NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Judy Battista react to Lamar Jackson’s comments on his commitment to the Ravens, before Omar Ruiz previews the AFC North deciding Ravens-Steelers matchup. Then Brian Baldinger and Marc Ross breakdown the Seahawk-49ers matchup. Later, Cam Wolfe delivers his final “Wolfe of Ball Street” segment of the regular season.
Plus, 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne joins the show!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
We are three days away from finding out who is
going to win the afced Ors. Will it be that
guy and his teammates or this guy and his teammates.
This guy was back on the practice field today. We're
gonna be talking about that in just a couple of minutes.
We are two days away, yes Saturday Football here Seahawks
and forty Niners from finding out who's gonna win the
NFC West. That guy and his teammates or that guy
(00:31):
and his teammates talking about this big matchup coming up
shortly on the program, and also coming up Kendrick Bourne.
We said, you know what, we need ourselves a great
guest here on the Insiders, and Kendrick Bourne says, I
got you. Ian Rappaport will be sitting down with Bourn
in just a few minutes. Welcome inside with the Insiders,
(00:52):
presented by Progressive Insurance. There's Rappaport's just talking about him,
Judy Batista as well along with me Mike Garafalo, as
we talk about those big games, some other big ones,
some other big storylines in Week eighteen in the NFL.
But I mentioned Lamar Jackson back on the field. That's
a big one. He had that back injury last week
that kept him out of action against the Packers. Back
(01:13):
on the field today in full uh n full capacity
and saying one hundred percent absolutely is going to play
against the Steelers. There's no time left for the Ravens,
so that is huge for Baltimore. But in his meeting
with the media, there were questions about the injury, but
then it became questions more about some other stuff, about
(01:34):
some recent reports and rumblings about him, his relationship with
John Harbaugh.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
I me, someone probably think I'm a robot. You know,
I'm coming here.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Too, you know, but unfortunately I couldn't you know, I
couldn't you know, avoid that injury. You know what had happened.
We got to win a Green Bay. I'm looking forward
to please Sunday.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
So it is Is that criticism ad fuel to you
when you get back on the field.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Nah, you know, I just want to win. I don't
really care about the criticism. It's gonna it's gonna be
that way, especially with how the season was going and
stuff like that. You know, when you win and there's
no noise, but soon it's you know, you lose, things don't.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Look right, all type of stuff. All type of noise
come out of nowhere. So it is what it is, MA.
Speaker 1 (02:16):
You talk about the noise.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
I mean, there was a column that came out that
brings questions about I guess workout it. You know, you
do you want to be here all that.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Kind of you.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
I heard ill be playing a game at like one
to two in the morning. I won't even do that
during the summer. So I don't know where that come
from either. But yeah, I don't know, man, I don't know.
I don't know where that comes from.
Speaker 5 (02:38):
They said that you w.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Fonded that you think harball let me fall asleep. That's crazy.
I'm right in the front, like, man, I don't know, Man,
is what it is?
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Like I said, well, it's been the closest we've been
in a long time, or it's gonna be folk go
all week. I mean, that's that's that's a fact. I mean,
I don't even know when we maybe go all bit
back to Miami, maybe even then, and that was a
short week that wasn't even you know, maybe in Minnesota.
I mean it's been that long ago where you know,
(03:10):
we get Lamar in a full week of practice and
timing with the receivers, and our communication.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
That was a Baltimore Sun interview that Lamar Jackson was
responding to there. So now let's give our take on
it here on the Insiders presented by a Progressive Insurance ian. Sorry, Judy,
let's start with you on this one, because that was
a lot to take in. There's been some talk of
a rift between John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson. Lamar seems
to be saying all is fine with him in Baltimore.
Speaker 6 (03:38):
Yeah, We're probably going to spend the entire offseason dissecting
what Lamar said about his relationship with John Harbaugh and
his relationship with the franchise and his feelings about wanting
to be with the franchise long term.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
I thought in the immediate future, the most.
Speaker 6 (03:53):
Important thing was Todd Monkin saying that Lamar Jackson is
as close to full strength as he has been in
because we know Lamar has not been Lamar for most
of this season, that he's had all variety of leg injuries.
We've seen how it is hampered his game and hampered
the Ravens as a result. If he is almost at
(04:14):
full strength or anywhere close to full strength, he is
a very dangerous player, and that makes the Baltimore Ravens
a very dangerous team, not just for the Pittsburgh Steelers
this weekend, but if they get into the playoffs going forward.
Speaker 7 (04:26):
Yeah, I mean, if in fact this is the Baltimore
Ravens team Judy that we thought we would be seeing
all year, then I would just say, look out. I mean,
think about what their season's been, like a bunch of
close losses at the beginning, start off with the record
no one ever thought the Ravens would have, and everyone's like,
look out, here they come. And then it seemed every
little injury Lamar Jackson could have, including last week's injury,
(04:49):
came and here they are still alive. And so yes,
the fact that he's working on a Wednesday, the fact
that he has the whole week of practice, and the
fact that they ran the ball as they did last week.
In the defense, it's actually been pretty good the second
half of the year makes me wonder is this the
Ravens scene that we should have been seeing along? Like,
in other words, are they gonna go win on Sunday
and then go on to the little run that we
(05:10):
have been expecting? And if that happens, then all the
stuff that we've been wondering, is all going to go
way well? Our contract extension that will probably be handled.
Is there an issue between him and Harbutell, if they're winning,
there's no issue and they're obviously going to move forward.
I would I sort of expect them to move forward,
both of them anyway. But if they're winning, it's a
much easier answer. That takes care of so much. If
(05:31):
it all goes terribly, then we're gonna be here again
talking about this again. But the best thing, Mike is
we get to see it all play out in the
field on Sunday night. That's pretty fun.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I believe Lamar Jackson's at full strength when I see
something that we haven't seen enough of this year. That
is him making the plays with his legs. Right now,
three hundred and forty rushing yards by far, and previously
his lowest was six ninety five when he started only
seven games in his rookie year. But even per game,
the yards down significantly twenty eight point three. That is
(06:01):
way below what he's usually at in yards per A
ten five point four is low as well, So he's
got to get out and make some plays with his legs.
I can't believe I'm saying that. We used to say
he's got to make plays with his arms. Now I'm
saying he's gonna make plays with his legs. That's always
gonna be a part of what he does. And I
believe that's because he has been banged up this year.
Speaker 8 (06:17):
Excuther's up twenty seven to twenty two. AFC North Division
lead on the line, Park and Ramsey back inside their
own fifteen yard line and even retreating as all snapped
in Lamar Jackson rush coming from the backside.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
He's here, take that down.
Speaker 8 (06:32):
It's high Smifth with the sack back in the thirty
eight yard line, and that will do it.
Speaker 9 (06:39):
The Steelers come to.
Speaker 8 (06:41):
M and T Bank Stadium and win twenty seven to
twenty two, and they are back in first place by
themselves in the AFC North.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
There you see the AFC North ten he's presented by
Progressive as the entire program is here the nine and
seven record by the Steelers. There, the Ravens could equal
them at nine and eight with a win. You can
see why the tiebreaker would favor the Ravens. It would
be division there, they'd be four and two in the division.
Omar Ruiz and Brian Baldi are now joining us to
(07:12):
talk about this big matchup. Omar, you heard us talking
about Lamar Jackson, what he means to the Ravens, what
he means to the Steelers having to defend him. How
big is this going to be for this matchup?
Speaker 9 (07:22):
Well, it's huge.
Speaker 10 (07:23):
I took to Zay Flowers a little earlier today and
he told me that when they are playing well you're
talking about Ian mentioning that could they go on a run?
He said, if the Ravens are playing at their best,
they don't feel that there's anybody that can beat them.
And obviously having Lar Jackson back, having him close to
full strength, is a big.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Part of that.
Speaker 10 (07:41):
Ass Flowers, how Lamar Jackson looked at practice there you
see the Ravens tweeting about it. He said, he look
like Lamar's what does that mean for you on Sunday?
How does that affect your play style? And he said, well,
if Lamar doesn't see me when I get opened the
first time, to keep running because he'll see me the
second time. If it doesn't see me this second time,
what makes Lamar Jackson unique is he can have a
(08:03):
third and fourth play in the single sequence of a play,
so keep running, get open. But speaking to multiple players
in that locker room today, Lamar Jackson's presence caused a
lot of excitement, a lot of confidence for them as
they head into this week eighteen showdown with their division rivals,
with everything still in front of them. Obviously, Baldy, you
(08:24):
know that this Ravens locker room is a very confident
locker room, and especially the way Derek Henry played last
Saturday in green Bay.
Speaker 5 (08:31):
If they get in they feel like they can make
some noise.
Speaker 11 (08:35):
Well, healthy Lamar Jackson, he's only going to help the Ravens.
And I'm just watching last week against green Bay. You know,
without Lamar and Stup Puntley at quarterback, they went to
if they just had a reset button, where they went
to I formation. When Patrick McCard is a fullback and
he's the eyes of Derrick Henry. He had his best
game of the season. And I have a feeling, regardless
of whether Lamar plays, doesn't play one hundred percent healthy
(08:58):
whatever he is, I think they need to get back
to that. I think that's going to be a handful
for the Steelers defense to handle. And if Lamar gives
them something in the passing game. If he gives them
something with his scrambles and design runs, that's going to
be good.
Speaker 9 (09:11):
But I have a feeling Derrek Henry is going to
be the key. That's not a revelation.
Speaker 11 (09:15):
But if they get into I formation and recard and
you get five hundred and fifty pounds of just beef
coming through these holes, you wear teams down.
Speaker 9 (09:23):
That's what they did the Green Bay Packers last week,
and it was something to be seen.
Speaker 11 (09:27):
I mean, they really had no idea how to stop
those four touchdown runs and the two hundred and sixteen
yards that he gained on the ground.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Yeah, Patrick McCard missing for the early part of the season,
I thought Baldy was a huge loss for that Ravens
running game, for that offense in general. Oh Mar, this
could be the last game we see of Aaron Rodgers now.
He's talked about already the possibility of us having the
track his status for weeks, if not months on end
against the again this offseason. But we'll take it one
game at a time. Here, this is the chance for
(09:57):
him to play them into the postseason and then do
some stuff there. I mean, this is what the Steelers
hadn't mind this and beyond this when they signed him.
Speaker 10 (10:05):
That's why you bring in a guy like Aaron Rodgers,
and speaking to multiple people in that building today, he
has the full confidence of the organization that Aaron Rodgers
will play at his best on Sunday night against the Ravens.
The win and in scenario on display, and even without
DK Metcalf, even without Darnell Washington, Aaron Rodgers is still
(10:25):
a good enough quarterback to elevate those around him, and
they expect to see that on Sunday night. As for
the Steelers defense, TJ. Watt again was a limited participant
in practice or hoping to get him back on Sunday.
Speaking to linebacker Peyton Wilson earlier today, defending those Ravens weapons,
(10:45):
he said, the key is third down.
Speaker 5 (10:47):
You look at that Green Bay game, they were ten
of fourteen.
Speaker 10 (10:50):
Baltimore was and Wilson saying they have to get off
the field on third down. He said one of their
shortcomings earlier this season was on third and longs. They
would give up enough yardage where teams would then be
encouraged to go for it on fourth down. You can't
do that against the Ravens with all the weapons that
they have, you have to get off the field because
of those extended time drives for the Ravens, and Lamar
(11:12):
Jackson and Derek Henry are on the field for a
long period of time, could be a long day for
that Steelers defense.
Speaker 9 (11:17):
Baldy, you know, Omars.
Speaker 11 (11:19):
It's interesting just going back and watching that Week fourteen
game where the Steelers went to Baltimore in one and
I was there announcing the game. From the very first
play they went fifty yards down the field to DK Metcalf.
I mean, they had explosive plays, a couple of scrambles
where Aaron was able to find him down the field,
and they were big plays in the game. And you know,
they got a bigs play right here in Jalen Warren
(11:40):
on a little rollout right there for a touchdown, which
was big. But that's what the Steelers need. They got
to find a way to get some explosive plays without DK,
without Darnell Washington. Maybe it is Jalen Warren, you know,
maybe it is Adam Fielding, but they've got to find
some explosive plays in the offense because they're.
Speaker 9 (11:58):
Just not good enough right now. I think to dink
and dunk.
Speaker 11 (12:00):
That's one of those throws of DK in that Week
fourteen matchup that was really a big difference in that
stealer win.
Speaker 9 (12:07):
So Aaron's going to.
Speaker 11 (12:08):
Be out, have to be at his best, but they're
gonna have to find ways to get some twenty plus
thirty plus yard plays in the passing game in this
game to win.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Baldy, stick around. Got plenty of you left here in
the program. Omar. You'll be covering this game for us
for NFL Networks and looking forward to seeing all of
that to come. Judy, there are the.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
San Francisco forty nine Ers. Those are the rivalry uniforms.
They're going to wear those Saturday night for a huge game,
one of the very big games in the final week
of the season against the Seahawks, NFC West Championship on
the line, NFC's top seed on the line. There's Mark
Ross and Brian Baldinger. Again, let's break down this game, guys. Mark,
(12:49):
I'll start with you Seahawks forty nine ers. What is
the key for the Seahawks here to walk away with
this victory?
Speaker 12 (12:57):
Tons of keys, a lot of intrigue, But to me,
the glaring wall is Sam Donald and the turnovers. And
Sam Donald leaves the NFL with twenty turnovers. Since Week ten,
he has thirteen of those turnovers, fourteen interceptions, and six
lost fumbles. And yes, the Seahawks are that good that
they've been able to overcome Sam Donald's turnovers, as we
(13:18):
saw a couple of weeks ago against the Rams where
he turned it over a couple of times and then
he came back and got it right and came back
and won the game. The first time they played the Rams,
he threw four interceptions and they still had a chance
to kick a field goal at the end to win
the game. So that's how good the Seahawks defense is
to keep them in and their playmakers are. But you
just can't keep flirting with the disaster if you're Sam
(13:40):
Donald and the Seahawks and expect to keep overcoming those turnovers.
So you have to play like a star if you're
Sam Donald. And then you also have to protect the
football because Baldy, as you know, every single game I
think I've been associated with as a high school up
to the NFL, the head coach goes out to the
locker room says, we got to win the turnover battle. Hey,
Sam Donald, win that turnover battle to help put yourself
(14:03):
in position to win this game.
Speaker 11 (14:05):
I saw it up front and close last week mark
against Carolina where he threw an interception in the end
zone going to Jackson Smith and Jigbo and then he
had the ball picked out of his hands for fumble
last week, but the defense was able to overcome it.
And that's where I want to go right here, is
that the Seattle defense, especially the run defense, because they're
going up against Christian McCaffrey, who leads the league in
(14:26):
touches right now, and we all know that the offense
goes through Christian McCaffery. Even go back to Week one,
they really did a great job of containing McCaffrey in
the run game. And that's Leonard Williams, that's Byron Murphy Junior,
that's jarn Reed, that's right there, Ernest Jones. Like, they're
excellent against the run, and the forty nine is going
to have to find a way to kind of pierce
(14:47):
that run defense because they as good as anybody in
this league right now, they're an excellent overall defense. They
get take it away right there like they did Julian
Love last week with that interception.
Speaker 9 (14:56):
They're an excellent defense, but always starts to stop the run.
Speaker 11 (14:59):
And if you're going to beat the forty nine ers,
that will be a pretty good starting point if you
want to get the leg up and go take this
division and be the number one seed in the NFC.
Speaker 6 (15:11):
Nobody would be too surprised if we saw this game
later on in the NFC playoffs replayed as well. Guys,
thank you and don't go far because we're going to
be talking to you later on in the show. But first,
when we return on The Insiders, we're going to talk
more playoff scenarios, more clinching scenarios, including for the Patriots
trying to get the AFC's number one seed. But before that,
(15:34):
we just talked about the huge game in the NFC
West on Saturday that we're going to see Seahawks forty
nine ers. I bet Ian is going to ask forty
nine ers wide received for Kendrick Bourne about that. He's
going to join us next on The Insiders.
Speaker 13 (15:52):
William's looking left, William's looking right, williams u turns gets
away from off still looking still looking back pedaling plus
Eric to play the bags over and the forty nine
Ers have won it. They come spilling onto the field
and a rock as here at Levi Stadium, and the
(16:12):
forty nine ers are one game away from the one
seed in the NFCED.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
Oh.
Speaker 7 (16:21):
Quite a way for the forty nine ers to put
themselves in position to get the number one seed, which
is exactly where they are heading into this week a
showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. That was a dramatic, dramatic
win this past week for the forty nine ers and
one of their standout receivers, Kendrick Bourne, who joined us
(16:41):
right here on The Insiders. Kendrick, Welcome to the show.
First of all, it is New Years, so Happy New Year.
And how does a player, a person who is about
to take on the Seahawks with the number one seed
in his sights looking at a playoff run, how does
someone like that celebrate? How days like New Year's Eve
in the middle of the season.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
No, it's a great question.
Speaker 14 (17:04):
Happy New Years, he and good to see you, you know,
just celebrate with the family, guys, try to relax.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
We're so in the thick of it.
Speaker 14 (17:10):
Through Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's, the holiday season, so you
want to be in this position as a team. You know,
you you want to spend time with your family, you
want to you know, get together, but we also know
there's a big goal for us down the road, and
so playoff time is fun. This is really when football starts,
So after Thanksgiving is when football starts.
Speaker 5 (17:30):
So we've been putting together good games. It's been exciting.
Speaker 14 (17:33):
So just hanging out with the family a little bit,
but also focusing on what really matters at this time
for us as players.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
It's so crazy with you guys because you spent most
of the season dealing with injuries, you know, Broquas in
the lineup and out of the lineup, then in then
out of the lineup for a long period of time
that you guys were kind of just rolling along. At
what point did you realize like not just you guys
are going to be okay, but like, okay, we could
be a team that could maybe even be the number
one seed, the team in the conference.
Speaker 14 (18:02):
Yeah, it's just having a depth on the team. I
think Kyle and John has done a great job of
having depth. You know, when guys do go down, who's
the next man up? I think we all been prevailing
in those roles. You see Tatum between. You see Mac
Jones coming in me a little bit kind of when
it went down for a little bit, and you just
see guys on the D line.
Speaker 5 (18:20):
It's been great, but we just got to stay poisoned
do what we're supposed to do.
Speaker 14 (18:24):
We're in the right position because we all work hard
and we're doing what we're supposed to do each and
every game, putting games together, believing in ourselves and that's
what matters.
Speaker 5 (18:32):
So it's not a surprise to us.
Speaker 14 (18:33):
That we're in this position because we work hard every
day every week and we're putting games together. But it's
a group effort, playing complimentary football, helping the defense, defense
helping us, and just putting together good games and you
get the results. So we're sitting here because we've earned it,
and it's probably a shock to a lot of people,
but not as shocking to us because we know what
we're built of in this building.
Speaker 7 (18:55):
I mean, it would be shocking if we hadn't seen
you guys have resiliency like this throughout the years, and
I've so you're new this year, but you have quite
a past with the forty nine ers before this. What
has been Kyle's message to you got there's a lot
a lot going on, you got a game, you got
the playoffs coming up, you got the number one seed
in your sites. What's been this message as far as
like how to handle all of this.
Speaker 14 (19:15):
Yeah, it's really just believing, you know, like we're in
this position because we've earned it, Like literally, that's what
it is. You can say whatever you want, they can
make the narrative about losing players, but in the building
and as players, we're earning it and that's what matters.
So Kyle just encourages us every day when he's watching
the film, he watches how we play, he watches how
we operate, and Kyle knows winning football, he knows winning culture.
(19:40):
So when he sees the defense flying around and he
sees us doing good on third down, this is the
way to win football games. So when you have certain
traits on it as a team of hustling to the ball,
playing with effort, you're gonna see yourself in this position.
When you being lazy, you're not giving the extra effort,
you don't see teams in this position. And so that's
(20:00):
kind of been his emphasis of just how we look
on film, that's what matters, not about what the world thinks,
But how when you turn a silent tape on, how
we pop off the screen? And I've noticed it as
you know, a personal player watching it. I watched the
defense and it pops off the screen. So that's why
we're a threat, you know, to make impact in the
playoffs and where we want to go.
Speaker 7 (20:22):
Well, just as far as your receiver group, I mean,
you guys must be the hardest working blocking receiving group
in the NFL, because I know how important that is.
But I want to talk about you a little bit though,
because obviously you had you know, successful stint with the
forty nine ers early in your career. Go to the
Patriots a big ticket free agent, and then they cut you.
(20:42):
And it's weird because, like for a lot of people,
being cut is a horrific experience and it sort of
signals that maybe it's the end. It never really felt
like that with you. How did you get from that
low moment to where you are now, which is a
huge part of one of the best teams in the NFL.
Speaker 14 (21:02):
Yeah, no, absolutely, I just want to thank God, you know,
he kept me in the right position, right mindset to
never doubt you know who I am and you know,
when things go bad, it's adversity for you to grow from.
And that's kind of what happened when I got released
from New England, and I'm glad I kept good relationships
here in San Francisco.
Speaker 7 (21:19):
You know, I known Kyle, known John, so it was
no question for them to kind of let me back in.
Speaker 14 (21:24):
That's why I'm glad I didn't burn no bridges at
you know, when I left, wasn't saying that crazy or
anything like that.
Speaker 5 (21:29):
So it's a blessing in itself.
Speaker 14 (21:31):
I really think about this season in twenty nineteen of
us playing the Seahawks for the number one Seeds, so it's.
Speaker 9 (21:37):
Kind of like deja mood happening for me.
Speaker 14 (21:39):
I've been in this position before, so just very prepared
and but it's been a blessing. You know, Like you say,
a lot of people go through struggles after their release,
but I just kept a good mindset, kep, kept believing,
kept working, and opportunity presented itself quick and I took
advantage of it. And that's what matters, is what you
do after you go through thatdversity, and that's kind of
what happened. But I've been glad to be back, and
(22:01):
I'm glad I made an impact on the team and
I want to keep doing that and helping us get
to where we want to go. I didn't, we didn't
get it into twenty nineteen, so I got a chance
to kind of get back there.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
And try to do what we kind of did.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
So it's looking good.
Speaker 7 (22:15):
Before I I have one more question, but before I
asked you, I got one quick aside for you. So
when you were about to leave or you had left
the forty nine Ers going to the Patriots, I was
at a pro day and I happened to be standing
next to Kyle and Bill Belichick, and I witnessed Kyle
Shanahan tell Bill oh Man, You're gonna love Kendrick. He's
one of my favorite players ever, which is something I
(22:35):
never forgot because when you were cut this year, I'm like,
it's got to be the forty nine ers, right, just
because I knew that you always had like a special
place in Kyle's heart, which you know, I that was.
That was kind of cool, awesome one My last question
for you, Yeah, exactly, all right, So you made some
news a little bit. You hit your incentive five hundred
(22:56):
thousand dollars, you still got another one in your sights.
And they did a pretty funny thing of explaining how
your wife was very would be very excited about it
because she likes to spend. And as someone who also
has a wife who likes to spend, how much trouble
did you get in at home about that lovely comment?
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Yeah, yeah, she was pretty mad.
Speaker 5 (23:18):
Nah, she wasn't mad.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
She was cool.
Speaker 14 (23:20):
She knows I'm silly. She knows my personality, so she
know I didn't mean anything by it. But we know
we know wives. You know, they're part of our lives,
and you know you want to spend on your wife,
you want to make them happy.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
So I love giving my wife gifts. I love making
her happy.
Speaker 14 (23:33):
So it was just a little little jokingly shot at
her and she was like, man, you're so funny.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
So it was dope.
Speaker 14 (23:39):
But the blessings have been coming and taking care of
my family, doing the right stuff has been dope, and
investing in money to things like that. But she's my
queen and she's been a big part of my growth
and my change in life. So you know she deserves
every penny that I.
Speaker 7 (23:56):
That's awesome.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
I love it.
Speaker 7 (23:58):
Kendra great stuff. Thank you for hanging out with us
on the Insiders, and good luck this weekend and moving forward.
You guys are going to have a very very fun
January coming up.
Speaker 5 (24:08):
Thanks Anne, appreciate it.
Speaker 6 (24:12):
Welcome back to the Insiders presented by Progressive Insurance. There
is your AFC playoff picture, the Denver Broncos in their
driver's seat to get the number one overall seed.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
But the Patriots, they've got a chance. They're sitting right
there at the two seed.
Speaker 5 (24:26):
Right now.
Speaker 6 (24:28):
Here are the clinching scenarios Denver pretty straightforward, a win
versus the Chargers or a Patriots lost or tie versus
Miami plus Jacksonville lost or tie versus Tennessee. But really,
the Broncos just have to win and they will be
the number one seed. Keep an eye though, on the Patriots,
because they are an interesting team. Let's bring in our
Cameron Wolf, who is going to be at the Dolphins
(24:51):
Patriots Sunday afternoon game.
Speaker 1 (24:55):
Cam, I am not sure any of.
Speaker 6 (24:57):
Us thought we would get to week eighteen of this
season and be talking about Drake May making a strong
push for MVP and the Patriots making a strong push
for the number one overall seed, how on earth did
we get here?
Speaker 15 (25:12):
Wow, it's time to talk about Drake May as the
MVP because he's having that type of season. And look,
high completion percentage seventy point nine percent, not throwing check downs,
throwing the ball down the field.
Speaker 5 (25:23):
And when we talk to people around.
Speaker 15 (25:25):
The Patriots, they say that he's the biggest reason for
their turnaround. I talked to christ Gonzalez and he said
the way his voice, he's got control of the team.
He owns the team behind the scenes, even outside of
what he does on the field. That has helped us
turn around as a team. And look, guys were having
fun this week with all the strength of schedule conversations,
because that's the biggest knock on May for people who
(25:47):
think Matthew Stafford's the MVP. He said, hey, look, we're
not playing Foxborough High, and Foxborough High tweets out, we're looking.
Speaker 5 (25:54):
For somebody for week one, and so there's a lot
of fun going on there in the schedule.
Speaker 15 (25:58):
May sounds like the key and the starters will play
this week and so they get another opportunity to put
those numbers up there for the Patriots.
Speaker 5 (26:06):
But why not Drake May.
Speaker 15 (26:07):
He's having an incredible year and players just can't stop
raving about his impact. And one fun one for you, Judy,
as a Canes fan, Mike Verbeloms told was in the
building with the Miami Hurricanes cat because his Ohio State
buck guys lost the Canes and it was a wager
he lost. Christian Gozalez told me he looks great in
that Hurricanes at so a little fun the Patriots are
(26:28):
having ahead of this week Sunday.
Speaker 6 (26:31):
It is indeed great to be a Miami Hurricane. Speaking
of Miami, let's talk about the Miami Dolphins, a team
you know so very well. They certainly have a very
interesting off season coming up. And here's a wrinkle that
was just revealed today. Hall of Fame quarterback and our
buddy from ESPN, Troy Aikman, is going to be consulting
(26:53):
on their GM search. That is certainly interesting. I think
we could probably go back and listen to the broadcast
what Aikman has said about Mike McDaniel over the last
few seasons. Kim, what should we expect not just from
Troy's impact on this search, but what do you expect
this offseason for the Dolphins?
Speaker 15 (27:12):
Yeah, Judy, I'm told adding Troy Aikman as a consultant
for this GM search has been going on for weeks,
and it's gonna happen because the Dolphins are going full
speed ahead with this GM search Monday. I'm told they're
going to be aggressive, they're going to be busy, and
they're going to be active, and so they're finalizing that
support team. Troy Aikman will be on that team. I'm
also told Dan Marino will also be a part of
these interviews as well. So you've got two Hall of
(27:34):
Fame quarterbacks that are part of this deal. And also
Brandon Shore, who's currently a VP of Business Administration for
the team. He's expected to be the quarterback of this
search going forward. The thought is he's likely to stay
with the organization in a key role not too dissimilar
to what the Rams have with Kevin Demoff, and so
they're looking for guys in the GM role who have
(27:55):
really strong scouting backgrounds to handle that role while Brandon
short handers the money. And so they're already prepping for
this process going forward. Of course, the GM will make
a huge decision on whether Mike McDaniel stays, whether to
a Tungo Bailois stays, I'm told that interim GM Champ
Kelly will interview for this job, but they're going to
have a wide range of different candidates from outside of
(28:18):
the building. A part of the reason they wanted Aikman
is a guy who's used to seeing winning as a player.
As a broadcaster, they think he can bring an outside
perspective for a team that really has been doing largely
the same thing for at least the last decade. Ultimately,
this will be Owner Stephen Ross's decision. He is not
afraid to spend resources and he's willing to do it
within this search. And so as we talk about the GM,
(28:40):
Aikman is there for the GM, not necessarily for the
head coach decision. I know you mentioned that broadcast there.
This is a GM only decision. As far as McDaniel,
I'm told that this is still a little uncertain. Ross
makes the final decision there. I'm told he really likes
Mike McDaniel. He's looking for reasons to keep him rather
than get rid of him. But at this stage still
too early to make that final decision. McDaniel has to
(29:02):
wear some of the TUA fallout on his own, but
he certainly got to prove that he can reidentify himself
on a team that is moving forward outside of Tua.
And finally, on Tua, they did not make the decision
to bench him lightly. They did it with the expectation
that they're going to find their franchise quarterback outside of
Tua going forward. He's got a big guarantee money and
so they're going to look into options on potentially trading him,
(29:25):
cutting down some of that money by eating it, but
ultimately he could still be on the roster next year
they will bring in another.
Speaker 5 (29:32):
Quarterback to potentially compete or start for that role.
Speaker 15 (29:34):
So huge busy all season for the Dolphins ahead, and
it's going to start very quickly on Monday with a
bunch of interviews.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
Welcome back to the Insiders, presented by Progressive Insurance. Here
are your NFC South standings. The Falcons are out of it,
but they can mess it up for the Buccaneers if
they win. There is no chance for the Buccaneers to
win the division. Falcons facing the Saints on Sunday. Here
is the whole scenario, so we'll know who the NFC
South winner is on Saturday. If the Panthers win We'll
(30:06):
have to wait till Sunday if the Buccaneers win. Buccaneers
ain't going to root for the Saints who beat them
a couple of weeks ago. So many dropped games along
the way that they could have won in seven in
their last eight Baldy and Mark Ross, And how do
we get to this point? I mean, how many times
could they have possibly won a game that could have
made this a whole lot easier. So let's break down
this matchup, which was a close game a couple of
weeks ago at miscommunication between Baker and Mike Evans resulted
(30:29):
in an interception at the end of the game that
sealed it for Carolina. We're expecting Tampa to run the
ball again. They always do against Carolina. So Baldy, take
us through this matchup.
Speaker 11 (30:38):
Here, Well, just fight that lost two weeks ago twenty
three to twenty and it did end in late and
ramso interception. And despite the fact that the Bucks have
lost seven of the last eight games, I still like
the Bucks in this matchup. But Tristan Worth, the Pro
Bowl left tackle, will be back in the line. He
makes a difference. I just think that the Bucks are
as healthy offensively as they have been, including Mike is
(31:00):
In Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Like, I still think they've
got another good game left in them, especially when it
comes down to one game, and I think the Bucks
and Baker can still do if that's the interception right
there that finished that game two weeks ago. But yeah,
despite the losses defensively, they're a mess. Offensively, they're going
to have to probably put up twenty four to thirty
(31:21):
points and they're capable of doing it.
Speaker 9 (31:22):
They don't do it, you know, they haven't done it.
But with the division on the line and a home game.
Speaker 11 (31:28):
Right here, I'm going to take the Bucks here, Mark,
in order to win the division, win this game.
Speaker 12 (31:34):
Yeah, buddy, When I look at this game, and it's
not about who I trust more, it's who I don't
trust the least, if that makes any sense of at
least Carolina has shown flashes of winning one and losing one,
whereas there seems to be something broken with Tampa Bay,
you know, since the bye week, and I don't know
what it is, but it seems to be something broken.
And at least Carolina has shown a formula path in
(31:56):
their victories, and that is what we go down the
all hell, can we get him back and get him
a ton of carries? I know, since Chuba Hubbard came back,
it seemed like they forgot about Rico Daldell. And then
you have a tech McMillan who's a playmaker. The defense
has shown flashes of being competitive in games, even last
week against Seattle at half just three points.
Speaker 5 (32:13):
But really it all comes down to Bryce Young. This
is why they took him number one.
Speaker 12 (32:17):
And you know, outside of that one game of Atlanta
where he threw for four hundred and forty eight yards,
like okay, Bryce is finally there. You know, he really
hasn't put together good games and last week he only
had fifty four yards total. So Bryce, hey, lead on
Rico Dowdell. That defense can step up like they've done
and showed flashes of doing. But Bryce, this is really
your game to say I'm the guy. I'm the person
(32:38):
that can get it done. But either way, if whoever wins, Mike,
I'm not sure they're going to make much waves in
the playoffs.
Speaker 1 (32:46):
Some important injuries here, Jamel Dean out for the Buccaneers.
The cornerback Baker Mayfield had a right shoulder injury this
time of the injury report, but full the last two days.
No game status for him. Colijah Cansei their defensive tackles
trying to make his way back. He was full, listed
as questionable. On the other side, Rob Hunt, the guard
for the Panthers, a big one, has been down since
(33:06):
tearing his peck early in the season. He's listed as questionable.
Was limited today. You talked about ric o'dowdell. He is full,
no game status, good to go. All right, So all
that injury stuff out of the way. Now, let's go
to the other game here, Baldy, Let's take a look
at Falcons Saints. What do you see in this one?
Two teams playing well late here?
Speaker 11 (33:23):
Yeah, well, the Falcons have really put together, you know,
a good streak here one three in a row, of course,
a big win against the Rams, and Vijeon went wild,
which he's capable of doing just about any single week.
But they are going to see the Saints who have
won four in a row. And I've just been watching this.
Tyler Shuck improved every single week. They won four in
a row, and he's gotten better every single week. And
(33:43):
chrysl Lobby right there has been the benefactor of Tyler
Shuck getting rid of the ball, making good decisions right here.
Speaker 9 (33:50):
Now, I think this is going to be a really
good game.
Speaker 11 (33:52):
Regardless of the outcome and who wins, I think it's
going to be a very good game because I think
Tyler Shuck is the future for the Saints.
Speaker 9 (34:00):
They want to find out right here. This would be
a good test for him to take on a hot
Falcon team.
Speaker 11 (34:05):
The Falcons, who really did a good job against Matt
Stafford last week, probably thinks with that improved pass rush
that they have that maybe they can shake up Tyler Shuck.
Nobody's been able to do it over the last month.
So I'm looking forward to this and just if the
Falcons are going to get a win and get a
three way tie in the NFC South, they're gonna have
to deal with Shuck here in this game.
Speaker 1 (34:26):
Before we go. You know, you put on your best
for New Year's Eve and then New Year's Day usually
Today I did Good Morning Football in a giveaway NFL
plus Hoodie Mark's got the NFL Network giveaway. Well he
got there, baldy Valor velvet. What do you got with
that jacket there?
Speaker 9 (34:40):
It's a little bit of all that and in what
it is, it's just it's it's what the fans want
right now, Mike.
Speaker 11 (34:45):
They saw the jacket last night, they knew that it popped,
and they said, can you put it on one more time?
Speaker 9 (34:51):
And so I said, I just dusted it off the
last night. Didn't make a mess last night. It was
pretty clean evening.
Speaker 11 (34:55):
And here we are just showed it off one more time,
kicking off twenty twenty in style here money.
Speaker 1 (35:02):
Yeah, certain demographic of our fan baseball, if you know
what I'm talking about. We hear from the ladies regularly.
They wanted to say it. Appreciate you guys. Can hear
that howling, it's time.
Speaker 7 (35:10):
For the wolf Man. Great job by Baldy just having
the guts to show all of us that he's wearing
the same clothes that he was wearing yesterday. That was
a lot of NFC stuff right there. Here's the AFC
playoff picture. Still a lot to be decided. A lot
of big time teams gonna be deciding a lot in
the playoffs, and a lot of big time teams are
coached by excellent head coach candidates. As we start this
(35:34):
week's edition of The Wolf of Ballstreet with our good
friend cam Wolf. Okay, Kim, So, why don't you give
me some of the top head coach candidates in the
AFC break it down for me.
Speaker 5 (35:48):
First name to.
Speaker 15 (35:48):
Watch Anthony Campanelli, the Jaguars defensive coordinator. A guy who
leads with family, mentality and belief look, high octane energy
and passion.
Speaker 5 (35:58):
You hear him before you see it.
Speaker 15 (36:00):
The whole Campanelli family started as South Jersey high school
football coaches, and he coaches that way and spending a
lot of time around the Jags.
Speaker 5 (36:07):
They take the identity of their defensive coordinator.
Speaker 15 (36:09):
It's fiery, they're honest, they're accountable, and players love Campanelli's
one liner, including one of his favorites. God loves people
who run to the football. He tells guys that all
the time. And he's played a huge role in Devin
Lloyd's development. Having a career year, Lloyd told me I
felt at home when I got with Campanelly. He helped
unlock me. He unlocked goals of mine in the style
(36:30):
of play I envisioned for myself. Camp scheme is adjustable
and one interesting element. The Jags clinched the AFC South
with the win over the Titans, who need a head coach. Campanelly,
I'm told we'll have some interest in that job, and
vice versa, so maybe he doesn't leave the AFC South. Second,
let's go to Denver, where Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
(36:51):
is leading back to back top five defenses. One of
the biggest advocates he has is Sean Payton, the Broncos
head coach, who is told important people around the league
Vance is going to be a head coach again, and
a really good one. He has told people that Vance
is ready for an opportunity. He had just one year
in Denver some years ago without a quarterback with off
(37:12):
the full control. He's learned from that. He believes he's
ready for the opportunity, and he also has an eye
for talent. Zach Allen was a guy he brought over
from Arizona to Denver. Has become one of the best
defensive liignment in football. And Allen told me that, look,
this is a guy who is a great teacher, and
each year I made a jump under VJ. They are
just one win away from the number one seed, and
(37:34):
their defense, led by Joseph, is the big reason why.
Speaker 5 (37:37):
And finally, let's go to New England.
Speaker 15 (37:39):
Who is trying to get that one seed to Thomas
Brown is a huge factor. You may not know in
Drake May's year two breakout season. He and Josh McDaniel
have collaborated on a lot of this offense, I'm told,
including some of the pre snap motion that Brown learned
from Sean McVay, some of the tight end breakout usage
from Hunter Henry.
Speaker 5 (37:57):
The common theme of all.
Speaker 15 (37:58):
These guys, and particularly Brown is leadership and one example
was he was the interim head coach with Chicago Bears.
Caleb Williams and him used to curse each other out
all through the background. Caleb Williams was one of his
biggest advocates when it went about the interview process.
Speaker 5 (38:12):
Brown interviewed well there, he interviewed.
Speaker 15 (38:14):
Well in New England, and he's going to be a
guy that gets a bunch of interviews going forward, viewed
as a future head coach, and he's got a lot
of insight coming from the NG Bay Tree also now
learning unavailable and he's ready to run his own shit.
Speaker 7 (38:28):
Excellent stuff cam and cannot believe it's about to be
that time where the head coach candidates are going to
take center stage along with the playoff teams, which I
know you will be all over. Great addition of Wolf
Football Street as always surprises, there cam good stuff. We
will talk to you soon. We are going to talk
about the Eagles and Commanders pretty soon. Our good friend
(38:50):
Brian Baldinger gonna be at that game in one of
the teams involved in that. So this happened last week. Anyway,
a lot to get into with our good friend coming up.
Speaker 6 (39:12):
Welcome back to the Insiders. It is time for good
coverage presented by Progressive Insurance. The Eagles have allowed thirteen
passing touchdowns in twenty twenty five, the fewest in the NFL.
They haven't allowed a touchdown pass in three straight games.
That's the longest streak by the Eagles since twenty twenty.
We are going to be watching the Eagles closely this
weekend because there are playoff scenarios that impact the Eagles
(39:37):
that they can impact their as your NFC playoff picture.
You see the Eagles right now in the three seed.
They don't necessarily have to stay at the three seed.
They are playing the Commanders this weekend. Let's bring Baldy
back in to talk about this game, all right, they
do have stuff on the line for the Eagles, But
Nick Sirianni is a believer in resting players. It has
(39:58):
worked really well for the Eagles in the past. They
are going to rest a lot of their key starters
this weekend. What can they still get out of this game,
even though their frontline players are not all going to
be in their baldy Well.
Speaker 11 (40:12):
Just simply Judy and Eagles win on Sunday and Chicago
Bear lost to Detroit, They're going to be the number
two seed. And so regardless of whether they're the two
or the three seed, if Chicago wins, they're going to
get a home playoff game against Green Bay, the Rams,
or San Francisco.
Speaker 9 (40:27):
But if you even go back, they valued the rest duty.
They rested their starters last year.
Speaker 11 (40:31):
If you remember, sa Kwon Barkley had a chance to
go for the rushing record, breaking Eric Dickerson's record in
the last week and they sat them. They sat Jalen
Hurts and you know, Tanner McKee was in there through
four touchdown passes. Last year looked really good. They won
the game, and then with that rest they went on
a tear in the postseason. They went four and oh
in the postseason won the Super Bowl, So they have
(40:52):
good history on their side of resting starters in that
final week of the season that led to some nice
wins in the postseason.
Speaker 1 (41:03):
Welcome back to bea Setters presented by a Progressive Insurance.
It's incentive seizing me, meaning these guys have incentives in
their contract. Von Miller that five hundred thousand's gonna hit
big for a guy that's made I don't know, like
two hundred million in his career, but you know what,
you gotta feed the chickens at the far So that's
a big part of what he wants to do. Sam
Darnold needs one hundred and fifty pass yards. I'm sure
(41:24):
he'll get that in the game that matters here. And
Rico o'dowdell seven scrimmage yards should be able to get
that done as well. What kind of incentives do Judy
and Battista and Ian Rappaport have left a hit that's
the real question.
Speaker 7 (41:38):
They really should have that for us, right where like
a certain number of scoops, as you get you know,
you just get the cash reddis do people still use cashreddisters?
That just starts to go count me in on that
we hit the over.
Speaker 1 (41:50):
Yeah, we'll work that in the chase. How about that
hit the over.
We are three days away from finding out who is
going to win the afced Ors. Will it be that
guy and his teammates or this guy and his teammates.
This guy was back on the practice field today. We're
gonna be talking about that in just a couple of minutes.
We are two days away, yes Saturday Football here Seahawks
and forty Niners from finding out who's gonna win the
NFC West. That guy and his teammates or that guy
(00:31):
and his teammates talking about this big matchup coming up
shortly on the program, and also coming up Kendrick Bourne.
We said, you know what, we need ourselves a great
guest here on the Insiders, and Kendrick Bourne says, I
got you. Ian Rappaport will be sitting down with Bourn
in just a few minutes. Welcome inside with the Insiders,
(00:52):
presented by Progressive Insurance. There's Rappaport's just talking about him,
Judy Batista as well along with me Mike Garafalo, as
we talk about those big games, some other big ones,
some other big storylines in Week eighteen in the NFL.
But I mentioned Lamar Jackson back on the field. That's
a big one. He had that back injury last week
that kept him out of action against the Packers. Back
(01:13):
on the field today in full uh n full capacity
and saying one hundred percent absolutely is going to play
against the Steelers. There's no time left for the Ravens,
so that is huge for Baltimore. But in his meeting
with the media, there were questions about the injury, but
then it became questions more about some other stuff, about
(01:34):
some recent reports and rumblings about him, his relationship with
John Harbaugh.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
I me, someone probably think I'm a robot. You know,
I'm coming here.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Too, you know, but unfortunately I couldn't you know, I
couldn't you know, avoid that injury. You know what had happened.
We got to win a Green Bay. I'm looking forward
to please Sunday.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
So it is Is that criticism ad fuel to you
when you get back on the field.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Nah, you know, I just want to win. I don't
really care about the criticism. It's gonna it's gonna be
that way, especially with how the season was going and
stuff like that. You know, when you win and there's
no noise, but soon it's you know, you lose, things don't.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Look right, all type of stuff. All type of noise
come out of nowhere. So it is what it is, MA.
Speaker 1 (02:16):
You talk about the noise.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
I mean, there was a column that came out that
brings questions about I guess workout it. You know, you
do you want to be here all that.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Kind of you.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
I heard ill be playing a game at like one
to two in the morning. I won't even do that
during the summer. So I don't know where that come
from either. But yeah, I don't know, man, I don't know.
I don't know where that comes from.
Speaker 5 (02:38):
They said that you w.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Fonded that you think harball let me fall asleep. That's crazy.
I'm right in the front, like, man, I don't know, Man,
is what it is?
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Like I said, well, it's been the closest we've been
in a long time, or it's gonna be folk go
all week. I mean, that's that's that's a fact. I mean,
I don't even know when we maybe go all bit
back to Miami, maybe even then, and that was a
short week that wasn't even you know, maybe in Minnesota.
I mean it's been that long ago where you know,
(03:10):
we get Lamar in a full week of practice and
timing with the receivers, and our communication.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
That was a Baltimore Sun interview that Lamar Jackson was
responding to there. So now let's give our take on
it here on the Insiders presented by a Progressive Insurance ian. Sorry, Judy,
let's start with you on this one, because that was
a lot to take in. There's been some talk of
a rift between John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson. Lamar seems
to be saying all is fine with him in Baltimore.
Speaker 6 (03:38):
Yeah, We're probably going to spend the entire offseason dissecting
what Lamar said about his relationship with John Harbaugh and
his relationship with the franchise and his feelings about wanting
to be with the franchise long term.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
I thought in the immediate future, the most.
Speaker 6 (03:53):
Important thing was Todd Monkin saying that Lamar Jackson is
as close to full strength as he has been in
because we know Lamar has not been Lamar for most
of this season, that he's had all variety of leg injuries.
We've seen how it is hampered his game and hampered
the Ravens as a result. If he is almost at
(04:14):
full strength or anywhere close to full strength, he is
a very dangerous player, and that makes the Baltimore Ravens
a very dangerous team, not just for the Pittsburgh Steelers
this weekend, but if they get into the playoffs going forward.
Speaker 7 (04:26):
Yeah, I mean, if in fact this is the Baltimore
Ravens team Judy that we thought we would be seeing
all year, then I would just say, look out. I mean,
think about what their season's been, like a bunch of
close losses at the beginning, start off with the record
no one ever thought the Ravens would have, and everyone's like,
look out, here they come. And then it seemed every
little injury Lamar Jackson could have, including last week's injury,
(04:49):
came and here they are still alive. And so yes,
the fact that he's working on a Wednesday, the fact
that he has the whole week of practice, and the
fact that they ran the ball as they did last week.
In the defense, it's actually been pretty good the second
half of the year makes me wonder is this the
Ravens scene that we should have been seeing along? Like,
in other words, are they gonna go win on Sunday
and then go on to the little run that we
(05:10):
have been expecting? And if that happens, then all the
stuff that we've been wondering, is all going to go
way well? Our contract extension that will probably be handled.
Is there an issue between him and Harbutell, if they're winning,
there's no issue and they're obviously going to move forward.
I would I sort of expect them to move forward,
both of them anyway. But if they're winning, it's a
much easier answer. That takes care of so much. If
(05:31):
it all goes terribly, then we're gonna be here again
talking about this again. But the best thing, Mike is
we get to see it all play out in the
field on Sunday night. That's pretty fun.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I believe Lamar Jackson's at full strength when I see
something that we haven't seen enough of this year. That
is him making the plays with his legs. Right now,
three hundred and forty rushing yards by far, and previously
his lowest was six ninety five when he started only
seven games in his rookie year. But even per game,
the yards down significantly twenty eight point three. That is
(06:01):
way below what he's usually at in yards per A
ten five point four is low as well, So he's
got to get out and make some plays with his legs.
I can't believe I'm saying that. We used to say
he's got to make plays with his arms. Now I'm
saying he's gonna make plays with his legs. That's always
gonna be a part of what he does. And I
believe that's because he has been banged up this year.
Speaker 8 (06:17):
Excuther's up twenty seven to twenty two. AFC North Division
lead on the line, Park and Ramsey back inside their
own fifteen yard line and even retreating as all snapped
in Lamar Jackson rush coming from the backside.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
He's here, take that down.
Speaker 8 (06:32):
It's high Smifth with the sack back in the thirty
eight yard line, and that will do it.
Speaker 9 (06:39):
The Steelers come to.
Speaker 8 (06:41):
M and T Bank Stadium and win twenty seven to
twenty two, and they are back in first place by
themselves in the AFC North.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
There you see the AFC North ten he's presented by
Progressive as the entire program is here the nine and
seven record by the Steelers. There, the Ravens could equal
them at nine and eight with a win. You can
see why the tiebreaker would favor the Ravens. It would
be division there, they'd be four and two in the division.
Omar Ruiz and Brian Baldi are now joining us to
(07:12):
talk about this big matchup. Omar, you heard us talking
about Lamar Jackson, what he means to the Ravens, what
he means to the Steelers having to defend him. How
big is this going to be for this matchup?
Speaker 9 (07:22):
Well, it's huge.
Speaker 10 (07:23):
I took to Zay Flowers a little earlier today and
he told me that when they are playing well you're
talking about Ian mentioning that could they go on a run?
He said, if the Ravens are playing at their best,
they don't feel that there's anybody that can beat them.
And obviously having Lar Jackson back, having him close to
full strength, is a big.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Part of that.
Speaker 10 (07:41):
Ass Flowers, how Lamar Jackson looked at practice there you
see the Ravens tweeting about it. He said, he look
like Lamar's what does that mean for you on Sunday?
How does that affect your play style? And he said, well,
if Lamar doesn't see me when I get opened the
first time, to keep running because he'll see me the
second time. If it doesn't see me this second time,
what makes Lamar Jackson unique is he can have a
(08:03):
third and fourth play in the single sequence of a play,
so keep running, get open. But speaking to multiple players
in that locker room today, Lamar Jackson's presence caused a
lot of excitement, a lot of confidence for them as
they head into this week eighteen showdown with their division rivals,
with everything still in front of them. Obviously, Baldy, you
(08:24):
know that this Ravens locker room is a very confident
locker room, and especially the way Derek Henry played last
Saturday in green Bay.
Speaker 5 (08:31):
If they get in they feel like they can make
some noise.
Speaker 11 (08:35):
Well, healthy Lamar Jackson, he's only going to help the Ravens.
And I'm just watching last week against green Bay. You know,
without Lamar and Stup Puntley at quarterback, they went to
if they just had a reset button, where they went
to I formation. When Patrick McCard is a fullback and
he's the eyes of Derrick Henry. He had his best
game of the season. And I have a feeling, regardless
of whether Lamar plays, doesn't play one hundred percent healthy
(08:58):
whatever he is, I think they need to get back
to that. I think that's going to be a handful
for the Steelers defense to handle. And if Lamar gives
them something in the passing game. If he gives them
something with his scrambles and design runs, that's going to
be good.
Speaker 9 (09:11):
But I have a feeling Derrek Henry is going to
be the key. That's not a revelation.
Speaker 11 (09:15):
But if they get into I formation and recard and
you get five hundred and fifty pounds of just beef
coming through these holes, you wear teams down.
Speaker 9 (09:23):
That's what they did the Green Bay Packers last week,
and it was something to be seen.
Speaker 11 (09:27):
I mean, they really had no idea how to stop
those four touchdown runs and the two hundred and sixteen
yards that he gained on the ground.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Yeah, Patrick McCard missing for the early part of the season,
I thought Baldy was a huge loss for that Ravens
running game, for that offense in general. Oh Mar, this
could be the last game we see of Aaron Rodgers now.
He's talked about already the possibility of us having the
track his status for weeks, if not months on end
against the again this offseason. But we'll take it one
game at a time. Here, this is the chance for
(09:57):
him to play them into the postseason and then do
some stuff there. I mean, this is what the Steelers
hadn't mind this and beyond this when they signed him.
Speaker 10 (10:05):
That's why you bring in a guy like Aaron Rodgers,
and speaking to multiple people in that building today, he
has the full confidence of the organization that Aaron Rodgers
will play at his best on Sunday night against the Ravens.
The win and in scenario on display, and even without
DK Metcalf, even without Darnell Washington, Aaron Rodgers is still
(10:25):
a good enough quarterback to elevate those around him, and
they expect to see that on Sunday night. As for
the Steelers defense, TJ. Watt again was a limited participant
in practice or hoping to get him back on Sunday.
Speaking to linebacker Peyton Wilson earlier today, defending those Ravens weapons,
(10:45):
he said, the key is third down.
Speaker 5 (10:47):
You look at that Green Bay game, they were ten
of fourteen.
Speaker 10 (10:50):
Baltimore was and Wilson saying they have to get off
the field on third down. He said one of their
shortcomings earlier this season was on third and longs. They
would give up enough yardage where teams would then be
encouraged to go for it on fourth down. You can't
do that against the Ravens with all the weapons that
they have, you have to get off the field because
of those extended time drives for the Ravens, and Lamar
(11:12):
Jackson and Derek Henry are on the field for a
long period of time, could be a long day for
that Steelers defense.
Speaker 9 (11:17):
Baldy, you know, Omars.
Speaker 11 (11:19):
It's interesting just going back and watching that Week fourteen
game where the Steelers went to Baltimore in one and
I was there announcing the game. From the very first
play they went fifty yards down the field to DK Metcalf.
I mean, they had explosive plays, a couple of scrambles
where Aaron was able to find him down the field,
and they were big plays in the game. And you know,
they got a bigs play right here in Jalen Warren
(11:40):
on a little rollout right there for a touchdown, which
was big. But that's what the Steelers need. They got
to find a way to get some explosive plays without DK,
without Darnell Washington. Maybe it is Jalen Warren, you know,
maybe it is Adam Fielding, but they've got to find
some explosive plays in the offense because they're.
Speaker 9 (11:58):
Just not good enough right now. I think to dink
and dunk.
Speaker 11 (12:00):
That's one of those throws of DK in that Week
fourteen matchup that was really a big difference in that
stealer win.
Speaker 9 (12:07):
So Aaron's going to.
Speaker 11 (12:08):
Be out, have to be at his best, but they're
gonna have to find ways to get some twenty plus
thirty plus yard plays in the passing game in this
game to win.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Baldy, stick around. Got plenty of you left here in
the program. Omar. You'll be covering this game for us
for NFL Networks and looking forward to seeing all of
that to come. Judy, there are the.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
San Francisco forty nine Ers. Those are the rivalry uniforms.
They're going to wear those Saturday night for a huge game,
one of the very big games in the final week
of the season against the Seahawks, NFC West Championship on
the line, NFC's top seed on the line. There's Mark
Ross and Brian Baldinger. Again, let's break down this game, guys. Mark,
(12:49):
I'll start with you Seahawks forty nine ers. What is
the key for the Seahawks here to walk away with
this victory?
Speaker 12 (12:57):
Tons of keys, a lot of intrigue, But to me,
the glaring wall is Sam Donald and the turnovers. And
Sam Donald leaves the NFL with twenty turnovers. Since Week ten,
he has thirteen of those turnovers, fourteen interceptions, and six
lost fumbles. And yes, the Seahawks are that good that
they've been able to overcome Sam Donald's turnovers, as we
(13:18):
saw a couple of weeks ago against the Rams where
he turned it over a couple of times and then
he came back and got it right and came back
and won the game. The first time they played the Rams,
he threw four interceptions and they still had a chance
to kick a field goal at the end to win
the game. So that's how good the Seahawks defense is
to keep them in and their playmakers are. But you
just can't keep flirting with the disaster if you're Sam
(13:40):
Donald and the Seahawks and expect to keep overcoming those turnovers.
So you have to play like a star if you're
Sam Donald. And then you also have to protect the
football because Baldy, as you know, every single game I
think I've been associated with as a high school up
to the NFL, the head coach goes out to the
locker room says, we got to win the turnover battle. Hey,
Sam Donald, win that turnover battle to help put yourself
(14:03):
in position to win this game.
Speaker 11 (14:05):
I saw it up front and close last week mark
against Carolina where he threw an interception in the end
zone going to Jackson Smith and Jigbo and then he
had the ball picked out of his hands for fumble
last week, but the defense was able to overcome it.
And that's where I want to go right here, is
that the Seattle defense, especially the run defense, because they're
going up against Christian McCaffrey, who leads the league in
(14:26):
touches right now, and we all know that the offense
goes through Christian McCaffery. Even go back to Week one,
they really did a great job of containing McCaffrey in
the run game. And that's Leonard Williams, that's Byron Murphy Junior,
that's jarn Reed, that's right there, Ernest Jones. Like, they're
excellent against the run, and the forty nine is going
to have to find a way to kind of pierce
(14:47):
that run defense because they as good as anybody in
this league right now, they're an excellent overall defense. They
get take it away right there like they did Julian
Love last week with that interception.
Speaker 9 (14:56):
They're an excellent defense, but always starts to stop the run.
Speaker 11 (14:59):
And if you're going to beat the forty nine ers,
that will be a pretty good starting point if you
want to get the leg up and go take this
division and be the number one seed in the NFC.
Speaker 6 (15:11):
Nobody would be too surprised if we saw this game
later on in the NFC playoffs replayed as well. Guys,
thank you and don't go far because we're going to
be talking to you later on in the show. But first,
when we return on The Insiders, we're going to talk
more playoff scenarios, more clinching scenarios, including for the Patriots
trying to get the AFC's number one seed. But before that,
(15:34):
we just talked about the huge game in the NFC
West on Saturday that we're going to see Seahawks forty
nine ers. I bet Ian is going to ask forty
nine ers wide received for Kendrick Bourne about that. He's
going to join us next on The Insiders.
Speaker 13 (15:52):
William's looking left, William's looking right, williams u turns gets
away from off still looking still looking back pedaling plus
Eric to play the bags over and the forty nine
Ers have won it. They come spilling onto the field
and a rock as here at Levi Stadium, and the
(16:12):
forty nine ers are one game away from the one
seed in the NFCED.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
Oh.
Speaker 7 (16:21):
Quite a way for the forty nine ers to put
themselves in position to get the number one seed, which
is exactly where they are heading into this week a
showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. That was a dramatic, dramatic
win this past week for the forty nine ers and
one of their standout receivers, Kendrick Bourne, who joined us
(16:41):
right here on The Insiders. Kendrick, Welcome to the show.
First of all, it is New Years, so Happy New Year.
And how does a player, a person who is about
to take on the Seahawks with the number one seed
in his sights looking at a playoff run, how does
someone like that celebrate? How days like New Year's Eve
in the middle of the season.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
No, it's a great question.
Speaker 14 (17:04):
Happy New Years, he and good to see you, you know,
just celebrate with the family, guys, try to relax.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
We're so in the thick of it.
Speaker 14 (17:10):
Through Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's, the holiday season, so you
want to be in this position as a team. You know,
you you want to spend time with your family, you
want to you know, get together, but we also know
there's a big goal for us down the road, and
so playoff time is fun. This is really when football starts,
So after Thanksgiving is when football starts.
Speaker 5 (17:30):
So we've been putting together good games. It's been exciting.
Speaker 14 (17:33):
So just hanging out with the family a little bit,
but also focusing on what really matters at this time
for us as players.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
It's so crazy with you guys because you spent most
of the season dealing with injuries, you know, Broquas in
the lineup and out of the lineup, then in then
out of the lineup for a long period of time
that you guys were kind of just rolling along. At
what point did you realize like not just you guys
are going to be okay, but like, okay, we could
be a team that could maybe even be the number
one seed, the team in the conference.
Speaker 14 (18:02):
Yeah, it's just having a depth on the team. I
think Kyle and John has done a great job of
having depth. You know, when guys do go down, who's
the next man up? I think we all been prevailing
in those roles. You see Tatum between. You see Mac
Jones coming in me a little bit kind of when
it went down for a little bit, and you just
see guys on the D line.
Speaker 5 (18:20):
It's been great, but we just got to stay poisoned
do what we're supposed to do.
Speaker 14 (18:24):
We're in the right position because we all work hard
and we're doing what we're supposed to do each and
every game, putting games together, believing in ourselves and that's
what matters.
Speaker 5 (18:32):
So it's not a surprise to us.
Speaker 14 (18:33):
That we're in this position because we work hard every
day every week and we're putting games together. But it's
a group effort, playing complimentary football, helping the defense, defense
helping us, and just putting together good games and you
get the results. So we're sitting here because we've earned it,
and it's probably a shock to a lot of people,
but not as shocking to us because we know what
we're built of in this building.
Speaker 7 (18:55):
I mean, it would be shocking if we hadn't seen
you guys have resiliency like this throughout the years, and
I've so you're new this year, but you have quite
a past with the forty nine ers before this. What
has been Kyle's message to you got there's a lot
a lot going on, you got a game, you got
the playoffs coming up, you got the number one seed
in your sites. What's been this message as far as
like how to handle all of this.
Speaker 14 (19:15):
Yeah, it's really just believing, you know, like we're in
this position because we've earned it, Like literally, that's what
it is. You can say whatever you want, they can
make the narrative about losing players, but in the building
and as players, we're earning it and that's what matters.
So Kyle just encourages us every day when he's watching
the film, he watches how we play, he watches how
we operate, and Kyle knows winning football, he knows winning culture.
(19:40):
So when he sees the defense flying around and he
sees us doing good on third down, this is the
way to win football games. So when you have certain
traits on it as a team of hustling to the ball,
playing with effort, you're gonna see yourself in this position.
When you being lazy, you're not giving the extra effort,
you don't see teams in this position. And so that's
(20:00):
kind of been his emphasis of just how we look
on film, that's what matters, not about what the world thinks,
But how when you turn a silent tape on, how
we pop off the screen? And I've noticed it as
you know, a personal player watching it. I watched the
defense and it pops off the screen. So that's why
we're a threat, you know, to make impact in the
playoffs and where we want to go.
Speaker 7 (20:22):
Well, just as far as your receiver group, I mean,
you guys must be the hardest working blocking receiving group
in the NFL, because I know how important that is.
But I want to talk about you a little bit though,
because obviously you had you know, successful stint with the
forty nine ers early in your career. Go to the
Patriots a big ticket free agent, and then they cut you.
(20:42):
And it's weird because, like for a lot of people,
being cut is a horrific experience and it sort of
signals that maybe it's the end. It never really felt
like that with you. How did you get from that
low moment to where you are now, which is a
huge part of one of the best teams in the NFL.
Speaker 14 (21:02):
Yeah, no, absolutely, I just want to thank God, you know,
he kept me in the right position, right mindset to
never doubt you know who I am and you know,
when things go bad, it's adversity for you to grow from.
And that's kind of what happened when I got released
from New England, and I'm glad I kept good relationships
here in San Francisco.
Speaker 7 (21:19):
You know, I known Kyle, known John, so it was
no question for them to kind of let me back in.
Speaker 14 (21:24):
That's why I'm glad I didn't burn no bridges at
you know, when I left, wasn't saying that crazy or
anything like that.
Speaker 5 (21:29):
So it's a blessing in itself.
Speaker 14 (21:31):
I really think about this season in twenty nineteen of
us playing the Seahawks for the number one Seeds, so it's.
Speaker 9 (21:37):
Kind of like deja mood happening for me.
Speaker 14 (21:39):
I've been in this position before, so just very prepared
and but it's been a blessing. You know, Like you say,
a lot of people go through struggles after their release,
but I just kept a good mindset, kep, kept believing,
kept working, and opportunity presented itself quick and I took
advantage of it. And that's what matters, is what you
do after you go through thatdversity, and that's kind of
what happened. But I've been glad to be back, and
(22:01):
I'm glad I made an impact on the team and
I want to keep doing that and helping us get
to where we want to go. I didn't, we didn't
get it into twenty nineteen, so I got a chance
to kind of get back there.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
And try to do what we kind of did.
Speaker 5 (22:12):
So it's looking good.
Speaker 7 (22:15):
Before I I have one more question, but before I
asked you, I got one quick aside for you. So
when you were about to leave or you had left
the forty nine Ers going to the Patriots, I was
at a pro day and I happened to be standing
next to Kyle and Bill Belichick, and I witnessed Kyle
Shanahan tell Bill oh Man, You're gonna love Kendrick. He's
one of my favorite players ever, which is something I
(22:35):
never forgot because when you were cut this year, I'm like,
it's got to be the forty nine ers, right, just
because I knew that you always had like a special
place in Kyle's heart, which you know, I that was.
That was kind of cool, awesome one My last question
for you, Yeah, exactly, all right, So you made some
news a little bit. You hit your incentive five hundred
(22:56):
thousand dollars, you still got another one in your sights.
And they did a pretty funny thing of explaining how
your wife was very would be very excited about it
because she likes to spend. And as someone who also
has a wife who likes to spend, how much trouble
did you get in at home about that lovely comment?
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Yeah, yeah, she was pretty mad.
Speaker 5 (23:18):
Nah, she wasn't mad.
Speaker 1 (23:19):
She was cool.
Speaker 14 (23:20):
She knows I'm silly. She knows my personality, so she
know I didn't mean anything by it. But we know
we know wives. You know, they're part of our lives,
and you know you want to spend on your wife,
you want to make them happy.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
So I love giving my wife gifts. I love making
her happy.
Speaker 14 (23:33):
So it was just a little little jokingly shot at
her and she was like, man, you're so funny.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
So it was dope.
Speaker 14 (23:39):
But the blessings have been coming and taking care of
my family, doing the right stuff has been dope, and
investing in money to things like that. But she's my
queen and she's been a big part of my growth
and my change in life. So you know she deserves
every penny that I.
Speaker 7 (23:56):
That's awesome.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
I love it.
Speaker 7 (23:58):
Kendra great stuff. Thank you for hanging out with us
on the Insiders, and good luck this weekend and moving forward.
You guys are going to have a very very fun
January coming up.
Speaker 5 (24:08):
Thanks Anne, appreciate it.
Speaker 6 (24:12):
Welcome back to the Insiders presented by Progressive Insurance. There
is your AFC playoff picture, the Denver Broncos in their
driver's seat to get the number one overall seed.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
But the Patriots, they've got a chance. They're sitting right
there at the two seed.
Speaker 5 (24:26):
Right now.
Speaker 6 (24:28):
Here are the clinching scenarios Denver pretty straightforward, a win
versus the Chargers or a Patriots lost or tie versus
Miami plus Jacksonville lost or tie versus Tennessee. But really,
the Broncos just have to win and they will be
the number one seed. Keep an eye though, on the Patriots,
because they are an interesting team. Let's bring in our
Cameron Wolf, who is going to be at the Dolphins
(24:51):
Patriots Sunday afternoon game.
Speaker 1 (24:55):
Cam, I am not sure any of.
Speaker 6 (24:57):
Us thought we would get to week eighteen of this
season and be talking about Drake May making a strong
push for MVP and the Patriots making a strong push
for the number one overall seed, how on earth did
we get here?
Speaker 15 (25:12):
Wow, it's time to talk about Drake May as the
MVP because he's having that type of season. And look,
high completion percentage seventy point nine percent, not throwing check downs,
throwing the ball down the field.
Speaker 5 (25:23):
And when we talk to people around.
Speaker 15 (25:25):
The Patriots, they say that he's the biggest reason for
their turnaround. I talked to christ Gonzalez and he said
the way his voice, he's got control of the team.
He owns the team behind the scenes, even outside of
what he does on the field. That has helped us
turn around as a team. And look, guys were having
fun this week with all the strength of schedule conversations,
because that's the biggest knock on May for people who
(25:47):
think Matthew Stafford's the MVP. He said, hey, look, we're
not playing Foxborough High, and Foxborough High tweets out, we're looking.
Speaker 5 (25:54):
For somebody for week one, and so there's a lot
of fun going on there in the schedule.
Speaker 15 (25:58):
May sounds like the key and the starters will play
this week and so they get another opportunity to put
those numbers up there for the Patriots.
Speaker 5 (26:06):
But why not Drake May.
Speaker 15 (26:07):
He's having an incredible year and players just can't stop
raving about his impact. And one fun one for you, Judy,
as a Canes fan, Mike Verbeloms told was in the
building with the Miami Hurricanes cat because his Ohio State
buck guys lost the Canes and it was a wager
he lost. Christian Gozalez told me he looks great in
that Hurricanes at so a little fun the Patriots are
(26:28):
having ahead of this week Sunday.
Speaker 6 (26:31):
It is indeed great to be a Miami Hurricane. Speaking
of Miami, let's talk about the Miami Dolphins, a team
you know so very well. They certainly have a very
interesting off season coming up. And here's a wrinkle that
was just revealed today. Hall of Fame quarterback and our
buddy from ESPN, Troy Aikman, is going to be consulting
(26:53):
on their GM search. That is certainly interesting. I think
we could probably go back and listen to the broadcast
what Aikman has said about Mike McDaniel over the last
few seasons. Kim, what should we expect not just from
Troy's impact on this search, but what do you expect
this offseason for the Dolphins?
Speaker 15 (27:12):
Yeah, Judy, I'm told adding Troy Aikman as a consultant
for this GM search has been going on for weeks,
and it's gonna happen because the Dolphins are going full
speed ahead with this GM search Monday. I'm told they're
going to be aggressive, they're going to be busy, and
they're going to be active, and so they're finalizing that
support team. Troy Aikman will be on that team. I'm
also told Dan Marino will also be a part of
these interviews as well. So you've got two Hall of
(27:34):
Fame quarterbacks that are part of this deal. And also
Brandon Shore, who's currently a VP of Business Administration for
the team. He's expected to be the quarterback of this
search going forward. The thought is he's likely to stay
with the organization in a key role not too dissimilar
to what the Rams have with Kevin Demoff, and so
they're looking for guys in the GM role who have
(27:55):
really strong scouting backgrounds to handle that role while Brandon
short handers the money. And so they're already prepping for
this process going forward. Of course, the GM will make
a huge decision on whether Mike McDaniel stays, whether to
a Tungo Bailois stays, I'm told that interim GM Champ
Kelly will interview for this job, but they're going to
have a wide range of different candidates from outside of
(28:18):
the building. A part of the reason they wanted Aikman
is a guy who's used to seeing winning as a player.
As a broadcaster, they think he can bring an outside
perspective for a team that really has been doing largely
the same thing for at least the last decade. Ultimately,
this will be Owner Stephen Ross's decision. He is not
afraid to spend resources and he's willing to do it
within this search. And so as we talk about the GM,
(28:40):
Aikman is there for the GM, not necessarily for the
head coach decision. I know you mentioned that broadcast there.
This is a GM only decision. As far as McDaniel,
I'm told that this is still a little uncertain. Ross
makes the final decision there. I'm told he really likes
Mike McDaniel. He's looking for reasons to keep him rather
than get rid of him. But at this stage still
too early to make that final decision. McDaniel has to
(29:02):
wear some of the TUA fallout on his own, but
he certainly got to prove that he can reidentify himself
on a team that is moving forward outside of Tua.
And finally, on Tua, they did not make the decision
to bench him lightly. They did it with the expectation
that they're going to find their franchise quarterback outside of
Tua going forward. He's got a big guarantee money and
so they're going to look into options on potentially trading him,
(29:25):
cutting down some of that money by eating it, but
ultimately he could still be on the roster next year
they will bring in another.
Speaker 5 (29:32):
Quarterback to potentially compete or start for that role.
Speaker 15 (29:34):
So huge busy all season for the Dolphins ahead, and
it's going to start very quickly on Monday with a
bunch of interviews.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
Welcome back to the Insiders, presented by Progressive Insurance. Here
are your NFC South standings. The Falcons are out of it,
but they can mess it up for the Buccaneers if
they win. There is no chance for the Buccaneers to
win the division. Falcons facing the Saints on Sunday. Here
is the whole scenario, so we'll know who the NFC
South winner is on Saturday. If the Panthers win We'll
(30:06):
have to wait till Sunday if the Buccaneers win. Buccaneers
ain't going to root for the Saints who beat them
a couple of weeks ago. So many dropped games along
the way that they could have won in seven in
their last eight Baldy and Mark Ross, And how do
we get to this point? I mean, how many times
could they have possibly won a game that could have
made this a whole lot easier. So let's break down
this matchup, which was a close game a couple of
weeks ago at miscommunication between Baker and Mike Evans resulted
(30:29):
in an interception at the end of the game that
sealed it for Carolina. We're expecting Tampa to run the
ball again. They always do against Carolina. So Baldy, take
us through this matchup.
Speaker 11 (30:38):
Here, Well, just fight that lost two weeks ago twenty
three to twenty and it did end in late and
ramso interception. And despite the fact that the Bucks have
lost seven of the last eight games, I still like
the Bucks in this matchup. But Tristan Worth, the Pro
Bowl left tackle, will be back in the line. He
makes a difference. I just think that the Bucks are
as healthy offensively as they have been, including Mike is
(31:00):
In Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Like, I still think they've
got another good game left in them, especially when it
comes down to one game, and I think the Bucks
and Baker can still do if that's the interception right
there that finished that game two weeks ago. But yeah,
despite the losses defensively, they're a mess. Offensively, they're going
to have to probably put up twenty four to thirty
(31:21):
points and they're capable of doing it.
Speaker 9 (31:22):
They don't do it, you know, they haven't done it.
But with the division on the line and a home game.
Speaker 11 (31:28):
Right here, I'm going to take the Bucks here, Mark,
in order to win the division, win this game.
Speaker 12 (31:34):
Yeah, buddy, When I look at this game, and it's
not about who I trust more, it's who I don't
trust the least, if that makes any sense of at
least Carolina has shown flashes of winning one and losing one,
whereas there seems to be something broken with Tampa Bay,
you know, since the bye week, and I don't know
what it is, but it seems to be something broken.
And at least Carolina has shown a formula path in
(31:56):
their victories, and that is what we go down the
all hell, can we get him back and get him
a ton of carries? I know, since Chuba Hubbard came back,
it seemed like they forgot about Rico Daldell. And then
you have a tech McMillan who's a playmaker. The defense
has shown flashes of being competitive in games, even last
week against Seattle at half just three points.
Speaker 5 (32:13):
But really it all comes down to Bryce Young. This
is why they took him number one.
Speaker 12 (32:17):
And you know, outside of that one game of Atlanta
where he threw for four hundred and forty eight yards,
like okay, Bryce is finally there. You know, he really
hasn't put together good games and last week he only
had fifty four yards total. So Bryce, hey, lead on
Rico Dowdell. That defense can step up like they've done
and showed flashes of doing. But Bryce, this is really
your game to say I'm the guy. I'm the person
(32:38):
that can get it done. But either way, if whoever wins, Mike,
I'm not sure they're going to make much waves in
the playoffs.
Speaker 1 (32:46):
Some important injuries here, Jamel Dean out for the Buccaneers.
The cornerback Baker Mayfield had a right shoulder injury this
time of the injury report, but full the last two days.
No game status for him. Colijah Cansei their defensive tackles
trying to make his way back. He was full, listed
as questionable. On the other side, Rob Hunt, the guard
for the Panthers, a big one, has been down since
(33:06):
tearing his peck early in the season. He's listed as questionable.
Was limited today. You talked about ric o'dowdell. He is full,
no game status, good to go. All right, So all
that injury stuff out of the way. Now, let's go
to the other game here, Baldy, Let's take a look
at Falcons Saints. What do you see in this one?
Two teams playing well late here?
Speaker 11 (33:23):
Yeah, well, the Falcons have really put together, you know,
a good streak here one three in a row, of course,
a big win against the Rams, and Vijeon went wild,
which he's capable of doing just about any single week.
But they are going to see the Saints who have
won four in a row. And I've just been watching this.
Tyler Shuck improved every single week. They won four in
a row, and he's gotten better every single week. And
(33:43):
chrysl Lobby right there has been the benefactor of Tyler
Shuck getting rid of the ball, making good decisions right here.
Speaker 9 (33:50):
Now, I think this is going to be a really
good game.
Speaker 11 (33:52):
Regardless of the outcome and who wins, I think it's
going to be a very good game because I think
Tyler Shuck is the future for the Saints.
Speaker 9 (34:00):
They want to find out right here. This would be
a good test for him to take on a hot
Falcon team.
Speaker 11 (34:05):
The Falcons, who really did a good job against Matt
Stafford last week, probably thinks with that improved pass rush
that they have that maybe they can shake up Tyler Shuck.
Nobody's been able to do it over the last month.
So I'm looking forward to this and just if the
Falcons are going to get a win and get a
three way tie in the NFC South, they're gonna have
to deal with Shuck here in this game.
Speaker 1 (34:26):
Before we go. You know, you put on your best
for New Year's Eve and then New Year's Day usually
Today I did Good Morning Football in a giveaway NFL
plus Hoodie Mark's got the NFL Network giveaway. Well he
got there, baldy Valor velvet. What do you got with
that jacket there?
Speaker 9 (34:40):
It's a little bit of all that and in what
it is, it's just it's it's what the fans want
right now, Mike.
Speaker 11 (34:45):
They saw the jacket last night, they knew that it popped,
and they said, can you put it on one more time?
Speaker 9 (34:51):
And so I said, I just dusted it off the
last night. Didn't make a mess last night. It was
pretty clean evening.
Speaker 11 (34:55):
And here we are just showed it off one more time,
kicking off twenty twenty in style here money.
Speaker 1 (35:02):
Yeah, certain demographic of our fan baseball, if you know
what I'm talking about. We hear from the ladies regularly.
They wanted to say it. Appreciate you guys. Can hear
that howling, it's time.
Speaker 7 (35:10):
For the wolf Man. Great job by Baldy just having
the guts to show all of us that he's wearing
the same clothes that he was wearing yesterday. That was
a lot of NFC stuff right there. Here's the AFC
playoff picture. Still a lot to be decided. A lot
of big time teams gonna be deciding a lot in
the playoffs, and a lot of big time teams are
coached by excellent head coach candidates. As we start this
(35:34):
week's edition of The Wolf of Ballstreet with our good
friend cam Wolf. Okay, Kim, So, why don't you give
me some of the top head coach candidates in the
AFC break it down for me.
Speaker 5 (35:48):
First name to.
Speaker 15 (35:48):
Watch Anthony Campanelli, the Jaguars defensive coordinator. A guy who
leads with family, mentality and belief look, high octane energy
and passion.
Speaker 5 (35:58):
You hear him before you see it.
Speaker 15 (36:00):
The whole Campanelli family started as South Jersey high school
football coaches, and he coaches that way and spending a
lot of time around the Jags.
Speaker 5 (36:07):
They take the identity of their defensive coordinator.
Speaker 15 (36:09):
It's fiery, they're honest, they're accountable, and players love Campanelli's
one liner, including one of his favorites. God loves people
who run to the football. He tells guys that all
the time. And he's played a huge role in Devin
Lloyd's development. Having a career year, Lloyd told me I
felt at home when I got with Campanelly. He helped
unlock me. He unlocked goals of mine in the style
(36:30):
of play I envisioned for myself. Camp scheme is adjustable
and one interesting element. The Jags clinched the AFC South
with the win over the Titans, who need a head coach. Campanelly,
I'm told we'll have some interest in that job, and
vice versa, so maybe he doesn't leave the AFC South. Second,
let's go to Denver, where Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
(36:51):
is leading back to back top five defenses. One of
the biggest advocates he has is Sean Payton, the Broncos
head coach, who is told important people around the league
Vance is going to be a head coach again, and
a really good one. He has told people that Vance
is ready for an opportunity. He had just one year
in Denver some years ago without a quarterback with off
(37:12):
the full control. He's learned from that. He believes he's
ready for the opportunity, and he also has an eye
for talent. Zach Allen was a guy he brought over
from Arizona to Denver. Has become one of the best
defensive liignment in football. And Allen told me that, look,
this is a guy who is a great teacher, and
each year I made a jump under VJ. They are
just one win away from the number one seed, and
(37:34):
their defense, led by Joseph, is the big reason why.
Speaker 5 (37:37):
And finally, let's go to New England.
Speaker 15 (37:39):
Who is trying to get that one seed to Thomas
Brown is a huge factor. You may not know in
Drake May's year two breakout season. He and Josh McDaniel
have collaborated on a lot of this offense, I'm told,
including some of the pre snap motion that Brown learned
from Sean McVay, some of the tight end breakout usage
from Hunter Henry.
Speaker 5 (37:57):
The common theme of all.
Speaker 15 (37:58):
These guys, and particularly Brown is leadership and one example
was he was the interim head coach with Chicago Bears.
Caleb Williams and him used to curse each other out
all through the background. Caleb Williams was one of his
biggest advocates when it went about the interview process.
Speaker 5 (38:12):
Brown interviewed well there, he interviewed.
Speaker 15 (38:14):
Well in New England, and he's going to be a
guy that gets a bunch of interviews going forward, viewed
as a future head coach, and he's got a lot
of insight coming from the NG Bay Tree also now
learning unavailable and he's ready to run his own shit.
Speaker 7 (38:28):
Excellent stuff cam and cannot believe it's about to be
that time where the head coach candidates are going to
take center stage along with the playoff teams, which I
know you will be all over. Great addition of Wolf
Football Street as always surprises, there cam good stuff. We
will talk to you soon. We are going to talk
about the Eagles and Commanders pretty soon. Our good friend
(38:50):
Brian Baldinger gonna be at that game in one of
the teams involved in that. So this happened last week. Anyway,
a lot to get into with our good friend coming up.
Speaker 6 (39:12):
Welcome back to the Insiders. It is time for good
coverage presented by Progressive Insurance. The Eagles have allowed thirteen
passing touchdowns in twenty twenty five, the fewest in the NFL.
They haven't allowed a touchdown pass in three straight games.
That's the longest streak by the Eagles since twenty twenty.
We are going to be watching the Eagles closely this
weekend because there are playoff scenarios that impact the Eagles
(39:37):
that they can impact their as your NFC playoff picture.
You see the Eagles right now in the three seed.
They don't necessarily have to stay at the three seed.
They are playing the Commanders this weekend. Let's bring Baldy
back in to talk about this game, all right, they
do have stuff on the line for the Eagles, But
Nick Sirianni is a believer in resting players. It has
(39:58):
worked really well for the Eagles in the past. They
are going to rest a lot of their key starters
this weekend. What can they still get out of this game,
even though their frontline players are not all going to
be in their baldy Well.
Speaker 11 (40:12):
Just simply Judy and Eagles win on Sunday and Chicago
Bear lost to Detroit, They're going to be the number
two seed. And so regardless of whether they're the two
or the three seed, if Chicago wins, they're going to
get a home playoff game against Green Bay, the Rams,
or San Francisco.
Speaker 9 (40:27):
But if you even go back, they valued the rest duty.
They rested their starters last year.
Speaker 11 (40:31):
If you remember, sa Kwon Barkley had a chance to
go for the rushing record, breaking Eric Dickerson's record in
the last week and they sat them. They sat Jalen
Hurts and you know, Tanner McKee was in there through
four touchdown passes. Last year looked really good. They won
the game, and then with that rest they went on
a tear in the postseason. They went four and oh
in the postseason won the Super Bowl, So they have
(40:52):
good history on their side of resting starters in that
final week of the season that led to some nice
wins in the postseason.
Speaker 1 (41:03):
Welcome back to bea Setters presented by a Progressive Insurance.
It's incentive seizing me, meaning these guys have incentives in
their contract. Von Miller that five hundred thousand's gonna hit
big for a guy that's made I don't know, like
two hundred million in his career, but you know what,
you gotta feed the chickens at the far So that's
a big part of what he wants to do. Sam
Darnold needs one hundred and fifty pass yards. I'm sure
(41:24):
he'll get that in the game that matters here. And
Rico o'dowdell seven scrimmage yards should be able to get
that done as well. What kind of incentives do Judy
and Battista and Ian Rappaport have left a hit that's
the real question.
Speaker 7 (41:38):
They really should have that for us, right where like
a certain number of scoops, as you get you know,
you just get the cash reddis do people still use cashreddisters?
That just starts to go count me in on that
we hit the over.
Speaker 1 (41:50):
Yeah, we'll work that in the chase. How about that
hit the over.
Hosts And Creators
Judy Battista
Tom Pelissero
Ian Rapaport
Mike Garafolo
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