,680 --> 00:06:11,960 Speaker 1: voice of reason, and I have tried really hard at 133 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:17,160 Speaker 1: this for months, months about JJ McCarthy and the reality 134 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:19,359 Speaker 1: that this guy has started two NFL games and we 135 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:22,000 Speaker 1: don't know what he is, and I know how they 136 00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:25,919 Speaker 1: feel about him internally. Even pregame, everyone's like, we'll see 137 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:29,520 Speaker 1: he He hasn't had a ton of reps JJ McCarthy. 138 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:31,720 Speaker 1: He didn't have to throw for a lot. I think 139 00:06:31,720 --> 00:06:33,080 Speaker 1: he there were one hundred and forty three yards in 140 00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:36,160 Speaker 1: the game. But the degree of difficulty on the half 141 00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:38,359 Speaker 1: dozen of above the line throws that he was asked 142 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:42,120 Speaker 1: to make it was so impressive. Third down late in 143 00:06:42,160 --> 00:06:44,800 Speaker 1: the game and they're trying to kill clocks. Some teams 144 00:06:44,839 --> 00:06:46,200 Speaker 1: would have just run. It made the lioness Burg the 145 00:06:46,279 --> 00:06:47,800 Speaker 1: last month they put it in his hands to throw 146 00:06:47,839 --> 00:06:50,520 Speaker 1: the ball to Jalen Naylor. You know that he had 147 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:52,440 Speaker 1: a big play with his legs as well. The one 148 00:06:52,440 --> 00:06:55,560 Speaker 1: that I point to in the early going was the 149 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:57,880 Speaker 1: first touchdown, which was after the lines, by the way, 150 00:06:57,920 --> 00:07:00,200 Speaker 1: went right down the field. The stadium is rock and 151 00:07:00,279 --> 00:07:02,159 Speaker 1: you're like, oh, this is gonna be Lions are going 152 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:05,680 Speaker 1: to roll. The Vikings lead to drive. JJ McCarthy hits 153 00:07:05,760 --> 00:07:08,279 Speaker 1: Justin Jefferson, who hadn't scored a touchdown in six games, 154 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:10,680 Speaker 1: tying the longest streak of his career. And when I 155 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:12,720 Speaker 1: saw it and I went up to Justin after the 156 00:07:12,760 --> 00:07:14,800 Speaker 1: game and I asked him about this, I'm like, dude, 157 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:17,080 Speaker 1: that's a run play, right, He's like, yeah, man, so 158 00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:20,440 Speaker 1: it's a run play. Okay, they're in the red zone 159 00:07:20,440 --> 00:07:22,720 Speaker 1: inside the five yard line. But they had worked on 160 00:07:22,760 --> 00:07:25,360 Speaker 1: the week that hey, if Justin gets pressed on the outside, 161 00:07:26,520 --> 00:07:28,600 Speaker 1: give him a shot to make the play. There are 162 00:07:28,600 --> 00:07:30,480 Speaker 1: a lot of young quarterbacks that would have just been like, gosh, 163 00:07:30,560 --> 00:07:32,880 Speaker 1: we gotta just hand it off, Like, let's just play 164 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:36,720 Speaker 1: it safe. JJ steps back one step. Everybody's run blocking. 165 00:07:36,760 --> 00:07:39,000 Speaker 1: Aaron Jones is coming forward like he's gonna get the handoff. 166 00:07:39,080 --> 00:07:42,200 Speaker 1: JJ one step rips it to Justin Jefferson who makes 167 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:44,840 Speaker 1: an unbelievable catch Like that is. I said that to 168 00:07:44,880 --> 00:07:47,320 Speaker 1: JJ after the game, like that took some bleeping bleeps, 169 00:07:47,320 --> 00:07:49,320 Speaker 1: if you know what I mean, like to make that throw. 170 00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:52,720 Speaker 1: It was a really big It was a really big moment. 171 00:07:52,840 --> 00:07:55,680 Speaker 1: And I think that you know, Bridget as we talk 172 00:07:55,720 --> 00:07:59,280 Speaker 1: about and you've covered plenty of young quarterbacks three your 173 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:01,880 Speaker 1: time as well. It's just another example that everybody needs 174 00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:05,960 Speaker 1: to pause, take a deep breath, and know that what 175 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,400 Speaker 1: you're seeing from one game to the next, one week 176 00:08:08,440 --> 00:08:11,560 Speaker 1: to the other, it might not be the real Dude. 177 00:08:11,600 --> 00:08:13,400 Speaker 1: If you feel like you've got the guy, continue to 178 00:08:13,440 --> 00:08:15,320 Speaker 1: go out there and give him opportunities, which JJ took 179 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:17,320 Speaker 1: advantage of yesterday. Yeah. 180 00:08:17,360 --> 00:08:17,840 Speaker 4: Absolutely. 181 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:19,520 Speaker 2: I mean we even see that with the Packers too, 182 00:08:19,600 --> 00:08:22,559 Speaker 2: Like how many people when they went and got Jordan 183 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:25,000 Speaker 2: Love and we're done with Aaron Rodgers were like, this 184 00:08:25,040 --> 00:08:27,720 Speaker 2: is such a silly mistake. They should have gotten him 185 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:30,320 Speaker 2: a receiver, Like he's not the guy whatever, Like just 186 00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:33,720 Speaker 2: everybody calmed down. I think the Panthers and David Tepper 187 00:08:33,840 --> 00:08:38,280 Speaker 2: also like are learning that too, that so often these 188 00:08:38,679 --> 00:08:41,480 Speaker 2: teams want immediate results. And a lot of these owners, 189 00:08:41,559 --> 00:08:43,840 Speaker 2: right like come from a business world where, like you 190 00:08:43,960 --> 00:08:45,160 Speaker 2: see immediate results. 191 00:08:45,200 --> 00:08:48,160 Speaker 3: It's not always that, right Soluly reverse course immediately in 192 00:08:48,160 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 3: his world. 193 00:08:48,880 --> 00:08:50,760 Speaker 2: Yeah, and you're not always going to see that in 194 00:08:50,800 --> 00:08:54,200 Speaker 2: the NFL. And if you make these rash decisions and 195 00:08:54,240 --> 00:08:57,000 Speaker 2: we're seeing it, you know today with trade deadline tomorrow, 196 00:08:57,600 --> 00:09:00,440 Speaker 2: sometimes it doesn't work out like just staying pay and 197 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:03,440 Speaker 2: like letting things play out. A lot of these teams 198 00:09:03,480 --> 00:09:07,040 Speaker 2: can benefit from from watching what the Viking J McCarthey 199 00:09:07,040 --> 00:09:09,480 Speaker 2: are doing. I wanted to bring up, guys, if we 200 00:09:09,559 --> 00:09:12,000 Speaker 2: have have time real quick. I was interested, and I 201 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:14,080 Speaker 2: know a lot of Packers fans are wondering as well, 202 00:09:14,080 --> 00:09:15,840 Speaker 2: just because I was at that game. Like now, with 203 00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:19,120 Speaker 2: Tucker Craft out for the season with the ACL, are 204 00:09:19,160 --> 00:09:22,920 Speaker 2: you hearing anything about potential like additions at tight end 205 00:09:23,000 --> 00:09:25,040 Speaker 2: or anything that they could make real quick one? 206 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:28,160 Speaker 3: Uh, I would imagine that we'll look at it. They 207 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:29,599 Speaker 3: don't have a ton of picks because they use a 208 00:09:29,640 --> 00:09:31,960 Speaker 3: lot of it in the micro Parson's trade. Yeah, but 209 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:34,480 Speaker 3: I want to bring up something really important before we 210 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:38,880 Speaker 3: say goodbye to your Bridget. According to the Awful Announcing 211 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:45,360 Speaker 3: Tweet Carolina Panthers podcast, meow mix versus direction and we'll 212 00:09:45,480 --> 00:09:46,679 Speaker 3: return after. 213 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:55,080 Speaker 1: For something mix come on inviction in your life, Bridget, 214 00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:56,959 Speaker 1: thank you very much to talk to you, against you, 215 00:09:57,520 --> 00:10:00,160 Speaker 1: Thank you guys or from the insiders. After that, Yes, 216 00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:19,760 Speaker 1: let's welcome our Steve Whites back into the conversation. Uh, Steve, 217 00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:23,480 Speaker 1: out there in LA we are witnessing a RAMS team 218 00:10:23,600 --> 00:10:27,960 Speaker 1: that had all kinds of Matthew Stafford related drama through 219 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:31,240 Speaker 1: the course of the off season. There were trade talks, 220 00:10:31,440 --> 00:10:35,680 Speaker 1: there were conversations about potentially moving on. He then doesn't 221 00:10:35,720 --> 00:10:39,360 Speaker 1: practice all of training camp because of a back injury. 222 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:42,280 Speaker 1: There are literal conspiracy theories that he's dead and been 223 00:10:42,320 --> 00:10:44,880 Speaker 1: replaced by a body double, which if that's the case, 224 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:48,520 Speaker 1: I enjoyed those robo Matthew Stafford is playing at a 225 00:10:48,559 --> 00:10:50,320 Speaker 1: pretty high level, and even when they beat up on 226 00:10:50,360 --> 00:10:52,480 Speaker 1: a team that's got as many problems as the Saints, 227 00:10:52,679 --> 00:10:55,120 Speaker 1: it is still amazing to watch what he's doing at 228 00:10:55,120 --> 00:10:56,000 Speaker 1: this stage in his career. 229 00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:58,560 Speaker 5: And Tom, you nailed it because you know, even when 230 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:01,479 Speaker 5: he wasn't going through everything he went through this offseason, 231 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:04,520 Speaker 5: there were some dips, Right, he was a little inconsistent. 232 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:07,240 Speaker 5: He'd rock and roll and he'd have a lull, then 233 00:11:07,240 --> 00:11:10,120 Speaker 5: he'd come back and finished strong. Right, he has been 234 00:11:10,440 --> 00:11:14,080 Speaker 5: consistently really good. Like you said yesterday, took a part 235 00:11:14,120 --> 00:11:16,680 Speaker 5: a Saints team that's easy to take apart. They did 236 00:11:16,679 --> 00:11:18,480 Speaker 5: what they were supposed to do. But he gets Pooka 237 00:11:18,520 --> 00:11:22,720 Speaker 5: Nakua back. Now Pooka gets a chest injury. Little you know, 238 00:11:22,760 --> 00:11:25,160 Speaker 5: a little concerning there. But Sean McVay said this morning, 239 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:27,040 Speaker 5: they think he's gonna get a scan and he's gonna 240 00:11:27,040 --> 00:11:29,920 Speaker 5: be okay. But DeVante Adams shows up, Tyler Higbee, the 241 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:32,120 Speaker 5: running game gets going, so that part's good. 242 00:11:32,160 --> 00:11:34,160 Speaker 4: The defense is really good. 243 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,640 Speaker 5: But Stafford, I mean, he's played like a top five 244 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:37,520 Speaker 5: quarterback all see. 245 00:11:37,520 --> 00:11:39,760 Speaker 4: If we haven't talked about him, because that's nothing new. 246 00:11:39,800 --> 00:11:41,960 Speaker 5: We're talking about Drake May, we're talking about other players 247 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:44,240 Speaker 5: well deserved, but Stafford. 248 00:11:43,760 --> 00:11:47,680 Speaker 4: Has just been as consistent as we've seen him in years. 249 00:11:47,679 --> 00:11:49,640 Speaker 5: Because, like I said, normally there's some type of dip, 250 00:11:50,040 --> 00:11:53,520 Speaker 5: but this offense is really showing something because of Matthew Stafford. 251 00:11:53,880 --> 00:11:55,640 Speaker 3: You know, we spent a lot of time earlier in 252 00:11:55,640 --> 00:11:58,880 Speaker 3: the show talking about, you know how Seattle has kind 253 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:04,360 Speaker 3: of transitioned from you know, Russ to Gino eventually and 254 00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:07,719 Speaker 3: now to Sam Darnold. You know, the Rams obviously had 255 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:09,640 Speaker 3: a good team where they had Matthew Stafford, won the 256 00:12:09,679 --> 00:12:12,400 Speaker 3: Super Bowl and all that, but like then they transitioned 257 00:12:12,440 --> 00:12:15,880 Speaker 3: away from a ton of older, pricey players and just 258 00:12:15,960 --> 00:12:18,160 Speaker 3: invested in a ton of like mid round draft picks, 259 00:12:18,200 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 3: and it is, you know, similar but in a little 260 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:22,800 Speaker 3: bit of a different way than the Seahawks. They have 261 00:12:22,880 --> 00:12:26,400 Speaker 3: transitioned to drafting really well and all of those young 262 00:12:26,440 --> 00:12:29,360 Speaker 3: guys playing really well, and they are suddenly like looking 263 00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:35,600 Speaker 3: like a a juggernaut. You know, it is it is 264 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:39,120 Speaker 3: fascinating to see how they have been, how good they've been, 265 00:12:39,160 --> 00:12:41,160 Speaker 3: and how they've kept it rolling. I mean, the people 266 00:12:41,200 --> 00:12:44,320 Speaker 3: who saw Matthew Stafford at camp, you know, we're like, hey, 267 00:12:44,360 --> 00:12:46,760 Speaker 3: you know, it looks kind of old, looks walking around, 268 00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:49,679 Speaker 3: hasn't thrown much like he is throwing as good as 269 00:12:49,679 --> 00:12:51,840 Speaker 3: it gets. And this is Yeah, this is a team 270 00:12:51,880 --> 00:12:53,720 Speaker 3: that I think is going to be down, be there 271 00:12:54,120 --> 00:12:54,840 Speaker 3: for the long haul. 272 00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:58,040 Speaker 1: It's it is amazing. And Steve, I'm curious for your 273 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:00,720 Speaker 1: thoughts on this, but if you look right now at 274 00:13:00,800 --> 00:13:05,840 Speaker 1: the NFC standings, there are a total of nine teams 275 00:13:06,120 --> 00:13:09,800 Speaker 1: that have either five or six wins. Nobody's got seven 276 00:13:09,920 --> 00:13:13,840 Speaker 1: or eight. Everybody has at least two losses. But right now, 277 00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:16,360 Speaker 1: even the Bears, who are on a five game winning streak, 278 00:13:16,960 --> 00:13:21,160 Speaker 1: would not be in the playoffs. The Lions would be 279 00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:23,640 Speaker 1: the seven seed at this point. 280 00:13:23,960 --> 00:13:26,679 Speaker 4: Crazy. Uh, there's if you're looking. 281 00:13:26,520 --> 00:13:28,480 Speaker 1: At this, Steve, right now, and again, the other teams 282 00:13:28,520 --> 00:13:30,640 Speaker 1: that would be in Philly at six and two, Tampa 283 00:13:30,640 --> 00:13:33,560 Speaker 1: at six and two, Seattle six and two, Green Bay 284 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:36,040 Speaker 1: five to two and one, Rams six and two, than 285 00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:38,480 Speaker 1: the forty nine ers A Lions. Who is the favorite 286 00:13:38,800 --> 00:13:41,160 Speaker 1: in your mind right now, Steve in the NFC. 287 00:13:40,920 --> 00:13:43,880 Speaker 5: Well, to me, it's Seattle just because not only are 288 00:13:43,880 --> 00:13:45,320 Speaker 5: they a really good team, but they're an a sending 289 00:13:45,320 --> 00:13:47,480 Speaker 5: team right They're still they're still figuring some things out, 290 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:50,960 Speaker 5: and they're probably the most consistently physical on both sides. 291 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:53,880 Speaker 5: But they showed on that defensive front last night was 292 00:13:53,880 --> 00:13:57,960 Speaker 5: absolutely frightening. Leonard Williams of what they did was absolutely frightening. 293 00:13:58,040 --> 00:14:00,560 Speaker 3: And we know the defense for that's a former deadline 294 00:14:00,559 --> 00:14:01,560 Speaker 3: acquisition right there. 295 00:14:01,840 --> 00:14:03,319 Speaker 4: Good point, good point right there. 296 00:14:03,480 --> 00:14:06,199 Speaker 5: And so you're you're seeing, you know them kind of 297 00:14:06,320 --> 00:14:08,439 Speaker 5: kind of surfaced look like give it a DK metcalf 298 00:14:08,520 --> 00:14:12,520 Speaker 5: JSN looks absolutely you know, amazing and ian to your point. 299 00:14:12,520 --> 00:14:15,080 Speaker 5: When you think about the Rams though, besides replacing guys 300 00:14:15,160 --> 00:14:17,840 Speaker 5: like Aaron Donalds, some older players with younger players, look 301 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:20,200 Speaker 5: how many coaches and that decludes the position coaches they've 302 00:14:20,240 --> 00:14:22,640 Speaker 5: had to replenish. So that talks about what Sean McVay 303 00:14:22,680 --> 00:14:24,920 Speaker 5: and the Rams are doing. And here's the other thing, guys, 304 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:27,160 Speaker 5: when you look at those teams time the seven guys, 305 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:29,040 Speaker 5: the seven teams are in a playoff position right now 306 00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:33,200 Speaker 5: in the NFC. I don't see another team and that 307 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:35,440 Speaker 5: back part of the schedule that's going to rise up 308 00:14:35,960 --> 00:14:38,040 Speaker 5: and get in there. You know, injuries and everything can 309 00:14:38,120 --> 00:14:42,240 Speaker 5: can unsettle them. But there's really no team that you're like, Okay, 310 00:14:42,720 --> 00:14:46,680 Speaker 5: the Falcons are lurking, or the Cardinals are lurking. You know, 311 00:14:46,760 --> 00:14:49,760 Speaker 5: maybe the Bears, but there's just really no team you're 312 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:50,160 Speaker 5: looking about. 313 00:14:50,200 --> 00:14:52,040 Speaker 1: The forty nine ers, Steve. You spend a decent amount 314 00:14:52,040 --> 00:14:54,840 Speaker 1: of time around them. They get another win yesterday against 315 00:14:54,880 --> 00:14:57,120 Speaker 1: the Giants, team that also has its share of injury 316 00:14:57,160 --> 00:14:59,880 Speaker 1: issues and whatnot. The forty nine ers right now are 317 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 1: and just double checking their record so I get this correct. 318 00:15:02,400 --> 00:15:05,760 Speaker 1: They are six and three, crazy, had their starting quarterback 319 00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:11,120 Speaker 1: for two games. They're playing with wide receivers predominantly that 320 00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:14,320 Speaker 1: they picked up off the street, you know, through the 321 00:15:14,360 --> 00:15:18,640 Speaker 1: course of training camp. Defensively, they don't have a former 322 00:15:18,720 --> 00:15:21,520 Speaker 1: Defensive Player of the Year in Nick Bosa, that they 323 00:15:21,520 --> 00:15:24,600 Speaker 1: don't have an all Pro linebacker in Fred Warner, all, 324 00:15:24,640 --> 00:15:27,160 Speaker 1: which is a credit to the coaching staff. But that's 325 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:29,240 Speaker 1: the one that I do look at Steven just say, 326 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:33,760 Speaker 1: how long exactly can they duct tape this thing together 327 00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:34,800 Speaker 1: and keep winning games? 328 00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:37,320 Speaker 5: Well, I mean, this is a thing though they'll they'll 329 00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:40,400 Speaker 5: find a way because I think more the bigger potential 330 00:15:40,400 --> 00:15:42,600 Speaker 5: trip up is if they transition back to Brock Party. 331 00:15:43,120 --> 00:15:44,880 Speaker 5: I like, how is that going to handle? And you 332 00:15:44,920 --> 00:15:47,200 Speaker 5: know that's going to happen. That's the guy they paid, 333 00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:50,240 Speaker 5: That's the guy that you know. Kyle's not shy about 334 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:52,360 Speaker 5: putting Brock Quarty back and Rock Party is the head 335 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:52,840 Speaker 5: of a player. 336 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:56,760 Speaker 4: But they have something going there. I look. 337 00:15:56,800 --> 00:15:59,040 Speaker 5: I think next week against the Rams, that's a big 338 00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:01,880 Speaker 5: game because they can down here on a Thursday night 339 00:16:01,960 --> 00:16:05,480 Speaker 5: as beat up as they have been all season, and. 340 00:16:05,480 --> 00:16:08,560 Speaker 4: Christian mac Jones threw for like three hundred and fifty yards. 341 00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:12,160 Speaker 5: Kendrick Dard goes off in that game, but they forced 342 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:15,040 Speaker 5: a couple of key turned and that's the things that 343 00:16:15,080 --> 00:16:17,160 Speaker 5: they're doing. The balls bouncing their way a little bit, 344 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:20,520 Speaker 5: So we'll see how long they can last. I think 345 00:16:20,600 --> 00:16:23,240 Speaker 5: the Rams and the Seahawks are the two best teams 346 00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:25,600 Speaker 5: in division, but at the forty nine Ers end up 347 00:16:25,600 --> 00:16:27,960 Speaker 5: sweeping the Rams and getting that kind of head to 348 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:31,400 Speaker 5: head tiebreaker, that's another thing that can catapult them. That's 349 00:16:31,400 --> 00:16:33,760 Speaker 5: why this game next week between these two is significant. 350 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:37,120 Speaker 5: I'll tell you what's going to be interesting slash nightmare 351 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:40,560 Speaker 5: for everyone involved. It's like, you know, Matt Jones has 352 00:16:40,600 --> 00:16:42,960 Speaker 5: played great, and I think the team around him has. 353 00:16:42,880 --> 00:16:45,680 Speaker 3: Really been great. But this is Rock Pritty's team. He 354 00:16:45,760 --> 00:16:48,040 Speaker 3: is the franchise quarterback. He's got the big contract, and 355 00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:50,960 Speaker 3: besides the contract, he has also just earned the right 356 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:54,320 Speaker 3: to be the starting quarterback. If he comes in here 357 00:16:54,360 --> 00:16:57,960 Speaker 3: and the team does not do as well, it is 358 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:01,320 Speaker 3: going to be full awkward. And I don't know that 359 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:03,400 Speaker 3: anybody wants that. I mean, surely the forty nine ers 360 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:06,440 Speaker 3: don't want that, but it is going to be full 361 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:09,040 Speaker 3: awkward and nightmare for all involved if that is in 362 00:17:09,080 --> 00:17:12,040 Speaker 3: fact the case. And you know, for for Brock to 363 00:17:12,080 --> 00:17:15,440 Speaker 3: be you know, without a ton of practice, without full 364 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:18,159 Speaker 3: practice coming in hit the ground running, we're also probably 365 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:21,000 Speaker 3: still being limited by a towing dry. It's an uphill 366 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:23,000 Speaker 3: battle anyway. That's certainly a situation. 367 00:17:23,359 --> 00:17:25,760 Speaker 5: He's done it before, he did his rookie year, and 368 00:17:25,800 --> 00:17:27,720 Speaker 5: he did it coming off the elbow, so I don't doubt. 369 00:17:27,800 --> 00:17:29,919 Speaker 4: I don't rock perty at all. 370 00:17:30,040 --> 00:17:32,119 Speaker 1: All Right, Steve, real quick, we have about two minutes 371 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:34,760 Speaker 1: left in show here, and at the risk of people 372 00:17:34,800 --> 00:17:38,200 Speaker 1: who are catching this on the NFL channel several hours 373 00:17:38,240 --> 00:17:40,560 Speaker 1: after we tape and knowing how fluid things are, give 374 00:17:40,640 --> 00:17:44,960 Speaker 1: me one trade that you want to see between now 375 00:17:45,160 --> 00:17:47,240 Speaker 1: and the four pm Eastern deadline on Tuesday. 376 00:17:48,440 --> 00:17:51,360 Speaker 5: Boy, I want to see the Niners trade for anti linebacker, 377 00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:53,080 Speaker 5: even though they're getting some some play right there. This 378 00:17:53,240 --> 00:17:55,960 Speaker 5: is kind of going to your point and looking at 379 00:17:56,000 --> 00:18:00,560 Speaker 5: some teams yesterday. I mean there's there's there's a couple 380 00:18:00,720 --> 00:18:04,520 Speaker 5: guys out there. I'm blanking because I was thinking about 381 00:18:04,560 --> 00:18:09,400 Speaker 5: it yesterday watching some games. But there's some inside linebackers. 382 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:12,400 Speaker 5: I think that could fit into the scheme with Roberts Oh, 383 00:18:12,520 --> 00:18:13,119 Speaker 5: Quincy Williams. 384 00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:13,640 Speaker 4: That's what I'm thinking. 385 00:18:13,680 --> 00:18:16,080 Speaker 3: Would Thinksy Williams would make a lot of If he's. 386 00:18:15,960 --> 00:18:18,959 Speaker 5: Available, I think go get him. Robert Sala knows him. 387 00:18:19,040 --> 00:18:22,240 Speaker 5: He's excelled under Sala. I think that's the player I'd 388 00:18:22,320 --> 00:18:24,359 Speaker 5: like to see, you know, make a move him. Logan 389 00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:26,760 Speaker 5: Wilson both to makes sense for the forty nine ers yep. 390 00:18:27,200 --> 00:18:29,680 Speaker 1: Eating any final trade deadline thoughts before we go. 391 00:18:31,440 --> 00:18:35,040 Speaker 3: We got about twenty four hours to go. I don't 392 00:18:35,119 --> 00:18:37,359 Speaker 3: know how many trades will get My guess is a 393 00:18:37,480 --> 00:18:41,560 Speaker 3: couple before the deadline. But when trying to figure out 394 00:18:41,640 --> 00:18:44,080 Speaker 3: whether there were a lot of trades before the trade deadline, 395 00:18:44,560 --> 00:18:47,560 Speaker 3: take into account all the trades, not just the ones 396 00:18:47,600 --> 00:18:49,479 Speaker 3: that were done over the last two days, because there 397 00:18:49,520 --> 00:18:51,520 Speaker 3: have been more than enough. 398 00:18:52,800 --> 00:18:55,160 Speaker 1: And I would also say when people are wondering why 399 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:57,200 Speaker 1: have there not been more? Obviously, we saw the Jalen 400 00:18:57,240 --> 00:18:59,800 Speaker 1: Phillips trade after the Eagles earlier today. That was the 401 00:19:00,240 --> 00:19:02,480 Speaker 1: trade we've had in several weeks that wasn't a late 402 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:05,080 Speaker 1: round pick swap, some type of a salary dun for 403 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:07,480 Speaker 1: a player who had no future. Part of that is 404 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:09,680 Speaker 1: just in talking to people around lead, the prices on 405 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:13,200 Speaker 1: some of these trades are just too high. You're talking about, 406 00:19:13,240 --> 00:19:15,920 Speaker 1: you know, getting a number two receiver for a third 407 00:19:16,040 --> 00:19:18,200 Speaker 1: round pick. That's just not something the teams have a 408 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:22,800 Speaker 1: great appetite for. However, after the Sunday games. Also, by 409 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:24,479 Speaker 1: the way, the trades we saw over the weekend all 410 00:19:24,560 --> 00:19:27,080 Speaker 1: involved teams that weren't playing this weekend. So now everybody's 411 00:19:27,160 --> 00:19:30,920 Speaker 1: coming back, they're evaluating their medical situation. Let's see what 412 00:19:31,040 --> 00:19:34,879 Speaker 1: these final twenty four hours or so bring, whether potentially 413 00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:39,040 Speaker 1: either the prices on some of those guys that are 414 00:19:39,119 --> 00:19:43,760 Speaker 1: available or the offers begin to change. That's how you're 415 00:19:43,760 --> 00:19:46,600 Speaker 1: gonna move things forward here. And also some teams facing 416 00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:49,040 Speaker 1: hard reality, whether because of injuries or just the way 417 00:19:49,080 --> 00:19:51,359 Speaker 1: the standings look. Some of those teams that were clinging 418 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:53,879 Speaker 1: to hope that they were still in it may have 419 00:19:53,960 --> 00:19:58,040 Speaker 1: realized yesterday they are definitively not in it. Does that 420 00:19:58,359 --> 00:20:01,879 Speaker 1: change philosophically how they're going to approach things with the 421 00:20:02,080 --> 00:20:06,119 Speaker 1: latest trade deadline that we have had. Steve, thank you 422 00:20:06,800 --> 00:20:10,240 Speaker 1: very much. We will look forward to chatting with you soon. 423 00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:14,680 Speaker 1: Another reminder, Trade Deadline Special four pm Eastern Time on 424 00:20:14,920 --> 00:20:18,639 Speaker 1: Tuesday live on NFL Network and NFL Plus. That is 425 00:20:18,800 --> 00:20:22,840 Speaker 1: in addition to the seven pm Eastern time regular episode 426 00:20:23,040 --> 00:20:26,439 Speaker 1: of The Insiders airing also on NFL Network and NFL 427 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:31,240 Speaker 1: Plus on Tuesday night. So much action or maybe none 428 00:20:31,480 --> 00:20:33,639 Speaker 1: to come. The only way you find out is if 429 00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:37,000 Speaker 1: you tune in with us. We appreciate everybody, whether you 430 00:20:37,080 --> 00:20:40,399 Speaker 1: are finding us on the NFL channel on fast streaming platforms, 431 00:20:40,840 --> 00:20:45,840 Speaker 1: on YouTube, on the podcast on NFL Network, across all 432 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:50,680 Speaker 1: those digital platforms. Subscribe, keep coming back, watch and listen. 433 00:20:51,080 --> 00:20:55,719 Speaker 1: We appreciate all of you, as always for Steve Wiites 434 00:20:56,440 --> 00:21:01,520 Speaker 1: and Ian Rappaport, I am Tom Pelison zero, signing off 435 00:21:01,720 --> 00:21:04,080 Speaker 1: from this episode of The Insider Seeing Them Up. 436 00:21:05,720 --> 00:21:05,760 Speaker 2: H