NFL Week 1 FULL SLATE Preview

Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, everybody, and welcome to week one of the NFL season.
I am Game Preview Guy, every bit as real as
Dajon Love. Wait, I don't know if that's the best
way to really convince people I'm not AI, but hey man,
I feel kind of proud the NFL had to release
a statement about me, letting everybody know that I am
human and have been previewing games for like a decade now.

(00:23):
But to the business at hand, each preview will center
on 10 storylines you can watch for in each game,
It doesn't mean those are the only storylines. You get it, right?
Stoked the season is back. Hope it goes well for
you and whichever team you rep. Time to run it back.
They were the last two standing to end the 2025 season.
They're the first two to start the 2026 slate. New

(00:47):
England Patriots head to the Northwest to start the year
hungry for a little revenge.

Speaker 2 (00:52):
Warriors!

Speaker 3 (00:53):
Come out to play!

Speaker 1 (00:58):
The reigning champs await. Just beware, the dark side reigned
in the sequel of the original trilogy. Seattle Seahawks ready
to open their defense of their crown they wear. Pats
should know when most folks show up to Lumen, they
don't remember how rough it was the last time they
were there.

Speaker 4 (01:14):
That sun that went down.

Speaker 2 (01:16):
That darkness coming. They know. They know.

Speaker 1 (01:19):
Hawks defense led the way to their Super Bowl victory
from start to finish last year. Never saw Darth Vader
with a hangover, but Super Bowl champs often suffer them.
Will Seattle's defense, which was first in points per game
allowed and on third down last year.

Speaker 4 (01:34):
Finish it our way.

Speaker 2 (01:35):
Finish it our way. They don't get nothing.

Speaker 1 (01:38):
Pick up where they left off and be just as dominant.

Speaker 2 (01:41):
If they can't score, they can't win, huh?

Speaker 1 (01:43):
Drake May looked like Luke and Empire against them in
the Super Bowl. Storyline number two, he threw two picks
and finished with a sub-80 rate versus Seattle.

Speaker 2 (01:52):
Pull on the ball! Pull on the ball! Midfield, Julian Love!

Speaker 1 (01:56):
Didn't have a cutoff hand or anything, but there was
talk of a bum shoulder in the aftermath. Kidd had
an MVP-worthy regular season.

Speaker 5 (02:04):
Drake May often compared to Tom Brady, the second-team All-Pro
quarterback in a second season.

Speaker 1 (02:09):
So does he pull a Return of the Jedi and
best Seattle's defense in the next chapter or struggle again?

Speaker 6 (02:15):
Have a little fun, you hear me?

Speaker 2 (02:17):
It's okay to smile.

Speaker 7 (02:18):
Yes, sir.

Speaker 1 (02:19):
May has some new amigos to get acquainted with. The
most prominent, A.J. Brown, who replaces Stephon Diggs as May's go-to.
Our third storyline, what does the May-Brown connection look like
out of the gate?

Speaker 2 (02:32):
Quarter to 10, in for the touchdown!

Speaker 1 (02:34):
Brown is basically a perennial thousand-yard-a-year guy, and if he's
interested enough to put down Orwell's 1984, he can pop
for a lot more than just a K.

Speaker 5 (02:44):
It's Brown across the 25, across the 30.

Speaker 1 (02:48):
Brown isn't the only pass catcher making his Pats debut.
Romeo Dobbs puts on the red, white, and blue for
the first time in a regular season game after going
for over 700 yards wearing green and yellow last year.
Slammed down a six-pack of TDs, too. At number four, though,
the Spoon man versus the librarian won't be every snap,

(03:11):
but when Devin Witherspoon does cover Brown, it's a heavyweight battle.

Speaker 2 (03:15):
Fires to the end zone. Almost intercepted.

Speaker 1 (03:22):
Spoon, second team All-Pro in 2025, has established himself as
elite in the cornerback world. And even when Brown isn't
being covered by Witherspoon, he's going to be looking at
either corner Josh Jobe or Nick Amonwuri, who is hoping
to play week one, but his status was uncertain at
the time this was being put together due to his

(03:45):
ankle injury. So keep track on news about him. Safety,
Julian Love backing them up. The one change, their other
starter at safety, Kobe Bryant, he departed. So, we're going
to see more snaps out of Tai Okada.

Speaker 2 (04:02):
Okada is going to blitz, and he gets the stride
and brings it down!

Speaker 1 (04:06):
If their back end is just as hard to get
open against, Maywell need more time, which he didn't often
have last year due to some problematic O-line play. He
took a lot of sacks.

Speaker 2 (04:16):
Back at the New England 45-yard line.

Speaker 1 (04:20):
So New England made changes up front. How their new
look O-line fares comes in at number five.

Speaker 7 (04:26):
Great job, man.

Speaker 2 (04:26):
Great job.

Speaker 1 (04:27):
Guard Jared Wilson struggled at guard. He's moving to center,
replacing Garrett Bradbury. They signed former Jet Elijah Vera Tucker
to take his place at guard, and they drafted tackle
Caleb Lomu with their first pick.

Speaker 2 (04:40):
Great job, fellas. Great job, fellas. Come on.

Speaker 1 (04:41):
This is the one right here. Seattle's pass rush will
test them plenty, too. Demarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, Byron Murphy,
Leonard Williams all return.

Speaker 4 (04:51):
Play with swagger all day, boy.

Speaker 2 (04:53):
All day.

Speaker 1 (04:54):
And they, along with Ernest Jones and Drake Thomas, an
underrated linebacking duo.

Speaker 2 (04:59):
They cannot with us. They can't with us, man.

Speaker 1 (05:03):
Made Seattle's rush defense the hardest to run on. They
were number one in yards per carry allowed.

Speaker 2 (05:09):
Everything you got.

Speaker 1 (05:10):
So, New England's revamped line will also have to see
how much room they can supply Ramondre Stevenson and Travion Henderson.

Speaker 2 (05:18):
Two men to beat for the 25-20, 15-10, touchdown!

Speaker 1 (05:23):
Who were vital pieces to New England's explosive offense.

Speaker 8 (05:27):
Seattle's offense was just as adept at putting up digits,
but now they have a new OC.

Speaker 1 (05:38):
He's our number six storyline to watch for. What's the
same and what's different with Brian Fleury calling the shots
instead of Clint Kubiak?

Speaker 3 (05:46):
I believe this new version of the Seahawks offense is
going to feature the tight ends.

Speaker 2 (05:51):
Teams aren't going to know whether they're going to run
the football or whether they're going to throw the football.

Speaker 1 (05:56):
Remember, Kubiak guided their offense to the third most points
per game in 2025. Touchdown Seahawks! Their offense was JSN
heavy last year. Wasn't a bad thing. Jackson Smith and
Jigba led the NFL in yards.

Speaker 2 (06:10):
JSN gets clobbered, but he makes the catch at the
20-yard line.

Speaker 1 (06:18):
Teams knew he was the focal point and it often
didn't matter. Number seven, does he keep getting the lion's
shares of looks in the passing game? And that brings
us to another Hulk Hogan-Andre the Giant-like duel. Checking in
at the Ocho, Smith and Jigba versus Gonzo, not the
skinny Muppet, Christian Gonzalez, who covered the best most games

(06:41):
last year. He's many people, CB King. He held his
targets to a mid-70s rate, which is not easy when
you shadow as many WR1s as he did. How often
he gets tested depends on Yosemite Sam.

Speaker 2 (06:58):
You're a Super Bowl champion, brother.

Speaker 8 (06:59):
Love you, man.

Speaker 7 (07:00):
Thanks for believing in me.

Speaker 2 (07:01):
I love you, man. I love you.

Speaker 1 (07:02):
How Darnold looks out of the gate slots in as
our ninth storyline to watch. 25 TDs, close to 240
yards per game, and a 99 rating in 2025. Touchdown, Seahawks, Jackson, Smith,
and Jigba. He will have to pay attention to more
than just Gonzalez. New England has last year's top free
safety in their secondary now. Kevin Byard led the NFL

(07:26):
in INTs. And Draymond Jones also debuts for New England.
Jones takes the place of pass rusher Calavon Chason, who
had a great year for them. Jones had seven and
a half sacks between Tennessee and Baltimore. They'll have inside
linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Allison between them. as they

(07:47):
take on Seattle's retooled rush attack, which is storyline number 10.
Hawks lost Kenneth Walker to free agency, so we're going
to get some Emmanuel Wilson, George Helani, who was used
sparingly by the Hawks last year, and Judarian Price, Seattle's
first round pick.

Speaker 7 (08:03):
When you think about the Seattle Seahawks offense, they only
needed to replace one position.

Speaker 2 (08:08):
That's the running back position. Unfortunately, that's the most important
position for the Seahawks.

Speaker 7 (08:12):
Why?

Speaker 2 (08:13):
Because they want to run the football.

Speaker 1 (08:16):
San Francisco 49ers may not come from the land down under,
but that's where they're going to open up 2026, ready
to squabble up with the team their faithful love to hate.
They meet up with the L.A. Rams where the beer
does flow, women apparently glow, and the men plunder and chunder,
eager to make an early statement that they are in

(08:37):
fact Super Bowl faves, may snack on a Vegemite sandwich
while they're at it.

Speaker 4 (08:41):
Don't let them off the hook.

Speaker 2 (08:42):
We finished the job. There's no coincidence.

Speaker 1 (08:44):
Let's go. Starting with the Rams' new look front four,
which will feature at least one future Hall of Famer.
Miles Garrett just broke the single season sack record, then
gets let out of jail, traded out of Cleveland to
the Rams in a blockbuster.

Speaker 2 (08:59):
And who is it? None other than Miles Garrett.

Speaker 1 (09:02):
So how good does L.A. 's defense look with at
least him in the lineup?

Speaker 2 (09:06):
There it is! Miles Garrett has five sacks today!

Speaker 1 (09:12):
The front four, San Francisco's O-line, is having to try
and slow is stacked. Kobe Turner in the middle, coming
off a seven-sack year.

Speaker 2 (09:22):
Breaks the sack drought.

Speaker 1 (09:24):
Braden Fisk by his side and Byron Young across from
Garrett coming off a 12-sack campaign. It's as fearsome a
foursome as you'll find.

Speaker 7 (09:33):
Here it's the Rams making plays as Byron Young gets
home for the sack.

Speaker 1 (09:37):
Garrett isn't the only superstar debuting with a new team.
Key storyline number two, Mike Evans playing his first game
with a Niners helmet on.

Speaker 2 (09:45):
I think the ball got away from Mike Evans. Watch this.
He has to take it back. away from Kobe Bryant.

Speaker 1 (09:52):
He was dealing with a tight groin ahead of the game,
was expected to play but track his status. Assuming he's
a go, Brock Purcell newest option is a huge red
zone target.

Speaker 4 (10:03):
Mike Evans, touchdown Tampa Bay.

Speaker 1 (10:05):
Second round pick, Dajon Stribling.

Speaker 9 (10:07):
I can't wait to see him get in the end
zone because I'm going to call it the Strip Club.

Speaker 1 (10:11):
There seems to be a good chance George Kittle will
have made it all the way back from his injury
to play week one. And hear that squeaky bike? Yep,
Debo's back. Samuel making his 49ers encore appearance, as it were.

Speaker 2 (10:23):
Debo fights for it. What an effort. Debo into the
end zone.

Speaker 1 (10:28):
And at number three, with Evans in the fold, will
San Francisco's offense still be as CMC heavy as it
was last year?

Speaker 2 (10:35):
He somersaults into the end zone.

Speaker 1 (10:38):
He was handed the ball 311 times in 2025 over
1,200 rush yards. Not once, not twice, but thrice for McCaffrey.

Speaker 4 (10:45):
Caught over 100 passes for 900-plus receiving yards.

Speaker 2 (10:52):
He's got it! McCaffrey caught it!

Speaker 1 (10:55):
Will it be foot on the McCaffrey gas pedal all
game long, or will they ease off some?

Speaker 4 (11:00):
Check is to the five, still on his feet, into
the end zone!

Speaker 1 (11:04):
Matthew Stafford, our fourth storyline, led the NFL in touchdowns
with 46.

Speaker 7 (11:08):
MVP!

Speaker 9 (11:08):
MVP!

Speaker 4 (11:10):
MVP!

Speaker 1 (11:12):
Won the MVP, has a few more gray hairs, does
his age show at all? Or is he going to
show age is just a number and start hot?

Speaker 2 (11:22):
It's Kyron Williams. He walks in for a receiving touchdown.

Speaker 1 (11:28):
Stafford's fave target takes storyline number five, Puka Nakua, 16
games over 1,700 yards. He doesn't miss that one game.
He probably would have taken the receiving yards title from JSN.

Speaker 8 (11:44):
What's up?

Speaker 2 (11:46):
What's up?

Speaker 1 (11:47):
50-plus more targets than Devontae Adams saw, is their pizza
pie going to be heavy with puka shells again?

Speaker 2 (11:53):
Best in the world, brother. Best in the world. Don't
you ever forget that one, too. Ain't nobody better than you, boy.
Put it on tape today. Love you, dude.

Speaker 6 (11:59):
Love you, dawg.

Speaker 1 (11:59):
He and Adams are a Mario-Luigi-level duo. They will test
San Francisco's secondary. When he wasn't chowing tacos in his
living room last year, he was catching TDs. He led
the NFL in receiving scores.

Speaker 6 (12:12):
Stafford's O-line gave him plenty of time last year.

Speaker 4 (12:17):
He wasn't sacked much.

Speaker 2 (12:24):
I love it. I love it.

Speaker 1 (12:25):
Primary guy he'll be watching for out of the corner
of his eye in this one, Nick Bosa.

Speaker 2 (12:30):
Pocket collapsing. Down he goes. Nick Bosa.

Speaker 1 (12:33):
Assuming he plays as he comes back from that torn
ACL that cost him most of last year. 49ers pass
rush had as many teeth as Mr. Herbert without him.
Does Bosa look the same pre-injury? Are the Niners able
to turn up the heat on Stafford with him back
in the fold? His return checks in as storyline number six.

Speaker 2 (12:51):
The 49ers have it. It's Bosa!

Speaker 1 (12:55):
Lucky number seven, the guys behind Bosa at linebacker. Former
Niner Drake Greenlaw missed the Bay Area. He's back after
a stint in Denver, and he'll be back next to
Fred Warner.

Speaker 9 (13:07):
How we coming out?

Speaker 2 (13:08):
How we strike this? We tattooing the asshole!

Speaker 1 (13:12):
Who is returning after that broken ankle, will he be
back looking as good as usual, or will there be
some rust? They will test themselves against a nice running
back duo. In at the eight spot, LA's Blake Corum,
over 700 yards, over five yards per carry last year.

Speaker 6 (13:33):
Uh-huh.

Speaker 2 (13:34):
Run up the field, see what happens. Run up the field,
see what happens.

Speaker 1 (13:38):
Kyron Williams, close to five a pop over 1,200 yards.
16 TDs between the two.

Speaker 2 (13:44):
A go-ahead touchdown for the Rams.

Speaker 1 (13:47):
Number nine, number nine, number nine, BCB. He missed a
few games due to injury a year ago, only played
in nine.

Speaker 2 (13:56):
Brock is going to keep it. Brock is to the
end zone.

Speaker 1 (13:58):
Niners need Purdy's play to match his salary, not only
in this game, but all year long. What kind of
start does he get off to?

Speaker 2 (14:06):
And there's Robinson! Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (14:09):
Purdy will not only have to perform with that front
chasing him around, he has to beat LA's new look secondary.
Our final storyline to make it into our 10, Jalen Watson,
former chief.

Speaker 2 (14:21):
It's going to be intercepted! Intercepted by Jalen Watson!

Speaker 1 (14:25):
And his teammate Trent McDuffie, who was also part of
a huge trade, making their L.A.

Speaker 2 (14:29):
Debuts.

Speaker 1 (14:30):
Both guys showed out well for Kansas City in 2025.
McDuffie is expected to make it hard for Evans and
company to get open.

Speaker 5 (14:38):
This is a pick going the other way, and it's McDuffie.

Speaker 1 (14:43):
Buffalo Bills head south week one back to the Lone
Star State, debuting a new head coach, a new WR1,
both of whom are supposed to push the Mafia to
new heights in 2026. Mission simple, man.

Speaker 2 (14:55):
Find a way to get it done.

Speaker 1 (14:56):
They must feel like the teachers giving them a finals-level
test on the first day of school. They're in Houston
taking on the Texans in that defense.

Speaker 2 (15:05):
One time, baby, Texans!

Speaker 8 (15:06):
Four!

Speaker 1 (15:07):
Leading off, Bills back in H-Town where Josh Allen took
a beating last year.

Speaker 2 (15:12):
Allen in the backfield in trouble. He goes down again.
He's sacked by Henry. 2-0, 2-0.

Speaker 1 (15:17):
At the hands of Houston's Daniil Hunter, Will Anderson-led pass rush.
They sacked him eight times in their win.

Speaker 2 (15:23):
Gotta get the ball out. If you do not, you
are a dead duck against this defense.

Speaker 1 (15:28):
Most times, Allen has ever been taken down in his career.
Finally brought down to the 24-yard line by Will Anderson Jr.
Daniil and Anderson accounted for four and a half of
those sacks. Are they going to pester him as often again?

Speaker 2 (15:41):
Whoa, and down he goes back at the 24-yard line.
Just relentless. Who else? It's Anderson again.

Speaker 1 (15:48):
Joe Brady saw Allen get buried from upstairs in that one.
Now he'll be on the sideline as the team's head coach.

Speaker 2 (15:54):
Did Joe call it or did Joe call it?

Speaker 1 (15:56):
Still going to be calling the plays. He was plenty
effective guiding Allen and the offense into Bob Ross land
on the regular last year.

Speaker 2 (16:03):
And he skates into the end zone for the touchdown.

Speaker 1 (16:07):
They averaged 28 points per game.

Speaker 2 (16:09):
Fires into the end zone to Keion Coleman.

Speaker 1 (16:13):
We'll see if taking on other responsibilities affects his play-calling
at all.

Speaker 2 (16:17):
Tucks it, and he reaches the goal line! The beast
has been released!

Speaker 1 (16:23):
Allen still looked the part of an MVP.

Speaker 2 (16:26):
That's the Josh Allen that we've come to know in Buffalo.

Speaker 1 (16:30):
Expected to again, but can CJ Stroud?

Speaker 2 (16:33):
Yeah! I love you, baby. Have some fun out there, boy.
Have some fun. Can't wait to see you sling it, man.

Speaker 1 (16:41):
Houston's quarterback had a rough 2025, played the role of
trailer a lot instead of tractor.

Speaker 2 (16:47):
Rose to the end zone, caught, touchdown, Houston scores.

Speaker 1 (16:51):
Led to some questioning whether he was the true franchise
signal caller type. Will he quiet the talking heads with
his week one showing?

Speaker 4 (16:59):
Hey, we got to get better, but we take the does.

Speaker 2 (17:01):
We got to get better.

Speaker 1 (17:02):
Not the ones that sang Psycho Killer, but the ones
who like to overreact to Week 1 games. Hitting cleanup,
DJ Moore's debut as a Bill. Allen has Khalil Shakir
at wideout. Hopefully, at least, he was dealing with an
injury when this was put together. Didn't sound like he'd
miss the game, but track his status to make sure.

Speaker 2 (17:19):
How does he score? How does he score here, dude?

Speaker 4 (17:22):
He spun out of it and ran past the other guy.
The other guy thought he was going down.

Speaker 2 (17:25):
He was like on the ground and spun out of it.

Speaker 1 (17:28):
Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox at tight end.

Speaker 2 (17:30):
It's complete to Dawson Knox!

Speaker 1 (17:32):
But there was a sense they needed more, so they
acquired it, literally. DJ has put up plenty of WR1-type years,
kind of got bumped from that role in Chicago, but
still came up with some of the biggest catches and
some big games for them. Will he be Allen's go-to?

Speaker 5 (17:47):
With room to run, Moore inside the 15!

Speaker 1 (17:52):
Moore is not going to find it easy to get
open against Houston's secondary.

Speaker 2 (17:55):
Picked off by Bullock. It's over.

Speaker 1 (17:58):
Safety Reed Blankenship, former Eagle, debuts alongside safety Kalen Bullock.

Speaker 2 (18:03):
And he scores. Boom. Get in there.

Speaker 1 (18:08):
Backing up corners, Jalen Petrie, Kamari Lassiter, and Derek Stingley,
who might be the best in the biz.

Speaker 2 (18:14):
Intercepted Stingley.

Speaker 4 (18:16):
Across the 20.

Speaker 6 (18:17):
10.

Speaker 2 (18:17):
Rock and roll. Pick six.

Speaker 1 (18:19):
Going to see if they're just as stingy as they
were a year ago. And the test comes against Allen,
so it will say a lot if they are.

Speaker 2 (18:26):
Stingley sticks it with a one-handed grab.

Speaker 1 (18:30):
Those dudes don't just have Anderson and Hunter to help
them out either. He's back. Jadabian Clowney, back in H-Town
where he started his career, comes off an eight and
a half bag shopping trip in 2025. No, he's going down.

Speaker 2 (18:44):
Cowboys stayed after him.

Speaker 1 (18:45):
Of course, Buffalo could just go heavy on James Cook.

Speaker 2 (18:48):
And he is G-O-N-E gone.

Speaker 1 (18:51):
He slapped Houston with over 100 yards in last year's game,
one of several gems for Cook, who led the NFL
in rush yards.

Speaker 2 (18:58):
As the Cook is in the kitchen.

Speaker 1 (19:01):
Popped it over five a carry in 2025, so maybe
they just lean on their chef.

Speaker 2 (19:06):
With that, he becomes the Bills' all-time leader. Eight consecutive
games with a rushing touchdown.

Speaker 1 (19:13):
Houston's rush attack should be on everybody's radar. David Knuckles
Montgomery debuts for the Texans after spending the last few
years in Detroit. He played second fiddle to Jameer Gibbs.
He's expected to spark the Texans' rush attack that wasn't
always effective in 2025.

Speaker 3 (19:28):
Down to the 10, down to the 5, to the
game zone!

Speaker 1 (19:31):
Woody Marks should also see action, of course, looking to
build off a solid rookie year.

Speaker 2 (19:35):
10, 5, Woody to the end zone!

Speaker 1 (19:38):
At 8, Buffalo's new look secondary, they made a lot
of changes. Second-round corner Davison Igbenoson and corner Dee Alford,
former Falcon, debut.

Speaker 2 (19:47):
Davison Igbenoson sticking with nice coverage.

Speaker 1 (19:51):
Along with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was with Chicago to end
last year but started the season with Houston.

Speaker 2 (19:57):
It's picked again! C.J. Gardner-Johnson!

Speaker 1 (20:01):
They all partner with safety Cole Bishop and corners Maxwell
Harrison and Christian Benford, their CB1. Who should spend a
lot of time with Nico Collins, Houston's top wide out
comes off three straight thousand yard campaigns. CJ can now

(20:25):
call himself a booty man, too, as Houston traded for Kayshaun,
551 yards, six TDs for New England last year, many
plenty worthy of... Touchdown, Patriots! How much time CJ has
to find Nico depends on the play of Houston's retooled O-line.

Speaker 4 (20:43):
Let's go!

Speaker 2 (20:44):
Let's go!

Speaker 1 (20:46):
Stroud didn't take too many sacks in 2025, hoping the
new group can fare the same or better when it
comes to pass pro.

Speaker 2 (20:53):
Touchdown, Dolphins!

Speaker 1 (20:56):
At 10, the debut of a guy they'll be trying
to slow down, Bradley Chubb. Dolphins' last few years made
the interdivision jump to Buffalo, eight and a half bags
last year.

Speaker 6 (21:05):
Come on, man.

Speaker 2 (21:07):
Come on, man.

Speaker 1 (21:07):
Hoping to provide Greg Russo, Buffalo's sack leader, with a
little help as the Bills didn't excel at dropping quarterbacks.

Speaker 2 (21:14):
Russo going crazy.

Speaker 4 (21:16):
That's a Rousseau going crazy.

Speaker 1 (21:19):
New York heads south to start the 2026 season. Jets
debuting their retooled offense, hoping to show that Cruz guy
isn't the only top gun in the skies.

Speaker 2 (21:29):
Who want to fly with them?

Speaker 5 (21:31):
Jets!

Speaker 1 (21:34):
Gang Green will feel like Spicoli walking into history class.
They know that dude. They fly into Tennessee to take
on their old head coach. Time for Robert Sala to
tighten up for real. Can he take Cam Ward and
company to a whole nother level? What's Cam Ward going
to look like with a new head coach, a new OC,

(21:55):
and new pass catching options? Ward had a roller coaster
of a 2025. But the highs were pretty fun to watch.

Speaker 2 (22:02):
Ward just throws an absolute seed.

Speaker 1 (22:05):
Will there be more ups than downs versus the Jets
week one?

Speaker 2 (22:09):
Crosses body to the back byline.

Speaker 8 (22:12):
It's gone!

Speaker 2 (22:13):
It's gone!

Speaker 1 (22:15):
Ward didn't have a ton to work with last year. Now,
not only does he have Calvin Ridley, but he has
first-round wideout Carnell Tate plus Wandel Robinson, a 1,000-yard guy
with New York a year ago, Tennessee's new O.C. Brian Dable,
his head coach, when he put up his career year.

Speaker 7 (22:32):
From his end zone, Ward gets it out quick, and
Robinson snags it in front of Robinson.

Speaker 1 (22:37):
Tennessee's new-look offense is taking on a new-look Jets defense.

Speaker 5 (22:41):
Yeah!

Speaker 1 (22:43):
Storyline number three, Jets front seven, which has all sorts
of new cast members making their debut in gangrene. First
round edge guy David Bailey will have the most eyeballs
on him up front.

Speaker 9 (22:55):
That's David Bailey, who was brought in as the second
overall pick here.

Speaker 1 (22:59):
Edge rusher Joseph Asai, five sacks in Cincinnati last year.
David Onyemata, former Falcon, Tavondre Sweat, former Titan in the middle,
and former Saints linebacker Demario Davis all hoping to show
out week one. How effective those cats are depends on

(23:23):
storyline number four, Tennessee's O-line. Ward would have been welcomed
into Eric Foreman's basement based on how often his face
was in the grass last year. He has two new
linemen debuting with the hope he isn't left dazed and

(23:44):
confused as often.

Speaker 2 (23:45):
How are we going to respond? How are we going
to respond?

Speaker 4 (23:47):
Let's go.

Speaker 1 (23:48):
The Jets' secondary Ward is trying to dissect has a
new look to it as well.

Speaker 5 (23:52):
Defense!

Speaker 2 (23:52):
Keep that level of play out!

Speaker 4 (23:55):
Keep that level of play out, man!

Speaker 1 (23:57):
Second-round cornerback D'Angelo Pons, free agent pickup Nashawn Wright, five
INTs with Chicago last year. And safety Minka Fitzpatrick all debut. Minka,
a Pro Bowler, five of his eight seasons in the show.

Speaker 9 (24:11):
Bounces off a couple of guys, gets back up, but
he was down by contact.

Speaker 1 (24:14):
Tennessee's defense also was guided by David Bowie this past offseason.
Ch-ch-ch-changes galore for their D2.

Speaker 2 (24:21):
Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord.

Speaker 1 (24:24):
Up front, Jeffrey Simmons being joined by three key newcomers.
First round pick, Keldrick Falk. Former Jet, Jermaine Johnson, who
dropped three quarterbacks in 2025. And John Franklin Myers, who
blew up seven and a half QBs in Denver a
year ago.

Speaker 2 (24:40):
A sack by John Franklin Myers.

Speaker 1 (24:43):
And their backside also received a lift. It's a thing
these days. Two new starters at corner with Cordell Flock
coming off a good year, playing the pass as a giant.

Speaker 4 (24:52):
Got a bounce, great stop there.

Speaker 2 (24:54):
By Cordell Flott.

Speaker 1 (24:56):
Corner Elante Taylor, former Saint, who's given plenty of WR1s,
troubles the last few years.

Speaker 4 (25:02):
Close to the near sideline, and that's picked off Elante Taylor.

Speaker 1 (25:05):
Those gents will be looking to keep Geno in check.
Smith hoping to pull a Lloyd Christmas and totally redeem
himself to the Harrys and Fireman Eds of the world.
He kind of crapped out on the strip in 2025,
piled up a lot of picks. This is yet another
shot at a fresh start for the vet.

Speaker 9 (25:23):
Scores the first points of this game on a very
nice drive engineered by Geno Smith.

Speaker 1 (25:27):
And hey, he better show up because Jets fans would
love to break out their Cade Klubnick jerseys if he's shaky.
He won the backup job and gang green loves him.

Speaker 9 (25:35):
Man, that's a big game by Cade Klubnick and he's
done that a lot in his career at Clemson.

Speaker 1 (25:40):
Geno will not be short on pass catchers who possess
plenty of potential. Two young tight ends and first rounder
Kenyon Sadiq and last year's second round pick Mason Taylor
It's caught!

Speaker 2 (25:51):
Mason Taylor!

Speaker 1 (25:53):
Plus at wide receiver, first rounder Omar Cooper.

Speaker 9 (25:56):
And that is Omar Cooper Jr.

Speaker 1 (25:58):
And Garrett Wilson, a proven highlight machine and WR1 type,
who's looking to rebound from an injury-shortened year. Rainbow is caught!

Speaker 2 (26:07):
Garrett Wilson!

Speaker 1 (26:08):
And finally, the guy Smith is handing off to, how
might the improved offense impact Brees Hall's game? Career high
in 2025 cracked 1,000 yards for the first time under
less than favorable conditions. Now he gets to see what
it's like not having to face so many stacked boxes.

Speaker 6 (26:29):
Finds a crease, runs left, he's into the end zone
for a jet touchdown!

Speaker 1 (26:35):
NFC North Beef Week 1. Green Bay Packers on the
road to begin 2026. Cheeseheads hoping Tesla and the Beatles
had it right. If all you need is love, then
it should find a way, right?

Speaker 9 (26:47):
Let's go!

Speaker 1 (26:47):
They are in Minnesota. The Vikings debuting their new dual
threat signal caller. Hoping Kyler can get Kid Dynamite poppin' again.
Restore the good times to Skull Nation.

Speaker 6 (26:58):
Hey, just so you guys know today, I am going
to consistently stay above the line and be a positive person.

Speaker 1 (27:05):
In this one, lots of eyes will be on Kyler's
debut in purple.

Speaker 2 (27:13):
For the giant 41-yard line, Jordan Addison.

Speaker 1 (27:16):
His Arizona run may have fizzled out, but we all
know what he's capable of. Minnesota's passing attack was on
the anemic side last year. We'll see if Murray injects
life into it out of the gate.

Speaker 3 (27:26):
Tyler Murray has to win this competition, which he did,
and I think it was the right call by the
Minnesota Vikings for sure.

Speaker 1 (27:33):
Tied to his play, of course, won Justin Jefferson.

Speaker 2 (27:36):
Hey, go out there and do your thing and be blessed.
We'll leave it all on the field.

Speaker 1 (27:40):
How does he fare with Kyler behind center? He can
be downright unstoppable. In the convo for best in the biz,
so long as he has a decent quarterback, does he
get to teach us how to Dougie in week.

Speaker 6 (28:01):
One?

Speaker 1 (28:03):
I know he doesn't do the Dougie when he scores.
So spare us your AI slop comments. Everybody knows it's
called the floss. Storyline number three, the play of Jordan Love.
Love has three weak ones under his belt, has played
well in all three, so seems to be a fast starter.
Can he keep it up versus Minnesota's defense?

Speaker 2 (28:26):
Touchdown, Green Bay Packers!

Speaker 1 (28:28):
His pass-catching amigos are the same as last year, though
he doesn't have Romeo Dobbs, who led the team in targets, receptions,
and yards last year, in part because he was the
only guy to stay healthy. How will Green Bay's passing
attack be divvied up versus Minnesota?

Speaker 2 (28:43):
Watson leaping grab! Oh, sensational touchdown catch! Christian Watson!

Speaker 1 (28:49):
Last year's first-rounder Matthew Golden should get a chance to
make more of an impact.

Speaker 9 (28:54):
You talk about run after the catch.

Speaker 2 (28:57):
What a run!

Speaker 1 (28:58):
Jaden Reed has flashed plenty of potential, hoping for a
healthy year.

Speaker 3 (29:02):
Left side, Jaden Reed, touchdown Green Bay Packers!

Speaker 1 (29:08):
Same is true of Christian Watson. And of tight end
Tucker Kraft, was on pace for a monster year when
he went down last year.

Speaker 2 (29:19):
Hi Bailey, hi Charlotte. My wife and my daughter, I
love them very much. My mom's cool, I love her.

Speaker 1 (29:26):
That bunch squaring off with a slightly new look Minnesota secondary.
Four of Minnesota's five key secondary members are returnees. James
Pierre debuts at Corner after coming over from Pittsburgh, where
he played the pass really well. He joins Corner's Isaiah
Rogers breakout 2025. He's the first NFL player with two

(29:49):
defensive touchdowns and two forced fumbles in a game. And
Byron Murphy, an established CB1 type.

Speaker 2 (29:56):
I didn't miss one yet. I didn't miss one yet.

Speaker 1 (29:59):
Will they be as tough to throw on as they
were last year?

Speaker 2 (30:02):
And it's intercepted by Isaiah Rodgers.

Speaker 1 (30:06):
How much help will Minnesota's DBs get from their ballroom
blitz-happy pass rush?

Speaker 2 (30:11):
Vikings ball!

Speaker 1 (30:12):
Wow! First-round pick Caleb Banks debuts at defensive end. Whenever
you can get Caleb Banks one-on-one with a tight end,
he's going to win that battle. DT Dominique Orange, a third-rounder,
does as well. They'll be up front with DT Jalen Redmond.

Speaker 2 (30:27):
You ain't ready for that? You ready for that?

Speaker 1 (30:30):
Flanked by outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkle.

Speaker 2 (30:33):
The gink is on fire!

Speaker 1 (30:36):
And Dallas Turner, who they expect to blossom into a
top-tier QB hunter this year.

Speaker 7 (30:40):
Dallas Turner sacks Michael Penix.

Speaker 1 (30:44):
Green Bay's front seven also features some new faces.

Speaker 4 (30:47):
It's show up and show out.

Speaker 1 (30:50):
Lucky for Kyler, he doesn't have to run for Micah
as he's not healed up yet. And they don't have
Rashawn Gary, who was second on the team in sacks,
so where's the pressure gonna come from?

Speaker 2 (31:00):
Trust yourself. Play with your heart, alright?

Speaker 1 (31:05):
Third round pick Chris McClellan, who debuts in the middle.

Speaker 10 (31:12):
Javon Hargrave, who was a Purple People leader last year,
and linebacker Zaire Franklin also puts on a cheesehead for
the first time, 100-plus tackle guy for the Colts last year.

Speaker 3 (31:24):
There's that spinning ability. He's a strong player, but chased
and brought down. Franklin hit him once.

Speaker 1 (31:30):
Jonathan Gannon will be in charge of that group. Former
Cardinal head coach makes his regular season debut as Green
Bay's D.C., working with five returnees in their secondary.

Speaker 2 (31:40):
Looking for Judy, and it's intercepted.

Speaker 1 (31:43):
Safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams, corners Javon Bullard, Carrington Valentine,
and Keyshawn Nixon.

Speaker 2 (31:50):
Intercepted!

Speaker 6 (31:51):
A leaping interception by Keyshawn Nixon, and there is your dagger!

Speaker 1 (31:58):
Joined by second-round corner Brandon Cisse, what exactly will a
Gannon-run Pac-D look like sans Micah for now?

Speaker 2 (32:06):
Young throws right side of the end zone, intercepted! Intercepted,
Xavier McKinney! J.J.

Speaker 1 (32:12):
Might be the focal point, but Minnesota has a beefy
playmaker stable. Who eats and how much? Tight end T.J. Hawkinson.

Speaker 2 (32:19):
Former Lion, T.J. Hawkinson!

Speaker 1 (32:23):
Plus wideouts Jordan Addison and Juwan Jennings, who puts on
the horn for the first time. He's gone! And Green
Bay can't sleep on Minnesota's two-headed rush attack either. Aaron
Jones hit it 4-2 a clip in 2025. To the left.

Speaker 10 (32:37):
Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (32:42):
Over 500 yards in 12 games. Jordan Mason over 750 yards,
six TDs for eight per. Along with Kyler, Minnesota is
plenty capable of piling up plenty of rush yards if needed.

Speaker 2 (32:54):
Mason is in for another Minnesota touchdown.

Speaker 1 (32:58):
So let's cap things off with the biggest X factor
of them all. Green Bay's rush attack, which will be
without Josh Jacobs. They traded Pittsburgh for Caleb Johnson and
have Marshawn Lloyd, rookie in 2024, didn't play last year.

Speaker 4 (33:12):
It's caught at the back.

Speaker 6 (33:14):
There's a touchdown.

Speaker 4 (33:15):
The running back has it. Marshawn Lloyd.

Speaker 1 (33:20):
Miami jumping in with Trent and Mikey and heading to
the Strip week one, hoping their new head coach and
new quarterback find themselves up 500 by midnight and at
least by one on the scoreboard when they leave town.

Speaker 2 (33:33):
We didn't come all the way over here to play around, bro.
We didn't come to play around.

Speaker 1 (33:37):
They get the Raiders, who are also debuting lots of
new faces. Vegas trying to ride some of that Golden
Knights magic to an opening day victory.

Speaker 2 (33:45):
Oh yeah, baby. Come on, baby. Woo!

Speaker 1 (33:49):
Let's go with Vegas' signal caller as our lead. It's
Captain Kirk out of the gate. You like that, Raiders fans?

Speaker 2 (33:55):
Kirk Cusk, the four-time Pro Bowler.

Speaker 7 (33:59):
Washington, Minnesota, the last two years after the torn Achilles
did not work out in Atlanta, but he seems renewed.
The energy is there, the leadership, and he has the
experience with Clint Kubiak. They were together for three seasons
in Minnesota.

Speaker 1 (34:13):
Cousins getting first crack at the starters role, leaving first
overall pick Fernando Mendoza in the Padawan role. With that
being the case, it does mean Cousins has pressure to perform.

Speaker 6 (34:24):
On third.

Speaker 1 (34:30):
Miami's QB now, how does Malik Willis fare in his
debut for the Finns and his first ever start as
the man?

Speaker 2 (34:41):
And Willis decides to call his own number.

Speaker 1 (34:44):
Back up in Green Bay past two years, Dolphins liked
enough of his backseat driving, they decided to let him
move up front and steer the wheel of their offense.

Speaker 2 (34:53):
Willis looking to the right side. is the catch made.

Speaker 1 (34:59):
Dolphins also have a new head coach. This will be
the regular season debut of Jeff Halfley as lead man.
He was in Green Bay as well last year as
their DC. He's calling Miami's defense too, a defense that
was bottom third in both yards and points per game
last year. He's hoping his guidance will lead them to
levels similar to Green Bay's, which were top third variety.

(35:26):
They drafted cornerback Chris Johnson in the first round, so
this will be his NFL debut. Same for Jacob Rodriguez,
who they nabbed in the second. Halfley expected to get
more out of his front three, who seemingly possess plenty
of potential to swing games in their favor.

Speaker 2 (35:41):
It was a bad hit from the backside and sacked.
Zach Seeler. Come on, Rob.

Speaker 1 (35:47):
Raiders also debuting their new head coach, Clint Kubiak, who
won the Super Bowl as Seattle's OC. He's not only
expected to get the most out of their quarterback spot,
but Ashton Genty as well. They believe he'll be good
to go despite tweaking his ankle, but track his status
as the game gets closer. Genty's rookie year wasn't bad.

(36:10):
He just had to grind a lot, being he often
got hit as soon as he was handed the ball.
Let's see how he fares with Kubiak's influence on the
offensive approach. How about Kubiak's touch on tight end Brock Bowers?
Bowers was limited to 12 games last year, still made

(36:30):
the Pro Bowl, scoring seven times with close to 700 yards,
Kubiak helped JSN lead the league in yards in 2025,
so what might he do for Bowers? We could get
an idea based on how he's used versus Miami.

Speaker 2 (36:47):
Made the catch! Oh my God, Bowers!

Speaker 1 (36:51):
Vegas doesn't have a JSN-level receiver. Former Viking Jalen Naylor
debuts alongside Jack Besch and Trey Tucker, who was the
team's top wideout in 2025. Open net is Tucker!

Speaker 2 (37:03):
Underneath it! Caught! Touchdown, Raiders!

Speaker 1 (37:06):
Back to Miami's offense. Bobby Slowik making his debut as
their O.C. He was Houston's O.C. in 2023 and 24
before being let go. Will he simply load up on
Devon Achan?

Speaker 2 (37:18):
There he goes!

Speaker 1 (37:20):
The electric back represents their most dangerous weapon. They didn't
add any big names at receiver or tight end, so
are they going to go Marsha, Marsha, Marsha and make
it all about A-chan?

Speaker 2 (37:30):
He's going to walk into the end zone.

Speaker 1 (37:33):
Any of Miami's pass catchers emerge as Malik's go-to. He
has Greg Dulcich at tight end, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman.

Speaker 2 (37:41):
Goes deep for Coleman. He holds it in in double coverage.
Kevin Coleman Jr.

Speaker 1 (37:48):
Rookie Caleb Douglas, former Cowboy Jalen Tolbert, and returnee Malik
Washington as possibilities. Anybody in that group worth having on
your fantasy team, so to speak?

Speaker 7 (37:58):
Quick hitter into the end zone, caught for a touchdown
by Malik Washington.

Speaker 1 (38:03):
Mad Max, how big a chip does he have on
his shoulder in their opener after everything he went through
this offseason?

Speaker 2 (38:11):
Gotta practice the art of being calm. Especially in the tornado.

Speaker 1 (38:15):
Crosby's amp typically cranked to 11 a la Spinal Tap.

Speaker 2 (38:19):
Come on, bro. Come on, baby.

Speaker 9 (38:20):
Let's go.

Speaker 1 (38:22):
If there's a guy who has a 12 he can
tap into, he's it. Crosby will be flanked by a
number of new starters to the silver and black defense.
Former Colt, Quiddie Paye, hoping to help him pressure Willis.
At linebacker, N'Kobe Dean, and former Packer, Quay Walker, Vegas'

(38:46):
new inside linebacking duo.

Speaker 2 (38:48):
Jeremiah Love, and he is my real.

Speaker 7 (38:51):
Way Walker, the leading tackler for the Packers last year.
He and N'Kobe Dean, Georgia teammates, national champions, and they
are reuniting here in Las Vegas.

Speaker 1 (39:00):
Rob Leonard debuting as DC on the strip. It's a
new look defense. Will the results look any better than
they did last year?

Speaker 3 (39:07):
Three previous seasons, he was a defensive line coach for
the Raiders.

Speaker 4 (39:11):
He got promoted to defensive coordinator and.

Speaker 2 (39:13):
What did the Raiders do?

Speaker 4 (39:15):
They went out and they got him some help defensively.

Speaker 1 (39:17):
And we wrap it up with Miami's O-line. Dolphins debut,
first round pick, guard Caden Proctor. He's the only new lineman.
Joins tackles Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson. Those guys have
been Houston Tua playing hot potato with the ball.

Speaker 2 (39:32):
Waller! Did he get his feet down? Yes!

Speaker 1 (39:37):
Arizona Cardinals hit the road to start 2026, short trip
to Hollywood, the latest team hoping to prove Tesla was right.
If all you need is love, then maybe they're ready
to turn some heads. They roll into SoFi to take
on the Chargers, L.A. believing they're ready to light the
NFL up now that they have their two key QB
bodyguards back on the job.

Speaker 4 (39:58):
Don't believe in it.

Speaker 2 (39:59):
Keep believing it. Let's go, man.

Speaker 1 (40:00):
Justin Herbert is real, too, and he's hoping to see
what it's like to have time to do his job,
which is the first storyline of 10 we have for
you as a way to preview this game.

Speaker 2 (40:11):
Takes a shot to the end zone for McConkie. Caught! Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (40:15):
Rashawn Slater and Joe Ault are back at their tackle spots.
They missed all or most of 2025, which really hindered
Herbs and the offense. Wasn't the reason his beer consumption
ticked up this past offseason, but the belief is he
and the O could be ready to charge it up
with those two big boys back in the fold.

Speaker 2 (40:35):
Touchdown, Keiondre Lambert-Smith, my goodness.

Speaker 1 (40:38):
Along with three new interior linemen, their center a second
stringer as they already lost their starter in the middle
to injury.

Speaker 2 (40:46):
Into the end zone. He slides for effect. Touchdown.

Speaker 1 (40:51):
What does love have to do with it? Well, Tina,
when it comes to the Cardinals offense a lot, Jeremiah
hopefully makes his regular season debut for Arizona. The third
overall pick did suffer a high ankle sprain. Cards hopeful
he'd be healed up in time for week one.

Speaker 2 (41:06):
I'm putting him in bubble wrap and see you September 13th.

Speaker 9 (41:08):
He's going to be a fun back to watch.

Speaker 2 (41:11):
Very special.

Speaker 1 (41:12):
They also have former Falcon Tyler Algier making his Arizona debut.
He'd be the starter if Love were to miss the game.
We'll all be keeping our eyes on Love's injury status.
How about Marvin Harrison Jr. proving his first round selection
was justified?

Speaker 2 (41:27):
Left side end zone. Harrison goes up and stabs it.
What a catch by Harrison.

Speaker 1 (41:32):
Same as Raylan Givens' drawing on bad guys. Harrison suffered
from the dreaded sophomore slump in 2025. He'd love to
start hot and give the Red Sea the feeling he
can be WR1 material just like his pops.

Speaker 2 (41:45):
It is underthrown. but it's caught anyway by Harrison.

Speaker 1 (41:50):
Gotta give Michael Wilson props. He was more the WR1
last year, underrated wideout.

Speaker 2 (41:55):
And it's a touchdown. What a dart.

Speaker 1 (41:58):
Does McLovin return to being a receptions machine with Keenan
gone again?

Speaker 2 (42:02):
Hey, what'd you do?

Speaker 1 (42:03):
Shark tip?

Speaker 2 (42:03):
Shark's fin? Yeah. It was like, when you score, I
want you to do a wrap in the concrete. So
I came running over here, look at your dad, he's
not here.

Speaker 1 (42:11):
Ladd McConkey was Herbert's go-to in 2024 sans Allen. When
he returned, Ladd had to share Herbert's attention. Dude seems
open on almost every route. It'll be interesting to see
if he's the focal point for the passing attack once again.

Speaker 5 (42:25):
You give him a one-on-one and he gives you the double,
triple wiggle.

Speaker 1 (42:30):
Speaking of focal points, Trey McBride is a good one.
You can make the case he is the current tight
end king.

Speaker 2 (42:36):
On the goal line. Touchdown, Trey McBride.

Speaker 1 (42:40):
More catches than any other tight end in a season
in history last year.

Speaker 2 (42:43):
Holds on for the touchdown. That worked, dude. Let's go.
Got it back. Got it, baby.

Speaker 1 (42:50):
Get him in the ring with Derwin James in this one.
That's He-Man Skeletor-level entertainment. Sit back and enjoy.

Speaker 5 (42:57):
Hooking up for the second time today, Brissette and McBride.

Speaker 1 (43:00):
The old cartoon version, still the only one really worth
your time. Speaking of the Chargers secondary and defense, really.

Speaker 2 (43:08):
Derwin James! End the game, Derwin!

Speaker 1 (43:11):
Will it still look as good with their new D.C.
Chris O'Leary, who takes over for Jesse Minter? Big shoes
to fill because Minter had them playing on an elite level.

Speaker 2 (43:20):
And picked off! Ben St. Juice jumped the route.

Speaker 1 (43:24):
He's working with 10 returning starters, so has continuity on
his side. They will be trying to stop Jacoby Brissett.
He may not have won many games. Some say his
stats were empty, but he made them more entertaining at times.

Speaker 2 (43:42):
Throws deep middle in the end zone. It's caught for
a touchdown by Trey McBride.

Speaker 1 (43:47):
Out-statted plenty of other top-tier quarterbacks, can he put up
some digits when it counts against a top-shelf D?

Speaker 4 (43:53):
Turns around, falls over, makes the catch.

Speaker 1 (43:56):
Back to L.A. 's offense, which is now being run
by Mike McDaniel. Feels like he's the micro to Harbaugh's punisher.
Same kind of look, too.

Speaker 2 (44:04):
You just got too many ball guys. You can't help yourself.
It's awesome, man.

Speaker 1 (44:10):
But he doesn't just have Herbert and McConkey to toy with.
Quentin Johnston led the team in touchdowns last year. They
think he'll be good to go for this one, but
keep an eye on his injury status as he was
listed with a lower body injury he suffered in practice
a few weeks ago. Has Orande Gadsden, too, at tight end.

(44:30):
Breakout 2025.

Speaker 2 (44:31):
Orande Gadsden. And if you thought it was a fluke,
think again.

Speaker 1 (44:36):
And Omerian Hampton, who hopes to stay healthy at running
back all season. Let's see what Eminem does with all
those dudes.

Speaker 2 (44:43):
Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (44:45):
And a new head coach in Arizona's case, Mike LaFleur
makes his regular season debut as lead man for the Cardinals,
has Nathaniel Hackett as his OC, Nick Rallis as his DC,
Cardinals added a couple of guys in free agency, Jack
Gibbons at linebacker, former Pat, Andrew Wingard at safety, former Jag,
but he's working with a lot of returnees.

Speaker 2 (45:07):
He had it, and then he went to the ground,
Buda Baker ripped it out.

Speaker 1 (45:10):
If they weren't an especially strong group defensively in 2025,
will they look better Week 1, 2026? and rounding things out,
the Cardinals tackles one who is new, Elijah Wilkerson, former
Falcon Manning Wright tackle, doing battle with Khalil Mack and

(45:32):
Thule Tuipulotu. They are a beast defensive end duo. Mack
was still disruptive despite his low sack total last year.

Speaker 2 (45:40):
Here comes Khalil Mack in the end zone. He drops him. Safety.

Speaker 1 (45:44):
Thule just keeps getting better year by year, bagged 13
quarterbacks last year.

Speaker 2 (45:49):
Hit and dropped by Thule.

Speaker 1 (45:53):
Atlanta Falcons launching the Kevin Stefanski era in the Steel City,
hoping they can steal a win in this first game
leading the Dirty Birds.

Speaker 2 (46:02):
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Let's go, bud. Here we go.

Speaker 1 (46:04):
It's a battle of two new head coaches as the
Pittsburgh Steelers go without Mike Tomlin for the first time
since 2006. Mike McCarthy leading the team he grew up
rooting for, reunited with his old quarterback, hoping it goes
as well as it did for captain and to Neal.

Speaker 7 (46:20):
Terrible towels are out, and a sold-out crowd at Akershire
Stadium is ready.

Speaker 1 (46:24):
Starting with the beginning of the end of the Aaron
Rodgers era.

Speaker 2 (46:29):
Got a great quarterback.

Speaker 1 (46:31):
He'll be playing his final week one game. He lit
the stat sheet up with four TDs in last year's opener,
but the previous four, not the best outings. One of them,
the game he got hurt for the year. What will
his final season opener look like?

Speaker 2 (46:45):
Has him in the end zone. Touchdown to Kalen Metcalf.

Speaker 1 (46:49):
On the other side of the ball, Atlanta's quarterback, they
decided to go with the lefty.

Speaker 5 (46:54):
A guy who has plenty of experience in the National
Football League and says he wants to rejuvenate that right
here in Atlanta.

Speaker 1 (47:00):
Yeah, you know, the southpaw who didn't have the greatest 2025,
but his flashed potential as being a guy who can
get the job done.

Speaker 2 (47:07):
Put it to the end zone. Touchdown, Drake London.

Speaker 1 (47:10):
Michael, tongue of Iloa, two appendix. Preview went up on
September 2nd, and they hadn't named a starter. You guys
are plenty capable of getting it, though. This is very
much a tomato-tomato scenario, which is why Kevin Stefanski delayed
his decision. So if you're watching after they picked between
the two, hit the comments section and let the world
know if you think they made the right call. Of course,

(47:42):
if you're not watching Bijan, then you can assume you
haven't been watching football for the last three years.

Speaker 2 (47:48):
Robinson is a highlight machine, can break a big one
off whenever he touches the ball. Here goes Bijan Robinson,
keeps his feet!

Speaker 1 (48:01):
His peak rush performance in his three week one games,
just 68 yards, only 24 last year, but with 100
receiving yards. He will no doubt be the focal point
for Pittsburgh's defense. How many times he gets checked down

(48:23):
to could depend on how much pressure Pittsburgh's pass rush generates.
Cameron Hayward in the middle, With Keanu Benton and Derek
Harmon and off the edge, Alex Highsmith, nine and a
half sacks last year, led the team.

Speaker 2 (48:44):
It's Alex Highsmith! comes up with his sack.

Speaker 1 (48:47):
Nick Herbig, seven and a half, and TJ Watt, of course,
seven last year.

Speaker 10 (48:52):
He is now the Watt family all-time sacks leader.

Speaker 3 (48:55):
I mean, if he's going to pass my record, that's
one hell of a way to do it.

Speaker 1 (48:59):
But is that guy when it comes to hunting down quarterbacks?
He lines up in front of right tackles, so he'll
be mano a mano with Atlanta's new right tackle, Juwan Taylor.

Speaker 2 (49:09):
Boy, did Justin Fields get walloped.

Speaker 1 (49:11):
Will Atlanta's pass rush be as effective as it was
last year?

Speaker 2 (49:15):
In trouble, ball is fumbled. It's scooped up, James Pierce.

Speaker 1 (49:19):
Dirty Birds finished second in sacks, but are forging ahead
without Jalen Walker, who tore his ACL. and no James Pierce,
led the team with 10.5 bags as a rookie, suspended,
signed veteran Zedaria Smith, only five games with Philadelphia last year,
a nine-sack dude in 2024, though, and they still have
Brandon Dorlis, who dropped 8.5 quarterbacks in his second season.

Speaker 2 (49:42):
Jones can't get away this time!

Speaker 1 (49:44):
They'll be trying to hurry Rodgers up so he can't
use his new receivers. He still has DK Metcalf, who
was kind of the only consistent pass catching threat last year.

Speaker 5 (49:52):
Floats it out for Metcalf, elevates and makes the catch.

Speaker 1 (49:57):
But he will be joined by Jeremy Bernard. He was
a second round pick in the draft. And hopefully Michael Pittman,
who led the Colts in receptions in 2025, but he
hurt his hamstring late in preseason. He's hoping he's healed
up enough to play, but keep your eyes on his
status as the game gets closer.

Speaker 2 (50:13):
He's in!

Speaker 1 (50:14):
He stretched the ball across the goal line! Atlanta's passing
attack now being guided by Kevin Stefanski, of course. Falcons'
new head coach will call the offense.

Speaker 5 (50:23):
They bring in the two-time coach of the year, Kevin Stefanski,
who has tough, smart, physical football on his resume.

Speaker 1 (50:30):
Jahan Dotson debuts in black and red, was with Philadelphia
last year. Olamide Zaccheaus is back after a few years away.
Former Falcon was with Chicago in 2025. This is Zaccheaus
finds the edge, Zaccheaus lunging! Both expecting to chip in,
but neither should steal too many targets from tight end
Kyle Pitts, who looked the part of a top-tier tight

(50:51):
end finally.

Speaker 7 (50:52):
Oh!

Speaker 2 (50:52):
Hey!

Speaker 6 (50:54):
And Drake London, who has always looked the part of
a WR once, London has.

Speaker 2 (51:05):
Done it again. This is an unbelievable grab.

Speaker 1 (51:08):
We're going to see exactly what a Stefanski-led Atlanta offense
looks like.

Speaker 2 (51:12):
Michael Steps shoots it down the field, London.

Speaker 1 (51:14):
Those dudes doing battle with a new look Pittsburgh secondary.
Two new starters make their Pittsburgh debuts. Safety Jaquan Brisker,
former Bear, and corner Jamel Dean played really well for
Tampa the last few years.

Speaker 2 (51:27):
Jamel Dean, touchdown Tampa Bay.

Speaker 1 (51:29):
Will he be out there with Jalen Ramsey and Joey
Porter Jr.? Both guys also dealing with physical ailments when
this was written, both hoping to make a go of it.
Falcons secondary has new blood too. Avion Terrell debuts, second
round pick in the draft, AJ's little brother. Safety's Xavier Watts,

(51:51):
who's looking to build off a fine rookie year.

Speaker 2 (51:53):
It's intercepted. Xavier Watts.

Speaker 1 (51:55):
And stud Jesse Bates, the battle between them and Pittsburgh's
pass catchers should be good stuff too.

Speaker 6 (52:01):
Jesse Bates, 20, 15, 10, 5, house call.

Speaker 1 (52:06):
Rounding out hour 10, Pittsburgh's new look rush attack, which
now features Henkel McCringleberry, Rico Dowdle with 1,000 yards in
Carolina last year, and who got jobbed by that ref
who clearly doesn't know two pumps is supposed to be okay.

Speaker 6 (52:20):
What?

Speaker 1 (52:24):
He joins Jalen Warren to form what could be a
very sneaky good one-two punch.

Speaker 6 (52:28):
And Warren races into the end zone for the Pittsburgh
Steelers touchdown.

Speaker 1 (52:35):
Baltimore's present faces off with its pass to start 2026.
The Ravens, though, leaving its own recent past behind. For
the first time since 2007, John Harbaugh won't be on
the sidelines guiding the team. Welcome to the Jesse Minter flock.

Speaker 4 (52:52):
Of everything he wants to do.

Speaker 1 (52:54):
They are in Indianapolis taking on the Colts, who hope
Indiana Jones can hop back on the horse and pick
up where he left off.

Speaker 2 (53:01):
About to be a movie.

Speaker 1 (53:03):
Starting with, what does Lamar Jackson look like without Harbaugh
on the sideline for the first time in his career?

Speaker 2 (53:09):
Hey, let's go, let's go.

Speaker 4 (53:10):
Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go.

Speaker 1 (53:12):
Declan Doyle, his new OC. Lamar missed time last year hurt.
Season was a little clunky.

Speaker 5 (53:18):
Ah.

Speaker 1 (53:23):
How does Doyle employ him versus Indy out of the gate?
More arm, more legs, a couple scoops of each maybe?
What's a Declan Lamar offense actually look like?

Speaker 2 (53:36):
You can't coach that. You can't teach that. You can't
stop that.

Speaker 1 (53:40):
Batting second, Indy's offense, which will have Daniel Jones back
behind center.

Speaker 2 (53:45):
Great throw by Danny Dimes.

Speaker 1 (53:47):
Colts offense was torching defenses last year until they lost
DJ to injury.

Speaker 5 (53:52):
It is.

Speaker 1 (53:56):
They were the top 0 in points per game for
the first half of 2025. And the Colts now have
40 points for the second time this season. Will they
just pick back up where they left off against Baltimore's D?

Speaker 2 (54:08):
Goal line, touchdown for the Colts, Tyler Warren!

Speaker 1 (54:12):
Jonathan Taylor, of course, was a key player in their
points barrage, led the NFL in first downs and rushed
TDs with 18.

Speaker 2 (54:22):
Touchdown! Jonathan Taylor!

Speaker 1 (54:25):
Close to 1,600 yards. You're the best in history.

Speaker 2 (54:28):
Come on.

Speaker 4 (54:28):
You're the best in history.

Speaker 1 (54:30):
But wasn't nearly as efficient over the second half without
Danny Dimes. Seven straight games under 4-1 a carry to finish.

Speaker 2 (54:37):
Big run down the far sideline. 30. He's at the 20.
Speed to Bird and Jonathan Taylor is right out of bounds.

Speaker 1 (54:43):
No 100-yard games as defenses just loaded up the box.
How does he fare with Jones back in the mix?

Speaker 2 (54:50):
Slits out of a tackle.

Speaker 4 (54:51):
He's at the 20. He's at the 10.

Speaker 2 (54:52):
He's at the 5. Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (54:55):
This game features two beast backs, none beastlier than the King.

Speaker 2 (55:00):
Henry to the 20. The King to the 10. Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (55:04):
Over 5 a pop last year. Close to 1,600 yards.
16 paint jobs down low. Same question that we had
with Lamar. What's his role and workload under Doyle's command?

Speaker 2 (55:15):
The King to the 15. 10, 5. Touchdown, Ravens!

Speaker 1 (55:20):
Henry almost doesn't need a good O-line at times.

Speaker 2 (55:23):
Touchdown, Derrick Henry!

Speaker 1 (55:26):
Not to say it doesn't help, though. The one he
and Lamar will be relying on has a new look
to it. Three new interior linemen make their debut for
the purple and black, a new center, and two new guards.

Speaker 2 (55:38):
If stiff arms are bad, touchdown!

Speaker 1 (55:40):
If that group gels, their two superstars are even harder
to contain.

Speaker 2 (55:44):
Arm me up, man! Arm me up! Arm me up!

Speaker 1 (55:47):
They will do battle with a new-look Colts front seven.
Their stars DeForest Buckner, Liatu Latu return.

Speaker 2 (55:54):
That was Latu? Latu?

Speaker 1 (55:57):
Grover Stewart does too, but they'll have Arden Keene next
to them. He was with Tennessee last year. And two
new linebackers behind them, second-round pick C.J. Allen and Akeem Davis-Gaither,
a 100-plus tackle dude with Arizona last year.

Speaker 2 (56:12):
It's picked! Over the middle, Davis Gaither.

Speaker 1 (56:16):
Jones, meantime, will be running from Baltimore's reconfigured pass rush.
Second round pick Zion Young. Super vet Calais Campbell back
for a second tour. Six and a half sacks last
year with the Cardinals.

Speaker 2 (56:28):
It's Calais Campbell.

Speaker 1 (56:30):
And Trey Hendrickson. They all make their debuts for the Ravens. Hendrickson,
a former Bengal, was hurt last year, was a QB
wrecking machine before that, as flock fans know all too well.

Speaker 4 (56:42):
And he gets hit by Trey Hendrickson.

Speaker 1 (56:44):
If Jones can stay upright, what does he have to
work with? They signed Keenan Allen, vet, longtime Charger.

Speaker 2 (56:51):
It's Keenan Allen. That's a pretty good start for an
eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Speaker 1 (56:57):
Hopefully Josh Downs, who was dealing with a calf injury
as the opener approached. Hopefully Alec Pierce, the NFL's yard
per catch leader the last two years. He was trending
in the right direction coming off ankle surgery.

Speaker 2 (57:09):
Pierce has got it! Catch for Alec Pierce! Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (57:14):
And hopefully tight end Tyler Warren, who is dealing with
a groin injury when we put this together. Just keep
your eyes out on the status of their pass catching
group as the game gets closer. Tyler Warren has a
touchdown in three straight games. Baltimore's pass catcher is next.
They picked up receivers in the third and fourth rounds,
but are still basically relying on the same guys as
last year. Mark Andrews at tight end.

Speaker 2 (57:36):
Caught andrews in touchdown.

Speaker 1 (57:39):
Ravens rashad bateman davantez walker and zay flowers at receiver.

Speaker 6 (57:44):
He's got him zay flowers touchdown.

Speaker 1 (57:48):
Ravens flowers was the focal point most games will it
be more of the same when lamar lets it fly
let's go Colts likely to pour plenty of sauce on
Flowers in this one. Gardner, the big trade acquisition last year,
got hurt and wasn't able to contribute as much as expected.
How often does he shadow Flowers, and who comes out

(58:11):
on top of what is very much a heavyweight battle
when he does?

Speaker 5 (58:14):
Sauce Gardner nearly had his first big impact play as
a Colt.

Speaker 1 (58:20):
The Monsters of the Midway putting on their traveling shoes
to start 2026. The Hammond Pros. No, sorry. The Chicago Bears,
with their Madden cover boy leading the way, begin their
NFC North title defense.

Speaker 2 (58:33):
Ice there! I told you I got it!

Speaker 1 (58:36):
It's a battle of reigning division champs as they are
in Carolina to take on the Panthers, infused with plenty
of new blood and hoping Bryce Young is ready to
turn his QB amp to 11, spinal tap style.

Speaker 2 (58:48):
We know what it looks like.

Speaker 4 (58:49):
We start fast.

Speaker 3 (58:50):
Here we go.

Speaker 1 (58:51):
Let's kick things off with Caleb in the Bears offense.
Can he get it going early instead of late?

Speaker 2 (58:56):
The Iceman cometh! The Iceman taketh!

Speaker 1 (58:59):
We know their 2025 story, Comeback Kids.

Speaker 2 (59:02):
You call them the Comeback Kids. They've been in this position.
It is tough. It's a postseason, but they believe.

Speaker 1 (59:08):
Won seven games after triathlon. with less than two minutes
to play.

Speaker 2 (59:11):
Caleb looking to throw. Going deep. Searching for DJ Moore. Catch. Made.

Speaker 6 (59:17):
Touchdown.

Speaker 1 (59:18):
But for the sake of all the Bill Swirsky super fans'
hearts out there, it sure would be nice to maybe
put a few games on cruise control in the fourth quarter.

Speaker 6 (59:27):
Go!

Speaker 1 (59:32):
Williams, Carolina counterpart up next. Bryce Young made progress in 2025,
but still had plenty of room for improvement. A stellar
week one performance certainly would do a lot to inspire confidence.

(59:52):
and send a message that he's him, as it might
be said in the parlance of our times. Storyline number three,
Chicago's beat up secondary. They have two new guys doing
the S-S-S-S-A-A-A-A-F-F- Okay, that's going to take too long. Dylan
Thienemann will be doing the safety dance for the first

(01:00:12):
time in the NFL.

Speaker 2 (01:00:14):
Rookie Dylan Thienemann. is there to help make the stop.

Speaker 1 (01:00:16):
Bears backside dealing with a number of hurt guys. Corner
Tyreek Stevenson was questionable at the time this was being
put together. Kyler Gordon was put on the pup list.
Safety Kobe Bryant out for a while. Former Bill Cam
Lewis will factor. Cornerback Jalen Johnson is healthy.

Speaker 2 (01:00:34):
It's picked off by Jalen Johnson.

Speaker 1 (01:00:36):
And rookie Malik Muhammad will see plenty of action. Guys
they'll be trying to contain in this one, Xavier Liguette,
if he plays, had a hurt foot that left his
status as uncertain when we were putting this together, Jalen
Coker and Tedaroa.

Speaker 2 (01:00:50):
McMillan, McMillan, left corner, makes the catch.

Speaker 1 (01:00:55):
TMAC looking to build off a great rookie year. They
didn't add any big names at receiver during the offseason.

Speaker 3 (01:01:01):
The California connection.

Speaker 2 (01:01:03):
Bryce Young to Tedaroa McMillan.

Speaker 1 (01:01:06):
This is our first chance to see if holding the
pass catching hand they played last year was the right move.

Speaker 2 (01:01:11):
He's got the 10, the 5, touchdown TMAC.

Speaker 1 (01:01:15):
How much time will Bryce have to connect with those gents?
Chicago also didn't ask for any new cards when it
comes to its pass rush. They didn't produce a ton
of sacks a year ago. Grady Jarrett has promised to
up his game this year. They have high hopes that
Austin Booker will break out. He, though, was weak to

(01:01:35):
weak due to a groin injury.

Speaker 2 (01:01:37):
He escapes for the moment. Sanders sacked once more.

Speaker 1 (01:01:41):
And Montez, the one guy they know can make Young sweat,
as he's been a consistent double-digit bad guy.

Speaker 3 (01:01:47):
He gets around him quicker this time, gets to Mason Rudolph, knocks.

Speaker 2 (01:01:51):
The ball out.

Speaker 1 (01:01:52):
Bears also hope they're harder to run on. Linebacker Devin
Bush makes his debut, comes off a 125-tackle year with Cleveland.

Speaker 2 (01:02:00):
There's the former Brown, Devin Bush.

Speaker 5 (01:02:02):
So we're already talking about a lot of speed on
the defense with some of the players we've mentioned.

Speaker 1 (01:02:06):
Chicago's front will be going mano a mano with a
new look Carolina O-line. They drafted tackle Monroe Freeling in
the first, signed former Packers tackle Rasheed Walker, plus they
have a new center. Hoping their new group is as
adept at keeping Bryce upright versus Chicago, they didn't give
up a ton of sacks last year.

Speaker 2 (01:02:24):
Rolling right. Now Young rolls back to his left. Eyes up.

Speaker 1 (01:02:32):
Back to Chicago's offense, no more DJ Moore. Xavion Thomas,
speed to burn, third round draft pick debuts, joining Roma Dunze.

Speaker 3 (01:02:41):
Oh my goodness, he's got a wide open man.

Speaker 2 (01:02:45):
Xavion Thomas might go. Touchdown, Bears!

Speaker 1 (01:02:49):
Luther Burden was trending towards playing, was dealing with a
groin injury, so keep tabs on him, and tight end
Colston Loveland, who took over as Caleb's go-to over the
second half of the year.

Speaker 6 (01:03:00):
He's almost to the point now where he's saying, hey guys,
I'm going to 84.

Speaker 1 (01:03:04):
Who gets the lion's share of looks from that group?
Does everybody get some cake, or is there a Milton
who's going to get left out?

Speaker 2 (01:03:11):
Middle of the field, Loveland catch! Breaks away in the 30!
Loveland 20! Loveland end zone!

Speaker 1 (01:03:16):
The ratio of cake to people is too big. That
bunch has a tough secondary to deal with as Carolina's
cornerbacks Mike Jackson and J.C. Horn come off fine seasons.

Speaker 4 (01:03:25):
Intercepted again!

Speaker 2 (01:03:27):
Picked off!

Speaker 1 (01:03:28):
As do safeties Nick Scott and Trayvon Merrig. They weren't
easy to throw on.

Speaker 4 (01:03:32):
It's a shot deep downfield into triple coverage. It's intercepted
by Merrig!

Speaker 1 (01:03:37):
On the Ocho, the guys in front of them, Panthers
front seven, which features some new faces, the beast that
is Derrick Brown has some new playmates, assuming he plays.
He was dealing with a hurt knee late in the preseason.

Speaker 2 (01:03:49):
Derrick Brown the hit, and DJ won him the ball.

Speaker 1 (01:03:53):
Second round pick, DT, Lee Hunter. Outside linebacker, Jalen Phillips,
former Eagle and Dolphin.

Speaker 2 (01:03:59):
Allen in the pocket, trying to escape and cannot. Ball
came out after he was ruled down.

Speaker 1 (01:04:05):
And former Jags inside linebacker Devin Lloyd all make their
keep-pounding debuts.

Speaker 2 (01:04:10):
Cook is taken down for a loss.

Speaker 1 (01:04:12):
To walk out of this one like the Magnificent Seven,
they not only have to give Williams trouble, but they
have to slow down Chicago's two-headed rush attack, which was
pretty potent in 2025. Yo, I feel like a free throw,
you hear me?

Speaker 9 (01:04:24):
I said, damn!

Speaker 1 (01:04:27):
Kyle Menungai had a nice rookie campaign with close to
800 yards rushing, 5 TDs, 4-6 a carry, but is
also on the injury watch list due to a bum knee.

Speaker 2 (01:04:37):
Clears a path to the end zone for Kyle Menungai!

Speaker 1 (01:04:41):
DeAndre Swift, 4-9 a pop, nine scores over 1,000 yards.
Expect them to get plenty of chances out of the gate.

Speaker 2 (01:04:48):
I kick into the end zone for the touchdown.

Speaker 1 (01:04:51):
Rounding out our top 10, Carolina's rush attack, which no
longer features Hinkle McCringleberry. So, Jonathan Brooks, who's been hurt
the last few years, is now Chuba Hubbard's new running mate.
Hubbard was dealing with a pulled hammy recently. They were
expecting them to be ready for this game, though. Just
keep your eyes on his status, just in case.

Speaker 2 (01:05:10):
Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (01:05:14):
Let the Todd Munkin Browns era begin. Cleveland's new head
coach and his squad getting 2026 started on the road.
These are not the same old Browns as they say
in the pound. They are off to Duval to face
the defending AFC South champs. The Jacksonville Jaguars looking to
show year one of Liam Cohen was no fluke. Trevor

(01:05:37):
Lawrence ready to show the world he has indeed arrived.

Speaker 2 (01:05:40):
A lot of work put into this moment. A lot
of work. Remember one thing today. You're not alone. You
got 10 dudes around you that are going to lay
it on the line for you.

Speaker 1 (01:05:48):
But we will lead off with Lawrence.

Speaker 2 (01:05:50):
Fires toward the end. Caught! Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (01:05:52):
Can he keep it rolling, rolling, rolling, Limp Bizkit style
the way he had it rolling last year?

Speaker 2 (01:05:58):
Now fires toward the back of the end zone. The
ball is going to be caught! Parker Washington!

Speaker 1 (01:06:03):
He looked very much the part of number one overall
pick with Cohen calling the shots. You know he wants
to get out of the gates hot as a way
to carry over all the good vibes he stacked up
in 2025. Now he fires downfield.

Speaker 2 (01:06:15):
That ball's caught.

Speaker 3 (01:06:16):
That's going to be a touchdown pass to Tim Patrick
of 26 yards.

Speaker 2 (01:06:19):
Hey, unbelievable throw. I tell you, it's a big time throw.

Speaker 1 (01:06:24):
T-Law doesn't have to worry about Miles, of course, does
have to be concerned with Jared Verse, who they picked
up in their big trade with LA, and he's a force.

Speaker 4 (01:06:33):
Come on, hey, I need you, hey, right here, right here, hey.

Speaker 5 (01:06:36):
One more, one more.

Speaker 1 (01:06:37):
But sure, this is the first time we get to
see if Cleveland's pass rush will be as effective without Garrett.
How about the legendary Cleveland QB curse? Is Deshaun Watson
ready to break it? His play caller in this case,

(01:06:58):
Todd Munkin, who makes his regular season debut as Cleveland's
head coach, was Baltimore's OC last year, Munkin taking over
for Kevin Stefanski. He and Watson with the tall task
of trying to get Cleveland's offense humming, which it rarely
did in 2025, what kind of first impression are they
going to leave Cleveland's faithful when the final whistle blows?

Speaker 5 (01:07:19):
Muhammad trying to get over to the rookie Concepcion and
unable to bring him down before he picks up the
first down.

Speaker 1 (01:07:26):
Fourth, the return of Travis Hunter. The dual threat weapon
only got in seven games last year before getting hurt.
He's supposed to catch balls and knock them down.

Speaker 2 (01:07:36):
Well done playing the football. This guy's got tremendous instincts.

Speaker 1 (01:07:39):
How much does he do of each? How prominent is
he on each side of the ball in their opener?

Speaker 2 (01:07:46):
As his first career touchdown.

Speaker 1 (01:07:49):
Hunter is part of one of the most improved defenses
year over year in 2025. So good, they're basically running
the same 11 starters back.

Speaker 2 (01:07:57):
Slokes fires deep downfield, and that ball's picked off.

Speaker 1 (01:07:59):
They added some guys in the third and fourth rounds,
but it's all returnees who are expected to be out
there for the first snap.

Speaker 2 (01:08:05):
That ball is going to be knocked away! The Jags
win it in overtime!

Speaker 1 (01:08:10):
Their secondary may not be well-known by folks outside of Duval,
but Hunter's fellow corners Jordan Lewis, Monteric Brown, safeties Eric Murray,
and Antonio Johnson gave QBs fits all of 2025. They're
looking to show it was no fluke.

Speaker 2 (01:08:25):
Antonio Johnson with a pick six.

Speaker 1 (01:08:29):
They're doing battle with a new-look Browns pass-catching group, first-rounder
Casey Concepcion.

Speaker 5 (01:08:35):
Watson threads the needle, just shy of the sticks. Catch
is made by the rookie Casey Concepcion.

Speaker 1 (01:08:40):
And second rounder Denzel Boston, both making their regular season debuts.

Speaker 5 (01:08:44):
That's a completion to the aforementioned rookie Denzel Boston.

Speaker 1 (01:08:48):
Paired with Jerry Judy, the vet of the bunch.

Speaker 2 (01:08:51):
Jerry Judy! And he's off!

Speaker 1 (01:08:55):
And tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who put up a
great rookie year. How does the target pie get split
up between those dudes? Brown's offensive line will be on
many fans' minds as they have five new starters, four
of whom weren't on the team last year. First-round pick
Spencer Fano will be at left tackle. Former Texan Titus

(01:09:16):
Howard at right tackle. They have a new guard and center, too.
They need to gel right away if their playmakers are
going to have a chance to do their thing.

Speaker 6 (01:09:24):
Inside the 30, it hit another home run ball to Ivey.

Speaker 1 (01:09:29):
Fano and Howard versus Trayvon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. That's
a tag team matchup to eyeball.

Speaker 2 (01:09:35):
Biggest defensive play of the day for Jacksonville.

Speaker 1 (01:09:38):
Walker is a force despite his low sack total last year.
Hines Allen, Jacksonville's all-time sack leader. Team didn't have a
ton of bags last season. See if they can rack
up a few on their opening shopping trip.

Speaker 2 (01:09:50):
Josh Hines Allen got him!

Speaker 1 (01:09:52):
They will also need to keep track of Quinshawn Judkins.
Nice rookie season for him despite having to grind behind
that line.

Speaker 2 (01:09:59):
Go, buddy!

Speaker 7 (01:09:59):
Go, buddy!

Speaker 1 (01:10:02):
He's another guy who's supposed to have a bigger impact
if their line is better. Super powerful, explosive kid.

Speaker 4 (01:10:09):
We the best rookie class.

Speaker 2 (01:10:10):
Nah, for sure. Overly.

Speaker 4 (01:10:13):
Overly.

Speaker 2 (01:10:13):
Overly, for sure.

Speaker 1 (01:10:14):
His counterpart, Basial Tootin, who takes over as RB1 for Jacksonville.
Jags let Travis Achan depart, handing the reins to Tootin.
Achan had a good year for them, so Tootin has
some semi-big shoes to fill.

Speaker 2 (01:10:27):
They handed to Tootin, lowered the shoulder into the end zone.
He walked into the end zone.

Speaker 1 (01:10:33):
New Orleans Saints take to the road to kick off
2026 off to the Motor City. Year two of Kellen Moore,
Tyler Shuck, hoping some of last year's late season mojo
rolls over.

Speaker 2 (01:10:44):
Be selfish. Do it for yourself.

Speaker 4 (01:10:47):
And then do it for everyone around you.

Speaker 2 (01:10:49):
Let's go. Love it.

Speaker 1 (01:10:49):
Detroit at home for week one. The Lion Kings looking
to get off on the right foot so they can
show last season was nothing more than a stumble on
their quest to claim the throne. 226 regular season is
here which means game preview guy is here save your
AI slop comments as that would make your comments slop

(01:11:11):
We don't use it in any way shape or form
on these previews. Don't really know how it works. Oh
clean slates for all so we'll navigate this preview by
looking at 10 storylines worth keeping your eyes on as
the game unfolds like just how big a workload will
sonic get without knuckles to spell him.

Speaker 2 (01:11:32):
You got no shot at catching that man 10-5.

Speaker 1 (01:11:35):
End zone Jameer Gibbs comes off a monster year. And
that was with sharing touches with David Montgomery, who is
no longer with the team. More Gibbs could mean the
same as coming across more money if you're New Orleans defense.

Speaker 2 (01:11:51):
It was said it just means the more problems you'll see.

Speaker 1 (01:12:02):
Next up, Tyler Shuck, Saints second-year quarterback hoping to kick
off 2026 with a bang.

Speaker 2 (01:12:08):
Let's go. Let's go. Let's drive it down, baby. Let's
drive it down.

Speaker 1 (01:12:11):
He looked pretty good late last year, providing hope New
Orleans may have their guy at quarterback. Can he carry
over that momentum into week one? Unfortunately, they don't have

(01:12:32):
wide receiver Jordan Tyson, their first rounder. So who else
other than Chris Olave steps up? Olave's great, but he's
the only wideout they have with much of a resume.

Speaker 2 (01:12:42):
Chris Olave! Touchdown, New Orleans!

Speaker 1 (01:12:47):
Tight end Juwan Johnson was New Orleans' second most productive
pass catcher last year, so he could see plenty of
looks with Tyson out. They may need to light the
scoreboard up to keep up with Detroit's typically high-powered O.

(01:13:07):
In the cleanup spot, are we going to get the
same old, same old from Goff, St. Brown, Jamo, Laporta,
and Gibbs?

Speaker 2 (01:13:14):
What a delivery that time by Goff.

Speaker 1 (01:13:16):
They weren't the problem in 2025. The one catch, each
of their last three weak ones, they finished with 26
or fewer points.

Speaker 4 (01:13:24):
Once I seen them running with two, I said, it's touchdown.

Speaker 2 (01:13:27):
We gone.

Speaker 1 (01:13:28):
Their success will hinge in part on our fifth storyline,
Detroit's retooled O-line. Panay Sewell will be protecting Goff's blind side,
taking his place at right tackle, Blake Miller, their first rounder. Plus,
they have a new center. Time to see if that
new lineup is more effective than last year's bunch.

Speaker 4 (01:13:46):
It only takes two things.

Speaker 2 (01:13:48):
It's here and here.

Speaker 1 (01:13:49):
They will get tested by New Orleans Beastie Boys level trio.
In at six, Carl Granderson, Chase Young, and Cam Jordan,
who decided to play one more year.

Speaker 2 (01:13:59):
Hey, Cam. That's enough already.

Speaker 1 (01:14:04):
Though he too is on the injury watch list as
he hurt his hamstring, if you see any updates on him,
throw it in the comments section. Jordan came back, DeMario
did not. What is the impact of no Davis at
linebacker for the first time since 2017? It's sacred every.

Speaker 2 (01:14:18):
Time you get a chance to touch this field.

Speaker 1 (01:14:20):
Caden Ellis is back, though, former Saint, 100-plus tackle guy,
the last three years with Atlanta. New Orleans held teams
to 22 a game in 2025. That was respectable. Will
it be more of the same, better or worse, versus
a high-powered Detroit offense?

Speaker 2 (01:14:37):
But he runs right into Cam Jordan.

Speaker 1 (01:14:40):
Detroit's defense also will roll out plenty of new faces.
Of course, Shuck has to be worried about Hutch.

Speaker 2 (01:14:46):
Go 9-7.

Speaker 9 (01:14:47):
Let's be great.

Speaker 2 (01:14:48):
Let's go, buddy.

Speaker 9 (01:14:48):
Let's be great.

Speaker 2 (01:14:49):
Let's go.

Speaker 1 (01:14:49):
But will Derek Moore, DJ Wanham, be riding shotgun in
that sweet Ford Gran Torino as his star ski?

Speaker 4 (01:14:57):
Picked off by Aiden Hutchinson.

Speaker 2 (01:14:58):
Down the right side.

Speaker 4 (01:14:59):
Hutchinson to the 40.

Speaker 2 (01:15:00):
Down to the 20.

Speaker 1 (01:15:01):
And he's taken down from behind at the 16-yard line.

Speaker 2 (01:15:05):
Great job, man.

Speaker 1 (01:15:07):
I don't know if Starsky or Hutch drove the striped tomato,
but the guys in Detroit's secondary are also going to
be under the spotlight. Injuries really hurt them last year.
Many that have carried over to start this season. Former
Buccaneer DB Christian Izian, cornerback Roger McCreary, safety Chuck Clark
with Pittsburgh last year, all debut for Detroit in this one.

Speaker 2 (01:15:27):
It's another opportunity, man, to play for your brother, play
for these fans, man.

Speaker 1 (01:15:31):
And finally, back to the Saints to round it out.
Travis Achan, thousand-yard guy with Jacksonville last year. Saints' rush
attack was fairly anemic as a result. They hope the
new combo meal gets them going down low. Tampa Bay Buccaneers,
Captain Jack, aka the Baker Man, with a new Marine

(01:15:54):
pilot helping guide him and the Bucs' offense, hoping to
fire the cannons and hit some cats hiding out in
the jungle.

Speaker 2 (01:16:00):
Fire the cannons! Let's go score 50, let's go!

Speaker 1 (01:16:03):
They are in Cincinnati, the Bengals, still plenty equipped to
put up plenty of points, hoping all the new blood
they injected into their defense makes an early season statement
that will give the Who-Days of the world hope that
things will be different this year.

Speaker 2 (01:16:18):
You know what to do, you know how to do it.
Expect greatness. Expect greatness.

Speaker 1 (01:16:23):
What will Baker Mayfield look like with new OC Zach
Robinson calling the offense?

Speaker 2 (01:16:29):
Dirty dams. Dirty Dan with a dirty mullet.

Speaker 1 (01:16:31):
Throwing 26 TDs isn't bad, but as Trent would tell you,
that's kind of industry standard.

Speaker 2 (01:16:37):
Inside the 5, 3, 2, 1, touchdown Tampa Bay.

Speaker 1 (01:16:40):
Throwing 41 is kind of money, which is how many
Baker threw for in 2024 with Liam Cohen guiding their O.

Speaker 2 (01:16:47):
Slant pass, catch, touchdown Mike Evans.

Speaker 1 (01:16:50):
He came from the Sean McVay tree, and so does Robinson,
so will the combo elevate Tampa's O to 2024 levels
in 2026? Typically, the Bengals are the perfect team to
get right against. They don't have a new D.C., but
plenty of new faces who are supposed to restore the
D to what was basically an E-fence in 2025. Allen

(01:17:13):
steps up.

Speaker 2 (01:17:15):
In the pocket. Allen looking for the end zone, and
he's in!

Speaker 1 (01:17:18):
Three new starters debut up front. Defensive end Boye Mafe,
former Seahawk. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, a Viking last year.
And DT Dexter Lawrence, the big addition via that blockbuster trade.
Storyline number two, will they make the hoped-for impact?

Speaker 2 (01:17:37):
Dexy Dexy, the leader of that defensive front. He'll get
a special meal from his wife Donna, who's a chef,
executive chef.

Speaker 8 (01:17:44):
Executive chef.

Speaker 1 (01:17:45):
In the three-hole, Tampa's beat-up wide-out room, Chris Godwin, the
one fully healthy guy, Jalen McMillan was rehabbing a bum knee,
has fallen in the day-to-day category, so they expect him
to play. Emeka Ibuka was dealing with a sprained toe
ahead of the opener, same deal. They think he's going
to be okay, but have to track the status of
both guys as we get closer to the game.

Speaker 2 (01:18:05):
He makes the catch at the 50-yard line with one hand.

Speaker 4 (01:18:09):
Incredible play.

Speaker 2 (01:18:10):
What an amazing cat.

Speaker 1 (01:18:12):
They may need to put on their track shoes to
keep up with Joe Shiesty, Chase, and Higgs.

Speaker 2 (01:18:17):
Yes, sir.

Speaker 4 (01:18:18):
We do this.

Speaker 2 (01:18:18):
Get out of the way. Get out of the way.

Speaker 1 (01:18:22):
Burrow, Jamar, and Tee are usually good for plenty of points,
but they have struggled some in Week 1 games. Hitting cleanup,
are they going to start slow again or get off
the blocks in midseason form?

Speaker 6 (01:18:34):
Jamar Chase cutting inside of Tyson Campbell.

Speaker 4 (01:18:38):
From the left and the Bengals have scored.

Speaker 1 (01:18:41):
The answer to that question is connected to storyline number five,
Tampa's revamped pass rush. Reuben Bain makes his regular season
debut after being drafted in the first round.

Speaker 5 (01:18:51):
This is going to be a big addition for this
Buccaneer defense.

Speaker 2 (01:18:55):
Keep an eye on number three. He can play outside.

Speaker 5 (01:18:57):
He can also go inside over the guard in some
passing situations.

Speaker 1 (01:19:01):
And his partner in crime is also new to fire
the cannons. Al-Quadeen Muhammad makes his first regular season start
with the team. He went for 11 sacks a year ago.
Buck's pass rush didn't pile up a ton of sacks
in 2025. Those two gents are supposed to fix that.

Speaker 7 (01:19:20):
Those dudes will also be looking to stop our sixth storyline,
Chase Brown.

Speaker 1 (01:19:31):
Sneaky important piece of Cincinnati's high-powered offense, he scored 11
touchdowns total last year, hauled in 69 passes for 400-plus yards,
and ran for over 1,000. That was big time Chase Brown.

Speaker 2 (01:19:45):
That was such a sick run by Chase.

Speaker 1 (01:19:46):
He won't have to worry about Levante David tackling him.
Bucs retooled second level checks in at seven. They will
debut new inside linebackers, Josiah Trotter, second-round pick, and Alex Anzalone,
former Lion.

Speaker 9 (01:20:01):
Ah!

Speaker 2 (01:20:01):
Alex Anzalone, come back left side. Anzalone inside the 35.

Speaker 1 (01:20:05):
They'll be doing battle with the Bengals' offensive line that
made strides last year.

Speaker 2 (01:20:09):
What's up, OI?

Speaker 1 (01:20:10):
And one made up of the same five starters. Between
Brown's effectiveness down low and a middle-of-the-pack finish in sacks taken,
they performed better than previous seasons. Will their continuity lead
to even better play, perhaps?

Speaker 2 (01:20:25):
Touchdown! Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (01:20:29):
Back to Tampa for storyline number nine. Bucky Irving, another
Buck who lost time to injury. He went for five
for a run as a rookie over 1,100 rush yards
to three for a run last year in 10 games.
Which version of him are we going to see out
of the gate?

Speaker 2 (01:20:44):
Bucky Irving, first touchdown of the season.

Speaker 1 (01:20:47):
He also has a new running mate. Kenneth Gainwell puts
on the flag for his first regular season game. He
was with Pittsburgh last year. Over 1,000 scrimmage yards and
a timeshare, eight total TDs, he takes over Rashad White's
old role.

Speaker 4 (01:21:02):
There's Zach Robinson, coach.

Speaker 3 (01:21:04):
You have a little bit of insight on what he's
going to try to do on offense this year.

Speaker 7 (01:21:08):
He used two different running backs extremely well in Atlanta,
Bijan Robinson, Tyler Algier, and I'm sure he has a
similar plan with these two backs.

Speaker 1 (01:21:17):
And finally, at 10, Cincinnati's tweaked secondary, cornerback Takerio Davis'
third-round pick, safety Kyle Duggar, former Steeler.

Speaker 2 (01:21:26):
Short pass, nothing doing.

Speaker 7 (01:21:29):
Kyle Duggar arrived from Pittsburgh over the offseason, makes the
hit at the line of scrimmage.

Speaker 1 (01:21:37):
Old school beef squash. Washington makes the short trip to
the land of the cheesesteaks to start the season. JD5
back in the saddle, looking to restore order and take
command of the NFC East. Philadelphia hosting the Eagles, reigning
division champs, hoping to make an early statement that they
are still the Hank Hills of the neighborhood.

Speaker 2 (01:21:58):
The whole world knows what we're doing. It doesn't matter.

Speaker 1 (01:22:02):
Starting with Jaden Daniels, who will be behind center again.

Speaker 2 (01:22:05):
Perfect throw from Daniels to McLaurin!

Speaker 4 (01:22:08):
This guy's got ice in the veins.

Speaker 1 (01:22:10):
Had that great rookie year, then suffered through an injury-plagued 2025.
Will he just fire it back up, or might there
be some rust to his game?

Speaker 4 (01:22:19):
Throws open to Luke McCaffrey!

Speaker 2 (01:22:21):
He walks into.

Speaker 1 (01:22:22):
The end zone! What should we expect from Philadelphia's A.J.-less offense?
Eagles no longer having to worry about what Brown is
reading on the sideline. First-round pick Makai Lemon makes his
debut in his place.

Speaker 2 (01:22:34):
I'm super excited to showcase what I can bring to
the offense.

Speaker 1 (01:22:37):
Former Packer Dontavian Wicks puts on the winged helmet for
the first time. Hollywood Brown also debuts after spending last
year with Kansas City. It's a new-look group despite Devontae
Smith returning. It will be interesting to see how Jalen
Hurts passes are divvied up.

Speaker 2 (01:22:53):
It is for Devontae Smith. Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (01:22:56):
Sticking with Hurts, what's his game look like with all
those new faces? He didn't have a bad 2025.

Speaker 7 (01:23:02):
Fires.

Speaker 2 (01:23:03):
Complete. Touchdown.

Speaker 1 (01:23:05):
But there was a clunkiness to it at times. Let's
see if he's back to top shelf form without having
to worry about whether AJ was getting enough action. Some
Eagles fans have said it's an addition by subtraction kind
of thing. Time to see if that's true as it
pertains to Hurts.

Speaker 2 (01:23:20):
Hey, man, all for one and one.

Speaker 1 (01:23:22):
He will be trying to dodge what is a new
look Washington front seven. They have all sorts of dudes
making their Washington debuts. Sonny Stiles at linebacker, their first rounder,
supposed to be a generational talent.

Speaker 2 (01:23:34):
He's got a physical presence.

Speaker 1 (01:23:35):
He's a former safety that dropped down to linebacker. Leo
Chennault's former chief will be next to him along with
returnee Frankie Louvu.

Speaker 2 (01:23:43):
He has hit the mark and Louvu's got him for
a sack.

Speaker 1 (01:23:47):
Hopefully, former Charger slash Raven Odafe Owe and former Pat
Calavon Chason from the edges, each guy with seven plus
sacks last year, each guy dealing with an injury that
left their week one a little uncertain at the time
of this publishing. Washington's secondary also has plenty of new guys.
Three new corners. Amik Robertson puts on the W for

(01:24:09):
the first time, trying to rebound from a tough year
in Detroit in 2025. Rasul Douglas played the pass well
in Miami. Safety Nick Cross debuts after spending last year
with Indianapolis 100-plus tackle dude. The hope is they will
be a tougher team to pass on compared to last year.

Speaker 2 (01:24:26):
Intercepted! Herbert is picked!

Speaker 1 (01:24:30):
Every one of those guys will have to help with Saquon,
of course. Barkley looking to show he's still capable of
looking like he did in 2024 when he cracked 2K.
He still cracked 1K last year. Still plenty capable of
jaw-dropping runs.

Speaker 2 (01:24:44):
It goes to Barkley. Cross the 10. 5. Touchdown!

Speaker 1 (01:24:48):
Will Washington be able to run the ball effectively? They
brought in Rashad White from Tampa Bay. So long as
his hamstring is healed up, he'll debut. Another dude on
the injury watch.

Speaker 2 (01:24:57):
List, though. Rashad White gets it! Rashad White!

Speaker 1 (01:25:01):
Joins Ja'Cory Kroski-Merritt, who also was dealing with a lower
body injury late in preseason. Bill popped for 4.6 a
run as a rookie with eight scores. Along with Daniel's
ability to run, they could give Philadelphia trouble along the ground.

Speaker 2 (01:25:15):
Into the end zone! Touchdown!

Speaker 6 (01:25:18):
Bill!

Speaker 2 (01:25:18):
Kroski! Merritt!

Speaker 1 (01:25:19):
Number of times Daniels bolts will depend on how often
Philadelphia's pass rush breaks through. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter
make up a crazy good DT duo. Mauro Ojomo is
nothing to sneeze at either.

Speaker 2 (01:25:32):
Taken down again. Fourth sack of the day for the Eagles.
It's Mauro Jomo who delivers.

Speaker 1 (01:25:38):
They have Jonathan Grenard, former Viking, but he was on
the pup list late due to a pec injury, so
track his status. And Jalix Hunt, who Philadelphia expects to
really break out this year.

Speaker 2 (01:25:48):
He's sacked all the way back. He's sacked by Jalix Hunt.

Speaker 1 (01:25:53):
When Daniels lets her rip, it's third-round pick Antonio Williams'
first regular season NFL game, tight end Chigo Conquo's first
game as a commander, plus Stephon Diggs, who put down
1,000-plus yards for New England last year.

Speaker 2 (01:26:07):
Play with confidence and let's feed off each other. Gang
on three. One, two, three.

Speaker 1 (01:26:12):
Scary Terry, still the go-to, of course. McLaurin, a toe-tapping
highlight machine wizard.

Speaker 2 (01:26:17):
Trick or treat! Scary Terry arrives!

Speaker 1 (01:26:20):
And those cats will battle Philadelphia's retooled secondary. No more
Reed Blankenship at safety. Returnee Andrew Makuba taking his spot.

Speaker 2 (01:26:30):
There's the turnover! Intercepted by Makuba!

Speaker 1 (01:26:33):
Reek Woolen takes over Adore Jackson's role at cornerback, and
he gets to see what it's going to be like
to play alongside Cooper Dejean and Quinion Mitchell. Either guy
versus McLaurin is worth getting the popcorn out for.

Speaker 2 (01:26:45):
And it's intercepted!

Speaker 1 (01:26:49):
If you can make it here week one, maybe you
can make it anywhere in 2026. New York at home
to start the season. A little Sunday night football giants
with something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,
of course. So guess they're ready to say I do.

Speaker 2 (01:27:05):
Two rookies.

Speaker 3 (01:27:07):
Have breathed life into this franchise.

Speaker 1 (01:27:09):
America's team is in town. Okay, at the very least,
the Cowboys are Dallas' team, hoping to shed the Alice
Cowboys label and restore the D to the Big D.

Speaker 6 (01:27:19):
This team is different, and I'm so proud.

Speaker 2 (01:27:22):
I will fight with you guys anytime, anyplace.

Speaker 1 (01:27:25):
What the Giants look like under John Harbaugh leads the way.
The longtime Ravens coach makes his Big Blue regular season
debut at home versus the hated Cowboys, so this is
a chance for him to make quite the impression.

Speaker 2 (01:27:37):
It's a different vibe. It's stronger. They're ready to go.
They're more physical.

Speaker 4 (01:27:42):
They're working hard.

Speaker 2 (01:27:43):
Nothing against past regimes, but they're working really hard, and
you can see it.

Speaker 1 (01:27:47):
Dallas doesn't have a new head coach, but the They
do have a new D.C., Christian Parker, who's trying to
restore some kind of respectability to that defense that cost
the Cowboys a number of wins last year. It was
one of the worst, if not the worst, defense in
the league. Many a star faithful will be watching to

(01:28:07):
see if it looks any better under Parker's command. To
look good, the boys have to contain Jackson Dart. He's
back to start his second year off after tantalizing G-Man
Faithful with his dual threat abilities, not to mention flair.
He has Matt Nagy guiding him, New York's new OC,

(01:28:33):
so what does that combo look like for an entire
60 minutes of football? He's going to wonder.

Speaker 4 (01:28:37):
It comes to the 15, to the 10, to the 5.

Speaker 1 (01:28:41):
How he fares as a passer could hinge on whether
Malik Nabors plays. He's hoping to return for this game
after a long rehab. At the time, this was going
to print, as it were. Wasn't 100% for sure, so
have to track his status as we get closer to kickoff.

Speaker 4 (01:28:56):
Pops it downfield.

Speaker 2 (01:28:57):
He's got Nabors in the end zone and makes the
catch for the touchdown!

Speaker 1 (01:29:01):
Lots of new pass catchers for Dart to work with, too.
Darnell Mooney, former Falcon. Third-round pick Malachi Fields.

Speaker 2 (01:29:08):
Fires it into the end zone. Touchdown, Giants! Malachi Fields!

Speaker 1 (01:29:12):
And some chap who goes by OBJ. Giants fans, he
used to be pretty good at catching the football with
one hand. You should warm up to him.

Speaker 2 (01:29:21):
That may be the greatest catch I've ever seen.

Speaker 1 (01:29:23):
They're doing battle with Dallas's highly touted first round pick,
Caleb Downs, who makes his regular season debut.

Speaker 3 (01:29:30):
A lot of expectations for him and He has met
expectations so far.

Speaker 1 (01:29:35):
Dallas' remade secondary has a number of new faces that
make it up. Safeties Jalen Thompson, former Cardinal, P.J. Locke,
former Bronco, and cornerback Kobe Durant, who played the pass
great for the Rams a year ago. This group is
on the hook trying to make their D tougher to
deal with.

Speaker 6 (01:29:52):
Intercepted!

Speaker 2 (01:29:52):
Kobe Durant at the 1!

Speaker 1 (01:29:54):
Dallas's front seven also has a new look to it.
Former Niner Dee Winters debuting at linebacker. Former Packer Rashawn Gary.
Their other first round pick Malachi Lawrence will be coming
off the edge. Three of the seven starters at levels
two and three new to the silver, blue, and white.

Speaker 2 (01:30:11):
One person that made that play possible for Marquise Bell.

Speaker 4 (01:30:14):
Malachi Lawrence.

Speaker 1 (01:30:16):
They will not only be tasked with tracking down Dart,
but stopping his partner in crime Cam Scataboo. The running
back was just as much a part of energizing the
fan base with his no-holds-barred runs. He also had his
season cut short by injury, so we'll see if he
can pick back up where he left off before getting hurt.

(01:30:41):
Will New York's offense need their track shoes? They will
if Dallas' offense hasn't slowed down.

Speaker 2 (01:30:46):
We owe it to ourselves.

Speaker 4 (01:30:48):
We owe it to ourselves to stay on their hands.

Speaker 1 (01:30:51):
Dak, CD, Hickens, Ferg, Javante Williams, they racked up plenty
of points in most games, barring a drop-off, they should
do so again. They square off with a Denard Wilson
new-look Giants defense.

Speaker 4 (01:31:06):
Burns gets the sack, forces the fumble, scooped up by
the Giants.

Speaker 1 (01:31:10):
Wasn't the strongest unit around in 2025, so a new DC,
a new DT and DJ Reeder, new defensive end in
Shelby Harris, plus two new linebackers, first-round pick Arvel Reese,
as well as Tremaine Edmonds, former Bear, paired with Kayvon Thibodeau,
Abdul Carter, and Brian Burns. They seem plenty capable of

(01:31:31):
putting pressure on Dak.

Speaker 3 (01:31:32):
Spider-Man erases the Raiders on third down.

Speaker 1 (01:31:35):
Okay, a few bonus storylines. Since we went heavy on
New York, Do the Giants have the corners to slow
Lamb and Pickens down?

Speaker 2 (01:31:42):
Toss right, he's got Lamb wide open on the right
side of the end zone.

Speaker 1 (01:31:46):
There are few teams with a wide receiver duo like theirs.
Both guys are basically WR1s. Both cracked 1,000 yards. Pickens
putting up a career year in 2025. How will New
York contain those two? And finally, will Prescott snap his

(01:32:06):
week one streak and start hot?

Speaker 4 (01:32:08):
That's all we got.

Speaker 2 (01:32:09):
That's all we need.

Speaker 1 (01:32:10):
The last four week ones for Dak, 188 yards, 179, 143,
and 134, doesn't fit his overall body of work. Oh,
f * * * ing day. They f * * *
ing missed me. If you're prone to a case of
the moon days, we have your remedy. Monday Night Football

(01:32:31):
Week 1, Denver Broncos hitting Arrowhead as defending AFC West champs,
looking to make an early season statement that they don't
plan on giving up their crown anytime soon.

Speaker 4 (01:32:40):
We're here all day! We're here all day!

Speaker 2 (01:32:42):
Come on!

Speaker 1 (01:32:43):
Kansas City opening up 2026 at home. Patrick back at
the controls of the offense, hoping to show the NFL
that he hasn't lost a step, no matter who he's
out there slinging it to. It's a hell of an opportunity.

Speaker 2 (01:32:55):
It's a hell of an opportunity to make a statement
about who we are.

Speaker 1 (01:32:58):
And this one starts with the return of Mahomes. Fighting
his way back from his ACL injury and time to start.

Speaker 2 (01:33:06):
Go!

Speaker 1 (01:33:11):
Now we get to see if he's got the same
old magic or whether there's going to be some rust
to his game. The defense he faces was as good
as it gets last year. Fueled by the top pass
rush in the game. Still have the likes of Zach Allen,
who is a monster leading the NFL with 47 QB hits.

Speaker 2 (01:33:36):
Down he goes at the 32-yard line. That pressure again.
Allen and Bonito converge.

Speaker 1 (01:33:42):
And their sack leader, Nick Bonito, who racked 14 quarterbacks.

Speaker 3 (01:33:46):
Here comes Bonito, and Bonito's got Geno, and down Smith goes.

Speaker 1 (01:33:50):
Their front may have to handle a few more KC
runs compared to what we're used to seeing. How exactly
will Kenneth Walker fit into Kansas City's offensive attack in
his Chiefs debut? The reigning Super Bowl MVP comes off
a 1,000-yard year. He was the team's big acquisition over
the offseason. Will his presence lead to an altered offensive approach?

Speaker 4 (01:34:11):
Kenneth Walker, their free agent addition, Super Bowl MVP, is
in the back.

Speaker 1 (01:34:15):
Denver's offense also added a star player to its lineup.
The Penguin makes his debut in orange and blue. Jalen
Waddell expected to improve Denver's passing attack, giving Bo Nix
two excellent wideouts to throw to.

Speaker 2 (01:34:27):
Downfield, caught on the play, 35.

Speaker 3 (01:34:29):
On the move right here, Jalen Waddell, the forward open,
swerving to the 25.

Speaker 1 (01:34:36):
As he still has Cortland Sutton to work with as well.
Those two get to see what KC's first round draft
pick is all about. Mansoor Delane makes his regular season
NFL debut, the corner taking the place of Trent McDuffie,
so has big shoes to fill. KC has a very

(01:34:56):
different looking secondary, safety Elohi Gilman, former Raven, corner LeJarius Sneed,
back after a couple of years in Tennessee, all debut
or re-debut in the case of Sneed. They'll be trying
to slow Nix down, who's also playing his first real
action after rehabbing a hurt foot all season. Same deal

(01:35:17):
as Mahomes, looking to see if there's any lingering effects
from his injury.

Speaker 2 (01:35:21):
Guards, keep them going. I can move up all day.

Speaker 1 (01:35:23):
They'll be trying to avoid pressure from two rookie D linemen,
first round DT Peter Woods and second round defensive end R.
Mason Thomas.

Speaker 2 (01:35:31):
And a high five for fellow rookie R. Mason Thomas,
who put him on his back.

Speaker 1 (01:35:37):
They hope pairing them with defensive end George Karloftis and
stud DT Chris Jones sparks up a pass rush that
didn't really come away with a ton of sacks a
year ago. The offensive line they'll do battle with made
up of five starters from 2025 who will be trying
to open up lanes for J.K. Dobbins and R.J.

Speaker 2 (01:35:58):
Harvey.

Speaker 1 (01:36:02):
Knicks threw more than any other quarterback last year. Harvey
and Dobbins, though, make a nice one-two punch down low.
How often will they get a chance to land some haymakers?

Speaker 2 (01:36:12):
Tosses right side, Harvey. Into the goal line! Touchdown, Denver!

Speaker 1 (01:36:19):
Mahomes pass catchers, they let a few dudes walk, didn't
sign anyone of significance. Their aerial attack hasn't lit up
the skies in recent years, including 2024 when Mahomes was
healthy all season. Rasheed Rice seemingly has a lot to prove.
He'll have Tyquan Thornton and Xavier Worthy as well, both

(01:36:40):
burner types, and of course, Travis Kelsey at tight end.

Speaker 4 (01:36:44):
We're going to get y'all boys some points.

Speaker 1 (01:36:45):
What's the newly married gent going to bring to the
table as he starts his 14th season?

Speaker 2 (01:36:50):
23 miles an hour.

Speaker 9 (01:36:51):
No chance.

Speaker 2 (01:36:52):
They told me. 15 maybe. You're moving. 15 maybe.

Speaker 1 (01:36:56):
Mahomes and company face a beast of a secondary, assuming
Denver's is as tough as it was in 2025. I
believe in our defense. All five guys are back, too.

Speaker 2 (01:37:06):
Look at him, diving in front.

Speaker 6 (01:37:08):
There's a reason why he was Defensive Player of the
Year last year.

Speaker 1 (01:37:13):
Safeties Brandon Jones, Talanoa Hufunga, Corners Riley Moss, Jaquan McMillan,
and PS2, there are no Waldos to be found if
they come out playing at the same levels as they
did last year.

Speaker 2 (01:37:28):
That's what I expect from you. Every down. Not sometimes.
All the times.

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