September 28, 2023 • 50 mins
On today's episode of the NFL Report, Steve Wyche and James Palmer discuss just how good the Cowboys, Steelers, Browns, and Colts really are at 2-1. Stacey Dales and Cameron Wolfe join in to preview the Bills and Dolphins Week 4 matchup. 49ers Safety Talanoa Hufanga joins the NFL Report to talk about the 49ers' stout defense and just how good QB Brock Purdy is. Brian Baldinger stops by to reveal his favorite player film sessions, and Jane Slater weighs in on how concerned the Cowboys are about the number of interceptions Dak Prescott has thrown. Plus, Steve and James weigh in on which 2022 playoff teams could be on the brink of a disappointing season this year.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to the NFL Report. I am Steve White here
with my guy James Palmer JP. We are approaching the
first quarter pole of the NFL season. Will be four
games done after Monday night. This is where teams find
out who.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
They are JP.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Yeah, they find out who they are. I love it.
One thing I'd like to add to the NFL game experience.
We're at a lot of these games, Steve. I was
at a MLS game. The Colord Rapids play right down
the street for me, playing against Vancouver, sat in the
supporter section with my son. We need more drums and
horns and hell, bring the vouzelas back. I love the
environment of the musical side of a soccer game that's
(00:42):
not at NFL contests.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Yeah, you know, I think at Philly if we brought
some of those potential weapons into the stadium in stadiums
like that. No, it's true. You know the real deal.
You know the deal.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Well, look, we've got a great show.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Also, we're gonna have Niner safety Talano Ufonga on here.
We're gonna be joined by Brian Baldinger for his breakdowns.
Jane Slater's gonna be coming in talking Cowboys, Pats plus
Alvin Kamara's return and Stacy Dale's and Cameron Wolf on
the Big Bill's Dolphins matchup.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
But jap before we get started, we have to follow
the frenzy.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
We have to go back to Met Life Stadium where
Taylor Swift is going to be taking all eyes off
of the home team product the New York Jets. Thank
goodness for those fans when they play Kansas City this week,
and she's gonna be there to see her her bo.
He admitted it on his podcast Travis Kelsey. He said,
this isn't a front. So it debunks my theory of
the new tight Ends series that's the spinoff of the
(01:41):
Quarterback series.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
You know him and Taylor are really a night of JP.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
Yeah, it also debunks a lot of what well it
actually doesn't debunk with all my friends in Philly think,
which she's trying to infiltrate the defending Super Bowl champions
from within because she's a diehard Eagles fan. We'll see
at the end of the season if that's actually how
this thing is really playing out. But get to steve
some of these teams, because we know the Chiefs are
for real, so they're not on our list of questioning
teams whether they're for real or not. You mentioned the
(02:08):
quarter point is usually where most coaches in the NFL,
if you ask them, say, now I know what my
team really is, what we really have, So we're gonna
play little game'renna go straight down the list. We're gonna
talk about how good are they? I'm also gonna call
it my for real meter? How for real are these
teams still on your for real meter? How for real
are the Dallas Cowboys after what happened against Arizona Cardinals
(02:28):
the shocker of Week three?
Speaker 2 (02:30):
They're for real?
Speaker 1 (02:31):
I mean, look, no one's gonna win them all, but
we look their defense is so legit JP and one
thing we've seen about these teams that have jumped out
to these early starts.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Is great defense.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
We can talk about all the offenses we want, but
the great defenses are keeping them together.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
I will say this about the Cowboys, though, they've got.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
To get things going in the red zone offensively big time.
Dak still has to see the feel better and Mike
McCarthy's got to cost some better plays.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
This defense can only carry them so far.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
For the past few seasons, they've led the NFL and takeaways.
They've got Micah Parsons, but lose trade digs at corner.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
They've got it kind of work their way through that.
They will.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
I mean, they've got great coaching on that side. And
the fall the Dallas Cowboys are for real. They're gonna
be there at the end.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Yeah. You know, you could think just three games in
the issues in the red zone as we're seeing them here.
If you're watching the show, not just listening to the show,
is they were number one in red zone offense a
season ago, so you could think that, Steve, they would
correct some of these. There's only three teams worse than
them in terms of the red zone so far in
this early part of the season. To me, what jumps
out is that you've lost some of those red zone
(03:32):
staples that you've had over the last couple of years.
Dalton Schultze tight end has gotten more targets in the
red zone last year than any other player on the Cowboys.
He's gone. We know how dominant Zekeel it was in
that short yardage red zone portion, Steve, that actually is
really if you talk to defensive coordinators, that's an advantage
there when you have the short yardage part because running
is so important and you have the boundaries that help
(03:53):
your defense in a sense, and the power back of
Zeke Elliott, both those guys being gone. What I'm also
curious is that's also is that you don't see Dak
using his legs very much since really that that brutal
ankle injury. Before that, he was a threat. You go
back and look at the stats before that ankle injury,
he was a threat to use his legs in the
red zone. That's another part that you know. Dak hinted.
(04:14):
Maybe that's something I come back on. But if they
fix these red zone stuff like they're they're right back
to where to where we've seen.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Them angle offensive lineman healthy. We know the durability of
their offensive line has been an issue.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
All right, JP.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Are the Pittsburgh Steelers the two and one Steelers for real?
Speaker 3 (04:32):
I don't know yet. I don't know where my fur
real meter is. My fur real meter is somewhere around
US six. And we're talking about an offense in Dallas
that we think you fix the red zone problems. Boom,
they right back to it because they are having long drives,
great drives. I'm still curious about this Steelers offense, and
there's still been so many questions. I don't know if
there's an offensive coordinator in football Steed that's questioned more
(04:53):
by the fans of their team than Mac cannell. Oh
had a really really strong game. There is who yes, Chicago,
look at okay, okay, well, all right, okay, Luketz, that's
actually a good call anyway, Matt Canada did play did
set things up for Kenny Pickett very well in this
last game. And what did we see. It's because they
ran the football pretty well and they were able to
(05:13):
play off of play action. I think Kenny Pickett personally,
I've a chance to talk to him in training camp.
Him operating out of play action giving a defense the
ability to have to think about the run game with
Najie Harrison company, that showed me that this offense has
the ability to go out and make some plays and
sustain some drives. Who saw all these different things they
can do. Mike Tomlin talked about it this week, just saying,
(05:34):
if we can do all these different things, you can
be more diverse in your play calling, something that we
didn't see. They've had their work cut out with them
with a lot of dominant pass rushers going after this
offensive line. But I think that's just one game where
we've seen Kenny Pickett and Mat Canada go out there
and play really good offensive football. I still need to
see it a little bit more because there's still some
questions I.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Would agree with that, but again, they opened up against
San Francisco and Cleveland, two of the best defense they're
gonna con found just about everybody.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
I do need to see a little bit more.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
But one reason I still love the Steelers the past
two Decembers and January is their record nine and three.
This group of players finishes the season well, especially when
the weather gets a little bit inclement and they are
holding teams during that span jp to five points a
game less, So they tend to play their best football
(06:24):
at the end of the season. That's why if they
can kind of hold water and keep on going in
the direction that they're going in, I think they're gonna
be very good.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Okay, I like it. Also, we haven't seen Joey Porter
Junior a whole lot. It's kind of increased in snaps
a little bit as he's gone on. He's kind of
getting to few where they'rekinda doing that with a lot
of the rookies, so maybe they'll start getting some more
time as they move on with this season. Let's move
on with this, Steve to the Cleveland Browns. Let's stay
in the division. Are the Browns for real in your mind?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I mean, remember, James, this is the team I called
to win the AFC North coming into the season. Yep,
we knew the defense is going to be good. But
good grief, I mean, what's going on is insane. I mean, know,
we we know Miles Garrett, but again, the guys in
the secondary, the corners, what they're doing up front is
just is just insane. I mean, Oba Ogaronkuo and Taki Taki.
(07:13):
These are players that we're not talking about on the
second level this defense, who are absolutely raising Kane on
that secondary level.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
So offensively, that still remains the question.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Now that Nick Chubb is out again, it's going to
be more of a the Shawn friendly based offense. I
like what they did last week with Elijah Moore, the
slot receiver who plays out of the backfield. Sometimes I
think he's gonna become more of a threat expand this
offense a little bit. But the Cleveland Browns, unless they
just absolutely melt down and we know what has happened
in the factory of sadness st But I think they
(07:46):
are going to still be there when it's not there
for real.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
I'm all I know them.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Yeah, this this defense is actually off the charts. We
have been given up a touchdown I think so far.
Like they're they're playing phenomenal defense. I think on the
offense side, Steve, I love that you mentioned Elijah Moore
lining up in the backfield. What else did they do
to kind of add some wrinkles. You saw Jerome Ford
line up all the way out wide and play that
receiver spot. The ability to make some of these things
what I need to see, though, I need to see
(08:12):
a Mary Cooper stay healthy for them to stay real.
I do think that's key to this entire offense. I
talked to Deshaun Watson after their final preseason game, and
really so much of our conversation was based on their
relationship and the importance that is a true number one
wide receiver. And man was he living and he doesn't
talk much, Steve, but he was not happy about being
called out of bounds when he wasn't anywhere close to
being out of bounds. He would have had an avalanche
(08:33):
of yards in Week three. So finding other ways to
get these guys involved in the game in other spots
is an interesting wrinkle. Deshaun using his legs, playing out
of the shotgun, I like, and you're going to see
more of that. But I think of Mary Cooper staying
healthy and Deshaun Watson limiting turnovers and not hurting this defense.
The only game this season he didn't have a turnover
was last week.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
All right, JP, we've kind of stated semi obvious stuff here.
We don't have enough time to get to all the
teams we had on the rundown. But that's okay because
I want to hit a team you talked about on Monday,
the Indianapolis.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Colts at two and one show amendous promise.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Okay, are they for real? Are the Colts and Shane Steiken?
Are they in the real deal category?
Speaker 3 (09:17):
Well, this is what they have. They lead the division
right now. In their next three games Rams, Titans, Jags,
they can win all of those games. Steve, and I
think what we've learned from Shane Steiken's group, and the
reason I talked about him is I thought he's got
a tremendous job coaching this team so far. We saw
how resilient and tough they were coming out of that
game in overtime in a win over the Baltimore Ravens.
(09:40):
What I'm interested in seeing is do you continue to
see Anthony Richardson's growth. We saw Gardner Minshew come in
for a game and play well, But I do like
the amount of time I'm told Gardner Minshew's spending with
Anthony Richardson day off, watching film, Shane Stike and everything
around him. Do they continue to see him grow? Zach
Moss has emerged in the run game, and could they
get Jonathan Taylor back as they've massaged this whole situation.
(10:04):
What is that backfield with Zach Moss and Jonathan Taylor?
If he comes back healthy as a one two punch,
that could be one of the best backfields in football.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
I love that, But let's not forget where the Colts
also are winning their games. That's on the defensive side
of the ball. They're playing excellent up front guys like
the Forest Buckner. Could he pay right the high draftic.
I think he's got three, if not.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Four sacks already.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
He is playing exceptionally well, and a little bit later
on in the show, ar Gar Brian Baldinger is going
to talk about another.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
One of their defensive players who he loves.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
But coming up next, we've got Stacy Daills, we have
got Campbell, and we have got Jane Slater to talk about.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Some of them games, some of the biggest games coming
up in week four. We're often running at the NFL Report.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
We're just getting started. I am so proud of everyone.
I want you guys to enjoy it, but keep it
in perspective.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
It is a third win.
Speaker 4 (11:10):
We care about our standard and our standard open.
Speaker 5 (11:15):
We got to keep me going.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
Who welcome back to the NFL Report. We're just getting
started with a seventy burger. It's just the beginning. Well,
it's gonna be Bills Dolphins in Buffalo, and I'm very
envious Steve of Stacey Dale's mostly all the time, but
she's gonna be the one that's gonna be at this game.
(11:39):
So I'm very envious of her again once on this Sunday.
But Cam, I'm gonna start with you though, because you
hit us up with a text this week and we're like,
hey man, this locker room, I've been talking to guys
in here, and they have not enjoyed what's going on
against the Buffalo Bills of late in these matchups. What's
going on down there in Miami.
Speaker 6 (12:00):
Yeah, James and Dolphins have been the darlings of the
NFL the first three weeks after you put up seventy.
It's usually that way. But they're facing their big boss.
You know, if you play video games, there's the big
boss at the end of the hill, and it's the
Bills for them. Right they haven't won in Buffalo since
twenty sixteen. They're nine to two against two to nine
against Josh Allen and their time there and talking to
(12:20):
some of the guys, it's like, man, we gotta beat
these guys.
Speaker 7 (12:23):
We have to, we have to.
Speaker 6 (12:25):
It feels like the final checkpoint for them to show
that they're actually legit, because remember they started three to
oher last year and then fizzled off, and so this
definitely feels like a checkpoint. Guys were mentioning the last
time they were in Buffalo, they remember getting hit with
snowballs in that playoff game from fans.
Speaker 5 (12:40):
From behind them.
Speaker 6 (12:41):
It won't be snowing this week, but it's become a
little bit of a feisty rivalry. Christian Wilkins likes to
get into it with the Bills, hawfinsive lineman and Josh
Allen and Mike McDaniel had a great line this week
when he said, if you can't get motivated for a
game like this, you need to check your pulse or
get into another career.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
Hey, hey, James, didn't you just have.
Speaker 8 (13:01):
Popcorn with Baldy on the last segment It's back baby?
Speaker 7 (13:09):
Have you tried.
Speaker 8 (13:12):
Tried some air delicious goodness skinny pops?
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Like?
Speaker 8 (13:17):
What eighty calories?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Right?
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Eighty calories? That's right? Watching my figure?
Speaker 8 (13:21):
Yeah, well I loved everything Cam just said. My point
is is I'm going to take some chips or I'm
going to get some popcorn because this is going to
be an incredible football game on Sunday at high Mark Stadium.
I mean, you better bring the popcorn because are we
going to get a shootout or are we going to
get a defensive juggernaut in.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
This football game?
Speaker 8 (13:38):
But what you know, as I've I have to say
maybe mb Cam because he gets to cover this Miami
team every single week.
Speaker 7 (13:45):
They are just an absolute joy to cover. I was
on the phone with a couple of players.
Speaker 8 (13:48):
Yesterday, and I think it all starts with, you know,
not just from the.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
Top down, but really Mike McDaniel and how special he is.
Speaker 8 (13:57):
And you know, I spoke one of the players yesterday
with alec Ingold, who's a full back and he does
such a fantastic job and the really all facets for
this team, I asked, and what is it about Mike
McDaniel that's so special? And what was really interesting about
his response? It wasn't he didn't start with the x's
and o's, and he didn't start with the brilliance and
the mad scientist that Mike McDaniel is. He said that
(14:20):
Mike empowers human beings and he empowers them to be
the best version of themselves. Every single conversation that Mike
has with his players, alec Ingold told me, is so
intentional and from the moment that you walk into that
facility and get ready for really the entire game plan
on Wednesday, he has everything covered. He has every dimension covered,
(14:42):
and then by the time.
Speaker 7 (14:43):
You get to game day.
Speaker 8 (14:44):
I thought it was really cool, he said, we are
so prepared and Mike is just so relaxed on game day.
Speaker 7 (14:50):
That was really unique.
Speaker 8 (14:52):
To me because when we watch him coach on Sundays,
he has that real and caim you could speak to
this that real calmness about him that I think is
really infiltrated Tua. And one of the reasons Tua has
played with such poise and really that operation has been fantastic.
Speaker 6 (15:08):
Yes, Stacy, he brings confidence to the group. They really
embody him because I remember when he got hired, a
lot of questions whereas can this guy lead? He leads
his way, his team flows their way. If you just
watch Tua on the podium over the last twelve months,
you see a complete different energy about him. We were
just joking with him yesterday about him throwing the ball
righty and lefty and he just, you know, just kind
(15:30):
of just laughs and completely is himself popping into interviews
in the locker room. These are elements that we didn't
see in the first two years of his career. And
that's a direct derivative of Mike McDaniel. And what's so
intriguing is you see his scheme. We know him because
of his humor, but we see a scheme really taking
over this year. Frank Smith, the offensive coordinator, was talking
(15:50):
today and said that he's had high school coaches texts
him this week trying to figure out their motion. What
can we do to copy your exit motion? With the
running backs, with Tyre Kill, all these elements, and so
he's connecting with the players, as you mentioned, Stacy, with
his energy, with this personality, with this with this realness.
But he's also revolutionizing how they go about this league,
(16:11):
as Sean McDermott said this week, with the way they
use motion.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Stacey, you know, I want to get to you real
quick because I want to get to the Buffalo side,
because we know the Bills have the number two offense
in the NFL behind the Dolphins. But you said, the
Josh Allen conversation is he's learning to take the checkdown.
That's something that's really kind of helped him, especially after
Week one.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
How could that.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
Come into play against an offense where a quarterback really
knows the importance of the checkdown.
Speaker 8 (16:44):
Yeah, well, I think after we witnessed Josh throw a
multitude of interceptions to start off the season. You know,
I had the Buffalo Bills a couple of weeks ago
against the Raiders, and one of the conversations I had
with an executive is was essentially, you know, take what
the defense gives you, don't get bored doing that.
Speaker 7 (17:02):
Josh Allen is such a talent.
Speaker 8 (17:03):
I was on the phone with another executive this morning
that is not related to this game, and we were
just talking about quarterbacks and Josh Allen is just such
a rare talent and he's so massively gifted, not only
in terms of his physical stature and his size, but
his ability to rock at the football. And with that
being said, he gets a little bored sometimes, as it
(17:27):
was explained to me, and just taking what the defense
gives you.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
He's going to have to do this. You know, Vic
Fangio has.
Speaker 8 (17:31):
Already had an impact, as Cam is well aware, and
you guys are well aware. In Miami, the players have
bought into it. The players are you know, I've been
quite impressed with this Miami defense thus far this season.
And you know it will be a tall order though
to go into Buffalo, because we know that Josh can
put up points. But I'll finish with this. This is
the storyline. Is this offense against Sean McDermott. As he
(17:53):
has said, I'm continuing to knock the rust off as
the defensive play caller this year because we know Leslie
Frick Fridge is not there, and as he continues to
do that, he is the number one takeaway defense in football,
number two total, number two scoring defense. This is a
really good unit, and I think the storylines are just
jumping off the page in every dimension for this game.
Speaker 5 (18:15):
I love, if I can go.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
In here briefly, I love what Stacy said about Josh
facing this defense because the big difference with Big Vangio
is they take away that big play. Javon Hollanders safety's
played incredible ball in the back end, but the Dolphins
score a lot of points. And so what you said
about Josh Allen wanting to take the check down, I
wonder if there's going to be moments in the game
where Josh looks over to the other sideline. It's like
I might have to make a play. I might have
(18:36):
to go into my superman Josh Allen mode to be
able to keep up with this offense and how they
balance that. That's why this game is going to be
so fun to watch. I'm definitely enviously you, Stacy.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
We are all envious of Stagy that list. The Chiefs
do that to teams over the last couple of years
a bunch. So yeah, that's something that you've seen in
effect opposing offenses for sure. Thanks Stace, Thanks Cam. Appreciate it, guys.
But let's jump to Week five. I've right now, guys,
because listen to this Week five as a monster international
matchup that can only be watched exclusively on NFL Plus.
It's the Bills, It's the Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
(19:11):
in London. It's a dynamite venue. October eighth at nine
thirty am Eastern. You want to watch that game, sign
up at Plus dot NFL dot com.
Speaker 9 (19:21):
Y'all put us on top of the world.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
We knew, we know who we are.
Speaker 9 (19:25):
And in that same sense, I'm sure the media got
got what they wanted for us. That hadn't been but
one undefeated team in this league ever ever, So uh yeah,
it sucks. It's humbling, but to say it's a wake
up call. We knew we had a lot of adversity
and we just just didn't get it done. And I
(19:46):
think it just goes back to myself, the offense and
the red zone. So I mean, we get better at there.
We win this game, but we've got to fix that
area period.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
Those Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott after the team upset loss
to Arizona last week.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
And now let's bring in our Jane Slater.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
To see if she can answer some of the questions,
especially something that Dak brought up there with that stage.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Thanks it, Jane, red zone offense that.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Has been an issue when last year, the last couple
of years it has not been what is the deal
and how can they fix it?
Speaker 10 (20:20):
Jane Well, I would argue maybe try somebody else there
inside the twenty than Jake Ferguson. I find it interesting
that he is seeing more targets than Brandon Cooks, Tony Pollard,
and Ceedee Lamb combined. Why you were talking about last year,
through three games, they were four for six in terms
of scoring touchdowns inside the twenty. This year they're six
(20:41):
for fifteen, So they've got to figure out something now.
I think what's hurting them right now, honestly, guys is
losing their offensive lineman. Last week, we were told Tyron
Smith was dressed out, he was even named a team captain.
Speaker 7 (20:53):
He was active. Ultimately when he went through warm ups
he wasn't ready to go.
Speaker 10 (20:57):
You were also missing Zach Martin and your son Tyler
be honis you remember last year some of the issues
for Dak Prescott, and I'm not talking about just inside
the rud zone.
Speaker 7 (21:05):
I'm talking about period at the line of scrimmage.
Speaker 10 (21:08):
He was doing too much. In other words, he was
calling out some of the protections. They want to take
that off of his plate.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Now.
Speaker 10 (21:13):
I asked Dak Martin today, could that have been an
issue the last.
Speaker 7 (21:17):
Couple of weeks. His defense of that was no. He
seems to think the offensive line did a pretty good job.
Speaker 10 (21:22):
He also pointed out, Hey, they work with these these substitutions,
these younger guys a lot in camp. We saw them
rotating the guys out quite a bit during OTA's And
it was even Mike McCarthy today who said they spend
a particular amount of time during the week Mondays and
even solid up there on the board today. They have
the young guns meetings, so there are cognizant of Hey,
(21:43):
in the past, injuries have slipped us up. Let's not
let injuries slip up up slip us up this year.
I'm just wondering what's going on with this offense as
a whole. I did reach out to someone inside the building, Steve,
because I know you and I will talk about things offline,
and one of my questions was, is what's this offense
being a little too conservative with dak In other words,
have they overcorrected to mitigate some of.
Speaker 7 (22:06):
Those interceptions last year.
Speaker 10 (22:07):
I don't know the answer to that, but it does
seem like one of my buddies here, Patrick Walker, did
this great article talking about middle of the field shots,
deep shots down the middle, they don't exist this year.
I found that very very interesting and I want to
know why. So I'll see if I can't get the
answer to that.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
Jane, I want to ask you about Tony Pollard real quick.
Just you know that that end part of the red zone,
the short red zone, has been an issue for the Cowboys.
They're getting inside the ten that was Zeke's domain for
a long time. What's the look of Tony Pollard in
the run game, maybe in the red zone or other aspects.
Speaker 10 (22:42):
Look, I think Tony Pollard's actually done a really nice
job here this year. And you know, we can make
the case about Ezekiel Elliott and whether this team would
have been better to have him or not have him.
Yesterday he told me there were minimal discussions about him
even returning. So inside this building, the wisdom was price
tag and it just didn't make sense. Now, their hope
(23:03):
was obviously that they would not get the same back
of Ezekiel Elliott with Tony Pollard. Their hope was sort
of running back by committee. We've seen them do that
around here before. Remember when they did that with the
wide receivers. It didn't work, So I think they're still
trying to figure this thing out. What worries me a
little bit for Tony Pollard though, is it's feeling a
little bit like DeMarco Murray's final years here where they're
running him into the ground. I mean, through the first
(23:24):
three games, he's got more touches than we saw from
him all of last year. So I want to know
how sustainable that's going to be. Are they going to
start working in their full back hunter Lepki. Are they
going to start seeing more of Rico Dwell what we
see more of Douce Vaughn. So I think they're still
filling out some of their personnel. As it relates to
Mike McCarthy's new offense.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
I like that the overworth the comparison to DeMarco Murray. Hey,
while we're on running back chain, let's slip down to
New Orleans real quick. Alvin Kamara is coming back from
his three game suspension. We know they're not going to
have Derek Carr, so it's gonna seem like Alvin's going
to solve all their problems because they're going to have
to have a short passing game and the running.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
Game with Jameis Winston at quarterback.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
What can you tell us about him finally getting back
on the field after that three game suspension.
Speaker 10 (24:06):
Well, getting Alvin Kamara back is huge. He's you know,
he is such a difference maker. He's such a game changer.
I think I was there a couple what was it
this six touchdown game against Minnesota a couple of years ago,
back in December. I was there for that one, and
obviously sitting that guy out for three games, he's ready
to play. The only thing that I'm curious about, guys,
and I'm gonna throw this one back to you, is
(24:28):
why not utilize Taysom Hill as a quarterback? Why are
we moving away from that when we saw it points
that worked and that's not a shot at Jamis Winston.
In fact, Jamis Winston typically plays up when it comes
to playing against the.
Speaker 7 (24:41):
Tampa Bay Bucks.
Speaker 10 (24:42):
But I just don't understand why they're not considering at
least the use of I understand not moving him out
of the tight end position altogether, but why aren't they
utilizing him a little bit more in this offense, particularly
when things haven't really changed since Sean left. I mean,
this is still a Pete Carmichael offense. I can't make
sense of it. What are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 2 (25:00):
Well?
Speaker 1 (25:01):
My thought real quick, jab, since we're close on time.
They've tried it with Taysen before and over the long haul.
Speaker 2 (25:06):
It hasn't worked. It has worked in spots that That's
pretty much all I could think of it.
Speaker 3 (25:10):
I'd see more snaps though, for sure, I'd see more
snaps I think so normally see when Derek was in there. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
The bigger question that Jane answered to me on the
phone before we talked about is Alvin Kamara corrected the
pronunciation of his name, Jane pronounce it correctly for the people.
Speaker 10 (25:27):
Well, he says, his mom says Kamara, but he goes
by Kamara is what he will tell his friends. So
he says, you can say Kamara or Camara. I know
here on the NFL network, I've said it different ways.
I don't know all of you guys have said it
different ways.
Speaker 7 (25:41):
So there you go. Either way works.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
All right day, Thank you so much, And coming up
next on the NFL Report, we're throwing up the t
with Niner safety talanoa Whofonga Aka Hoff Next on the
NFL Report.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
Welcome back to the NFL Report, James Pummer, Steve Whitch
with you and Steve. They did it last year. Best
defense in football to San Francisco forty nine ers and
three games in right where they left off a season ago,
a top five defense and pretty much everything. The only
team to not allow a completion of over twenty air
yards this season. This defense is firing all cylinders, and
(26:26):
that pass defense not giving up deep throws. We need
some info on tonight.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
We're about to get that info because we're getting ready
to bring in a key member of that secondary, all
very safety Talana Hufanga Huff. Thanks so much for joining
us here on the NFL Report.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
Thank you guys, someone for having you said.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
Hey man, you're off the great start the season. Two picks,
both on tipped passes. Though you're like the king of
the tip pass. I NT bro, Like, what exactly is
it where you're always in position to be the recipient
of the tip drill?
Speaker 11 (26:59):
Honestly, all glory to God, but first and foremost we
practice it each each day. We got tip tip drills,
turnover circuit and for me just to go through those
jails and kind of just practice what they preach and everything.
So when it happens in the game, you gotta be
ready for it. And Fred has blessed me with two
of them. So all shouts out, shout outs Bred helping
me out.
Speaker 3 (27:21):
Steve called you Hof. Can I call you Huff? Are
we close enough to do that?
Speaker 5 (27:24):
Yes?
Speaker 11 (27:24):
Of course?
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Okay, perfect? Perfect. Let me ask you, I mean, this
is your second year as a starter, now, so what
have you what did you do this offseason to take
another step? Because did you have success in the first
year as a start, So what did you do to think,
all right, I need to go, I need this much
further in my game? What aspect did you look into?
Speaker 11 (27:44):
Well, honestly, I think you can involve your whole game truthfully,
your weaknesses, your strengths. Is always wanting to be the
best at all of it. Continue to grow. I think
for me my vision, especially having a new coach that
really preaches the vision aspect of it and Coach Wilkes
allows me to be more of a leader in the
back end and be able to see more and communicate.
So when you involve your whole game, I think that's
(28:06):
what helps everybody elevate their game to around you. And
just being a guy that can they can lean on,
and guys that can help other guys be put in
place to make plays.
Speaker 1 (28:14):
Tell them if you can expand on that, because Steve
Wilkes is your new defensive coordinator and you and you
just said he said the vision aspect of that is important.
What is Steve done and what exactly do you mean
when you say expanding the vision aspect of playing that position?
Speaker 11 (28:30):
Well, I think one of one of the greatest comments
that he always says is, you know, the formation is
talking to you. You know, understanding what you see is
what you're probably gonna get, allowing you to play faster,
seeing what you're going to see before the snap pat
snap counts starts, so allowing yourself to put other guys
in position too. So I think he allowed the safeties
to be a little bit more free in the back,
(28:50):
making the vision kind of more allowing us to play
what we do and make the plays that we can,
but helping other guys be put in place too. So
it's a lot of just interest the season of the formation,
but it's been really good for us for sure.
Speaker 2 (29:06):
Don't know.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
I'm curious, you know, from just watching your games, it
seems like there is a chip on this entire team shoulder,
both sides of the ball. I feel like I see
it in the play calling that Kyle has and the
way he goes after certain players, what's said in your
locker room postgame, and it seems like this revolves around you.
Guys know how good you were last year and it
didn't finish for a variety of reasons. Obviously we know
(29:28):
a couple of them the way you wanted it to.
Is that chip legitimate? Like is that talked about in
the locker room? Because it seems like a more motivated
team maybe than anybody else in football right now.
Speaker 11 (29:40):
Yeah, I think, honestly, I think everybody in the league
should have a chip on the shoulder. I think that's
just what the game comes with, you know, every day,
even any given Sunday, anybody can get beat and so
for us, it's allowing us to have that chip on
our shoulder going there with the mindset that we want
to win. We want to allow ourselves to be in midseason,
midseason shape that we had last year. We kind of
wanted to start that off a little bit sooner this
(30:01):
year because you know, some of the early on losses
last year kind of put us in a tough spot
towards the end. But for us, just allowing ourselves to
get going, that's kind of where we're trying to get
right now.
Speaker 1 (30:11):
Tell No, we know this roster is loaded, and this
is crazy because, like I mentioned, you were first team
Pro Bowler last year, first team All Pro, and when
people talk about the talent on your defense, they tend
to go Bosa, Armstead.
Speaker 2 (30:25):
Hardgrave, Warner green Law. It's like, what about talent?
Speaker 1 (30:30):
No, he's a pro bowler and he doesn't as you
can mention in the top five.
Speaker 2 (30:34):
What about that?
Speaker 1 (30:35):
And just what about the overall abundance of talent that
you guys have.
Speaker 11 (30:40):
Honestly, if they didn't have to mention my name at
all and guys got all the credit, I'm all for it.
I think you're allowing yourself to get those those guys
up front do what they do. It helps our job
in the back end. So as a safety in corners,
you know, we try to help out in any way
we can to give them extra time just to get
back there and get a sack. But those guys up front,
you know, they lead the way. A guy like Freddy
(31:01):
commands the defense. He's the leader on our on our
defense and allows us to play free too, So you
know that run game is really set the tone from
them and then allows us the pass game. We can
give hi an extra extra second so they can get home.
We'll do it anytime, all right.
Speaker 3 (31:17):
Steve mentioned all the talent on the defensive side. Then
let's go to the offense, and we got Christian McCaffrey,
and we got George Kittle, and we got thebo and
we got up and we got the list goes on
and on. Best all around athlete on the San Francisco
forty nine ers.
Speaker 11 (31:34):
Man probably coach Kyle what jokingly, I don't know, Kyle.
He he puts those guys in the spots. You know,
I think this was a was a tough conversation, is
who would you build your team around? If you had
one player to play all eleven spots. And so when
when you think about it, a guy like George, when
(31:54):
a guy like George Kittle that can can do the
pass protection, you can run the ball, can block and catch.
I don't know if he can throw, but maybe a
guy like Kid or I'd probably say he's probably up there.
Speaker 1 (32:05):
So okay, that's a good answer, man, because normally, you
know Toner, you know, guys are like Okay, who could
basically go out in a basketball court and dunk and
light guys up.
Speaker 3 (32:13):
But I love the way, yes that you spun that.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
Okay, speaking of your offense, first three games, thirty points,
thirty points, thirty points?
Speaker 2 (32:24):
What's the deal?
Speaker 1 (32:25):
And are you anticipating thirty against the Cardinals this weekend?
Speaker 11 (32:29):
Oh? Man, honestly, I'm just hoping for a win. So
regardless of what it looks like, you know, we're just
gonna preach. Want to know, this week thirty would be cool,
maybe a little bit more than thirty, But I really
don't know. It's crazy that it happened three weeks in
a row, though, I'll tell you that.
Speaker 3 (32:43):
Well, I want to stick with the offense because I
went a safety's perspective on your quarterback in brock Purty,
this is maybe the only show that says he's playing
he deserves the respect. Now with as much as he's
played that he should be in the conversation with a
lot of these other quarterbacks. What does Brown Party do
that that makes him a very good quarterback? Because I
(33:04):
think everybody just says right telling like the weapons he has,
it's easy. No, what does he do as a quarterback
that impresses you as a safety?
Speaker 11 (33:12):
Yeah? Well, I think first and foremost is his prep.
I think, you know, I'm a guy that I'm two
lockers down from him, so I see what he does
on a daily basis in terms of his prep. Guy
that shows up each and every day. And I think
he commands the huddle. You know, anybody can be plugged
into a system and have a bunch of weapons, but
it's how can you command the guys, earn the respect,
and on top of that, I perform when needed to.
(33:33):
And a guy like him, he's showing that each and
every week last year and so far this year, so
obviously that he's the top quarterback in this league. And
for me just get to go against him ups our game.
The competition, So from that say, safety perspective, very blessed
just to go against him, for sure.
Speaker 1 (33:50):
Got to ask you about your cousin and fellow USC
Trojan tu Lee too.
Speaker 2 (33:55):
Yeah, he is balling right now. Man two sacks, nine tackles.
He seems to be living in opposing backfield. What about
his start? And could you foresee him kicking off the
sheets the way he has.
Speaker 11 (34:08):
You know, I'm very close to him, my little cousin
and honestly his older brother as well. He was my roommate.
He plays for Philadelphia. He got a sacked this last
Monday night as well. So just very proud of them.
You know, we trained together and these guys are just
they got motors and they're doing what they're supposed to
do and we're allowing it. We're throwing the t's up everywhere,
(34:29):
and so very very blessed just to be a part
of a special group like that with my cousins. For sure.
Speaker 3 (34:36):
Every time I turn on the screen, i feel like
I'm seeing one of the like the team from somewhere,
you know, whether it's at the college, jovel or the pros.
It's pretty awesome toime to take over finish it with
this USC see you. I'm sitting here in Denver right now.
What are we going to see in Boulder? A couple
of really talented quarterbacks going at it?
Speaker 11 (34:54):
Yeah, hopefully we see a USC win. You know, obviously
I've got a pool for my team where I went
to college. But for sure, very very excited to watch
coach Prondo. You know, I've been following it so far
and it's really cool to see the way he changed
the program over there in the mindset. Obviously it's gonna
be a class Obviously, I would love for it to
be a blowout, but I know Coach Prime is now
(35:16):
on things up and turning the tables over there. For sure.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
Tal No, you're not gonna give the Prime and he
bulletin board material because you know, you know he takes
everything personal.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
But look, man, we can't thank you.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
Enough for joining us because you know, you're such a
special player.
Speaker 2 (35:29):
I know you you're a special dude.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Man, do a lot of things to make people lives better.
So again, really appreciate you taking the time.
Speaker 12 (35:36):
Man.
Speaker 11 (35:37):
I appreciate you. Guys, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (35:44):
Following up next, Bryan Baldinger, Yeah, you know, the king
of the breakdowns, he's going to break down some offensive
and defensive rookies. You're watching Jalen Carter or the Eagles
because he has been a grown man up.
Speaker 2 (35:58):
Next on the end, Fell.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
Report are back at the NFL Report and we are
now joined by Brian Balden.
Speaker 2 (36:11):
Well not yet because JP is eating popcorn, because again
he's always watching Baldi's.
Speaker 3 (36:19):
Watching bald these films.
Speaker 5 (36:20):
You know.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
So we just had the interview with Talaa Hufanga in
twenty sixteen. You and I MC the Polian Football Hall
of Fame and Trium at ceremony where your dear friend
Vai Sikahema, one of the first Tonguan players to ever
play in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
I wasn't trined in the policies and football Hall of Fame.
Speaker 1 (36:39):
That's right, Jp for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Saint
Louis Cardinals. But Baldi, Talanoa Hufanga, Tui Poluto and then
his brother Marlin are all coming off big, big games
and breaking down the film.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
And let's start with Talanoa.
Speaker 1 (36:56):
Of these three Tonguan just terrors on the field on
the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (37:01):
What have you seen from these guys?
Speaker 12 (37:03):
Well, I mean playmaking, playmaking ability by all of them.
You know, when you look at talanoa like he can
be your deep free safety and get those tape tipball
interceptions that you asked about James. He could be in
the box playing right next to Fred Warner and Dre
and be in the backfield at the snap okay, and
(37:24):
making a tackle for loss. He could be on the
blitz off the edge. You can really just about you
can line them up and have him cover the tight end.
Like he's just all over the place and he just
has instincts for the game, real instincts. And then he
just has this ability to crash your party, you know.
So that's that's Toalinoa. Now, if you look at Touley,
(37:46):
like I did the Minnesota Charger game last weekend at
us Banks h Stand hum up in Minneapolis, he was
the best defensive player on the field, Like he had
seven pressures. If you look at the sack by Bosa,
the sack by Morgan Fox, the guy that got there
first was Tooley, Like he won his one on one
and then Kirk Cousins, you know, scrambled out of the
way and here comes Bosa. And the thing that I
(38:08):
love about Tooley is Bosa gets to sack, but I
felt like Tooley was celebrating more than Bosa was. And
when Fox got to sacked, I felt like Tuley like
his celebrations were like big time. And then if you
look at Marlon, if you look at you know, just
the Eagles and their defensive tackle rotation right now with
Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Marlin, I mean,
(38:33):
that's as deep and as strong a defensive tackle rotation
as there is in the NFL right now.
Speaker 5 (38:38):
They as good as anybody in the middle. And Marlin
is a big part of that.
Speaker 3 (38:42):
Let's let's talk about another guy in the middle of
that defense, Baldy, because I think there's back to back
plays right that Jalen Carter had in their last game
that were just incredible. I think he gets the pressure
up the middle and then then he forces the fumble
on the very next play. What is Jalen Carter in
your eyes? When you look at the film jump out
you which aspect of his game so far has been
the one that you most enjoyed.
Speaker 12 (39:04):
He just moves bodies, James big bodies and maybe like
one or two guys at a time, physically. You know,
he broke you know, a blocking sled in Philadelphia this year.
It was a big deal, like nobody's ever seen a
blocking said it broke. But his his power is tenacious.
But then with that, I see a lot of rookies
come in and they just played power football. But this
(39:27):
guy actually knows how to rush the quarterback. He knows
how to get on the edge, he knows how to
like he punched the ball out right there. You know,
he caused the safety last week by just crushed the pocket.
He has almost inhuman power. But then he's also because
he's not quite the rookie that we expect, because he's
(39:49):
got past rush ability and his rise. In just three games,
he's already becoming one of the more dominant interior defensive
linemen in this league. After three games, I mean he's
grown already. And just the amount of snaps that he's taken.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (40:05):
Okay, So we heard about two starting rookie you know,
defensive players here, uh you know, Jalen and Tuley offense
side of the ball, And this is the guy you
break down all the time that you clearly love his emerges.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
Dwan Jones the tackle for the Brown fascinating.
Speaker 12 (40:20):
Well, it's interesting because you know, the the Browns played
four preseason games this year because they have the Hall
of Fame game. So Bill Callahan, the offensive line coach, said,
you know, let's get this kid ready. So he played
a ton of snaps and that in fact, a couple
of preseason games he took every snap. So I'm like, Okay,
who's this guy with the wingspan of a Pacific manta
(40:41):
that's playing out there?
Speaker 5 (40:43):
Because sometimes.
Speaker 12 (40:46):
No, sometimes it's left hand is in Cleveland and his
right hands in Pittsburgh. Like it's the biggest wings band
you've ever seen. Right, So then you go, okay, all right,
he's got size.
Speaker 5 (40:56):
We get that. We saw that in Ohio State. We
saw that the combine.
Speaker 12 (40:59):
We all did the measurements, right, But then you see him,
okay against Sam Hubbard, dominant against Sam Hubbard against Cincinnati,
went in there for Jack Conkline.
Speaker 5 (41:08):
He got hurt.
Speaker 12 (41:09):
Unfortunately he's a right tackle. But you know, even against TJ. Watt,
he wasn't bad against TJ.
Speaker 3 (41:14):
Watt.
Speaker 5 (41:15):
I mean, TJ just has a motor. He's just gonna
keep going and going and going. You got to get
used to that.
Speaker 2 (41:20):
But he was.
Speaker 12 (41:20):
Outstanding last week. He looks entrenched to play the next
ten years at that position. And he's a big guy
that has good movement, good sets, and I think you
can count on to play consistent football right now.
Speaker 3 (41:37):
Body. I did their last preseason game and I remember
talking to their coaching staff on the sideline and they
were like, something has clicked here at the end of
this preseason with Dwan Jones, and they thought it took
a minute, but they had loved it heading into the season.
I love that breakdown. How about a wide receiver Jayden
Reid sticking with these young guys from the Packers. What
have you seen with him so far? Because they haven't
had one of the receivers yet to play for them,
(41:59):
and Christian and hasn't played.
Speaker 5 (42:01):
So you know, you look at you, look at you.
Speaker 12 (42:03):
Just last week, you know, yeah, Jayden Reed, second round pick,
Dontavious Wicks, the fifth round pick out of Virginia, Lucas Musgrave.
Speaker 5 (42:10):
It's all rookies out there, but this Jayden.
Speaker 12 (42:12):
Reed, now like he's slippery, he's fast, he plays inside,
he plays outside. He called a spray fade last week
and that big seventeen nothing comeback. You know that they
had against the Saints. He caught the big play on that.
He just looks like he knows how to run routes.
I know Jordan Loved trusts him like he keeps going
to him. And so he's second on the team right now,
(42:34):
next to Romeo Dobbs in receptions. He's got a couple
of touchdowns he's been he's just fluid. He's very fluid,
and he's very smooth. He runs good routes and he
can beat man coverage. Like you can't ask for anything
more from your second round pick, because for a long time,
Green Bay never got the rookie receivers on the field,
like you know, go back to you know, Davonte Adams
(42:56):
and way before that, Like those guys never made a contribution.
They just sat and watched and made mistakes. But this
kid's out there contributing right away right now.
Speaker 1 (43:05):
Well, I love how each week, though, you really single
out this particular veteran for the Indianapolis Colts has been
in the league for a while, a wonderful human being,
but he is really rounded into a stud linebacker that
Zire Franklin.
Speaker 12 (43:19):
Well you know he's from Philly, Steve, so you know
It's part of me is I'm you know, I'm a
little pat you know, James, right, I mean he's a
Philly kid, Yeah, I know.
Speaker 3 (43:27):
You know.
Speaker 12 (43:27):
The thing about him is, you know you had you
had Shaq Leonard there and he was, you know, maybe
the best playmaking linebacker in.
Speaker 5 (43:33):
Football for a while. Then he had then he got hurt.
Bobby o'caoke was there.
Speaker 12 (43:38):
He's got a big free agent contract, so last year
Shaq got hurt, Zier got a chance to start. The
kid has started not just twenty straight games in a
row now for the Colts, but he's played every snap
in twenty straight games. I don't know if another player
has played every snap for twenty straight plays twenty straight
games in his league. And then you watch him last
(43:59):
week and you watch, you know, him chase down Lamar
Jackson the open field and catch him like you don't
see that, Like when you see a number forty four
come out on one side of the field and there's
Lamar on the run and he gets caught by Zier Franklin.
You go, that catches your eye, that says, you know,
wait a second, maybe what I'm seeing he's more than
(44:20):
just a hoover vacuum cleaner, you know, cleaning up sack
tackles right here like he is all over the field,
and anybody that underestimates this Colts defense just isn't paying
attention because what they did to Baltimore now they look
they just reduced him to just you know, dnking and
dunking down the field. And Zaire is a big part
(44:43):
of that right now. He's he's really he's been fun
to watch. You're gonna get a breakdown from him probably
every week. He leaves the team and tackles every single week.
Number forty four for the Colts is the real deal.
Speaker 1 (44:54):
Well, the JP's got the pop Warren I got, you know, no,
it's my favorite segment of the week. I mean, this
is I've got to go get like some raisin uts
or something for tonight. Baldy, we don't have time to
talk about Max Prosby, but I'm sure he's gonna be
dominant again this week, so we're gonna talk about him
next Thursday.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
We appreciate the reach references from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The
MAT's right comparisons.
Speaker 3 (45:19):
We'll see you next Thursday.
Speaker 2 (45:20):
Baldie, And coming up, which teams might be on thin Ice.
Speaker 1 (45:27):
Oh yeah, this is a segment you're not gonna want
to miss here on the NFL Report.
Speaker 3 (45:39):
Welcome back to the NFL Report, James Palmer, Steve White
with you, Steve, how good is Baldy? Is this your
favorite thing every Thursday that we.
Speaker 2 (45:46):
Have He's great. He's great.
Speaker 1 (45:47):
He's everybody's favorite thing. He's everybody's favorite, not just us
in the media world. How about players listen to this
from Javon Holland, the Dolphins safety, asked about being PFF's
number one safety, he said, quote, really, only the one
that's more important is what Baldi thinks. He's like the
best analysts I've come across. If I'm in Baldy's breakdowns
at the end of the week, then I know I
(46:09):
did something that we don't do something right every Thursday. Here,
we know we do something right every Thursday here, Steve,
because we have Baldi on. Quick note before we get
to the end of this, end of this segment and
the end of this show, Steve.
Speaker 3 (46:19):
David Baktiari, the left tackle for the Packers, put on
ir Ian Rappaport are NFL insider saying that, you know,
obviously it's four games at minimum. He also said, we'll
see if he comes back this season. That could be
a big blow to the Green Bay factors. And how
about Steve. Some teams that are suffered some pretty passive
blows early in this young season that we're in the
(46:41):
playoffs a year ago, reeling early on here, Let's start
with you and the Giants at one and two.
Speaker 1 (46:49):
Yeah, I mean, look, they play Seattle this week, and
we know Seattle they're a tough team. If the Giants
don't win this game, their next two games are at
Miami and at Ball James.
Speaker 2 (47:01):
That means they'd be steering at one in.
Speaker 1 (47:03):
Five and based with Philadelphia and Dallas in the division,
that means the Giants would almost have to be perfect
the rest of the way.
Speaker 2 (47:11):
They've got to win at.
Speaker 1 (47:12):
Seattle and try to get some momentum going, otherwise they
will not be going back to the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (47:19):
It's tough. I just feel like everything asks to me
perfect for them to get wins, including their quarterback Daniel Jones.
How about the Chargers, I'm gonna go with them. They're
one and two facing the Raiders. I think Steve personally,
this is a team as well as his offense has
played can go on a run, and I think they
have a bye week in a couple of weeks see
where Derwin James is in terms of health wise. That
gives them an early opportunity to figure out what they
want to do without Mike Williams, who's been lost for
(47:41):
the season. But I just think Justin Herbert's been too good.
They can put up too many points that down the
stretch if they just fix a few things with their defense,
specifically in the secondary. What can j C. Jackson do
for them? We'll see moving forward, but I think they
have the ability to write the ship specifically because the
division they're in as well, with the Raiders and the
Broncos in there.
Speaker 1 (48:00):
That's the type of team that could go on a
seven game win streak.
Speaker 2 (48:02):
So I am not that worried about the Chargers and James.
Let's go to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Speaker 1 (48:07):
They're one and two, right they were supposed to be
the AFC favorites coming in. They're playing over London against
the Atlanta Falcons this week. But I like the Jags
because I think, like last year, remember they won five
straight games to finish their season, then won a playoff game.
Speaker 2 (48:22):
They've got the potential to do that.
Speaker 1 (48:25):
The problem is, and this is an intriguing one, after
they play the Falcons in London, they have another game
in London, right then they've opted not against the Bills,
by the way, and then.
Speaker 2 (48:38):
They've opted not to take the buy. So they come
back and they.
Speaker 1 (48:40):
Play the Colts at New Orleans and at Pittsburgh before
they have a bye. So they have got to start
winning this week otherwise, regardless of the type of run.
Speaker 2 (48:50):
They make, it is going to be an uphill climb.
Speaker 3 (48:54):
They just got to be better than the Trenches Steve
on the offensive side of the ball, on the defensive
side of all quarters Rush. I think one of the
things is that they have been eating their clippings a
little bit, at least that's what dub Peterson says. I'll
finish this off with the Vikings at zero to three.
You and I were talking offline. I think, actually I'm
more confident in the Vikings, who are winless going against
the Panthers this Sunday, than I am against you for
(49:15):
the Giants. I think this team is talented. Obviously, you
have a guy in Justin Jefferson that an entire game plan,
his model to stopping him and he still gets roughly
one hundred and fifty yards a game. It's remarkable, but
they won so many games by one score a year ago. Steve,
we're seeing some highlights or low lights, as you like
to call him, with some turnover issues. That's been a
problem hanging on to the football for the Vikings. But
(49:36):
I still think they're a good team. I actually have
some confidence in them in a sense. I think that
part kind of surprises myself a little bit. But at
the same time, I do like what the Vikings have.
Speaker 1 (49:46):
DeBie, the Vikings better be Carolina. Caroline's had a tough
time getting to the end zone. Plus they got Detroit
and Miami next. Hey, j PB, you gotta get out here.
In the NFL Report Week four, coming up, Dolphins Bills.
Speaker 2 (49:59):
That game is gonna be off the chain. Now.
Speaker 3 (50:02):
You can't say change a chance. The Chant of the
Chance Steven.
Speaker 2 (50:06):
The Report on Monday. Listen to the podcast
Welcome to the NFL Report. I am Steve White here
with my guy James Palmer JP. We are approaching the
first quarter pole of the NFL season. Will be four
games done after Monday night. This is where teams find
out who.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
They are JP.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Yeah, they find out who they are. I love it.
One thing I'd like to add to the NFL game experience.
We're at a lot of these games, Steve. I was
at a MLS game. The Colord Rapids play right down
the street for me, playing against Vancouver, sat in the
supporter section with my son. We need more drums and
horns and hell, bring the vouzelas back. I love the
environment of the musical side of a soccer game that's
(00:42):
not at NFL contests.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Yeah, you know, I think at Philly if we brought
some of those potential weapons into the stadium in stadiums
like that. No, it's true. You know the real deal.
You know the deal.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Well, look, we've got a great show.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Also, we're gonna have Niner safety Talano Ufonga on here.
We're gonna be joined by Brian Baldinger for his breakdowns.
Jane Slater's gonna be coming in talking Cowboys, Pats plus
Alvin Kamara's return and Stacy Dale's and Cameron Wolf on
the Big Bill's Dolphins matchup.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
But jap before we get started, we have to follow
the frenzy.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
We have to go back to Met Life Stadium where
Taylor Swift is going to be taking all eyes off
of the home team product the New York Jets. Thank
goodness for those fans when they play Kansas City this week,
and she's gonna be there to see her her bo.
He admitted it on his podcast Travis Kelsey. He said,
this isn't a front. So it debunks my theory of
the new tight Ends series that's the spinoff of the
(01:41):
Quarterback series.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
You know him and Taylor are really a night of JP.
Speaker 3 (01:46):
Yeah, it also debunks a lot of what well it
actually doesn't debunk with all my friends in Philly think,
which she's trying to infiltrate the defending Super Bowl champions
from within because she's a diehard Eagles fan. We'll see
at the end of the season if that's actually how
this thing is really playing out. But get to steve
some of these teams, because we know the Chiefs are
for real, so they're not on our list of questioning
teams whether they're for real or not. You mentioned the
(02:08):
quarter point is usually where most coaches in the NFL,
if you ask them, say, now I know what my
team really is, what we really have, So we're gonna
play little game'renna go straight down the list. We're gonna
talk about how good are they? I'm also gonna call
it my for real meter? How for real are these
teams still on your for real meter? How for real
are the Dallas Cowboys after what happened against Arizona Cardinals
(02:28):
the shocker of Week three?
Speaker 2 (02:30):
They're for real?
Speaker 1 (02:31):
I mean, look, no one's gonna win them all, but
we look their defense is so legit JP and one
thing we've seen about these teams that have jumped out
to these early starts.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Is great defense.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
We can talk about all the offenses we want, but
the great defenses are keeping them together.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
I will say this about the Cowboys, though, they've got.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
To get things going in the red zone offensively big time.
Dak still has to see the feel better and Mike
McCarthy's got to cost some better plays.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
This defense can only carry them so far.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
For the past few seasons, they've led the NFL and takeaways.
They've got Micah Parsons, but lose trade digs at corner.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
They've got it kind of work their way through that.
They will.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
I mean, they've got great coaching on that side. And
the fall the Dallas Cowboys are for real. They're gonna
be there at the end.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Yeah. You know, you could think just three games in
the issues in the red zone as we're seeing them here.
If you're watching the show, not just listening to the show,
is they were number one in red zone offense a
season ago, so you could think that, Steve, they would
correct some of these. There's only three teams worse than
them in terms of the red zone so far in
this early part of the season. To me, what jumps
out is that you've lost some of those red zone
(03:32):
staples that you've had over the last couple of years.
Dalton Schultze tight end has gotten more targets in the
red zone last year than any other player on the Cowboys.
He's gone. We know how dominant Zekeel it was in
that short yardage red zone portion, Steve, that actually is
really if you talk to defensive coordinators, that's an advantage
there when you have the short yardage part because running
is so important and you have the boundaries that help
(03:53):
your defense in a sense, and the power back of
Zeke Elliott, both those guys being gone. What I'm also
curious is that's also is that you don't see Dak
using his legs very much since really that that brutal
ankle injury. Before that, he was a threat. You go
back and look at the stats before that ankle injury,
he was a threat to use his legs in the
red zone. That's another part that you know. Dak hinted.
(04:14):
Maybe that's something I come back on. But if they
fix these red zone stuff like they're they're right back
to where to where we've seen.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Them angle offensive lineman healthy. We know the durability of
their offensive line has been an issue.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
All right, JP.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
Are the Pittsburgh Steelers the two and one Steelers for real?
Speaker 3 (04:32):
I don't know yet. I don't know where my fur
real meter is. My fur real meter is somewhere around
US six. And we're talking about an offense in Dallas
that we think you fix the red zone problems. Boom,
they right back to it because they are having long drives,
great drives. I'm still curious about this Steelers offense, and
there's still been so many questions. I don't know if
there's an offensive coordinator in football Steed that's questioned more
(04:53):
by the fans of their team than Mac cannell. Oh
had a really really strong game. There is who yes, Chicago,
look at okay, okay, well, all right, okay, Luketz, that's
actually a good call anyway, Matt Canada did play did
set things up for Kenny Pickett very well in this
last game. And what did we see. It's because they
ran the football pretty well and they were able to
(05:13):
play off of play action. I think Kenny Pickett personally,
I've a chance to talk to him in training camp.
Him operating out of play action giving a defense the
ability to have to think about the run game with
Najie Harrison company, that showed me that this offense has
the ability to go out and make some plays and
sustain some drives. Who saw all these different things they
can do. Mike Tomlin talked about it this week, just saying,
(05:34):
if we can do all these different things, you can
be more diverse in your play calling, something that we
didn't see. They've had their work cut out with them
with a lot of dominant pass rushers going after this
offensive line. But I think that's just one game where
we've seen Kenny Pickett and Mat Canada go out there
and play really good offensive football. I still need to
see it a little bit more because there's still some
questions I.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Would agree with that, but again, they opened up against
San Francisco and Cleveland, two of the best defense they're
gonna con found just about everybody.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
I do need to see a little bit more.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
But one reason I still love the Steelers the past
two Decembers and January is their record nine and three.
This group of players finishes the season well, especially when
the weather gets a little bit inclement and they are
holding teams during that span jp to five points a
game less, So they tend to play their best football
(06:24):
at the end of the season. That's why if they
can kind of hold water and keep on going in
the direction that they're going in, I think they're gonna
be very good.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Okay, I like it. Also, we haven't seen Joey Porter
Junior a whole lot. It's kind of increased in snaps
a little bit as he's gone on. He's kind of
getting to few where they'rekinda doing that with a lot
of the rookies, so maybe they'll start getting some more
time as they move on with this season. Let's move
on with this, Steve to the Cleveland Browns. Let's stay
in the division. Are the Browns for real in your mind?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (06:50):
I mean, remember, James, this is the team I called
to win the AFC North coming into the season. Yep,
we knew the defense is going to be good. But
good grief, I mean, what's going on is insane. I mean, know,
we we know Miles Garrett, but again, the guys in
the secondary, the corners, what they're doing up front is
just is just insane. I mean, Oba Ogaronkuo and Taki Taki.
(07:13):
These are players that we're not talking about on the
second level this defense, who are absolutely raising Kane on
that secondary level.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
So offensively, that still remains the question.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
Now that Nick Chubb is out again, it's going to
be more of a the Shawn friendly based offense. I
like what they did last week with Elijah Moore, the
slot receiver who plays out of the backfield. Sometimes I
think he's gonna become more of a threat expand this
offense a little bit. But the Cleveland Browns, unless they
just absolutely melt down and we know what has happened
in the factory of sadness st But I think they
(07:46):
are going to still be there when it's not there
for real.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
I'm all I know them.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Yeah, this this defense is actually off the charts. We
have been given up a touchdown I think so far.
Like they're they're playing phenomenal defense. I think on the
offense side, Steve, I love that you mentioned Elijah Moore
lining up in the backfield. What else did they do
to kind of add some wrinkles. You saw Jerome Ford
line up all the way out wide and play that
receiver spot. The ability to make some of these things
what I need to see, though, I need to see
(08:12):
a Mary Cooper stay healthy for them to stay real.
I do think that's key to this entire offense. I
talked to Deshaun Watson after their final preseason game, and
really so much of our conversation was based on their
relationship and the importance that is a true number one
wide receiver. And man was he living and he doesn't
talk much, Steve, but he was not happy about being
called out of bounds when he wasn't anywhere close to
being out of bounds. He would have had an avalanche
(08:33):
of yards in Week three. So finding other ways to
get these guys involved in the game in other spots
is an interesting wrinkle. Deshaun using his legs, playing out
of the shotgun, I like, and you're going to see
more of that. But I think of Mary Cooper staying
healthy and Deshaun Watson limiting turnovers and not hurting this defense.
The only game this season he didn't have a turnover
was last week.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
All right, JP, we've kind of stated semi obvious stuff here.
We don't have enough time to get to all the
teams we had on the rundown. But that's okay because
I want to hit a team you talked about on Monday,
the Indianapolis.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Colts at two and one show amendous promise.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Okay, are they for real? Are the Colts and Shane Steiken?
Are they in the real deal category?
Speaker 3 (09:17):
Well, this is what they have. They lead the division
right now. In their next three games Rams, Titans, Jags,
they can win all of those games. Steve, and I
think what we've learned from Shane Steiken's group, and the
reason I talked about him is I thought he's got
a tremendous job coaching this team so far. We saw
how resilient and tough they were coming out of that
game in overtime in a win over the Baltimore Ravens.
(09:40):
What I'm interested in seeing is do you continue to
see Anthony Richardson's growth. We saw Gardner Minshew come in
for a game and play well, But I do like
the amount of time I'm told Gardner Minshew's spending with
Anthony Richardson day off, watching film, Shane Stike and everything
around him. Do they continue to see him grow? Zach
Moss has emerged in the run game, and could they
get Jonathan Taylor back as they've massaged this whole situation.
(10:04):
What is that backfield with Zach Moss and Jonathan Taylor?
If he comes back healthy as a one two punch,
that could be one of the best backfields in football.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
I love that, But let's not forget where the Colts
also are winning their games. That's on the defensive side
of the ball. They're playing excellent up front guys like
the Forest Buckner. Could he pay right the high draftic.
I think he's got three, if not.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Four sacks already.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
He is playing exceptionally well, and a little bit later
on in the show, ar Gar Brian Baldinger is going
to talk about another.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
One of their defensive players who he loves.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
But coming up next, we've got Stacy Daills, we have
got Campbell, and we have got Jane Slater to talk about.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Some of them games, some of the biggest games coming
up in week four. We're often running at the NFL Report.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
We're just getting started. I am so proud of everyone.
I want you guys to enjoy it, but keep it
in perspective.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
It is a third win.
Speaker 4 (11:10):
We care about our standard and our standard open.
Speaker 5 (11:15):
We got to keep me going.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
Who welcome back to the NFL Report. We're just getting
started with a seventy burger. It's just the beginning. Well,
it's gonna be Bills Dolphins in Buffalo, and I'm very
envious Steve of Stacey Dale's mostly all the time, but
she's gonna be the one that's gonna be at this game.
(11:39):
So I'm very envious of her again once on this Sunday.
But Cam, I'm gonna start with you though, because you
hit us up with a text this week and we're like,
hey man, this locker room, I've been talking to guys
in here, and they have not enjoyed what's going on
against the Buffalo Bills of late in these matchups. What's
going on down there in Miami.
Speaker 6 (12:00):
Yeah, James and Dolphins have been the darlings of the
NFL the first three weeks after you put up seventy.
It's usually that way. But they're facing their big boss.
You know, if you play video games, there's the big
boss at the end of the hill, and it's the
Bills for them. Right they haven't won in Buffalo since
twenty sixteen. They're nine to two against two to nine
against Josh Allen and their time there and talking to
(12:20):
some of the guys, it's like, man, we gotta beat
these guys.
Speaker 7 (12:23):
We have to, we have to.
Speaker 6 (12:25):
It feels like the final checkpoint for them to show
that they're actually legit, because remember they started three to
oher last year and then fizzled off, and so this
definitely feels like a checkpoint. Guys were mentioning the last
time they were in Buffalo, they remember getting hit with
snowballs in that playoff game from fans.
Speaker 5 (12:40):
From behind them.
Speaker 6 (12:41):
It won't be snowing this week, but it's become a
little bit of a feisty rivalry. Christian Wilkins likes to
get into it with the Bills, hawfinsive lineman and Josh
Allen and Mike McDaniel had a great line this week
when he said, if you can't get motivated for a
game like this, you need to check your pulse or
get into another career.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
Hey, hey, James, didn't you just have.
Speaker 8 (13:01):
Popcorn with Baldy on the last segment It's back baby?
Speaker 7 (13:09):
Have you tried.
Speaker 8 (13:12):
Tried some air delicious goodness skinny pops?
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Like?
Speaker 8 (13:17):
What eighty calories?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Right?
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Eighty calories? That's right? Watching my figure?
Speaker 8 (13:21):
Yeah, well I loved everything Cam just said. My point
is is I'm going to take some chips or I'm
going to get some popcorn because this is going to
be an incredible football game on Sunday at high Mark Stadium.
I mean, you better bring the popcorn because are we
going to get a shootout or are we going to
get a defensive juggernaut in.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
This football game?
Speaker 8 (13:38):
But what you know, as I've I have to say
maybe mb Cam because he gets to cover this Miami
team every single week.
Speaker 7 (13:45):
They are just an absolute joy to cover. I was
on the phone with a couple of players.
Speaker 8 (13:48):
Yesterday, and I think it all starts with, you know,
not just from the.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
Top down, but really Mike McDaniel and how special he is.
Speaker 8 (13:57):
And you know, I spoke one of the players yesterday
with alec Ingold, who's a full back and he does
such a fantastic job and the really all facets for
this team, I asked, and what is it about Mike
McDaniel that's so special? And what was really interesting about
his response? It wasn't he didn't start with the x's
and o's, and he didn't start with the brilliance and
the mad scientist that Mike McDaniel is. He said that
(14:20):
Mike empowers human beings and he empowers them to be
the best version of themselves. Every single conversation that Mike
has with his players, alec Ingold told me, is so
intentional and from the moment that you walk into that
facility and get ready for really the entire game plan
on Wednesday, he has everything covered. He has every dimension covered,
(14:42):
and then by the time.
Speaker 7 (14:43):
You get to game day.
Speaker 8 (14:44):
I thought it was really cool, he said, we are
so prepared and Mike is just so relaxed on game day.
Speaker 7 (14:50):
That was really unique.
Speaker 8 (14:52):
To me because when we watch him coach on Sundays,
he has that real and caim you could speak to
this that real calmness about him that I think is
really infiltrated Tua. And one of the reasons Tua has
played with such poise and really that operation has been fantastic.
Speaker 6 (15:08):
Yes, Stacy, he brings confidence to the group. They really
embody him because I remember when he got hired, a
lot of questions whereas can this guy lead? He leads
his way, his team flows their way. If you just
watch Tua on the podium over the last twelve months,
you see a complete different energy about him. We were
just joking with him yesterday about him throwing the ball
righty and lefty and he just, you know, just kind
(15:30):
of just laughs and completely is himself popping into interviews
in the locker room. These are elements that we didn't
see in the first two years of his career. And
that's a direct derivative of Mike McDaniel. And what's so
intriguing is you see his scheme. We know him because
of his humor, but we see a scheme really taking
over this year. Frank Smith, the offensive coordinator, was talking
(15:50):
today and said that he's had high school coaches texts
him this week trying to figure out their motion. What
can we do to copy your exit motion? With the
running backs, with Tyre Kill, all these elements, and so
he's connecting with the players, as you mentioned, Stacy, with
his energy, with this personality, with this with this realness.
But he's also revolutionizing how they go about this league,
(16:11):
as Sean McDermott said this week, with the way they
use motion.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Stacey, you know, I want to get to you real
quick because I want to get to the Buffalo side,
because we know the Bills have the number two offense
in the NFL behind the Dolphins. But you said, the
Josh Allen conversation is he's learning to take the checkdown.
That's something that's really kind of helped him, especially after
Week one.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
How could that.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
Come into play against an offense where a quarterback really
knows the importance of the checkdown.
Speaker 8 (16:44):
Yeah, well, I think after we witnessed Josh throw a
multitude of interceptions to start off the season. You know,
I had the Buffalo Bills a couple of weeks ago
against the Raiders, and one of the conversations I had
with an executive is was essentially, you know, take what
the defense gives you, don't get bored doing that.
Speaker 7 (17:02):
Josh Allen is such a talent.
Speaker 8 (17:03):
I was on the phone with another executive this morning
that is not related to this game, and we were
just talking about quarterbacks and Josh Allen is just such
a rare talent and he's so massively gifted, not only
in terms of his physical stature and his size, but
his ability to rock at the football. And with that
being said, he gets a little bored sometimes, as it
(17:27):
was explained to me, and just taking what the defense
gives you.
Speaker 2 (17:29):
He's going to have to do this. You know, Vic
Fangio has.
Speaker 8 (17:31):
Already had an impact, as Cam is well aware, and
you guys are well aware. In Miami, the players have
bought into it. The players are you know, I've been
quite impressed with this Miami defense thus far this season.
And you know it will be a tall order though
to go into Buffalo, because we know that Josh can
put up points. But I'll finish with this. This is
the storyline. Is this offense against Sean McDermott. As he
(17:53):
has said, I'm continuing to knock the rust off as
the defensive play caller this year because we know Leslie
Frick Fridge is not there, and as he continues to
do that, he is the number one takeaway defense in football,
number two total, number two scoring defense. This is a
really good unit, and I think the storylines are just
jumping off the page in every dimension for this game.
Speaker 5 (18:15):
I love, if I can go.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
In here briefly, I love what Stacy said about Josh
facing this defense because the big difference with Big Vangio
is they take away that big play. Javon Hollanders safety's
played incredible ball in the back end, but the Dolphins
score a lot of points. And so what you said
about Josh Allen wanting to take the check down, I
wonder if there's going to be moments in the game
where Josh looks over to the other sideline. It's like
I might have to make a play. I might have
(18:36):
to go into my superman Josh Allen mode to be
able to keep up with this offense and how they
balance that. That's why this game is going to be
so fun to watch. I'm definitely enviously you, Stacy.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
We are all envious of Stagy that list. The Chiefs
do that to teams over the last couple of years
a bunch. So yeah, that's something that you've seen in
effect opposing offenses for sure. Thanks Stace, Thanks Cam. Appreciate it, guys.
But let's jump to Week five. I've right now, guys,
because listen to this Week five as a monster international
matchup that can only be watched exclusively on NFL Plus.
It's the Bills, It's the Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
(19:11):
in London. It's a dynamite venue. October eighth at nine
thirty am Eastern. You want to watch that game, sign
up at Plus dot NFL dot com.
Speaker 9 (19:21):
Y'all put us on top of the world.
Speaker 3 (19:24):
We knew, we know who we are.
Speaker 9 (19:25):
And in that same sense, I'm sure the media got
got what they wanted for us. That hadn't been but
one undefeated team in this league ever ever, So uh yeah,
it sucks. It's humbling, but to say it's a wake
up call. We knew we had a lot of adversity
and we just just didn't get it done. And I
(19:46):
think it just goes back to myself, the offense and
the red zone. So I mean, we get better at there.
We win this game, but we've got to fix that
area period.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
Those Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott after the team upset loss
to Arizona last week.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
And now let's bring in our Jane Slater.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
To see if she can answer some of the questions,
especially something that Dak brought up there with that stage.
Speaker 2 (20:10):
Thanks it, Jane, red zone offense that.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Has been an issue when last year, the last couple
of years it has not been what is the deal
and how can they fix it?
Speaker 10 (20:20):
Jane Well, I would argue maybe try somebody else there
inside the twenty than Jake Ferguson. I find it interesting
that he is seeing more targets than Brandon Cooks, Tony Pollard,
and Ceedee Lamb combined. Why you were talking about last year,
through three games, they were four for six in terms
of scoring touchdowns inside the twenty. This year they're six
(20:41):
for fifteen, So they've got to figure out something now.
I think what's hurting them right now, honestly, guys is
losing their offensive lineman. Last week, we were told Tyron
Smith was dressed out, he was even named a team captain.
Speaker 7 (20:53):
He was active. Ultimately when he went through warm ups
he wasn't ready to go.
Speaker 10 (20:57):
You were also missing Zach Martin and your son Tyler
be honis you remember last year some of the issues
for Dak Prescott, and I'm not talking about just inside
the rud zone.
Speaker 7 (21:05):
I'm talking about period at the line of scrimmage.
Speaker 10 (21:08):
He was doing too much. In other words, he was
calling out some of the protections. They want to take
that off of his plate.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Now.
Speaker 10 (21:13):
I asked Dak Martin today, could that have been an
issue the last.
Speaker 7 (21:17):
Couple of weeks. His defense of that was no. He
seems to think the offensive line did a pretty good job.
Speaker 10 (21:22):
He also pointed out, Hey, they work with these these substitutions,
these younger guys a lot in camp. We saw them
rotating the guys out quite a bit during OTA's And
it was even Mike McCarthy today who said they spend
a particular amount of time during the week Mondays and
even solid up there on the board today. They have
the young guns meetings, so there are cognizant of Hey,
(21:43):
in the past, injuries have slipped us up. Let's not
let injuries slip up up slip us up this year.
I'm just wondering what's going on with this offense as
a whole. I did reach out to someone inside the building, Steve,
because I know you and I will talk about things offline,
and one of my questions was, is what's this offense
being a little too conservative with dak In other words,
have they overcorrected to mitigate some of.
Speaker 7 (22:06):
Those interceptions last year.
Speaker 10 (22:07):
I don't know the answer to that, but it does
seem like one of my buddies here, Patrick Walker, did
this great article talking about middle of the field shots,
deep shots down the middle, they don't exist this year.
I found that very very interesting and I want to
know why. So I'll see if I can't get the
answer to that.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
Jane, I want to ask you about Tony Pollard real quick.
Just you know that that end part of the red zone,
the short red zone, has been an issue for the Cowboys.
They're getting inside the ten that was Zeke's domain for
a long time. What's the look of Tony Pollard in
the run game, maybe in the red zone or other aspects.
Speaker 10 (22:42):
Look, I think Tony Pollard's actually done a really nice
job here this year. And you know, we can make
the case about Ezekiel Elliott and whether this team would
have been better to have him or not have him.
Yesterday he told me there were minimal discussions about him
even returning. So inside this building, the wisdom was price
tag and it just didn't make sense. Now, their hope
(23:03):
was obviously that they would not get the same back
of Ezekiel Elliott with Tony Pollard. Their hope was sort
of running back by committee. We've seen them do that
around here before. Remember when they did that with the
wide receivers. It didn't work, So I think they're still
trying to figure this thing out. What worries me a
little bit for Tony Pollard though, is it's feeling a
little bit like DeMarco Murray's final years here where they're
running him into the ground. I mean, through the first
(23:24):
three games, he's got more touches than we saw from
him all of last year. So I want to know
how sustainable that's going to be. Are they going to
start working in their full back hunter Lepki. Are they
going to start seeing more of Rico Dwell what we
see more of Douce Vaughn. So I think they're still
filling out some of their personnel. As it relates to
Mike McCarthy's new offense.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
I like that the overworth the comparison to DeMarco Murray. Hey,
while we're on running back chain, let's slip down to
New Orleans real quick. Alvin Kamara is coming back from
his three game suspension. We know they're not going to
have Derek Carr, so it's gonna seem like Alvin's going
to solve all their problems because they're going to have
to have a short passing game and the running.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
Game with Jameis Winston at quarterback.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
What can you tell us about him finally getting back
on the field after that three game suspension.
Speaker 10 (24:06):
Well, getting Alvin Kamara back is huge. He's you know,
he is such a difference maker. He's such a game changer.
I think I was there a couple what was it
this six touchdown game against Minnesota a couple of years ago,
back in December. I was there for that one, and
obviously sitting that guy out for three games, he's ready
to play. The only thing that I'm curious about, guys,
and I'm gonna throw this one back to you, is
(24:28):
why not utilize Taysom Hill as a quarterback? Why are
we moving away from that when we saw it points
that worked and that's not a shot at Jamis Winston.
In fact, Jamis Winston typically plays up when it comes
to playing against the.
Speaker 7 (24:41):
Tampa Bay Bucks.
Speaker 10 (24:42):
But I just don't understand why they're not considering at
least the use of I understand not moving him out
of the tight end position altogether, but why aren't they
utilizing him a little bit more in this offense, particularly
when things haven't really changed since Sean left. I mean,
this is still a Pete Carmichael offense. I can't make
sense of it. What are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 2 (25:00):
Well?
Speaker 1 (25:01):
My thought real quick, jab, since we're close on time.
They've tried it with Taysen before and over the long haul.
Speaker 2 (25:06):
It hasn't worked. It has worked in spots that That's
pretty much all I could think of it.
Speaker 3 (25:10):
I'd see more snaps though, for sure, I'd see more
snaps I think so normally see when Derek was in there. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
The bigger question that Jane answered to me on the
phone before we talked about is Alvin Kamara corrected the
pronunciation of his name, Jane pronounce it correctly for the people.
Speaker 10 (25:27):
Well, he says, his mom says Kamara, but he goes
by Kamara is what he will tell his friends. So
he says, you can say Kamara or Camara. I know
here on the NFL network, I've said it different ways.
I don't know all of you guys have said it
different ways.
Speaker 7 (25:41):
So there you go. Either way works.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
All right day, Thank you so much, And coming up
next on the NFL Report, we're throwing up the t
with Niner safety talanoa Whofonga Aka Hoff Next on the
NFL Report.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
Welcome back to the NFL Report, James Pummer, Steve Whitch
with you and Steve. They did it last year. Best
defense in football to San Francisco forty nine ers and
three games in right where they left off a season ago,
a top five defense and pretty much everything. The only
team to not allow a completion of over twenty air
yards this season. This defense is firing all cylinders, and
(26:26):
that pass defense not giving up deep throws. We need
some info on tonight.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
We're about to get that info because we're getting ready
to bring in a key member of that secondary, all
very safety Talana Hufanga Huff. Thanks so much for joining
us here on the NFL Report.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
Thank you guys, someone for having you said.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
Hey man, you're off the great start the season. Two picks,
both on tipped passes. Though you're like the king of
the tip pass. I NT bro, Like, what exactly is
it where you're always in position to be the recipient
of the tip drill?
Speaker 11 (26:59):
Honestly, all glory to God, but first and foremost we
practice it each each day. We got tip tip drills,
turnover circuit and for me just to go through those
jails and kind of just practice what they preach and everything.
So when it happens in the game, you gotta be
ready for it. And Fred has blessed me with two
of them. So all shouts out, shout outs Bred helping
me out.
Speaker 3 (27:21):
Steve called you Hof. Can I call you Huff? Are
we close enough to do that?
Speaker 5 (27:24):
Yes?
Speaker 11 (27:24):
Of course?
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Okay, perfect? Perfect. Let me ask you, I mean, this
is your second year as a starter, now, so what
have you what did you do this offseason to take
another step? Because did you have success in the first
year as a start, So what did you do to think,
all right, I need to go, I need this much
further in my game? What aspect did you look into?
Speaker 11 (27:44):
Well, honestly, I think you can involve your whole game truthfully,
your weaknesses, your strengths. Is always wanting to be the
best at all of it. Continue to grow. I think
for me my vision, especially having a new coach that
really preaches the vision aspect of it and Coach Wilkes
allows me to be more of a leader in the
back end and be able to see more and communicate.
So when you involve your whole game, I think that's
(28:06):
what helps everybody elevate their game to around you. And
just being a guy that can they can lean on,
and guys that can help other guys be put in
place to make plays.
Speaker 1 (28:14):
Tell them if you can expand on that, because Steve
Wilkes is your new defensive coordinator and you and you
just said he said the vision aspect of that is important.
What is Steve done and what exactly do you mean
when you say expanding the vision aspect of playing that position?
Speaker 11 (28:30):
Well, I think one of one of the greatest comments
that he always says is, you know, the formation is
talking to you. You know, understanding what you see is
what you're probably gonna get, allowing you to play faster,
seeing what you're going to see before the snap pat
snap counts starts, so allowing yourself to put other guys
in position too. So I think he allowed the safeties
to be a little bit more free in the back,
(28:50):
making the vision kind of more allowing us to play
what we do and make the plays that we can,
but helping other guys be put in place too. So
it's a lot of just interest the season of the formation,
but it's been really good for us for sure.
Speaker 2 (29:06):
Don't know.
Speaker 3 (29:06):
I'm curious, you know, from just watching your games, it
seems like there is a chip on this entire team shoulder,
both sides of the ball. I feel like I see
it in the play calling that Kyle has and the
way he goes after certain players, what's said in your
locker room postgame, and it seems like this revolves around you.
Guys know how good you were last year and it
didn't finish for a variety of reasons. Obviously we know
(29:28):
a couple of them the way you wanted it to.
Is that chip legitimate? Like is that talked about in
the locker room? Because it seems like a more motivated
team maybe than anybody else in football right now.
Speaker 11 (29:40):
Yeah, I think, honestly, I think everybody in the league
should have a chip on the shoulder. I think that's
just what the game comes with, you know, every day,
even any given Sunday, anybody can get beat and so
for us, it's allowing us to have that chip on
our shoulder going there with the mindset that we want
to win. We want to allow ourselves to be in midseason,
midseason shape that we had last year. We kind of
wanted to start that off a little bit sooner this
(30:01):
year because you know, some of the early on losses
last year kind of put us in a tough spot
towards the end. But for us, just allowing ourselves to
get going, that's kind of where we're trying to get
right now.
Speaker 1 (30:11):
Tell No, we know this roster is loaded, and this
is crazy because, like I mentioned, you were first team
Pro Bowler last year, first team All Pro, and when
people talk about the talent on your defense, they tend
to go Bosa, Armstead.
Speaker 2 (30:25):
Hardgrave, Warner green Law. It's like, what about talent?
Speaker 1 (30:30):
No, he's a pro bowler and he doesn't as you
can mention in the top five.
Speaker 2 (30:34):
What about that?
Speaker 1 (30:35):
And just what about the overall abundance of talent that
you guys have.
Speaker 11 (30:40):
Honestly, if they didn't have to mention my name at
all and guys got all the credit, I'm all for it.
I think you're allowing yourself to get those those guys
up front do what they do. It helps our job
in the back end. So as a safety in corners,
you know, we try to help out in any way
we can to give them extra time just to get
back there and get a sack. But those guys up front,
you know, they lead the way. A guy like Freddy
(31:01):
commands the defense. He's the leader on our on our
defense and allows us to play free too, So you
know that run game is really set the tone from
them and then allows us the pass game. We can
give hi an extra extra second so they can get home.
We'll do it anytime, all right.
Speaker 3 (31:17):
Steve mentioned all the talent on the defensive side. Then
let's go to the offense, and we got Christian McCaffrey,
and we got George Kittle, and we got thebo and
we got up and we got the list goes on
and on. Best all around athlete on the San Francisco
forty nine ers.
Speaker 11 (31:34):
Man probably coach Kyle what jokingly, I don't know, Kyle.
He he puts those guys in the spots. You know,
I think this was a was a tough conversation, is
who would you build your team around? If you had
one player to play all eleven spots. And so when
when you think about it, a guy like George, when
(31:54):
a guy like George Kittle that can can do the
pass protection, you can run the ball, can block and catch.
I don't know if he can throw, but maybe a
guy like Kid or I'd probably say he's probably up there.
Speaker 1 (32:05):
So okay, that's a good answer, man, because normally, you
know Toner, you know, guys are like Okay, who could
basically go out in a basketball court and dunk and
light guys up.
Speaker 3 (32:13):
But I love the way, yes that you spun that.
Speaker 1 (32:15):
Okay, speaking of your offense, first three games, thirty points,
thirty points, thirty points?
Speaker 2 (32:24):
What's the deal?
Speaker 1 (32:25):
And are you anticipating thirty against the Cardinals this weekend?
Speaker 11 (32:29):
Oh? Man, honestly, I'm just hoping for a win. So
regardless of what it looks like, you know, we're just
gonna preach. Want to know, this week thirty would be cool,
maybe a little bit more than thirty, But I really
don't know. It's crazy that it happened three weeks in
a row, though, I'll tell you that.
Speaker 3 (32:43):
Well, I want to stick with the offense because I
went a safety's perspective on your quarterback in brock Purty,
this is maybe the only show that says he's playing
he deserves the respect. Now with as much as he's
played that he should be in the conversation with a
lot of these other quarterbacks. What does Brown Party do
that that makes him a very good quarterback? Because I
(33:04):
think everybody just says right telling like the weapons he has,
it's easy. No, what does he do as a quarterback
that impresses you as a safety?
Speaker 11 (33:12):
Yeah? Well, I think first and foremost is his prep.
I think, you know, I'm a guy that I'm two
lockers down from him, so I see what he does
on a daily basis in terms of his prep. Guy
that shows up each and every day. And I think
he commands the huddle. You know, anybody can be plugged
into a system and have a bunch of weapons, but
it's how can you command the guys, earn the respect,
and on top of that, I perform when needed to.
(33:33):
And a guy like him, he's showing that each and
every week last year and so far this year, so
obviously that he's the top quarterback in this league. And
for me just get to go against him ups our game.
The competition, So from that say, safety perspective, very blessed
just to go against him, for sure.
Speaker 1 (33:50):
Got to ask you about your cousin and fellow USC
Trojan tu Lee too.
Speaker 2 (33:55):
Yeah, he is balling right now. Man two sacks, nine tackles.
He seems to be living in opposing backfield. What about
his start? And could you foresee him kicking off the
sheets the way he has.
Speaker 11 (34:08):
You know, I'm very close to him, my little cousin
and honestly his older brother as well. He was my roommate.
He plays for Philadelphia. He got a sacked this last
Monday night as well. So just very proud of them.
You know, we trained together and these guys are just
they got motors and they're doing what they're supposed to
do and we're allowing it. We're throwing the t's up everywhere,
(34:29):
and so very very blessed just to be a part
of a special group like that with my cousins. For sure.
Speaker 3 (34:36):
Every time I turn on the screen, i feel like
I'm seeing one of the like the team from somewhere,
you know, whether it's at the college, jovel or the pros.
It's pretty awesome toime to take over finish it with
this USC see you. I'm sitting here in Denver right now.
What are we going to see in Boulder? A couple
of really talented quarterbacks going at it?
Speaker 11 (34:54):
Yeah, hopefully we see a USC win. You know, obviously
I've got a pool for my team where I went
to college. But for sure, very very excited to watch
coach Prondo. You know, I've been following it so far
and it's really cool to see the way he changed
the program over there in the mindset. Obviously it's gonna
be a class Obviously, I would love for it to
be a blowout, but I know Coach Prime is now
(35:16):
on things up and turning the tables over there. For sure.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
Tal No, you're not gonna give the Prime and he
bulletin board material because you know, you know he takes
everything personal.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
But look, man, we can't thank you.
Speaker 1 (35:27):
Enough for joining us because you know, you're such a
special player.
Speaker 2 (35:29):
I know you you're a special dude.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Man, do a lot of things to make people lives better.
So again, really appreciate you taking the time.
Speaker 12 (35:36):
Man.
Speaker 11 (35:37):
I appreciate you. Guys, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (35:44):
Following up next, Bryan Baldinger, Yeah, you know, the king
of the breakdowns, he's going to break down some offensive
and defensive rookies. You're watching Jalen Carter or the Eagles
because he has been a grown man up.
Speaker 2 (35:58):
Next on the end, Fell.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
Report are back at the NFL Report and we are
now joined by Brian Balden.
Speaker 2 (36:11):
Well not yet because JP is eating popcorn, because again
he's always watching Baldi's.
Speaker 3 (36:19):
Watching bald these films.
Speaker 5 (36:20):
You know.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
So we just had the interview with Talaa Hufanga in
twenty sixteen. You and I MC the Polian Football Hall
of Fame and Trium at ceremony where your dear friend
Vai Sikahema, one of the first Tonguan players to ever
play in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
I wasn't trined in the policies and football Hall of Fame.
Speaker 1 (36:39):
That's right, Jp for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Saint
Louis Cardinals. But Baldi, Talanoa Hufanga, Tui Poluto and then
his brother Marlin are all coming off big, big games
and breaking down the film.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
And let's start with Talanoa.
Speaker 1 (36:56):
Of these three Tonguan just terrors on the field on
the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (37:01):
What have you seen from these guys?
Speaker 12 (37:03):
Well, I mean playmaking, playmaking ability by all of them.
You know, when you look at talanoa like he can
be your deep free safety and get those tape tipball
interceptions that you asked about James. He could be in
the box playing right next to Fred Warner and Dre
and be in the backfield at the snap okay, and
(37:24):
making a tackle for loss. He could be on the
blitz off the edge. You can really just about you
can line them up and have him cover the tight end.
Like he's just all over the place and he just
has instincts for the game, real instincts. And then he
just has this ability to crash your party, you know.
So that's that's Toalinoa. Now, if you look at Touley,
(37:46):
like I did the Minnesota Charger game last weekend at
us Banks h Stand hum up in Minneapolis, he was
the best defensive player on the field, Like he had
seven pressures. If you look at the sack by Bosa,
the sack by Morgan Fox, the guy that got there
first was Tooley, Like he won his one on one
and then Kirk Cousins, you know, scrambled out of the
way and here comes Bosa. And the thing that I
(38:08):
love about Tooley is Bosa gets to sack, but I
felt like Tooley was celebrating more than Bosa was. And
when Fox got to sacked, I felt like Tuley like
his celebrations were like big time. And then if you
look at Marlon, if you look at you know, just
the Eagles and their defensive tackle rotation right now with
Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Marlin, I mean,
(38:33):
that's as deep and as strong a defensive tackle rotation
as there is in the NFL right now.
Speaker 5 (38:38):
They as good as anybody in the middle. And Marlin
is a big part of that.
Speaker 3 (38:42):
Let's let's talk about another guy in the middle of
that defense, Baldy, because I think there's back to back
plays right that Jalen Carter had in their last game
that were just incredible. I think he gets the pressure
up the middle and then then he forces the fumble
on the very next play. What is Jalen Carter in
your eyes? When you look at the film jump out
you which aspect of his game so far has been
the one that you most enjoyed.
Speaker 12 (39:04):
He just moves bodies, James big bodies and maybe like
one or two guys at a time, physically. You know,
he broke you know, a blocking sled in Philadelphia this year.
It was a big deal, like nobody's ever seen a
blocking said it broke. But his his power is tenacious.
But then with that, I see a lot of rookies
come in and they just played power football. But this
(39:27):
guy actually knows how to rush the quarterback. He knows
how to get on the edge, he knows how to
like he punched the ball out right there. You know,
he caused the safety last week by just crushed the pocket.
He has almost inhuman power. But then he's also because
he's not quite the rookie that we expect, because he's
(39:49):
got past rush ability and his rise. In just three games,
he's already becoming one of the more dominant interior defensive
linemen in this league. After three games, I mean he's
grown already. And just the amount of snaps that he's taken.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (40:05):
Okay, So we heard about two starting rookie you know,
defensive players here, uh you know, Jalen and Tuley offense
side of the ball, And this is the guy you
break down all the time that you clearly love his emerges.
Speaker 2 (40:16):
Dwan Jones the tackle for the Brown fascinating.
Speaker 12 (40:20):
Well, it's interesting because you know, the the Browns played
four preseason games this year because they have the Hall
of Fame game. So Bill Callahan, the offensive line coach, said,
you know, let's get this kid ready. So he played
a ton of snaps and that in fact, a couple
of preseason games he took every snap. So I'm like, Okay,
who's this guy with the wingspan of a Pacific manta
(40:41):
that's playing out there?
Speaker 5 (40:43):
Because sometimes.
Speaker 12 (40:46):
No, sometimes it's left hand is in Cleveland and his
right hands in Pittsburgh. Like it's the biggest wings band
you've ever seen. Right, So then you go, okay, all right,
he's got size.
Speaker 5 (40:56):
We get that. We saw that in Ohio State. We
saw that the combine.
Speaker 12 (40:59):
We all did the measurements, right, But then you see him,
okay against Sam Hubbard, dominant against Sam Hubbard against Cincinnati,
went in there for Jack Conkline.
Speaker 5 (41:08):
He got hurt.
Speaker 12 (41:09):
Unfortunately he's a right tackle. But you know, even against TJ. Watt,
he wasn't bad against TJ.
Speaker 3 (41:14):
Watt.
Speaker 5 (41:15):
I mean, TJ just has a motor. He's just gonna
keep going and going and going. You got to get
used to that.
Speaker 2 (41:20):
But he was.
Speaker 12 (41:20):
Outstanding last week. He looks entrenched to play the next
ten years at that position. And he's a big guy
that has good movement, good sets, and I think you
can count on to play consistent football right now.
Speaker 3 (41:37):
Body. I did their last preseason game and I remember
talking to their coaching staff on the sideline and they
were like, something has clicked here at the end of
this preseason with Dwan Jones, and they thought it took
a minute, but they had loved it heading into the season.
I love that breakdown. How about a wide receiver Jayden
Reid sticking with these young guys from the Packers. What
have you seen with him so far? Because they haven't
had one of the receivers yet to play for them,
(41:59):
and Christian and hasn't played.
Speaker 5 (42:01):
So you know, you look at you, look at you.
Speaker 12 (42:03):
Just last week, you know, yeah, Jayden Reed, second round pick,
Dontavious Wicks, the fifth round pick out of Virginia, Lucas Musgrave.
Speaker 5 (42:10):
It's all rookies out there, but this Jayden.
Speaker 12 (42:12):
Reed, now like he's slippery, he's fast, he plays inside,
he plays outside. He called a spray fade last week
and that big seventeen nothing comeback. You know that they
had against the Saints. He caught the big play on that.
He just looks like he knows how to run routes.
I know Jordan Loved trusts him like he keeps going
to him. And so he's second on the team right now,
(42:34):
next to Romeo Dobbs in receptions. He's got a couple
of touchdowns he's been he's just fluid. He's very fluid,
and he's very smooth. He runs good routes and he
can beat man coverage. Like you can't ask for anything
more from your second round pick, because for a long time,
Green Bay never got the rookie receivers on the field,
like you know, go back to you know, Davonte Adams
(42:56):
and way before that, Like those guys never made a contribution.
They just sat and watched and made mistakes. But this
kid's out there contributing right away right now.
Speaker 1 (43:05):
Well, I love how each week, though, you really single
out this particular veteran for the Indianapolis Colts has been
in the league for a while, a wonderful human being,
but he is really rounded into a stud linebacker that
Zire Franklin.
Speaker 12 (43:19):
Well you know he's from Philly, Steve, so you know
It's part of me is I'm you know, I'm a
little pat you know, James, right, I mean he's a
Philly kid, Yeah, I know.
Speaker 3 (43:27):
You know.
Speaker 12 (43:27):
The thing about him is, you know you had you
had Shaq Leonard there and he was, you know, maybe
the best playmaking linebacker in.
Speaker 5 (43:33):
Football for a while. Then he had then he got hurt.
Bobby o'caoke was there.
Speaker 12 (43:38):
He's got a big free agent contract, so last year
Shaq got hurt, Zier got a chance to start. The
kid has started not just twenty straight games in a
row now for the Colts, but he's played every snap
in twenty straight games. I don't know if another player
has played every snap for twenty straight plays twenty straight
games in his league. And then you watch him last
(43:59):
week and you watch, you know, him chase down Lamar
Jackson the open field and catch him like you don't
see that, Like when you see a number forty four
come out on one side of the field and there's
Lamar on the run and he gets caught by Zier Franklin.
You go, that catches your eye, that says, you know,
wait a second, maybe what I'm seeing he's more than
(44:20):
just a hoover vacuum cleaner, you know, cleaning up sack
tackles right here like he is all over the field,
and anybody that underestimates this Colts defense just isn't paying
attention because what they did to Baltimore now they look
they just reduced him to just you know, dnking and
dunking down the field. And Zaire is a big part
(44:43):
of that right now. He's he's really he's been fun
to watch. You're gonna get a breakdown from him probably
every week. He leaves the team and tackles every single week.
Number forty four for the Colts is the real deal.
Speaker 1 (44:54):
Well, the JP's got the pop Warren I got, you know, no,
it's my favorite segment of the week. I mean, this
is I've got to go get like some raisin uts
or something for tonight. Baldy, we don't have time to
talk about Max Prosby, but I'm sure he's gonna be
dominant again this week, so we're gonna talk about him
next Thursday.
Speaker 2 (45:13):
We appreciate the reach references from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The
MAT's right comparisons.
Speaker 3 (45:19):
We'll see you next Thursday.
Speaker 2 (45:20):
Baldie, And coming up, which teams might be on thin Ice.
Speaker 1 (45:27):
Oh yeah, this is a segment you're not gonna want
to miss here on the NFL Report.
Speaker 3 (45:39):
Welcome back to the NFL Report, James Palmer, Steve White
with you, Steve, how good is Baldy? Is this your
favorite thing every Thursday that we.
Speaker 2 (45:46):
Have He's great. He's great.
Speaker 1 (45:47):
He's everybody's favorite thing. He's everybody's favorite, not just us
in the media world. How about players listen to this
from Javon Holland, the Dolphins safety, asked about being PFF's
number one safety, he said, quote, really, only the one
that's more important is what Baldi thinks. He's like the
best analysts I've come across. If I'm in Baldy's breakdowns
at the end of the week, then I know I
(46:09):
did something that we don't do something right every Thursday. Here,
we know we do something right every Thursday here, Steve,
because we have Baldi on. Quick note before we get
to the end of this, end of this segment and
the end of this show, Steve.
Speaker 3 (46:19):
David Baktiari, the left tackle for the Packers, put on
ir Ian Rappaport are NFL insider saying that, you know,
obviously it's four games at minimum. He also said, we'll
see if he comes back this season. That could be
a big blow to the Green Bay factors. And how
about Steve. Some teams that are suffered some pretty passive
blows early in this young season that we're in the
(46:41):
playoffs a year ago, reeling early on here, Let's start
with you and the Giants at one and two.
Speaker 1 (46:49):
Yeah, I mean, look, they play Seattle this week, and
we know Seattle they're a tough team. If the Giants
don't win this game, their next two games are at
Miami and at Ball James.
Speaker 2 (47:01):
That means they'd be steering at one in.
Speaker 1 (47:03):
Five and based with Philadelphia and Dallas in the division,
that means the Giants would almost have to be perfect
the rest of the way.
Speaker 2 (47:11):
They've got to win at.
Speaker 1 (47:12):
Seattle and try to get some momentum going, otherwise they
will not be going back to the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (47:19):
It's tough. I just feel like everything asks to me
perfect for them to get wins, including their quarterback Daniel Jones.
How about the Chargers, I'm gonna go with them. They're
one and two facing the Raiders. I think Steve personally,
this is a team as well as his offense has
played can go on a run, and I think they
have a bye week in a couple of weeks see
where Derwin James is in terms of health wise. That
gives them an early opportunity to figure out what they
want to do without Mike Williams, who's been lost for
(47:41):
the season. But I just think Justin Herbert's been too good.
They can put up too many points that down the
stretch if they just fix a few things with their defense,
specifically in the secondary. What can j C. Jackson do
for them? We'll see moving forward, but I think they
have the ability to write the ship specifically because the
division they're in as well, with the Raiders and the
Broncos in there.
Speaker 1 (48:00):
That's the type of team that could go on a
seven game win streak.
Speaker 2 (48:02):
So I am not that worried about the Chargers and James.
Let's go to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Speaker 1 (48:07):
They're one and two, right they were supposed to be
the AFC favorites coming in. They're playing over London against
the Atlanta Falcons this week. But I like the Jags
because I think, like last year, remember they won five
straight games to finish their season, then won a playoff game.
Speaker 2 (48:22):
They've got the potential to do that.
Speaker 1 (48:25):
The problem is, and this is an intriguing one, after
they play the Falcons in London, they have another game
in London, right then they've opted not against the Bills,
by the way, and then.
Speaker 2 (48:38):
They've opted not to take the buy. So they come
back and they.
Speaker 1 (48:40):
Play the Colts at New Orleans and at Pittsburgh before
they have a bye. So they have got to start
winning this week otherwise, regardless of the type of run.
Speaker 2 (48:50):
They make, it is going to be an uphill climb.
Speaker 3 (48:54):
They just got to be better than the Trenches Steve
on the offensive side of the ball, on the defensive
side of all quarters Rush. I think one of the
things is that they have been eating their clippings a
little bit, at least that's what dub Peterson says. I'll
finish this off with the Vikings at zero to three.
You and I were talking offline. I think, actually I'm
more confident in the Vikings, who are winless going against
the Panthers this Sunday, than I am against you for
(49:15):
the Giants. I think this team is talented. Obviously, you
have a guy in Justin Jefferson that an entire game plan,
his model to stopping him and he still gets roughly
one hundred and fifty yards a game. It's remarkable, but
they won so many games by one score a year ago. Steve,
we're seeing some highlights or low lights, as you like
to call him, with some turnover issues. That's been a
problem hanging on to the football for the Vikings. But
(49:36):
I still think they're a good team. I actually have
some confidence in them in a sense. I think that
part kind of surprises myself a little bit. But at
the same time, I do like what the Vikings have.
Speaker 1 (49:46):
DeBie, the Vikings better be Carolina. Caroline's had a tough
time getting to the end zone. Plus they got Detroit
and Miami next. Hey, j PB, you gotta get out here.
In the NFL Report Week four, coming up, Dolphins Bills.
Speaker 2 (49:59):
That game is gonna be off the chain. Now.
Speaker 3 (50:02):
You can't say change a chance. The Chant of the
Chance Steven.
Speaker 2 (50:06):
The Report on Monday. Listen to the podcast
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