NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, and Judy Battista tackle the biggest stories from around the NFL including Justin Herbert’s questionable status for week 3 with an ankle injury and Jordan Love’s possible return after three straight days of practice. The insiders also react to the Jets win over Patriots on TNF and talk to Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith and Falcons owner Arthur Blank. To wrap the show, Adam Rank reveals his week three “Cause for Concerns” fantasy players.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Three days of practice, three days of Jordan Love on
the field in Green Bay, and I swear he was
doing more than this. Will he also be out on
the field Sunday in Tennessee. Hear what Matt Lafleur had
to say today about his QB's status. The Packers old
quarterback kicked off Week three in style on Thursday night.
Now can Aaron Rodgers do it like? I don't know?
(00:29):
Eighteen nineteen more times? Will break down a big wi
N for the j e TS Jets. Plus is your
fantasy season already slipping away? Does zero in two feel
like the end? Well, Adam Rank's gonna be here to
make you feel even worse, or you know, at least
try to help you avoid staying in a bad relationship
for too long. Thanks for not leaving us. Welcome inside
(00:53):
with the Insiders alongside Judy Battista and Ian Rappaport. I
am Tom pelisserro. We are two days away from Week
three in bulk across the NFL, and we have a
ton of big names on the injury report this week.
Let's start with the guy whose name acts came off
the injury report today. That is Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson,
(01:17):
who suffered the quad contusion on this play right here.
He admitted he wasn't supposed to be blocking on the play.
He said, I'm just gonna have to remember, hey, sometimes
don't get involved with things that aren't your job. That's
good advice from Jefferson. But he's good to go. We'll
find out how effective he is on Sunday against the Texans.
Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb also off the injury report.
(01:38):
He was dealing with an ankle. It's minor. He is
good to go against the Ravens. Not as good as
new as for some others, including Texans running back Joe Mixon. Doubtful.
Dammian Pierce's out could be a lot of cam Akers
on Sunday against Minnesota, where he moster George Kittle also doubtful.
Keenan Allen aj Brown already listed as out. So what
about Chargers quarterback just In Herbert. That one is still
(02:01):
up in the air. Officially listed as questionable. Reporters on
the scene today said he had a ton of tape
on that ankle. He was working off to the side
when the team began team drills. Herbert shed a little
bit more light on exactly what he's dealing with.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Thankfully, it's only Friday. You know, I think that's something
that we'll continue to do and you know, do everything
I can on and off the field to make sure
that you know, I'd be available. And it's not great,
you know, it's it is what it is, and it's
it's all about getting treatment and going in there and
making sure that it's at its best and doing everything
I can to you know, limit the swelling, limit the pain,
and just keep things moving forward.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
All right. So this is one of those classic it's
week three, it's your franchise quarterback ian And if you're
Jim Harbaugh, who either way has predominantly run the ball,
not really thrown it a whole lot with Herbert, do
you expose him this week with minimal practice time? Do
you hold him back? It's an interesting conundrum because just
by the sheer amount of tape on that ankle, what
(03:00):
seems like he's dealing with a lot here.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
First of all, it does seem like justin Herbert is
pushing to play and wants to play and is trying
to play like crazy. All of the tape in the
entire world was on his ankle at practice, he looked
like he was barely moving. Didn't participate today, was limited yesterday.
Doesn't seem like it's trending in a great direction for
Justin Herbert to be out there.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
That said, he is one of the tougher players in
the NFL.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
He's played through a lot of things that he probably
should not have played through, so you know he wants
to be out there. I think the question, really, Tom
is more of a coaching decision rather than a medical decision.
Do you want Justin Herbert out there at far less
than one hundred percent in Week three, knowing there's a
division opponent next week, knowing he's probably not going to
be as effective as he is. This is someone who
(03:45):
really does excel at being mobile, one of the faster
straight line quarterbacks. He's not going to be anything close
to that on Sunday. Still officially, no word on his status.
In other words, we don't know for sure whether he's
in or out. I'm just saying it seems extreemly up
in the air from where I stand.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
There are some similarities structurally here too, in terms of
the way the things set up for Justin Herbert and
the charges that you mentioned and the way they set
up for the Packers and Jordan Love. Because week four
they've got a big game against the Vikings team that
currently is too to o. But this Sunday they've got
the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. And Jordan Love was out
on the field this week all three days. On Thursday,
(04:24):
he was in pads. This is earlier today. Here you
can see him moving. He's dealing with an MCL spring
that he suffered just two weeks ago tonight in Brazil, Malaflour,
you want to break your normal protocol and shed a
little bit of light on what's going on here.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
We're working through that. We're working through it. I think
there's there's definitely a lot that's up to him. I mean,
you don't want to put somebody in that position, but
certainly he's doing everything in his power. He wants to
be out there more than anybody. So but you know,
we'll work through it. We'll give it up till game
(05:00):
time and we'll see where we're at.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
You catch all that he's not telling you anything here.
He's got a quarterback, Judy, who is dealing with a
fairly significant knee injury. But it certainly seems like we're
tracking for Jordan Love to have a chance to play
on Sunday. If Jordan Love is willing and ready to
give it a go, I feel like.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
The same thing justin I feel like we need the
risk reward chart drawn up, like what is the risk here?
Will he be able to protect himself? How well is
he going to be able to function? I mean, what
percentage are we getting here of Love if he plays?
And the reward what can he give you? And as
you pointed out, I mean the schedule. There are schedule
(05:42):
considerations coming up. This strikes me as it's going to
have to be a decision. Obviously Jordan Love is pushing
to play, but it's going to have to be a
coach's decision about sort of the big picture, what is
best for the player and what's best for the team.
It is a long season. This is an injury that
was initially diagnosed as three to six weeks. On Sunday,
(06:03):
it will be two weeks and a few days, So
it would be an incredibly rapid recovery. He clearly would
not be fully one hundred percent. Even if he can play,
you would assume that there would be a run heavy
offense anyway, they've been running the ball well. Of course,
they ran it really well with Malik Willis last week.
To me, this is the coaches are going to have
to sit there and figure out is it really worth
(06:25):
it to push your franchise quarterback out there at something
less than one hundred percent, maybe considerably less than one
hundred percent in week three when you've got a long
season and big aspirations ahead.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Medical clear and is certainly the first step, depending which
part of Matt Lafleur's answer and head movements she believed
in there, and then it will come down to those conversations.
Ken Jordan Love, does you feel like he could protect
himself and avoid anything else? His predecessor, by the way,
kicked off Week three in a pretty good way for
the New York Jets last night, Aaron Rodgers becoming the
(06:59):
first Jets quarterback to beat the Patriots in prime time
since Brett Farv in two thousand and eight. We just
combined thirty plus years of Packers quarterbacks into one a block.
They said it couldn't be done, but here we are, Judy.
You watch this Jets team come out in granted the
Patriots are out maanned Week one the beat the Bengals,
but that was a Bengals team that was kind of
(07:19):
in disarray. Here, the Patriots are going through some things.
They're trying to get themselves set up. More on them
in a second. But for the Jets just to come
out and look so competent offensively at Rogers to play
and throw the football the way that he did, it's
hard not to be encouraged, well about what potentially they
can do here.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
Well, this looked a lot like what they dreamed of
when they got Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
And it's not all the way there yet.
Speaker 5 (07:43):
He and Garrett Wilson are still maybe the second off
of their coordination. But he was moving really well, and
not just like moving like sliding away from pressure, I
mean actually moving, scrambling, throwing on the run. His accuracy
was great, his arm has been right all along. But
there were just some plays where you were like, whoa,
(08:04):
that was vintage Aaron Rodgers. Even he said it last night,
like he was doing something that he used to do
as a younger, as a younger player, which is all
that the Jets could have hoped for. I thought, what
was really impressive about the Jets aside from Aaron Rodgers
is how balanced they were. Yes, the Patriots were outmanned.
Their offensive line is a liability, but the Jets pass
(08:26):
rush looked really good. And on offense, they are running
the ball really well. They were spreading the ball around.
They rediscovered the tight ends on the roster. So this
is certainly an offense that is on its way to
being what they dreamed of when they got Aaron Rodgers.
You've seen them sort of take steps each game so far.
(08:48):
This was only week three. Again, I think he's a
tick off with Garrett Wilson. There were a few throws
that just barely missed Garrett Wilson. And when those two
get it together, watch out.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
I was thinking this lastlast night too, so as part
of the Aaron Rodgers trade, Remember the Jets went down
two spots in the first round. Offensive tackle was their
biggest need. They missed out on those guys. Joe Douglas
takes Will McDonald instead. At I believe it was number
fifteen and it was Will McDonald, the guy was most
famous for jumping over cars, who was a difference maker
in that game for the Jets. On the Patriots side,
(09:21):
we showed you the numbers, It was pretty bad last
night in the first half forty total yards. It somehow
felt like less in the second half. With the game
really not in doubt. We got our first NFL taste
in a regular season game of the number three overall
pick Drake May four of a passing for twenty two yards,
took a couple of sacks. Not sure that that was
a particularly memorable debut here. Does it mean though, that
(09:44):
with the future could soon be the present in New England?
Speaker 6 (09:47):
Drod Mail Jacoby is our quarterback until I say he's
not the quarterback I thought last night he showed a
lot of toughness, a lot of grid, you know, on
protection breakdowns, try to do what we asked him to do.
But I would say just as a team, as a
coaching staff, we just got to be better.
Speaker 7 (10:05):
All right.
Speaker 6 (10:05):
Now, it's still status quo, and kind of said earlier,
Jacob is still our starting quarterback and we just got
to be ready to support him. Eleven guys out there
in the offense, so it's everyone.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
So the question now, ian that's going to fill the
airwaves in Boston for however long it takes. Is Okay?
At what point is Drod Mail going to say Jacoby
Brissette is not the quarterback and it is officially Drake
May's team.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Last night it featured so many offensive line problems for
the New England Patriots, you really wonder if that in
itself is kind of holding them back. And what the
Patriots have done, really, what they valued and prioritized over
the course of the best couple months, is they try
to get Drake May ready to step on the field,
ready to have success. They want to make sure that
he is in a position to thrive, right, And I
(10:54):
think what they have done is they've given him more
reps in practice, about thirty percent of the reps in practice.
They put him in live rep against the New York
Jets to just try to give him a little taste
of it. It is all bit about inch by inch
making sure that the future is as secured as possible.
Is right now, the moment where they're gonna say, all right,
we're just gonna turn all over to Drake May didn't
(11:15):
sound that way, just simply based on the comments of
Alex empeld and Gerrod Mayo. But what is very evident here,
Tom is that it is coming. Whether it's next week,
whether it's the week after, whether it's the middle of
the season, it is clearly coming in the Patriots rather
than put him out there, they've really tried to ease
him in. You just hope at the end of all
(11:35):
this that it is all absolutely worth it. No one's
going to care that he came in and got hit
a couple of times against the Jets. But was that
valuable to his development? The Patriots obviously hope yes, and
pretty clear we will at some point fairly soon, see
Drake May.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
QB questions abound, and it's only in week three. No
QB question yet. In Pittsburgh another week at justin fields
because Russell Wilson is not yet ready to the starting
quarterback court to Mike Tomlin, who of course considers participation
the guide, what effect is that having on the Steelers'
locker room? How about we talked to a guy who's
(12:10):
in that locker room. Alex high Smith joins us to
talk about Russell Wilson, justin fields and a whole lot more.
How about that defense too, It's next on the Insiders.
That's Steelers defense leading the way so far. Or bo
Nick's back there, give him a little bit of time no,
not against this pass rush, not against guys like Alex
(12:32):
high Smith. Two tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback
hits in that game against the Broncos. All is part
of why we had a little victory Monday out there
in Pittsburgh for the second consecutive week. That's how I
feel too if I have a day off though this
time of year, not a lot of days off, because
Alex high Smith doesn't have a lot of days off either.
(12:53):
In fact, he's joined us right now on and off
day on and on day yet practice earlier today, Tom
Pelliserian rapport here on the Insiders Alex two and oh
you got two road winds. How we feeling out there
right now?
Speaker 8 (13:05):
It's Steelers HQ feeling great.
Speaker 9 (13:07):
Thanks for having me on. But I think it's we
got We got a big game coming up this week
at home. It gets a charge of there too, and
oh as well. But you know, just being able to
start the year off two and oh it get too
bro victories is huge. So we just got to continue
to build on that, get better every week. But to
do that was definitely the way we want to start
the season.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
If you look at the way you guys are constructing.
There's a lot been going on with the Steelers. We
all have talked a lot about the quarterback position a lot,
as we tend to do. So much of what it
seems has happened at the quarterback position, though, has been
about making sure that who's ever's in there justin fields. Obviously,
the first two has been let the defense have a
(13:46):
chance to thrive, make sure the defense is in position
to win this game. When you talk about the identity
of this team, what is what does that feel like
for you to have the unit where it's like, all right,
we got to make sure those guys are the ones.
Speaker 9 (13:57):
Who can eat Yeah. I mean, I think roll just
as a unit. We had first good a couple of
games as a defense and doing a good job of
getting off the field early. And I think the office
did a good job of just producing long drives for
us and being able to give us wrestle on the sideline.
So it's just going to be we just got to
continue to get better overall as a unit. But I'll
(14:20):
just love bong with these guys. And we've got a
lot of playmakers on our defense and our team in general,
and so I think just getting better week by week
is the goal, and so it starts this week with
the Chargers coming in town.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
Ian said, we talked a lot about the quarterback, so
I'm gonna go ahead and talk about the quarterbacks here, Alex.
You guys have had a lot of stuff happening over
the last let's call it calendar year. Here. You start
several different guys. Last year, you found ways to win games.
Then all of a sudden, everyone who was in that
room is out. You got Russell Wilson, Justin Fields coming in.
We all assume Wilson's the starter, but wasn't confirmed until
(14:54):
the end of camp, and then he pops the calf
Justin's been in. How much of it all does that
affect the lock room, particularly because it remains an open
question about who's going to be starting once Russ is
one hundred percent rate a role.
Speaker 9 (15:05):
Yeah, I mean, I think both of those those guys
are great quarterbacks. And that's the thing that is awesome
that Russell and Justin are both high quality starting quarterbacks,
and so we know whoever's in it is going to.
Speaker 8 (15:17):
Come in and produce for us.
Speaker 9 (15:19):
And so I think Justin said a good first two
games so far, and just seeing the way that he's
been able to leave the offense and seeing guys rilly
around him has been so cool, and so it's been
awesome too. You know, Russell hasn't been playing, he's still
been on the sideline helping the guys and just doing
whatever he can to help guys on the sideline. So
it's just exciting to seeing those just during camp too,
(15:40):
seeing those two guys compete get better every single day,
it was just.
Speaker 8 (15:43):
So cool, and that's why they just drive each other
to get better every day.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
You know, you mentioned the playmakers on defense, you got
you got a lot of them. You got a pretty
good one opposite you in TJ. Watt obviously play next
to Cam Hayward, you mink of is a lot of
big time big names and some young guys too, big
names on the Steelers defense. You are also very very
good at what you do. You're one of the playmakers too.
But we're not going to ask you about yourself. What
(16:09):
do you take from some of those other guys, whether
it's like practice habits or techniques, or like how much
are you learning from some of the other big time
guys on your defense.
Speaker 8 (16:20):
Yes, it's just been awesome.
Speaker 9 (16:21):
Just like you said, having so many playmakers on this defense,
and when I came in, having guys like TJ and
Cam and Bud when he was here and make it
as well. Just having all those guys, all those different
leaders at so many different positions was huge for me
coming in as a rookie.
Speaker 8 (16:38):
So I just really wanted to be like a sponge.
Speaker 9 (16:40):
It just there's always much information as I could, and
so just watching what those guys do on a daily
basis and trying to do.
Speaker 8 (16:48):
Some of the same things that they do when it comes.
Speaker 9 (16:49):
To recovery and get my body right before the game
has really helped me so far in my career.
Speaker 8 (16:55):
Is so but I'm always wanted continue to learn no
matter what year I'm in.
Speaker 9 (16:58):
Even though I feel like I'm more of a leadership
role out going near five, I know I can always
learn and always get better from those guys.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Everybody always says on defense it starts with stopping the run.
This is one of those weeks where literally it probably
all starts with stopping the run. Tell me about this
Chargers offense that you see on tape right now.
Speaker 9 (17:16):
Yeah, they've been looking good so far and they're a
good team coming in here. Like I said, there two
or two and another, so it's going to be it's
gonna be a physical battle. And just knowing that their
coordinator us to be in Baltimore as well, and having
guys like JK and Gus Edwards and some other guys
in there as well, it just shows what style of football.
Speaker 8 (17:36):
They want to play.
Speaker 9 (17:36):
So we know that we got to be physical from
the jump because their physical team as well. So we
know we've got to set the tone and stop the
run UH to be successful in this game.
Speaker 8 (17:45):
And so they're coming to our place, and so.
Speaker 9 (17:47):
We've got to start start fast ultimately, and we know
that if we start fast as a UNI, we have
good days.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
So we all as a football watching public and the
football covering public learn something this week. Petty game ball.
I don't think that's the term that I have heard before.
Can we listen to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin explain what
a petty game ball is so you can then come
back and tell us what it really is.
Speaker 10 (18:15):
But is this certain things as a leader that I
talked to the collective about that I have zero intentions
of sharing with the larger public because it's about our
collective and how we come together and how we appreciate
and support one another. And you know, I can't give
you all the ingredients to the hot dog.
Speaker 7 (18:31):
You might not like it.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
Okay, One, that's kind of mean. Hot dogs are great sausage.
Two same characteristics but also very good to Tomlin didn't
help us.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
Can you explain what this is?
Speaker 9 (18:46):
I mean, I think he he's what he's saying is
just you know, keeping a lot of things that you know,
within our collective is something that he really likes to do.
And I think that's another funny coach Tom Win quote.
I think he's got so many tom and stuff like that.
But it just just shows the testament just how how
dedicated he is to our team and our collective and
(19:10):
just you know, that's that's just how I feel about it.
Speaker 8 (19:13):
I'm not fully aware of it, but.
Speaker 9 (19:15):
You know it's that quote kind of sums it up
right there, and so it's just it's just when I
first saw that, it was just kind of fun to be.
But it just shows how sacred this locker room is
to him and this team and just keeping us gel
together as a unit.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
So last thing for you, Alex, I always like guys
with unique stories in terms of how they kind of
fought their way to this level. You went to u
NC Charlotte as a walk on, you red shirted your
first year, You work your way up, even after you know,
having a huge SAX season a couple of years ago,
even after getting the big contract, you're playing every Sunday
(19:53):
for the Pittsburgh Stewers. How much is that guy still
in there and impacting you in terms of the guy
who absolutely was not given anything along the way and
has had to fight for every inch of his career
so far.
Speaker 9 (20:06):
Yeah, it's it's still that same guy still in here,
and that's the mentality.
Speaker 8 (20:10):
I just want to care with me throughout my whole career.
Speaker 9 (20:13):
And Uh, just like you said, coming in as a
walk on, people ask me, you know, would you have
wanted any other way? I'm like, nah, because that's ultimately, Uh,
the journey that I've had has made me into the
play that I am today, and so I'm thankful the
guy has placed me on this path that I've been
been placed on.
Speaker 8 (20:31):
And ultimately, I.
Speaker 9 (20:33):
Just want to be known as a guy who just
gives us all every single game and just continue to
keep that walk on mentality. That's what I like to say,
because I feel like that's what's what's got me, uh
to where I am today, and just continue to get
better and never get complacent or comfortable, because that's the
last thing you want to do, especially in this business.
Speaker 8 (20:51):
And so uh yeah, this that that that story.
Speaker 9 (20:55):
I'm just being a walk on and definitely stuck with
me and it'll always differently.
Speaker 8 (21:00):
A whole career.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
Well, Sean Payton there day called you a pain in
the rear, so I'd say you're doing a good job
continuing to fight here and continuing to have that same mentality.
Best luck this week, Alex, best of luck the rest
of the way.
Speaker 7 (21:12):
Man.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
We really appreciate you being.
Speaker 8 (21:13):
Here, Yes, sir, appreciate you. Guys. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (21:16):
Caleb Williams and the Bears haven't generated a whole lot
of offense so far this season. The Colts haven't been
able to stop anybody. Something's got to give. Sunday in Indianapolis.
Is this Caleb's breakout game? Our Stacy Dales will be
here to help us break it down and next on
the Insiders.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
Caleb Williams is fighting through some things right now. Rookie
hasn't thrown a touchdown pass. Yet it's been a little
bit of a rocky start. He's going to be without
Keenan Allen this week. It looks like Roma Dunza is
going to play, though. Let's hear what Matt Eberflus had
to say about his quarterback. Oh, we're going to bring
in Stacy Dall's forget about Matt Eberflues. We've got Stacey Dales. Stacy. Look,
(21:55):
this has been clot of kind of a rough start there,
one in one. What did they have to do though
to get this offense on track?
Speaker 11 (22:03):
Finally, Well, Judy, they got to score points and be
more efficient. By the way, I loved all the sooner
love Jerald McCoy, Baker Mayfield, Caleb Williams once a Sooner
and I'm a Sooner, so Boomer Sooner.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
They got a score point, JB.
Speaker 11 (22:17):
And they've got to do it and rectify the problems
this week against the Colts, who are zero to two.
This is kind of a gut check week for the
Colts because of how badly they lost to the Packers.
They gave up what two hundred and sixty one rush
yards against the Packers. But the Chicago Bears have shown
us throughout the course of the season. They want to
throw the football. Unfortunately, Caleb Williams had a fifty one
(22:38):
passer rating guess what it was though against the Blitz
he had a five passer rating four point nine. He
was sacked five times, two turnovers, and they still want.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
A chance to win. They lost by six.
Speaker 11 (22:49):
I believe it was to the Houston Texans, so they
take some things away that they liked. But he's got
to deal with the pressure better. If you look at
Gus Bradley and his Colts defense Judy, they pressure out
of in terms of the Blitz at a thirty four
percent clip that is currently the fourth highest rate in
the NFL. So there's going to be more pressure this week.
I ask both Matt Eberflus and Caleb Williams and how
(23:10):
they can better deal with the pressure. Of course, Flues
talked about fundamentals. He said, winning habits win football games,
and so they're getting back to fundamentals. But it is
also communication at the line of scrimmage.
Speaker 9 (23:22):
It was not good.
Speaker 11 (23:22):
Caleb Williams essentially said that this week it wasn't good
between he and the offensive line. The cadence was off
at times when I specifically asked about dealing with pressures.
The center's got to identify and of course the quarterback
has to work in conjunction with the center, but that
communication has to get cleaned up, especially when you're dealing
with twists and different games, as they say, with defensive lines.
(23:47):
DeForest Buckner good news for the Bears.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
He's out.
Speaker 11 (23:50):
Obviously Law two is questionable. Leat two law to in
this game, and we may see him because he practiced
for the first time this week, but the Bears certainly
want to rectify things offensively.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
The other good news for the Bears, frankly, is that
they're one and one while they're figuring things out. Stacy
Dale's thank you. And when we return, we're going to
talk about another one in one team. They look like
they had figured it out by last week. There's Kirk Cousins,
and we're going to talk about the Atlanta Falcons with
someone who knows them and loves them a whole lot,
(24:20):
Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
It's going to be a special weekend in Atlanta, not
just because they're coming off a big win, not just
because National TV Sunday Night Football with the defending Super
Bowl champion Chiefs in town. Also because Arthur Blank and
former quarterback NFL MVP Matt Ryan both going into the
team's ring of honor. Blank joined ours Steve White earlier today.
Speaker 12 (24:45):
All Right, so glad to be here with Arthur Blank,
the CEO and owner of the Atlanta Falcons. At Arthur,
I know we have some important business to get to,
but what can you tell me about that comeback, last
minute victory you guys had in Philadelphia the other night.
Speaker 7 (24:59):
Well, it was one of the most exciting one minute,
thirty nine seconds that I've had my twenty two years
as an owner. So I couldn't be more excited about
the result, couldn't be more excited about seeing Kirk and
the whole offensive teams we performed the way that they did.
But you know, our defense has played exceptionally well. The
(25:21):
first two games allowed two touchdowns and two games and
I think there are only three other teams the NFL
that have recorded that kind of record. So it's a great,
great victory for our team. But you know all of
our viewers know this. In the NFL, you need to
get over losses and victories quickly. We've got to move
on to the following Sunday. So we have a great
(25:42):
game coming up Sunday night. First time we've been on
Sunday Night football and probably five years now, so playing
against Kansady Chiefs when in the Super Bowl the last
two years. So we'll have to be at our best
for sure to be competitive. But team is ready, coach
is ready, and certainly our fans are ready. I love it, Arthur.
Speaker 12 (26:00):
You know, there's been a lot of big games, a
lot of primetime games in your career, but this one
is really special. And this is you know, let's get
to the big news here, because on this Sunday you
will be going into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor,
a very prestigious honor.
Speaker 7 (26:18):
How do you feel about that? I feel great about it.
But you know, Steve, you know me well personally as
well as professionally, so you know, I accept the recognition,
but it's really to recognition of our fans, to recognition
of our coaches, our players, all that have gone on
since nineteen sixty six and my ownership since two thousand
and one, and so you know, I accept it in
(26:42):
that light and I appreciate it. I'm honored to actually
go into the same season that our quarterback we drafted
in two thousand and eight, Matt Ryan. We're going into
the Ring of Honor several weeks later. So you know,
that's a huge deal to me as well. So it's great,
but it's all about the game Sunday night. I appreciate
(27:03):
the induction and I recognize how important it is, et cetera.
But you know, it would be the most important thing
is putting up another W one Sunday.
Speaker 12 (27:12):
Well, you know, I love hearing that, But I mean
I look at some of the distinguished people from this
organization or in that Ring of Honor, you know, Dion Sanders,
Michael Vick, Todd McClure, Tommy Nobs, some guys like that, Arthur,
when you're gonna.
Speaker 7 (27:25):
Be able to look Offski Gala Riggs, list goes on
and on.
Speaker 1 (27:28):
It's I mean, it's amazing.
Speaker 12 (27:30):
But when you look up there and you're going to
see your name up there with them, I mean, these
are people who are behold into a community that you love.
I mean, do you think you know it's going to
really register what you've meant to this community?
Speaker 1 (27:40):
Well?
Speaker 7 (27:40):
I think you know, Steve, your point is really a
good one, because it's not just about for myself as
a steward of the franchise. It's not just about what
we do on the field. It's also about off the field.
And I always say there's two Super Bowls every year,
one of which we compete with thirty one other teams
for the Vinceton Body Trophy. The other one we actually
have no competition for. We just have to go out
(28:01):
and do it, and that's when the super Bowl of life.
And so as an organization that success. We have a
commitment we have to the community in a variety of
ways that we demonstrate that is also very important. So
when I think of my name and the sense of
being in a ring of honor, it's in a very
holistic everything that I should represent as the stewart slash
(28:23):
owner of the Atlanta Falcons. So I try to represent
our fans every single day in the best possible way
that I can.
Speaker 12 (28:29):
Well, Arthur to that point, let's just stay in this
realm here. On your birthday on the twenty seventh, there's
going to be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Arthur M.
Blank Hospital. What made you get involved with the Children's
Healthcare of Atlanta.
Speaker 7 (28:42):
Well Children's like so many of the hospital systems children's
pediatric hospitals acrosse the United States, there are hospitals they
really perform miracles every day. Kids represented the third of
our population and a hundred percent of our future. So
when we talk about making investments and a care facility
in this case is the largest medical facility ever built
(29:04):
in the state of Georgia. It's two million square feet.
Our gift is the largest ever made to a single
frestanding children's hospital in the history of the country. So
we're on to be really part of that. But the
most beautiful part of this hospital, beyond the pictures that
you're seeing right now, is really the staff. It's the doctors,
it's the nurses, it's the staff throughout the hospital that
(29:26):
make all of this come to life, not only for
the patients, but for the families, for the parents, because
when you're treating a young person in the hospital, you're
treating their whole family. And Children's Healthcare of Atlanta does
an incredible job not only in Atlanta, but throughout the
state of Georgia and beyond that. So for us to
have an opportunity to be working in partnership with them
(29:48):
and support them and their vision is a beautiful thing
for our family. So it's a unique opportunity for us
and very appreciative of it.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
And are this is nothing new for you.
Speaker 12 (29:57):
I mean, you've just done so much for the city
that I know you love dearly. But I am going
to ask you, you know, besides the pride you have
in doing those type of fill thropic measures, what is
the thing that brings you the most pride as it
relates to the football club.
Speaker 7 (30:13):
Well, I think obviously wins. I would say an rings
and that's you know, we make it clear and Coach
Mars makes it clear, and our fans make it clear.
Is that, you know, everything else we're doing is important
and is significant at the end of the day. You know,
Al Davis, the owner of the old owner of the
Raiders who passed aways to say, just win baby, and
(30:34):
it's some truth in that. I mean, we have to
win games. We have to win games, we have to
win our division, we have to win in the playoffs.
We've got to get the championships. We've got to perform then,
and that's what our football team's about. There's a lot
of other things that are important to it and are
connected to it in terms of the community and involvement
and giving back and creating the right environment for our
fans when are in our building. You know, one of
(30:55):
the things that we're excited about is that Mercedes Benz
Stadium has received that kind of recognition by the NFL
and by fans. Really the last two years, we've voted
number one, number two place to watch an NFL game.
That's a beautiful thing. Our food and beverage, which is
an incredible hallmark of our caring for our fans, has
been voted number one by the fans for the last
(31:17):
years since we've opened up the stadium. There's a variety
of ways that you have to show caring love, respect
for what fans give us, which is their time, their energy,
their emotions, their resources, etc. But all has to end
up with creating that caring environment in the building and
has to be centered what's winning on the field. Winning
games on the field, well.
Speaker 12 (31:39):
Sent since you brought this up, I mean, the team
the other day put out something on social media. It's
something you've kind of done since you open the stadium
that's discounted food and things like this. But on Sunday,
when you're going into the Ring of Honor, you're giving
away the free dogs, the free chips, and that beautiful
cup with your.
Speaker 7 (31:55):
Likeness on that. Arthur, Well, I'm not sure about the cup.
And the cup is great to tell, but I'm not
sure about the likeness, but it is it is like me.
But in any event, but I think, really, I think
in this case, you want to thank Levy, our partner,
a supplier partner. We want to thank co Color as
well and our own organization. But you know, the food
(32:16):
and beverage has become a homemark for what we've the
relationship we have with our fans, and it's been modeled
really other teams in the NFL and college walls and
arenas around the around the country, and that's something we
were very proud of. But I think so we're close
to close to almost nothing week in week out two
bucks for what you saw on the frame in terms
of hot dogs and chips and drinks and things of
(32:39):
that nature. But we really this is a symbolism to
say thank you to our fans and appreciate your support.
So we always want to show that.
Speaker 12 (32:46):
I want to I want to go back to one
last thing that I found very intriguing and again, but
to speak to your character. You know, a couple of
years ago you had the chance to hire Raheem Morris
as your head coach. You decided to go in a
different direction, but you didn't completely take him off your radar.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
You brought him back now to lead your team.
Speaker 12 (33:02):
What about that decision keeping that relationship open and what
about the way things have started as you try to
rack up those wins? And you just discussed Yeah, well.
Speaker 7 (33:12):
I think you know, we all we're all work in
progress throughout our lives and no matter who we are,
and that's kind of the birthright and opportunity when you're born,
all the way through your life to continue to change
and grow and low and learn, et cetera. Reflect And
I think the Raheem has done that as well. I
think the three years he was an excellent coach for us,
the three years I think he spent in LA working
(33:34):
with Sean McVay and their organization, I think has broadened
him and given him more depth and more experience and
more exposure. And he came back to Atlanta I think
as somebody who was even more capable than he was
when he left. So we're matrialities here. He's put together
the wonderful coaching staff and great coaching staff, I would
say Terry Fontaineau, our general manager, has continued to make great,
(33:57):
great strides in building a great personnel department and making
good selections on draft day and making good decisions in
terms of drafting free agents. So I mean, I'm thrilled
about where we are. It's a great blend of veteran
talent and young talent as well. You know, our defense
has played extraordinarily well in the first two games this year,
(34:17):
giving up a touchdown on each of the games. That's
excellent and keep that up and win a lot of
ball games for sure. And to see our offense click
in game two, both running the ball and passing the ball.
I think we got some rush knocked off in game one.
I think you saw that in game two. So we
want to make sure we continue to stay on that
focus and stay on that path, and I think with
(34:38):
this leadership team we will well.
Speaker 12 (34:40):
Mister Blank and somebody's known you for almost twenty years,
congratulations on this ring of honor.
Speaker 7 (34:46):
Enshrinment.
Speaker 12 (34:46):
It's best to look and the win and loss calum
the rest of the.
Speaker 7 (34:49):
Way, revery. People know that you and I knew each
other when I had no gray here and you had
no great here. So it's been a long relationship. And
thank you for everything you've done for National Football League
and for the NFL Network, and appreciate all of our
viewers and everybody connected to the network as well.
Speaker 1 (35:07):
I appreciate you and Arthur. We still got it, man,
it's still here.
Speaker 12 (35:10):
We still got it.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
All the best.
Speaker 7 (35:14):
Thank you both.
Speaker 1 (35:15):
Nothing like the smell of free hot dog to make
you forget your fantasy team stakes. So you could either
fly to Atlanta join Arthur Blank there, or you can
stick around when Adam Rank joins us next to tell
you some players you should stick on your bench now.
That's next on The Insiders. Should you have JK. Dobbins
(35:38):
in your fantasy lineup this week? You're not actually watching
the show and asking that question, are you, Yes, you
should have Dobbins in your line now. But for things
that are perhaps a bit more nuanced, don't miss NFL
Fantasy Live. It is back Monday, five pm Eastern Time
on NFL Network. Right now, on The Insiders, we've got
one of the hosts of that esteemed program joining us.
(35:59):
It is our buddy Adam Rank. Along with me Tom
Pelicero and Ian Rappaport rank two weeks now. All right,
still a pretty small sample size, but there might be
some people feeling various levels of anxiety about what they're
putting into their lineup. Who is somebody right now do
you think is a cause for concern in Fantasy Week three?
Speaker 13 (36:19):
Well, according to my Twitter timeline, it's Zimmer White and
a lot of people drafted him. At my behest, I
thought he was going to be an excellent player based
on what he did at the end of last season
four games.
Speaker 1 (36:30):
He was absolutely fantastic.
Speaker 13 (36:31):
I drafted him in a lot of spot spots despite
the fact that I'm a Bears fan and I knew
that Luke Getzi was going to be the offensive coordinator.
I had a lot of faith. The first two weeks
have not been great, but this week he has gotten
the best matchup you could possibly ask for, going up
against the Carolina Panthers. So if it does not happen
this week, Tom, I will allow for a full fledged panic.
(36:54):
But I've got confidence and I've got him in my lineups, all.
Speaker 3 (36:57):
Right, So I do not have a Mark Cooper in
my line but I did it offered him in a
trade this week, which you know I would say something
at least I'm considering. Is there cause for concerns surrounding
it Browns receiver Amari Cooper.
Speaker 13 (37:10):
Well, there certainly is, And just going back and watching
the Browns games, you notice, you know, there's just not
a lot of production right there, which is kind of surprising.
And I can understand why people are trying to flip
him to you right now. But I think the matchup
this week is good and this could be his bounce
back week, and it's your opportunity to go out there
and scoop them up. But the thing that's troubling about
(37:31):
him is that he's had at least fifteen targets this
season with less than twenty Fantasy points. He is one
of three players in the league who has that dubious distinction.
One of the other guys is another player we've got
some concern for, which is Michael Pittman, who again has
just not had the production. Even though Anthony Richardson has
(37:51):
looked good at times, but he has been looking the
way at Alec Pierce. Josh Downs is returning from the
IR and speaking of injuries, Michael Pittman's been battling an
injury as well, even though he's expected to play this
Sunday against the Bears, tough matchup coming off an injury.
I don't know how you can start them. I have
faith starting Amari Cooper. I just can't start Michael Pittman
(38:14):
this week. Hmm all right, Ray, give me one more.
Speaker 1 (38:18):
Maybe somebody who, based on changes on the roster around him,
has a diminished rule. Now who's somebody else can be
concerned with? In Week three?
Speaker 13 (38:27):
Well, there was a huge group of people that planted
their flag for Tank Dell this offseason. You know, you
had to pick one of the three Texans wide receivers
Tank Dell because last year he was actually more productive
with Nico Collins in the lineup, his ADP was better.
So people made the logical step that this was going
(38:47):
to be a breakout season for Tank Dell. It is
yet to materialize yet. However, He's going up against the
Minnesota Vikings, who allowed the fifth most Fantasy points to
wide receivers this season. This is the week for Tank Dell.
You can get him out there. I'm fortunate, But again,
if it doesn't happen this week, full fledged panic. We're
gonna freak out. We're not gonna drop him, but I
(39:09):
will allow a full fledged freakout.
Speaker 1 (39:12):
Okay, I still have Tank Dell in my lineup in
one league because I'm maxed out on cap dollars and
i have seven empty roster spots. I'm a startin to
extrap that a receiver short as well, because I've also
have aj Brown. So I've got problems over there. Rank.
Thanks for helping us figure it out.
Speaker 13 (39:26):
You got it.
Speaker 1 (39:27):
You'll be fine. Good news for fantasy owners of Justin Jefferson.
He will be out there, probably looking for another ninety
seven yard touchdown on Sunday against the Texans. Some good
news for the Cincinnati Bengals. Wide receiver Tiggy T. Higgins
out there for a second consecutive day, has not played
this season because of a hamstring injury. They don't pay
(39:47):
U till Monday against the Commanders, who will get the
official game designation on Saturday. Some more good news. Josh Allen,
he's fine. Joe Burrow, he seems to be fine, no
matter how much he's flexing while he's drinking that gatorade.
Jordan Addison out with an ankle. Justin Jefferson is going
to play tight end. David Njoku also out ean anything
else grab you on the injury reports today.
Speaker 3 (40:08):
I've been preparing for this segment all day and I'm
ready to crush it.
Speaker 1 (40:12):
All right, here are all the things that I and
we're out of time. Thank you very much to everybody
for watching, and we'll be back on Monday on YouTube.
You can catch us Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday on NFL Network.
Enjoy the weekend, enjoy the games, everybody. We'll see it
Three days of practice, three days of Jordan Love on
the field in Green Bay, and I swear he was
doing more than this. Will he also be out on
the field Sunday in Tennessee. Hear what Matt Lafleur had
to say today about his QB's status. The Packers old
quarterback kicked off Week three in style on Thursday night.
Now can Aaron Rodgers do it like? I don't know?
(00:29):
Eighteen nineteen more times? Will break down a big wi
N for the j e TS Jets. Plus is your
fantasy season already slipping away? Does zero in two feel
like the end? Well, Adam Rank's gonna be here to
make you feel even worse, or you know, at least
try to help you avoid staying in a bad relationship
for too long. Thanks for not leaving us. Welcome inside
(00:53):
with the Insiders alongside Judy Battista and Ian Rappaport. I
am Tom pelisserro. We are two days away from Week
three in bulk across the NFL, and we have a
ton of big names on the injury report this week.
Let's start with the guy whose name acts came off
the injury report today. That is Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson,
(01:17):
who suffered the quad contusion on this play right here.
He admitted he wasn't supposed to be blocking on the play.
He said, I'm just gonna have to remember, hey, sometimes
don't get involved with things that aren't your job. That's
good advice from Jefferson. But he's good to go. We'll
find out how effective he is on Sunday against the Texans.
Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb also off the injury report.
(01:38):
He was dealing with an ankle. It's minor. He is
good to go against the Ravens. Not as good as
new as for some others, including Texans running back Joe Mixon. Doubtful.
Dammian Pierce's out could be a lot of cam Akers
on Sunday against Minnesota, where he moster George Kittle also doubtful.
Keenan Allen aj Brown already listed as out. So what
about Chargers quarterback just In Herbert. That one is still
(02:01):
up in the air. Officially listed as questionable. Reporters on
the scene today said he had a ton of tape
on that ankle. He was working off to the side
when the team began team drills. Herbert shed a little
bit more light on exactly what he's dealing with.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Thankfully, it's only Friday. You know, I think that's something
that we'll continue to do and you know, do everything
I can on and off the field to make sure
that you know, I'd be available. And it's not great,
you know, it's it is what it is, and it's
it's all about getting treatment and going in there and
making sure that it's at its best and doing everything
I can to you know, limit the swelling, limit the pain,
and just keep things moving forward.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
All right. So this is one of those classic it's
week three, it's your franchise quarterback ian And if you're
Jim Harbaugh, who either way has predominantly run the ball,
not really thrown it a whole lot with Herbert, do
you expose him this week with minimal practice time? Do
you hold him back? It's an interesting conundrum because just
by the sheer amount of tape on that ankle, what
(03:00):
seems like he's dealing with a lot here.
Speaker 3 (03:02):
First of all, it does seem like justin Herbert is
pushing to play and wants to play and is trying
to play like crazy. All of the tape in the
entire world was on his ankle at practice, he looked
like he was barely moving. Didn't participate today, was limited yesterday.
Doesn't seem like it's trending in a great direction for
Justin Herbert to be out there.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
That said, he is one of the tougher players in
the NFL.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
He's played through a lot of things that he probably
should not have played through, so you know he wants
to be out there. I think the question, really, Tom
is more of a coaching decision rather than a medical decision.
Do you want Justin Herbert out there at far less
than one hundred percent in Week three, knowing there's a
division opponent next week, knowing he's probably not going to
be as effective as he is. This is someone who
(03:45):
really does excel at being mobile, one of the faster
straight line quarterbacks. He's not going to be anything close
to that on Sunday. Still officially, no word on his status.
In other words, we don't know for sure whether he's
in or out. I'm just saying it seems extreemly up
in the air from where I stand.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
There are some similarities structurally here too, in terms of
the way the things set up for Justin Herbert and
the charges that you mentioned and the way they set
up for the Packers and Jordan Love. Because week four
they've got a big game against the Vikings team that
currently is too to o. But this Sunday they've got
the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. And Jordan Love was out
on the field this week all three days. On Thursday,
(04:24):
he was in pads. This is earlier today. Here you
can see him moving. He's dealing with an MCL spring
that he suffered just two weeks ago tonight in Brazil, Malaflour,
you want to break your normal protocol and shed a
little bit of light on what's going on here.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
We're working through that. We're working through it. I think
there's there's definitely a lot that's up to him. I mean,
you don't want to put somebody in that position, but
certainly he's doing everything in his power. He wants to
be out there more than anybody. So but you know,
we'll work through it. We'll give it up till game
(05:00):
time and we'll see where we're at.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
You catch all that he's not telling you anything here.
He's got a quarterback, Judy, who is dealing with a
fairly significant knee injury. But it certainly seems like we're
tracking for Jordan Love to have a chance to play
on Sunday. If Jordan Love is willing and ready to
give it a go, I feel like.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
The same thing justin I feel like we need the
risk reward chart drawn up, like what is the risk here?
Will he be able to protect himself? How well is
he going to be able to function? I mean, what
percentage are we getting here of Love if he plays?
And the reward what can he give you? And as
you pointed out, I mean the schedule. There are schedule
(05:42):
considerations coming up. This strikes me as it's going to
have to be a decision. Obviously Jordan Love is pushing
to play, but it's going to have to be a
coach's decision about sort of the big picture, what is
best for the player and what's best for the team.
It is a long season. This is an injury that
was initially diagnosed as three to six weeks. On Sunday,
(06:03):
it will be two weeks and a few days, So
it would be an incredibly rapid recovery. He clearly would
not be fully one hundred percent. Even if he can play,
you would assume that there would be a run heavy
offense anyway, they've been running the ball well. Of course,
they ran it really well with Malik Willis last week.
To me, this is the coaches are going to have
to sit there and figure out is it really worth
(06:25):
it to push your franchise quarterback out there at something
less than one hundred percent, maybe considerably less than one
hundred percent in week three when you've got a long
season and big aspirations ahead.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Medical clear and is certainly the first step, depending which
part of Matt Lafleur's answer and head movements she believed
in there, and then it will come down to those conversations.
Ken Jordan Love, does you feel like he could protect
himself and avoid anything else? His predecessor, by the way,
kicked off Week three in a pretty good way for
the New York Jets last night, Aaron Rodgers becoming the
(06:59):
first Jets quarterback to beat the Patriots in prime time
since Brett Farv in two thousand and eight. We just
combined thirty plus years of Packers quarterbacks into one a block.
They said it couldn't be done, but here we are, Judy.
You watch this Jets team come out in granted the
Patriots are out maanned Week one the beat the Bengals,
but that was a Bengals team that was kind of
(07:19):
in disarray. Here, the Patriots are going through some things.
They're trying to get themselves set up. More on them
in a second. But for the Jets just to come
out and look so competent offensively at Rogers to play
and throw the football the way that he did, it's
hard not to be encouraged, well about what potentially they
can do here.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
Well, this looked a lot like what they dreamed of
when they got Aaron Rodgers.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
And it's not all the way there yet.
Speaker 5 (07:43):
He and Garrett Wilson are still maybe the second off
of their coordination. But he was moving really well, and
not just like moving like sliding away from pressure, I
mean actually moving, scrambling, throwing on the run. His accuracy
was great, his arm has been right all along. But
there were just some plays where you were like, whoa,
(08:04):
that was vintage Aaron Rodgers. Even he said it last night,
like he was doing something that he used to do
as a younger, as a younger player, which is all
that the Jets could have hoped for. I thought, what
was really impressive about the Jets aside from Aaron Rodgers
is how balanced they were. Yes, the Patriots were outmanned.
Their offensive line is a liability, but the Jets pass
(08:26):
rush looked really good. And on offense, they are running
the ball really well. They were spreading the ball around.
They rediscovered the tight ends on the roster. So this
is certainly an offense that is on its way to
being what they dreamed of when they got Aaron Rodgers.
You've seen them sort of take steps each game so far.
(08:48):
This was only week three. Again, I think he's a
tick off with Garrett Wilson. There were a few throws
that just barely missed Garrett Wilson. And when those two
get it together, watch out.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
I was thinking this lastlast night too, so as part
of the Aaron Rodgers trade, Remember the Jets went down
two spots in the first round. Offensive tackle was their
biggest need. They missed out on those guys. Joe Douglas
takes Will McDonald instead. At I believe it was number
fifteen and it was Will McDonald, the guy was most
famous for jumping over cars, who was a difference maker
in that game for the Jets. On the Patriots side,
(09:21):
we showed you the numbers, It was pretty bad last
night in the first half forty total yards. It somehow
felt like less in the second half. With the game
really not in doubt. We got our first NFL taste
in a regular season game of the number three overall
pick Drake May four of a passing for twenty two yards,
took a couple of sacks. Not sure that that was
a particularly memorable debut here. Does it mean though, that
(09:44):
with the future could soon be the present in New England?
Speaker 6 (09:47):
Drod Mail Jacoby is our quarterback until I say he's
not the quarterback I thought last night he showed a
lot of toughness, a lot of grid, you know, on
protection breakdowns, try to do what we asked him to do.
But I would say just as a team, as a
coaching staff, we just got to be better.
Speaker 7 (10:05):
All right.
Speaker 6 (10:05):
Now, it's still status quo, and kind of said earlier,
Jacob is still our starting quarterback and we just got
to be ready to support him. Eleven guys out there
in the offense, so it's everyone.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
So the question now, ian that's going to fill the
airwaves in Boston for however long it takes. Is Okay?
At what point is Drod Mail going to say Jacoby
Brissette is not the quarterback and it is officially Drake
May's team.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Last night it featured so many offensive line problems for
the New England Patriots, you really wonder if that in
itself is kind of holding them back. And what the
Patriots have done, really, what they valued and prioritized over
the course of the best couple months, is they try
to get Drake May ready to step on the field,
ready to have success. They want to make sure that
he is in a position to thrive, right, And I
(10:54):
think what they have done is they've given him more
reps in practice, about thirty percent of the reps in practice.
They put him in live rep against the New York
Jets to just try to give him a little taste
of it. It is all bit about inch by inch
making sure that the future is as secured as possible.
Is right now, the moment where they're gonna say, all right,
we're just gonna turn all over to Drake May didn't
(11:15):
sound that way, just simply based on the comments of
Alex empeld and Gerrod Mayo. But what is very evident here,
Tom is that it is coming. Whether it's next week,
whether it's the week after, whether it's the middle of
the season, it is clearly coming in the Patriots rather
than put him out there, they've really tried to ease
him in. You just hope at the end of all
(11:35):
this that it is all absolutely worth it. No one's
going to care that he came in and got hit
a couple of times against the Jets. But was that
valuable to his development? The Patriots obviously hope yes, and
pretty clear we will at some point fairly soon, see
Drake May.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
QB questions abound, and it's only in week three. No
QB question yet. In Pittsburgh another week at justin fields
because Russell Wilson is not yet ready to the starting
quarterback court to Mike Tomlin, who of course considers participation
the guide, what effect is that having on the Steelers'
locker room? How about we talked to a guy who's
(12:10):
in that locker room. Alex high Smith joins us to
talk about Russell Wilson, justin fields and a whole lot more.
How about that defense too, It's next on the Insiders.
That's Steelers defense leading the way so far. Or bo
Nick's back there, give him a little bit of time no,
not against this pass rush, not against guys like Alex
(12:32):
high Smith. Two tackles for loss, a sack, two quarterback
hits in that game against the Broncos. All is part
of why we had a little victory Monday out there
in Pittsburgh for the second consecutive week. That's how I
feel too if I have a day off though this
time of year, not a lot of days off, because
Alex high Smith doesn't have a lot of days off either.
(12:53):
In fact, he's joined us right now on and off
day on and on day yet practice earlier today, Tom
Pelliserian rapport here on the Insiders Alex two and oh
you got two road winds. How we feeling out there
right now?
Speaker 8 (13:05):
It's Steelers HQ feeling great.
Speaker 9 (13:07):
Thanks for having me on. But I think it's we
got We got a big game coming up this week
at home. It gets a charge of there too, and
oh as well. But you know, just being able to
start the year off two and oh it get too
bro victories is huge. So we just got to continue
to build on that, get better every week. But to
do that was definitely the way we want to start
the season.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
If you look at the way you guys are constructing.
There's a lot been going on with the Steelers. We
all have talked a lot about the quarterback position a lot,
as we tend to do. So much of what it
seems has happened at the quarterback position, though, has been
about making sure that who's ever's in there justin fields. Obviously,
the first two has been let the defense have a
(13:46):
chance to thrive, make sure the defense is in position
to win this game. When you talk about the identity
of this team, what is what does that feel like
for you to have the unit where it's like, all right,
we got to make sure those guys are the ones.
Speaker 9 (13:57):
Who can eat Yeah. I mean, I think roll just
as a unit. We had first good a couple of
games as a defense and doing a good job of
getting off the field early. And I think the office
did a good job of just producing long drives for
us and being able to give us wrestle on the sideline.
So it's just going to be we just got to
continue to get better overall as a unit. But I'll
(14:20):
just love bong with these guys. And we've got a
lot of playmakers on our defense and our team in general,
and so I think just getting better week by week
is the goal, and so it starts this week with
the Chargers coming in town.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
Ian said, we talked a lot about the quarterback, so
I'm gonna go ahead and talk about the quarterbacks here, Alex.
You guys have had a lot of stuff happening over
the last let's call it calendar year. Here. You start
several different guys. Last year, you found ways to win games.
Then all of a sudden, everyone who was in that
room is out. You got Russell Wilson, Justin Fields coming in.
We all assume Wilson's the starter, but wasn't confirmed until
(14:54):
the end of camp, and then he pops the calf
Justin's been in. How much of it all does that
affect the lock room, particularly because it remains an open
question about who's going to be starting once Russ is
one hundred percent rate a role.
Speaker 9 (15:05):
Yeah, I mean, I think both of those those guys
are great quarterbacks. And that's the thing that is awesome
that Russell and Justin are both high quality starting quarterbacks,
and so we know whoever's in it is going to.
Speaker 8 (15:17):
Come in and produce for us.
Speaker 9 (15:19):
And so I think Justin said a good first two
games so far, and just seeing the way that he's
been able to leave the offense and seeing guys rilly
around him has been so cool, and so it's been
awesome too. You know, Russell hasn't been playing, he's still
been on the sideline helping the guys and just doing
whatever he can to help guys on the sideline. So
it's just exciting to seeing those just during camp too,
(15:40):
seeing those two guys compete get better every single day,
it was just.
Speaker 8 (15:43):
So cool, and that's why they just drive each other
to get better every day.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
You know, you mentioned the playmakers on defense, you got
you got a lot of them. You got a pretty
good one opposite you in TJ. Watt obviously play next
to Cam Hayward, you mink of is a lot of
big time big names and some young guys too, big
names on the Steelers defense. You are also very very
good at what you do. You're one of the playmakers too.
But we're not going to ask you about yourself. What
(16:09):
do you take from some of those other guys, whether
it's like practice habits or techniques, or like how much
are you learning from some of the other big time
guys on your defense.
Speaker 8 (16:20):
Yes, it's just been awesome.
Speaker 9 (16:21):
Just like you said, having so many playmakers on this defense,
and when I came in, having guys like TJ and
Cam and Bud when he was here and make it
as well. Just having all those guys, all those different
leaders at so many different positions was huge for me
coming in as a rookie.
Speaker 8 (16:38):
So I just really wanted to be like a sponge.
Speaker 9 (16:40):
It just there's always much information as I could, and
so just watching what those guys do on a daily
basis and trying to do.
Speaker 8 (16:48):
Some of the same things that they do when it comes.
Speaker 9 (16:49):
To recovery and get my body right before the game
has really helped me so far in my career.
Speaker 8 (16:55):
Is so but I'm always wanted continue to learn no
matter what year I'm in.
Speaker 9 (16:58):
Even though I feel like I'm more of a leadership
role out going near five, I know I can always
learn and always get better from those guys.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
Everybody always says on defense it starts with stopping the run.
This is one of those weeks where literally it probably
all starts with stopping the run. Tell me about this
Chargers offense that you see on tape right now.
Speaker 9 (17:16):
Yeah, they've been looking good so far and they're a
good team coming in here. Like I said, there two
or two and another, so it's going to be it's
gonna be a physical battle. And just knowing that their
coordinator us to be in Baltimore as well, and having
guys like JK and Gus Edwards and some other guys
in there as well, it just shows what style of football.
Speaker 8 (17:36):
They want to play.
Speaker 9 (17:36):
So we know that we got to be physical from
the jump because their physical team as well. So we
know we've got to set the tone and stop the
run UH to be successful in this game.
Speaker 8 (17:45):
And so they're coming to our place, and so.
Speaker 9 (17:47):
We've got to start start fast ultimately, and we know
that if we start fast as a UNI, we have
good days.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
So we all as a football watching public and the
football covering public learn something this week. Petty game ball.
I don't think that's the term that I have heard before.
Can we listen to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin explain what
a petty game ball is so you can then come
back and tell us what it really is.
Speaker 10 (18:15):
But is this certain things as a leader that I
talked to the collective about that I have zero intentions
of sharing with the larger public because it's about our
collective and how we come together and how we appreciate
and support one another. And you know, I can't give
you all the ingredients to the hot dog.
Speaker 7 (18:31):
You might not like it.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
Okay, One, that's kind of mean. Hot dogs are great sausage.
Two same characteristics but also very good to Tomlin didn't
help us.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
Can you explain what this is?
Speaker 9 (18:46):
I mean, I think he he's what he's saying is
just you know, keeping a lot of things that you know,
within our collective is something that he really likes to do.
And I think that's another funny coach Tom Win quote.
I think he's got so many tom and stuff like that.
But it just just shows the testament just how how
dedicated he is to our team and our collective and
(19:10):
just you know, that's that's just how I feel about it.
Speaker 8 (19:13):
I'm not fully aware of it, but.
Speaker 9 (19:15):
You know it's that quote kind of sums it up
right there, and so it's just it's just when I
first saw that, it was just kind of fun to be.
But it just shows how sacred this locker room is
to him and this team and just keeping us gel
together as a unit.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
So last thing for you, Alex, I always like guys
with unique stories in terms of how they kind of
fought their way to this level. You went to u
NC Charlotte as a walk on, you red shirted your
first year, You work your way up, even after you know,
having a huge SAX season a couple of years ago,
even after getting the big contract, you're playing every Sunday
(19:53):
for the Pittsburgh Stewers. How much is that guy still
in there and impacting you in terms of the guy
who absolutely was not given anything along the way and
has had to fight for every inch of his career
so far.
Speaker 9 (20:06):
Yeah, it's it's still that same guy still in here,
and that's the mentality.
Speaker 8 (20:10):
I just want to care with me throughout my whole career.
Speaker 9 (20:13):
And Uh, just like you said, coming in as a
walk on, people ask me, you know, would you have
wanted any other way? I'm like, nah, because that's ultimately, Uh,
the journey that I've had has made me into the
play that I am today, and so I'm thankful the
guy has placed me on this path that I've been
been placed on.
Speaker 8 (20:31):
And ultimately, I.
Speaker 9 (20:33):
Just want to be known as a guy who just
gives us all every single game and just continue to
keep that walk on mentality. That's what I like to say,
because I feel like that's what's what's got me, uh
to where I am today, and just continue to get
better and never get complacent or comfortable, because that's the
last thing you want to do, especially in this business.
Speaker 8 (20:51):
And so uh yeah, this that that that story.
Speaker 9 (20:55):
I'm just being a walk on and definitely stuck with
me and it'll always differently.
Speaker 8 (21:00):
A whole career.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
Well, Sean Payton there day called you a pain in
the rear, so I'd say you're doing a good job
continuing to fight here and continuing to have that same mentality.
Best luck this week, Alex, best of luck the rest
of the way.
Speaker 7 (21:12):
Man.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
We really appreciate you being.
Speaker 8 (21:13):
Here, Yes, sir, appreciate you. Guys. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (21:16):
Caleb Williams and the Bears haven't generated a whole lot
of offense so far this season. The Colts haven't been
able to stop anybody. Something's got to give. Sunday in Indianapolis.
Is this Caleb's breakout game? Our Stacy Dales will be
here to help us break it down and next on
the Insiders.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
Caleb Williams is fighting through some things right now. Rookie
hasn't thrown a touchdown pass. Yet it's been a little
bit of a rocky start. He's going to be without
Keenan Allen this week. It looks like Roma Dunza is
going to play, though. Let's hear what Matt Eberflus had
to say about his quarterback. Oh, we're going to bring
in Stacy Dall's forget about Matt Eberflues. We've got Stacey Dales. Stacy. Look,
(21:55):
this has been clot of kind of a rough start there,
one in one. What did they have to do though
to get this offense on track?
Speaker 11 (22:03):
Finally, Well, Judy, they got to score points and be
more efficient. By the way, I loved all the sooner
love Jerald McCoy, Baker Mayfield, Caleb Williams once a Sooner
and I'm a Sooner, so Boomer Sooner.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
They got a score point, JB.
Speaker 11 (22:17):
And they've got to do it and rectify the problems
this week against the Colts, who are zero to two.
This is kind of a gut check week for the
Colts because of how badly they lost to the Packers.
They gave up what two hundred and sixty one rush
yards against the Packers. But the Chicago Bears have shown
us throughout the course of the season. They want to
throw the football. Unfortunately, Caleb Williams had a fifty one
(22:38):
passer rating guess what it was though against the Blitz
he had a five passer rating four point nine. He
was sacked five times, two turnovers, and they still want.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
A chance to win. They lost by six.
Speaker 11 (22:49):
I believe it was to the Houston Texans, so they
take some things away that they liked. But he's got
to deal with the pressure better. If you look at
Gus Bradley and his Colts defense Judy, they pressure out
of in terms of the Blitz at a thirty four
percent clip that is currently the fourth highest rate in
the NFL. So there's going to be more pressure this week.
I ask both Matt Eberflus and Caleb Williams and how
(23:10):
they can better deal with the pressure. Of course, Flues
talked about fundamentals. He said, winning habits win football games,
and so they're getting back to fundamentals. But it is
also communication at the line of scrimmage.
Speaker 9 (23:22):
It was not good.
Speaker 11 (23:22):
Caleb Williams essentially said that this week it wasn't good
between he and the offensive line. The cadence was off
at times when I specifically asked about dealing with pressures.
The center's got to identify and of course the quarterback
has to work in conjunction with the center, but that
communication has to get cleaned up, especially when you're dealing
with twists and different games, as they say, with defensive lines.
(23:47):
DeForest Buckner good news for the Bears.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
He's out.
Speaker 11 (23:50):
Obviously Law two is questionable. Leat two law to in
this game, and we may see him because he practiced
for the first time this week, but the Bears certainly
want to rectify things offensively.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
The other good news for the Bears, frankly, is that
they're one and one while they're figuring things out. Stacy
Dale's thank you. And when we return, we're going to
talk about another one in one team. They look like
they had figured it out by last week. There's Kirk Cousins,
and we're going to talk about the Atlanta Falcons with
someone who knows them and loves them a whole lot,
(24:20):
Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
Speaker 1 (24:22):
It's going to be a special weekend in Atlanta, not
just because they're coming off a big win, not just
because National TV Sunday Night Football with the defending Super
Bowl champion Chiefs in town. Also because Arthur Blank and
former quarterback NFL MVP Matt Ryan both going into the
team's ring of honor. Blank joined ours Steve White earlier today.
Speaker 12 (24:45):
All Right, so glad to be here with Arthur Blank,
the CEO and owner of the Atlanta Falcons. At Arthur,
I know we have some important business to get to,
but what can you tell me about that comeback, last
minute victory you guys had in Philadelphia the other night.
Speaker 7 (24:59):
Well, it was one of the most exciting one minute,
thirty nine seconds that I've had my twenty two years
as an owner. So I couldn't be more excited about
the result, couldn't be more excited about seeing Kirk and
the whole offensive teams we performed the way that they did.
But you know, our defense has played exceptionally well. The
(25:21):
first two games allowed two touchdowns and two games and
I think there are only three other teams the NFL
that have recorded that kind of record. So it's a great,
great victory for our team. But you know all of
our viewers know this. In the NFL, you need to
get over losses and victories quickly. We've got to move
on to the following Sunday. So we have a great
(25:42):
game coming up Sunday night. First time we've been on
Sunday Night football and probably five years now, so playing
against Kansady Chiefs when in the Super Bowl the last
two years. So we'll have to be at our best
for sure to be competitive. But team is ready, coach
is ready, and certainly our fans are ready. I love it, Arthur.
Speaker 12 (26:00):
You know, there's been a lot of big games, a
lot of primetime games in your career, but this one
is really special. And this is you know, let's get
to the big news here, because on this Sunday you
will be going into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor,
a very prestigious honor.
Speaker 7 (26:18):
How do you feel about that? I feel great about it.
But you know, Steve, you know me well personally as
well as professionally, so you know, I accept the recognition,
but it's really to recognition of our fans, to recognition
of our coaches, our players, all that have gone on
since nineteen sixty six and my ownership since two thousand
and one, and so you know, I accept it in
(26:42):
that light and I appreciate it. I'm honored to actually
go into the same season that our quarterback we drafted
in two thousand and eight, Matt Ryan. We're going into
the Ring of Honor several weeks later. So you know,
that's a huge deal to me as well. So it's great,
but it's all about the game Sunday night. I appreciate
(27:03):
the induction and I recognize how important it is, et cetera.
But you know, it would be the most important thing
is putting up another W one Sunday.
Speaker 12 (27:12):
Well, you know, I love hearing that, But I mean
I look at some of the distinguished people from this
organization or in that Ring of Honor, you know, Dion Sanders,
Michael Vick, Todd McClure, Tommy Nobs, some guys like that, Arthur,
when you're gonna.
Speaker 7 (27:25):
Be able to look Offski Gala Riggs, list goes on
and on.
Speaker 1 (27:28):
It's I mean, it's amazing.
Speaker 12 (27:30):
But when you look up there and you're going to
see your name up there with them, I mean, these
are people who are behold into a community that you love.
I mean, do you think you know it's going to
really register what you've meant to this community?
Speaker 1 (27:40):
Well?
Speaker 7 (27:40):
I think you know, Steve, your point is really a
good one, because it's not just about for myself as
a steward of the franchise. It's not just about what
we do on the field. It's also about off the field.
And I always say there's two Super Bowls every year,
one of which we compete with thirty one other teams
for the Vinceton Body Trophy. The other one we actually
have no competition for. We just have to go out
(28:01):
and do it, and that's when the super Bowl of life.
And so as an organization that success. We have a
commitment we have to the community in a variety of
ways that we demonstrate that is also very important. So
when I think of my name and the sense of
being in a ring of honor, it's in a very
holistic everything that I should represent as the stewart slash
(28:23):
owner of the Atlanta Falcons. So I try to represent
our fans every single day in the best possible way
that I can.
Speaker 12 (28:29):
Well, Arthur to that point, let's just stay in this
realm here. On your birthday on the twenty seventh, there's
going to be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Arthur M.
Blank Hospital. What made you get involved with the Children's
Healthcare of Atlanta.
Speaker 7 (28:42):
Well Children's like so many of the hospital systems children's
pediatric hospitals acrosse the United States, there are hospitals they
really perform miracles every day. Kids represented the third of
our population and a hundred percent of our future. So
when we talk about making investments and a care facility
in this case is the largest medical facility ever built
(29:04):
in the state of Georgia. It's two million square feet.
Our gift is the largest ever made to a single
frestanding children's hospital in the history of the country. So
we're on to be really part of that. But the
most beautiful part of this hospital, beyond the pictures that
you're seeing right now, is really the staff. It's the doctors,
it's the nurses, it's the staff throughout the hospital that
(29:26):
make all of this come to life, not only for
the patients, but for the families, for the parents, because
when you're treating a young person in the hospital, you're
treating their whole family. And Children's Healthcare of Atlanta does
an incredible job not only in Atlanta, but throughout the
state of Georgia and beyond that. So for us to
have an opportunity to be working in partnership with them
(29:48):
and support them and their vision is a beautiful thing
for our family. So it's a unique opportunity for us
and very appreciative of it.
Speaker 1 (29:55):
And are this is nothing new for you.
Speaker 12 (29:57):
I mean, you've just done so much for the city
that I know you love dearly. But I am going
to ask you, you know, besides the pride you have
in doing those type of fill thropic measures, what is
the thing that brings you the most pride as it
relates to the football club.
Speaker 7 (30:13):
Well, I think obviously wins. I would say an rings
and that's you know, we make it clear and Coach
Mars makes it clear, and our fans make it clear.
Is that, you know, everything else we're doing is important
and is significant at the end of the day. You know,
Al Davis, the owner of the old owner of the
Raiders who passed aways to say, just win baby, and
(30:34):
it's some truth in that. I mean, we have to
win games. We have to win games, we have to
win our division, we have to win in the playoffs.
We've got to get the championships. We've got to perform then,
and that's what our football team's about. There's a lot
of other things that are important to it and are
connected to it in terms of the community and involvement
and giving back and creating the right environment for our
fans when are in our building. You know, one of
(30:55):
the things that we're excited about is that Mercedes Benz
Stadium has received that kind of recognition by the NFL
and by fans. Really the last two years, we've voted
number one, number two place to watch an NFL game.
That's a beautiful thing. Our food and beverage, which is
an incredible hallmark of our caring for our fans, has
been voted number one by the fans for the last
(31:17):
years since we've opened up the stadium. There's a variety
of ways that you have to show caring love, respect
for what fans give us, which is their time, their energy,
their emotions, their resources, etc. But all has to end
up with creating that caring environment in the building and
has to be centered what's winning on the field. Winning
games on the field, well.
Speaker 12 (31:39):
Sent since you brought this up, I mean, the team
the other day put out something on social media. It's
something you've kind of done since you open the stadium
that's discounted food and things like this. But on Sunday,
when you're going into the Ring of Honor, you're giving
away the free dogs, the free chips, and that beautiful
cup with your.
Speaker 7 (31:55):
Likeness on that. Arthur, Well, I'm not sure about the cup.
And the cup is great to tell, but I'm not
sure about the likeness, but it is it is like me.
But in any event, but I think, really, I think
in this case, you want to thank Levy, our partner,
a supplier partner. We want to thank co Color as
well and our own organization. But you know, the food
(32:16):
and beverage has become a homemark for what we've the
relationship we have with our fans, and it's been modeled
really other teams in the NFL and college walls and
arenas around the around the country, and that's something we
were very proud of. But I think so we're close
to close to almost nothing week in week out two
bucks for what you saw on the frame in terms
of hot dogs and chips and drinks and things of
(32:39):
that nature. But we really this is a symbolism to
say thank you to our fans and appreciate your support.
So we always want to show that.
Speaker 12 (32:46):
I want to I want to go back to one
last thing that I found very intriguing and again, but
to speak to your character. You know, a couple of
years ago you had the chance to hire Raheem Morris
as your head coach. You decided to go in a
different direction, but you didn't completely take him off your radar.
Speaker 1 (32:59):
You brought him back now to lead your team.
Speaker 12 (33:02):
What about that decision keeping that relationship open and what
about the way things have started as you try to
rack up those wins? And you just discussed Yeah, well.
Speaker 7 (33:12):
I think you know, we all we're all work in
progress throughout our lives and no matter who we are,
and that's kind of the birthright and opportunity when you're born,
all the way through your life to continue to change
and grow and low and learn, et cetera. Reflect And
I think the Raheem has done that as well. I
think the three years he was an excellent coach for us,
the three years I think he spent in LA working
(33:34):
with Sean McVay and their organization, I think has broadened
him and given him more depth and more experience and
more exposure. And he came back to Atlanta I think
as somebody who was even more capable than he was
when he left. So we're matrialities here. He's put together
the wonderful coaching staff and great coaching staff, I would
say Terry Fontaineau, our general manager, has continued to make great,
(33:57):
great strides in building a great personnel department and making
good selections on draft day and making good decisions in
terms of drafting free agents. So I mean, I'm thrilled
about where we are. It's a great blend of veteran
talent and young talent as well. You know, our defense
has played extraordinarily well in the first two games this year,
(34:17):
giving up a touchdown on each of the games. That's
excellent and keep that up and win a lot of
ball games for sure. And to see our offense click
in game two, both running the ball and passing the ball.
I think we got some rush knocked off in game one.
I think you saw that in game two. So we
want to make sure we continue to stay on that
focus and stay on that path, and I think with
(34:38):
this leadership team we will well.
Speaker 12 (34:40):
Mister Blank and somebody's known you for almost twenty years,
congratulations on this ring of honor.
Speaker 7 (34:46):
Enshrinment.
Speaker 12 (34:46):
It's best to look and the win and loss calum
the rest of the.
Speaker 7 (34:49):
Way, revery. People know that you and I knew each
other when I had no gray here and you had
no great here. So it's been a long relationship. And
thank you for everything you've done for National Football League
and for the NFL Network, and appreciate all of our
viewers and everybody connected to the network as well.
Speaker 1 (35:07):
I appreciate you and Arthur. We still got it, man,
it's still here.
Speaker 12 (35:10):
We still got it.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
All the best.
Speaker 7 (35:14):
Thank you both.
Speaker 1 (35:15):
Nothing like the smell of free hot dog to make
you forget your fantasy team stakes. So you could either
fly to Atlanta join Arthur Blank there, or you can
stick around when Adam Rank joins us next to tell
you some players you should stick on your bench now.
That's next on The Insiders. Should you have JK. Dobbins
(35:38):
in your fantasy lineup this week? You're not actually watching
the show and asking that question, are you, Yes, you
should have Dobbins in your line now. But for things
that are perhaps a bit more nuanced, don't miss NFL
Fantasy Live. It is back Monday, five pm Eastern Time
on NFL Network. Right now, on The Insiders, we've got
one of the hosts of that esteemed program joining us.
(35:59):
It is our buddy Adam Rank. Along with me Tom
Pelicero and Ian Rappaport rank two weeks now. All right,
still a pretty small sample size, but there might be
some people feeling various levels of anxiety about what they're
putting into their lineup. Who is somebody right now do
you think is a cause for concern in Fantasy Week three?
Speaker 13 (36:19):
Well, according to my Twitter timeline, it's Zimmer White and
a lot of people drafted him. At my behest, I
thought he was going to be an excellent player based
on what he did at the end of last season
four games.
Speaker 1 (36:30):
He was absolutely fantastic.
Speaker 13 (36:31):
I drafted him in a lot of spot spots despite
the fact that I'm a Bears fan and I knew
that Luke Getzi was going to be the offensive coordinator.
I had a lot of faith. The first two weeks
have not been great, but this week he has gotten
the best matchup you could possibly ask for, going up
against the Carolina Panthers. So if it does not happen
this week, Tom, I will allow for a full fledged panic.
(36:54):
But I've got confidence and I've got him in my lineups, all.
Speaker 3 (36:57):
Right, So I do not have a Mark Cooper in
my line but I did it offered him in a
trade this week, which you know I would say something
at least I'm considering. Is there cause for concerns surrounding
it Browns receiver Amari Cooper.
Speaker 13 (37:10):
Well, there certainly is, And just going back and watching
the Browns games, you notice, you know, there's just not
a lot of production right there, which is kind of surprising.
And I can understand why people are trying to flip
him to you right now. But I think the matchup
this week is good and this could be his bounce
back week, and it's your opportunity to go out there
and scoop them up. But the thing that's troubling about
(37:31):
him is that he's had at least fifteen targets this
season with less than twenty Fantasy points. He is one
of three players in the league who has that dubious distinction.
One of the other guys is another player we've got
some concern for, which is Michael Pittman, who again has
just not had the production. Even though Anthony Richardson has
(37:51):
looked good at times, but he has been looking the
way at Alec Pierce. Josh Downs is returning from the
IR and speaking of injuries, Michael Pittman's been battling an
injury as well, even though he's expected to play this
Sunday against the Bears, tough matchup coming off an injury.
I don't know how you can start them. I have
faith starting Amari Cooper. I just can't start Michael Pittman
(38:14):
this week. Hmm all right, Ray, give me one more.
Speaker 1 (38:18):
Maybe somebody who, based on changes on the roster around him,
has a diminished rule. Now who's somebody else can be
concerned with? In Week three?
Speaker 13 (38:27):
Well, there was a huge group of people that planted
their flag for Tank Dell this offseason. You know, you
had to pick one of the three Texans wide receivers
Tank Dell because last year he was actually more productive
with Nico Collins in the lineup, his ADP was better.
So people made the logical step that this was going
(38:47):
to be a breakout season for Tank Dell. It is
yet to materialize yet. However, He's going up against the
Minnesota Vikings, who allowed the fifth most Fantasy points to
wide receivers this season. This is the week for Tank Dell.
You can get him out there. I'm fortunate, But again,
if it doesn't happen this week, full fledged panic. We're
gonna freak out. We're not gonna drop him, but I
(39:09):
will allow a full fledged freakout.
Speaker 1 (39:12):
Okay, I still have Tank Dell in my lineup in
one league because I'm maxed out on cap dollars and
i have seven empty roster spots. I'm a startin to
extrap that a receiver short as well, because I've also
have aj Brown. So I've got problems over there. Rank.
Thanks for helping us figure it out.
Speaker 13 (39:26):
You got it.
Speaker 1 (39:27):
You'll be fine. Good news for fantasy owners of Justin Jefferson.
He will be out there, probably looking for another ninety
seven yard touchdown on Sunday against the Texans. Some good
news for the Cincinnati Bengals. Wide receiver Tiggy T. Higgins
out there for a second consecutive day, has not played
this season because of a hamstring injury. They don't pay
(39:47):
U till Monday against the Commanders, who will get the
official game designation on Saturday. Some more good news. Josh Allen,
he's fine. Joe Burrow, he seems to be fine, no
matter how much he's flexing while he's drinking that gatorade.
Jordan Addison out with an ankle. Justin Jefferson is going
to play tight end. David Njoku also out ean anything
else grab you on the injury reports today.
Speaker 3 (40:08):
I've been preparing for this segment all day and I'm
ready to crush it.
Speaker 1 (40:12):
All right, here are all the things that I and
we're out of time. Thank you very much to everybody
for watching, and we'll be back on Monday on YouTube.
You can catch us Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday on NFL Network.
Enjoy the weekend, enjoy the games, everybody. We'll see it
Hosts And Creators
Judy Battista
Tom Pelissero
Ian Rapaport
Mike Garafolo
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