October 29, 2025 • 40 mins
NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Mike Garafolo & Ian Rapoport report the latest news from around the NFL including details on Aidan Hutchinson’s new contract extension along with QB Injury updates heading into Week 9. Chargers Running Back Kimani Vidal & Patriots LB Robert Spillane join the show. Brian Baldinger breaks down the Colts-Steelers matchup, before Bucky Brooks previews the Chiefs-Bills game. Bridget Condon reports on the Panthers-Packers matchup and Cam Wolfe details his latest “Wolfe of Ball Street” segment. Finally, Marcas Grant shares his Week 9 fantasy sleepers.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
A. Hutchinson doesn't need any extra motivation to get up
for a big divisional game on Sunday, but the Lions
just gave him one hundred and eighty million reasons. Anyway,
we will break down the latest megadeal for a top
pass rusher and tell you who could come next.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
One of the NFL's best rivalries is.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Back on Sunday and you can bank on Josh Allen
and Patrick Mahomes being must see TV. Bucky Brooks always
must see TV. He joins us tonight to dissect who
has the edge between these perennial AFC contenders. Who's got
the edge in your fantasy league? You if you tune
in every week for Marcus Grant's Fantasy Sleepers. Marcus is
(00:49):
back with a fresh batch for you tonight to give
your team the mid season.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Magic you just might need.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Welcome inside with the Insiders, presented by Progressive Insurance long
Sidan Rappaport and Mike Garriffalo. I am Tom Pelisero. We
come to you on the eve of Week nine in
the NFL, the return of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens
lineup against the Dolphins. We got a bunch of quarterbacks
that could be back this week. We start tonight with
(01:16):
a guy who just got paid a lot of money
to chase them.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
That is Aiden Hutchinson, who.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Agreed to terms today with the Lions on a four year,
one hundred and eighty million dollar contract extension, tying him
to Detroit through the twenty thirty season. According to his
agent Mike McCartney, Hutchinson gets one hundred and forty one
million dollars in total guarantees, most ever for a non quarterback,
just the latest megadeal in an offseason where that pass
(01:44):
rusher market has absolutely exploded. Other than Nick Bosa, all
four of those deals came within the past seven or
eight months. Here the market continues to move forty five
million dollars per for Aiden Hutchinson on this deal. Michael
Parsons still in at the top at forty six point
five million. But there's different leverage points in all these
(02:05):
deals I and it's not really apples to apples. Bottom line,
this is an absolutely monster deal for Aiden Hutchinson.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
Yeah, and a richly deserved deal for Aiden Hutchins. And
just think about what he has gone through to get it.
And yes, he had to collect a lot of sacks
and really has been on absolute sacked tear recently for
the Lions, but also suffered a significant, significant lower leg
injury last year that really made some wonder would he
get back to the level of play that he had been,
(02:33):
would he get back to the defensive player of the
Year candidate type performance.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
And I think a lot of.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
People, including me, thought this deal might get done right
before the season. Sorry, I know they were in intense
talks with the Lions. It's only seemed like there was
some thought of like, he's good, he's the best, but
we just want to see him go out and do
it and play. Hutchinson has certainly done that, so he
ends up with the mega deal that many were expecting.
Four years, one hundred and eighty million, forty five million
(03:00):
dollars per year, gets twenty five million dollars additional over
the next two years. Just another example, Mike, of the
Lions taking care of their excellent, excellent homegrown players.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
We've seen it year after year.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Aiden Hutchinson the last to get huge dollars for a
Detroit organization that does it the right way.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
And Aiden Hutchinson went after Trayvon Walker. So Trayvon Walker
is coming off back to back double digit season. I
know we don't talk about him that much, and I
don't know that he'll reach this when it comes to
what kind of deal he'll eventually get, but certainly helps him.
I mean, you see the value of the quarterback number one,
and then disrupting the quarterback.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
That's how these guys get paid.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
The quarnerbacks are in there somewhere too as well for
the Lions, and I saw this from Dave Burkett, who
covers them for the Detroit Free Press, put it out
there this morning saying they've committed almost a billion dollars
a billion with a B to the core players that
they have drafted in recent years. Now, not all of
that's guaranteed, but when you're talking about core players and
(04:01):
guys that have been really good, a lot of that
is going to get paid out. And Brad Holmes spoke
to him at the combine last year, had already done
a bunch of deals.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
There were even more deals coming. He was like, oh, yeah,
I got a everybody wants to get paid. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
Well, you know what, that's a good thing, Brad, because
that means that you hit on your draft picks, you
developed them, and you've got yourself a core that you
want to then reinvest in. Hayden Hutchinson gets a big
one here along with all these other guys that have
gotten deal and probably.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
More coming for Brad as well.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
And how will Aiden Hutchinson celebrate while on Sunday he'll
be chasing around his fellow Michigan Wolverine JJ McCarthy. Full
participant in practice today for the Vikings for the first
time since he suffered a high ankle sprain all the
way back in Week two. The number ten overall pick
in the twenty twenty four draft now set to return
to action at Detroit, and he says finally he's ready
(04:48):
to roll.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
I felt close, you know, at the end of the day.
Speaker 6 (04:51):
It was still a couple of things where it felt
like my foot was in concrete, and you just don't
want to be in that position, especially, you know, going
into a Thursday game, our Sunday game. Just not being
able to move the way I want to and protect
myself as the biggest concern. I feel like myself again.
I feel like I, you know, have those mobility things
that I was concerned about, you know, going into last week.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
In the prior weeks, so yeah, ready to go.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Jade Daniels also trending toward returning to action after missing
Monday Night's lots at Kansas City with a hamstring injury. Officially,
Jane Daniels a full participant in practice today. Dan Quinn
said that will be the case all week, putting Daniels
right on track to me back for another big game
Sunday night against the Seahawks. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin will
not play in that game. He re injured his quad
(05:40):
Monday night. In his return to action, Quinn said they
are hopeful this is not going to be anything long term,
but scary Terry's nightmare season continues right here. Some other
noble quarterbacks could be returning in Week nine. We already
mentioned Lamar Jackson. He is back off the injury report,
officially good to go on Thursday night against the Dolphins.
Michael Pennigs, junior limited in practice today, said he is
(06:02):
trending in the right direction. We'll see if that equals
him being out there on the field. Kyler Murray no
official injury report yet because they play Monday night against
the Cowboys. Miss two games with a foot, but they're
certainly hopeful this is Kyler's return. Brock Perty remains limited
in practice. They're ramping him up. It's been a slow
process with that toe. And Bryce Young didn't play last
week because of a high ankle. Spring full participant in
(06:25):
practice today, which would seem ian to put him on
track to play against the Packers. Meanwhile, there's a quarterback
question in the new one in Cincinnati.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
It's really been a season full of quarterback questions for
the Cincinnati Bago. They thought that Joe Flacco was the answer,
and at times he really has been. Late in this
game against the Jets, I'm totally suffered an ac joint
sprain in his right shoulder, went into the locker room,
was able to finish the game, but it is best
to describe his status this week as up in the air.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Did not practice today.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Zach Taylor saying he is someone who could come in
and start Mike on very limited.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
They don't know how limited.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
We remember he's only been there three weeks.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
He has told Taylor that he wants to play, absolutely,
they don't know if he can physically do it. Jake Browning,
of course, is the backup and may in fact be
starting for the Bengals, Mike Hell's.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
Freddie AFC North the Steelers. After that disappointing loss of
the Packers, welcome the Colts into town. The Colts. I
know a lot of folks are saying, haven't played that
many playoff teams.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Well, they've got four or five of them left on
the schedule.
Speaker 5 (07:27):
As far as how the standings stack right now, the
Steelers are one of them. But here's Mike Tomlin saying, yeah,
might be leading the division, but we can get a
lot better.
Speaker 7 (07:36):
We make no excuses about how or why we fall short.
Our job is to perform and perform at a high level,
and we haven't done that, and so I'm excited about
getting back to it. Seven games or whatever does make
a season. We certainly got more in front of us
and more opportunities to write our story, whether it's individuals,
whether it's a component of our team, or whether it's
(07:58):
our team in general. I think that's our general mindset.
Speaker 5 (08:05):
This is how we do it. We tee up talk
about the Colts and the Steelers ahead.
Speaker 8 (08:09):
We honestly, Mike, I've seen this Colts offense best offensive football.
They've scored the most touchdowns, the most points, they've they've
beaten you know, even the lost to the Rams. They
should have won that game. They had an early celebration.
The guy dropped the ball before he crossed the goal
lineh would have won that game. But regardless, I mean Pittsburgh.
Now they've lost to Seattle. You know, they've lost the Cincinnati,
(08:30):
we lost the Green Bay. They've given up over thirty
in all these games. And if they're gonna, if they're
going to follow what Mike says, where they're gonna, they
have time to write their script. I think he's got
to start on the defensive side of the ball right now. Offensively,
Aaron's doing what I think he can do. But even
in this first game to the Jets, they gave up
thirty two points that touchdown there to Garrett Wilson. I mean,
they're last right now in passing yards allowed. You're watching
(08:54):
Jackson Smith and Jigba, you know, deep balls down the field.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
We saw it in the Cincinnati.
Speaker 8 (08:58):
We've seen it right here with the Patriots, you know,
giving up a lot of big plays and not good
on you know, giving up first downs and teams are
converting twelve and twelve to eighteen on fourth downs, right
now they can't get off the field.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
You know in certain situations.
Speaker 8 (09:15):
We saw it just you know against Green Bay where
they didn't tackle well. Tucker Craft is catching you know,
three yard flat routes and he's going for twenty or
thirty yards after the catch. They got to tackle better
and then, honestly, their stars have to show up this weekend,
you know, TJ. Watt, Cam Hayward, Alex Heismith. They pay
these guys a lot of money and they're not really
(09:37):
impacting the game right now the way they need to
in order for this team. Because you can talk about
the pass defense. Pass defense can be a function of
pressure on the quarterback.
Speaker 9 (09:48):
If Daniel Jones.
Speaker 8 (09:49):
Can sit back here behind a good offensive line and
set his feet and find his targets, he's going to
complete these passes. I'm saying this a Colts offense. They've
got the leading rusher that Josh Downs right there that
you're looking at. He's a slot receiver. He's a big
part of this offense. You look at the screen game
right here to Tyler Warren, He's a big part of
the offense. They like two and three tight end sets
(10:11):
to run the ball, but all these throws you watch
from Daniel Jones, he's got a really clean pocket and
it doesn't matter who they've been playing against. He gets
a clean pocket and he gets a chance to air
it out. They take their shots. Shane Stike is throwing
a lot of deep balls in these games. It's not
dinking dunk, They're not checking it down. They're taking those
shots down the field, whether it's you know, Pittman or
(10:34):
Josh Stowns or to Tyler Warren. And oh, by the way,
we all watch a lot of you or Giant games
over the years that remember that confused look at Daniel
Jones used to have a lot of times coming off
the field, just that sort of days that's gone.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
It's completely gone.
Speaker 8 (10:50):
That guy's playing with as much confidence as any quarterback
in this league.
Speaker 10 (10:53):
Right now, hand off to bydel Ydell following his blockers
so touchdown Chargers Kamani by now first rushing touchdown of
his career, this one a three yard run.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
To the left. Look at the movement over there.
Speaker 11 (11:16):
A nice job by Zion next to him as well.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
That was fun to watch.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
What a way to get your career going for Kamani.
Vydell who joins us right now on the insiders with me,
Tom Pilaicero, and Ian Rappaport. Kimani got hell no time
here to kind of take a breather after that Thursday
night game.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Rest up.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
How we feeling midway through? But so far has been
your breakout season here.
Speaker 12 (11:41):
It's feeling good. You know, I'm just trying to just
follow it up with another performance. Just focus on the
next game.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Kimani, It's been interesting the way the running back position
for the Chargers has played out. We had Naji obviously
go out for the season with the achilles. You have
Marion ham to go out with the ankle injury for
an extended period of time, and I assume that when
you step in there as what has basically become the
lead back for now, most people were probably like, who
is that guy? What has this ride been like for you?
(12:11):
The last three or so weeks on the field, off
the field, everything that's gone into it, It's been great.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
You know.
Speaker 12 (12:18):
I was blessed to have the opportunity for the my
coaches to trust me, for my teammates to trust me,
and you know, I've been just been trying to prove
them right.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
You know.
Speaker 12 (12:28):
The season, the none of the team's care. You know
that we have injuries, so we got to keep trying
to win.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
But to take me back though, you know, to the
end of August here, Kimani, and you know you're always
fighting for a job, fighting for roster's fight. You get
cut at the end of camp, you signed back to
the practice squad. Is anywhere in your brain or you thinking, hey, well,
you know, six weeks in I might have a couple
of one hundred yard performances under my belt.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
How do you stay ready for that type of opportunity?
Speaker 12 (12:56):
You know, back like when that happened, I was just
trying to take it day by day, just you know,
I try not to think like too far ahead and
just just stay stay with the course, stay focused, and
just try to get better at that at that point in.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Time, right, But then you score your first touchdown and
we just saw the we just saw the cookbook. You've
scored a lot of touchdowns in your life at Troy
and high school and all that, But you score your
first NFL touchdown. You had a nice touchdown celebration. Ready,
you must have at least thought of that. How much
time do you think, all right, if I scored my
first NFL touchdown. Here's how I'm going to celebrate, just
to make sure you nail it at the moment.
Speaker 12 (13:34):
Honestly, it was just like I just did it at
the moment, Like I didn't.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
I didn't think through.
Speaker 12 (13:40):
Any of that, Honestly, I just just so happened to
get in the end zone and then it just like
it just came out like it was a natural almost.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
So this week, now you guys come back, you get
that win. Now you're taking on the Titans this week.
This is like proverbial trap game, right, It's the Titans
teither disarrayed, they got an interim coach. What is Jim
Harbor message been to you guys to make sure you're
ready to roll out here on Sunday.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
Just to play our game.
Speaker 12 (14:07):
To just attack it how we know it, attack it
like how we did last week, and to execute the
game plan.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
You don't want to go back to one thing that
that Tom mentioned. I mean, you have had two hundred
yard games in the last three weeks. You've also now
had the extra little break from the kind of mini buy.
Your body is obviously not taking this kind of pounding
and this many hits in probably a couple of years physically,
How do you how do you deal with that? How
(14:37):
do you sort of get ready for that and make
sure that when you do come back you're you're kind
of hitting on all cylinders.
Speaker 12 (14:43):
I would just say, like it kind of goes back
to just the time when I was on the practice squad.
I was taking it like I was a starter almost
and taking care of my body at that point, and
like when the opportunity came, I knew like it like
it wasn't on a stop and I was just going
to have to keep going.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
I remember when we first talked back at the Senior Bowl,
which was only a couple of years ago, it feels
like forever ago. But one thing that everybody knew about
you walking in was your great uncle, the late baseball legend,
Hank Aaron, who you got to know you got to
spend some time with it Tuopark question One, how were
those interactions?
Speaker 2 (15:21):
What do you remember most? And two?
Speaker 1 (15:23):
You know you got the World Series in your backyard
right now? Do you pay any attention just based upon
maybe some of that familial stuff that's somewhere deep inside you?
Speaker 12 (15:32):
Yeah, I definitely I've been watching the World Series. You know,
he was great he told me a lot just about
not really like anything on the field wise, it was
just more so off the field and you know all
the adversity faced off the field and just how he
dealt with that to keep focus and just keep going.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
So, speaking of baseball, we have seen pictures of Justin
Herbert also and enjoying the Dodgers playing the World Series.
And your quarterback, besides enjoying some baseball and whatever else
he's been doing, has also been flashing some running skills, especially.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
On Thursday Night.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
I mean, his ability to move in the pocket and
to escape and rush has really helped you guys offensively.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
The question for you is can you evaluate his running skills, like,
as someone who does this for a living, what do
you think about the way your quarterback runs? And you
kind of let him hang out in the running back
room a little bit because of how successful he's been.
Speaker 12 (16:32):
He does not hang out in the running back room.
He has a lot of other stuff he deals with.
But he does a great job, you know, keeping the
keeping us ahead on the sticks and you know, taking
off when he needs to and when he sees you
know that no one's, no one's there for him, you know,
he takes off and he does a good job protecting himself.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Come Onie, great to see you again, man, appreciate the time.
Keep this thing rolled. We'll see you again soon. Yes, sir,
thank you.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Yeah, it's time for the Wolf of Ball Street. I
love that part. It's great part kind of goofy doing
with me.
Speaker 7 (17:13):
Cam.
Speaker 5 (17:14):
Listen the Wolf of Ball Street where Cameron Wolf joins
us every week to give down, to give us his
rundown of all things ball.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Wolf of Ball Street. Got it. Let's go Wolf of
Ball Street, Week nine edition. Go camp, Mike Gee, I'm
not going anywhere.
Speaker 13 (17:30):
And to start the Wolf of Ball Street, let's start
with the Buffalo Bills. I was there this past week.
They blow out the Panthers, but there's still this nagging
need of more from Josh Allen in this passing game,
and so talking to people in Buffalo, there's a level
of relax but complacency is not a factor here. They
have certainly been looking inside the trademarket for a vertical
(17:53):
deep route receiver. If they can find someone that is
good for them price wise, they have just two million
in cap space, and also someone that can immediately come
in and have an impact. With Josh. Don't be surprised
to see them make a move. This week is going
to be very important against the Chiefs to see how
their playmakers line up. Josh Allen loves to throw that
deep ball. They haven't quite had that yet. They've looked
(18:15):
at multiple positions with wide receiver, maybe that spot. One
player that fits a lot of those categories I mentioned
New Orleans Saints Rashid Shaheed keep an eye on all
of this. Now, let's go to Jacksonville where they're coming
off of bye week with an idea of making some changes,
and one change you shouldn't be surprised to see Travis
Hunter becoming.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
The center of their passing offense.
Speaker 13 (18:36):
Brian Thomas Junior has had some struggles early on in
the season with some drops.
Speaker 9 (18:40):
They're not giving up on him.
Speaker 13 (18:41):
Liam Cohen confirmed they're not trading him, but they've talked
this bye week about using a.
Speaker 9 (18:45):
Hunter even more.
Speaker 13 (18:47):
They felt like there were a lot of opportunities that
were missed in the first half of the season, maybe
when Hunter was the second or third progression. Don't be
surprised if he ends up being the first progression and
also seeing a little bit more snaps at cornerback as well.
They think that he's finally ready to be unleashed as
a playmaker and finally let's go to Miami, where I'll
be for the Thursday night game tomorrow. Look, it's been
(19:08):
a rough year for Miami, but there was a moment
during this week where their offensive coordinator Frank Smith talks
to Jonas Sabi and Aya and said, I learned in
Arizona you do this hakka.
Speaker 9 (19:17):
Dance to get your team and you hyped up. Why
don't you do that?
Speaker 13 (19:20):
He did it in front of the offensive line, and
then his teammates encouraged him after the win against the
Panthers or the Falcons to do it, and he does it,
and there's a certain galvanization that comes with it.
Speaker 9 (19:33):
They think they.
Speaker 13 (19:33):
Can continue this, the dance and that galvanization against the
Ravens this week. Thursday Night football is something of a
positive light for a Dolphins team that hasn't had much
of it this year, and another sign that they're Head
coach Mike McDaniel hasn't lost the team yet. They are
still fighting.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I love a good hockey dance.
Speaker 5 (19:52):
I think you got to work on everybody else in
the background, like get them to fully understand how it's done,
do it all together. It's really an intimidating kind of thing.
We've seen like high school teams do it before games.
It is a fascinating thing to see. And if that's
what galvinizes them weeping, and if that's what gets them
to play well Tomorrow night, while Cameron Wolf is in
attendance covering this game, so be it.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Thursday Night Football Ravens.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
Dolphins coverage begins on Prime at seven pm Eastern, and
we're also in NFL networks. Do yourself a favor, get
yourself two TVs. One on Prime. Watch Rappaport over there
one on NFL Network.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
You'll see me and Judy Batista on that program.
Speaker 5 (20:27):
Coming up, we got the Chiefs and the Bills, one
of the big matchups this weekend that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
We'll be talking about.
Speaker 5 (20:31):
Also, Robert Splaine, Patriots landbacker, are going to join us
after the break.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
That's next on the Insiders.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Time Now for Good coverage presented by Progressive Insurance. The
Patriots defense aw just six point three pass yards per
attempt since Week four.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
That ranks tenth in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Lengland currently riding a five game win streak and in
first place in the AFC East. Key member of the
defense Robertsplaine joined us right now on the Insiders with me,
Tom Pilicero as well as Mike Garafolo, Robert six and two. Man,
you're sitting a top the AFC East hous life out
there right now in New England.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Life is good.
Speaker 11 (21:22):
I'm so proud of the guys really been coming together
these past few weeks and we're able to get some
huge wins.
Speaker 5 (21:30):
Tell me about the I mean, you joined Mike Grabel
there in New England, but tell me about the impact
that he's had in that locker room and how guys
are following him with his energy and everything that he
has meant to that organization and the experience that he's
had previously as being a head coach.
Speaker 11 (21:47):
Yeah, coach really sets the standard for us as players.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Every day he walks in that building.
Speaker 11 (21:53):
He brings energy, passion, and a level of expectation that
you know what to expect as a player.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Robert.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
I was there week one. It's a rainy day, You're
facing the Raiders. Everybody's expecting you. Guys are going to
come out first game with a verbel era and like
it just it wasn't great in second half, the Raiders
offense got things going. Drake really struggled on offense. How
did vrabel respond to that very first game? And what's
allowed you guys to coalesce so well here in less
(22:22):
than two months since?
Speaker 11 (22:23):
Yeah, I think he's remained really consistent. We're going to
focus on preparation throughout the week and then we're going
to let it rip on Sunday. That was not our
best outfit week one, and we just want to continue
to work to get better each and every week. So
we're just going to continue to keep our heads down
working and good things are going to happen for us.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
What do you what do you see in practice from
Mac Jones? Because we see it on game day on Sunday?
I mean, are you seeing an increased confidence? I mean,
I know, you know, you know what did I say?
I'm sorry? They tell me Drake May, I don't even know,
he said, Mac Joe. That was a couple of regimes ago.
Speaker 11 (22:59):
But hey, yeah, and I'm like mccollins, so I don't know.
Speaker 5 (23:08):
Man, we are having a show man, We are have
s How about Drake May?
Speaker 2 (23:14):
How impressed to you with what you've seen?
Speaker 5 (23:16):
Of him in practice because the confidence seems to be growing.
Speaker 11 (23:19):
On Sundays confidence leadership, swag. He says he has no swag,
but he walks around with a lot of swag.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
Uh.
Speaker 11 (23:28):
A guy that people really gravitate towards, whether you're a
defensive player, offensive player, special teams player. He has control
of the locker room. You go in there, guys respect him,
and he does not take that lightly. He goes out
there leads every day, not only in practice, but shows
up big for us on game day.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
You've played for several different teams, Robert, You've seen a
lot of different quarterbacks over your time, But what was
the moment at which whether it's going up against each
other in camp or whenever, they were like, oh all right,
this this guy might be it.
Speaker 11 (24:01):
Yeah. Early in Ota is as a linebacker, you're a
vision and break player on so many different defensive calls.
So I recognized early on he was able to manipulate
underneath coverage rather easily, So you need to start going
away from his eyes at certain points early in the downs.
(24:21):
He really has a great understanding of what he's getting
coverage wise, and he's able to manipulate underneath defenders really well.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
You know I mentioned Mike Rabel.
Speaker 5 (24:29):
This is your second go round with him, right like
you were with the Tennessee Titans won twenty eighteen, you
were waived. So when you go and you sign in
free agency and you're back there in New England, you say, okay,
wait a second, what are you seeing this time around?
Like did you see my development as a player?
Speaker 2 (24:46):
And you conversate, what is this? Why do you want me?
Speaker 10 (24:49):
Now?
Speaker 2 (24:51):
That's awesome? Like, seriously, did that surprise you?
Speaker 9 (24:55):
It did.
Speaker 11 (24:56):
But my first career start came a against the Mike
Brabel led Tennessee Titans when I was with Pittsburgh Steelers,
and that was a game that changed my life. And
you never know, it could have had a turning point
in coach where he saw something in me that he
didn't at that point. I was a young, undrafted player
that many people didn't believe would last in this league.
(25:19):
So for me to be here today playing for coach
as an honor and a privilege.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
So Sunday you go up against the Falcons.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Don't know for certain if this is going to be
Michael Pennix junior, if it might be Kirk Cousins, if
we're going on Garafolo's timeline of guys from twenty twenty three.
Who knows, maybe Desmond Rinder starts for them instead. Here
when you look at all the different weapons they've got,
Bijon Robinson, they can do things in the past game.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
What do you see in? How do you attack them?
Speaker 11 (25:44):
Yeah, you start with seven, You start with Bijon, an
elite all around back can do it all out of
the backfield, lining in the slot, lining as an ex receiver,
going in motions, screens down the field, slants outside zone,
inside zone.
Speaker 9 (26:01):
So he is.
Speaker 11 (26:04):
Target number or one or I don't want to say
target because that sounds bad. But he's the prime focus
of their offensive attack, yep.
Speaker 5 (26:14):
And he should be the prime focus of your defensive
game plan. Sometimes I like to play a game called
What's on the Shelf? Behind you? Looks like there should
be wine bottles in those little slots. What's on the shelf?
And did you design it yourself? There are decorated.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Yeah, those are some wine bottles.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
Actually, oh they are okay, yeah, I thought they were
like little figurines there.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
This is Eve and Wally. Who are they?
Speaker 11 (26:40):
They're Disney animated characters. Oh, Wally Disney guy, the Disney
guy I got.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
I got a dog. He didn't have a name. We
should name him on these days, so we'll work on that.
Speaker 11 (26:52):
Robert the beauty.
Speaker 9 (26:56):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
I love that we're being told repeatedly, those are really packed.
We got it.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
We want to get as much of it as possible.
And Mike's pulling things.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Off the ship right here, and.
Speaker 11 (27:07):
I thought it might as well was coming on TV,
so no, throw.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
It back up there, brother? What kind is it? All? Right?
Speaker 9 (27:15):
There?
Speaker 2 (27:15):
You go, lady, you got to try to see a.
Speaker 1 (27:18):
Couple of bourbon guys here. It all came together. Don't
pull yours out, Mike, you're not allowed to drink that
till after the show.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
Robert, best of luck, man, thanks a lot for me here.
We appreciate I already have, Robert, you're the best, dude.
Speaker 11 (27:30):
Appreciate you guys.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
Hosted Basilhagen. Actually actually is a really nice edition. Just
picked that up recently. Anyway, big time fun matchup for
that guy right there, Jimbo, as they say, and the
Buffalo Bills facing the Kandasity Chiefs this week, and what
I don't know, could be an ABC title game matchup
maybe hopefully.
Speaker 4 (27:53):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (27:53):
Listen to these stars talk about what they first see
Sunday being like, I.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Mean, they don't like us.
Speaker 14 (27:59):
I mean that's that's pretty They do not like the Chiefs,
But I mean it is a cool environment I love
playing in like historic stadiums, and that stadium has had
so many great players playing it, and who knows it
might be the last time that we get the opportunity
to play there.
Speaker 15 (28:13):
I'm gonna give you a cliche answer here. I mean,
it's the next one. Every game is different, every year
is different. Everything presents itself in a different way. Nothing
that happened last year, the year before, or the year
before that carries over or matters. This week.
Speaker 3 (28:30):
Lies, Josh Allen lies and all matters and all carries over.
It cannot wait for Sunday Bucket Books. Thank you very
much for hanging with us on the Insiders. These guys
teaed it up pretty good. Why don't you tell me
what you're looking forward to in this big time matchup
on Sunday.
Speaker 16 (28:47):
I'm looking for the continued evolution of the Kancity Chiefs
passing game. Rashid Rice has come the last two weeks
and has been the number one receiver that they needed.
When you think about what he is able to do,
he's a catch and run specialist. He's a guy that
is terrific catching the ball under the knee.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Now you look.
Speaker 16 (29:03):
At the stats differentestrian, they don't stand out in terms
of yards per catch. But what he's able to do
is he's able to really add the screen game to
this offense. So you have him doing the horizontal stuff,
you have Xavier Worthy doing the vertical stuff, and what
it's done is balance out the offense. More ball control,
more efficiency, more effectiveness from Pat Mahomes. So it really
(29:23):
really works out. Three touchdowns from Rice. It's important because
now he's helping them put the ball in the paint.
What you like when I look on the Buffalo side
of it, I love the re emergence of James Cook
as a big time playmaker in this offense. Ran for
two hundred yards a week ago against the Carolina Panthers
and it was the big explosive runs.
Speaker 2 (29:43):
And what happens when James Cook gets going.
Speaker 16 (29:46):
It allows the Buffalo Bills to not only retain the explosiveness,
but it allows them to control the game. And a
matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where you know that
Pat Mahomes is the master of finishing games off in
the fourth quarter. James Cook, his emergence, his effectiveness, his
production will allow them to control the ball, play keep
away from the Chiefs maybe in the fourth quarter, and
(30:07):
allow them to win a game that is a big
game on their schedule, because ultimately this could decide some
seedings when it comes to the AFC playoff field.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
Welcome back to the Siders presented by Progressive Insurance New Today.
We had a trade the Eagles and the Jets pulled
off the trade. Michael Carter the second, very good slot
corner versal sout quarter goes to the Philadelphia Eagles and
a trade that's been in the works for a couple
of weeks, John Metchi the third goes to the Jets
a receiver to give them depths plus a pick swap
(30:39):
the Eagles loading up for the stretch run. Meanwhile, speaking
of green teams, we got a lot of green. That's
not green. That's the Green Bay Packers throwbacks right there.
Usually they're green. This is more blue. It's still the
Packers throwbacks. In what is a big time game against
the Carolina Panthers. Let's listen to Jordan Love tell us
(31:00):
really about the throwbacks, but about this Panthers defense.
Speaker 17 (31:03):
They don't want to give up big time plays and
you can see that all of the tape as they
do a good job of that. I think we were
looking at a stat there, one of the highest in
the league, like you said, of least exposive plays hit
on them. So you just got to do a good
job of taking what's there sometimes and finding those little
whether it's to check down, whether it's just hitting a
guy with the middle they drop step, and maximizing all
(31:23):
those yards. And when those opportunities do come to hit
a big play down the middle or over the top,
you know, we got to hit on that. You got
to maximize those opportunities when they come.
Speaker 3 (31:33):
Welcome in, Bridget conon to the party bucket books joining
us as well.
Speaker 4 (31:37):
Bridgie heard Jordan Love.
Speaker 3 (31:39):
You know what kind of quarterback he has been this
year for the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 4 (31:43):
What is going to be key for him in this
matchup Sunday.
Speaker 18 (31:47):
And just keep doing what he's doing. Jordan Love is
playing exceptionally and he just completed twenty straight passes in
that win against the Steelers on Sunday, something that didn't
even surprise any of his teammates. Guys, how interesting is this?
Nobody on the Packer's sideline even knew that that was
happening until after the game when they were in the
locker room. That just goes to show the composure, the
(32:07):
pois Jordan Love is playing with, and the confidence his
teammates have in him. I was talking with linebacker kway
Walker on the phone earlier and he said, yeah, we
had no idea about that stat but Jordan Love hasn't
even scratched the surface of how good he can be.
He said, it doesn't surprise him what he's doing out
there on the field, and he said it started in
training camp. He said he remembers how hard Jordan Love
(32:27):
was working as he got ready for his third season,
so nothing surprises him. What's really funny is I asked
him about some of the stats that Jordan Love has had.
He's having the best season statistically in his career so
far this season, and he said, you can't see me
because we're talking on the phone, but I'm smiling talking
about my quarterback. That's how much belief he has in him.
Bucky and they're just wanting to get the ball into
(32:48):
his hands as much as possible.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Love Man turk.
Speaker 16 (32:51):
Graf has been terrific, But Jordan Love has really made
all of these guys better. And one of the reasons
that Jordan Love is help this offense goes because he's
getting the ball out of his hands quicker. Now ball's
coming out. They're doing those catch and run concepts. You're
seeing things at the line of scrimmage, horizontal concepts. So
now they're attacking the underbeluy of the defense and it's
leading to more control of the game because they're racking
(33:13):
up first downs instead of big play honey. But Jordan
Love has also shown the ability to push the ball
down the field when the opportunity presents itself. And overall,
we're seeing the maturation of a franchise quarterback, someone who
understands when they take when the defense is giving, but
also will push the envelope when it's there.
Speaker 2 (33:31):
It's really working out well.
Speaker 16 (33:32):
For the Packers as they're rounding in the form as
a Super Bowl contender.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
Yeah, great call, Buck. You actually have to be honest,
I'm a little jealous of the bridge. It gets to see
this in person. Covering it for us at NFL Network.
Take me inside the Panthers run game, because I think
it was pretty obvious. Juba Hobbard was the starting running back,
no big deal. Then he got a cap injury and
everything changed. What is the plan for the Panthers?
Speaker 18 (33:56):
Yeah, Ian really interesting situation that the Panthers have with
their running game between Cuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdell. What's
interesting is now we have a Packer's third ranked run defense.
That is going to be the first game where we're
figuring this out. Dave Canallis was asked this week, how
do you plan to split up the reps? They're still
working through it in practice because, as you mentioned, Rico
Dowdell has been exceptional for this team this season. In
(34:19):
the two games that Cuba was out with injury, Rico
went off and then Cuba has been back the past
two weeks, Week seven and Week eight, and their run
game really has taken a hit. So what do you do.
Do you play the veteran Cuba Hubbard, who has done
so much for this Panthers team, or do you go
with Rico, a newer member of the Panthers who has
that hot hand right now. I talked with kuway Walker,
the linebacker for the Packers, about how you defend. You know,
(34:41):
if it's Cuba, if it's Rico, he said, no matter
who's out there, it's the same for this Packers defense.
Create one on one matchups and be physical at the
line of scrimmage. But ian something that might impact this
run game. Five members of their offensive line were on
the injury report today. Of course, they're hoping to get
a couple of those guys back on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (35:01):
Time out to Marcus my words, you bretty yet, Marcus,
Marcus Grant's words, He's got his Week nine Fantasy sleepers.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Marcus, jump right in and.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
Give me a quarterback people should think about putting in
the lineup.
Speaker 4 (35:12):
Let's go Trevor Lawrence Soula.
Speaker 19 (35:13):
He hasn't quite lived up to expectations, but the last
couple of weeks have not been too bad for him.
He's averaged more than twenty one fantasy points per game
over his last three. Had a season high two hundred
and ninety six yards in Week seven against the Rams.
Now he gets the Raiders of the third lowest pressure
rate just three interceptions so far this season, very curious
to see what Liam Cohen might have cooked up in
the bye week, but Trevor Lawrence starting to turn things around.
Speaker 2 (35:35):
How about running backs?
Speaker 5 (35:36):
I got a couple of guys that I think might
be candidates here, so hopefully you'll name one and.
Speaker 2 (35:39):
Help me make some decisions. What do you got?
Speaker 3 (35:41):
All right?
Speaker 19 (35:42):
Let's start with Tyrone Tracy, who takes over after the
unfortunate no injury to Cam Scataboo.
Speaker 4 (35:48):
Was going against the.
Speaker 19 (35:48):
Niners defensive front that is definitely feeling the loss of
Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. They have one hundred and
fifty seven rushing yards last week to the Houston Texans.
Now Tracy not a huge part of the passing game,
but could get the occasional target. It still has a
really good opportunity against a kind of leaky run defense.
Then here's Burshard Smith, who probably is better in maybe
deeper leagues, but with Isaiah Pacheco right now week to week,
(36:09):
Kareem Hutt getting a lot of work but not looking
very explosive. Brashard Smith kind of having a vibe of
Jeric McKinnon two point zero in this Chiefs offense. Right now,
the Bills have been a top six favorable matchup for
running backs. So with some more opportunity and a few
targets his way up, Brishard Smith could be a nice
flex play.
Speaker 1 (36:25):
Marcus Hellbot a wide receiver who maybe this could be
the week you gotta have him in.
Speaker 19 (36:31):
I think it's DK Metcalf, and maybe I'm fudging the
definition of sleeper a little bit, but he's a guy
who's been kind of mid as the kids would say
so far, but has a really good opportunity this week
against the Colts are the third best matchup for wide receivers.
What has Metcalf will float Not so much the catches
in the yards. It has been the fact that he
scored a touchdown in five of Pittsburgh's seven games this year.
Last week, the Colts had a tough time with Chim
(36:52):
Ray DK in the middle of the field. That's where
DK Metcalf does a lot of his work. I would
expect Aaron Rodgers to look his way quite a bit.
Speaker 2 (36:58):
All right.
Speaker 5 (36:58):
How about a defense for those of us who like
to stream defenses.
Speaker 19 (37:02):
Yeah, for the streaming contingent out there, I'm gonna say,
go back to the Jaguars again. I gave you Trevor
Lawrence at the start. We'll wrap it up with the
Jaguars defense going against the Raiders. The Jags had that
crazy turnover look early in the season, with fourteen takeaways
in their first five games. They haven't had one in
a couple of games since then, but the Raiders have
been giving it away at a high rate. Twelve turnovers overall,
ten interceptions by Gino Smith, who, by the way, has
(37:24):
also been sacked nineteen times. So everybody likes a buffet
in Vegas. This one could be a turnover buffet for
the Jaguars this week.
Speaker 1 (37:31):
Don't sleep on Marcus Grant or his sleepers NFL dot
com slash Sleepers for the full list. Marcus, thank you
very much. We'll see you next Wednesday. We'll see everybody
else tomorrow. Every weekday, in fact, on The Insiders Live
on NFL Network Tuesdays, Wednesdays Friday at seven pm Eastern Time.
Mondays and Thursdays, we're on the NFL channel on fast
(37:53):
streaming platforms.
Speaker 2 (37:54):
It's a podcast days a week, it's a YouTube show
five days a week. And after this there's even more
shows stick around.
Speaker 20 (38:08):
Are you ready to be part of the biggest event?
In the world.
Speaker 4 (38:11):
Come work Super Sunday.
Speaker 20 (38:13):
Contemporary Services Corporation is holding a hiring event on November
fifteenth from ten am to four pm at Levi Stadium.
Now hiring to work Super Bowl sixty in Santa Clara.
Flexible positions with great pay rates available. Register now to
be part of the Big Game experience. Visit our website
and apply now at CSC dash USA dot com. Slash
(38:35):
Super Sunday.
Speaker 1 (38:38):
Happy Early Halloween from the Philadelphia Eagles, who seem to
be enjoying themselves here.
Speaker 2 (38:44):
Mike, what's Jalen hurtswearing?
Speaker 5 (38:47):
He's wearing a janitor's get up there. And I heard
some folks say, or saw some folks saying, like maybe
it's from Bruce Almighty or what.
Speaker 2 (38:54):
I think He's just a regular janitor.
Speaker 5 (38:55):
Gotta be a message here, right, Everything's about messaging.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
So I wonder what it is. I don't know, janitor
clean up messes.
Speaker 5 (39:00):
Maybe a janitor you don't appreciate everything he does to
make sure that everything runs smoothie.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
I don't know. I thought of this all night long.
I really can't come up with the best bussy.
Speaker 4 (39:09):
Who's the Eagle?
Speaker 3 (39:13):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (39:14):
Who are these guys?
Speaker 2 (39:15):
Don't know.
Speaker 4 (39:18):
Is this music.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
I can't hear you.
Speaker 3 (39:20):
Guys, because the music should be our music for the
entire today, tomorrow, and Friday.
Speaker 1 (39:26):
Yes, we will be here on Friday. We'll be holding
it down on Halloween. I'm debating how far I need
to have the bowl of candy away from the front
door so you don't hear the doorbell ringing perpetually in
the background. Man, that is a lot of screaming. Mike,
what are you gonna go as on Friday night with
your kids? I'm gonna go as a reporter, but not
(39:48):
on this show. I took off. How do you feel
about that?
Speaker 9 (39:51):
Ian?
Speaker 3 (39:51):
Wait a minute, you're taking off. You're taking off the
show and you're not even dressing up. You know, Halloween
is a dress up holiday like everyone, and you're not
only you're not working, but you're not dressing up.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
What are you gonna wear?
Speaker 4 (40:08):
I'm gonna be the kol Aid guy?
Speaker 2 (40:09):
Nothing?
Speaker 1 (40:11):
Again, You're the kool Aid guy every year. You can't
recycle the costumes, all right, we gotta
Speaker 3 (40:19):
H
A. Hutchinson doesn't need any extra motivation to get up
for a big divisional game on Sunday, but the Lions
just gave him one hundred and eighty million reasons. Anyway,
we will break down the latest megadeal for a top
pass rusher and tell you who could come next.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
One of the NFL's best rivalries is.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Back on Sunday and you can bank on Josh Allen
and Patrick Mahomes being must see TV. Bucky Brooks always
must see TV. He joins us tonight to dissect who
has the edge between these perennial AFC contenders. Who's got
the edge in your fantasy league? You if you tune
in every week for Marcus Grant's Fantasy Sleepers. Marcus is
(00:49):
back with a fresh batch for you tonight to give
your team the mid season.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Magic you just might need.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
Welcome inside with the Insiders, presented by Progressive Insurance long
Sidan Rappaport and Mike Garriffalo. I am Tom Pelisero. We
come to you on the eve of Week nine in
the NFL, the return of Lamar Jackson to the Ravens
lineup against the Dolphins. We got a bunch of quarterbacks
that could be back this week. We start tonight with
(01:16):
a guy who just got paid a lot of money
to chase them.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
That is Aiden Hutchinson, who.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Agreed to terms today with the Lions on a four year,
one hundred and eighty million dollar contract extension, tying him
to Detroit through the twenty thirty season. According to his
agent Mike McCartney, Hutchinson gets one hundred and forty one
million dollars in total guarantees, most ever for a non quarterback,
just the latest megadeal in an offseason where that pass
(01:44):
rusher market has absolutely exploded. Other than Nick Bosa, all
four of those deals came within the past seven or
eight months. Here the market continues to move forty five
million dollars per for Aiden Hutchinson on this deal. Michael
Parsons still in at the top at forty six point
five million. But there's different leverage points in all these
(02:05):
deals I and it's not really apples to apples. Bottom line,
this is an absolutely monster deal for Aiden Hutchinson.
Speaker 3 (02:12):
Yeah, and a richly deserved deal for Aiden Hutchins. And
just think about what he has gone through to get it.
And yes, he had to collect a lot of sacks
and really has been on absolute sacked tear recently for
the Lions, but also suffered a significant, significant lower leg
injury last year that really made some wonder would he
get back to the level of play that he had been,
(02:33):
would he get back to the defensive player of the
Year candidate type performance.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
And I think a lot of.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
People, including me, thought this deal might get done right
before the season. Sorry, I know they were in intense
talks with the Lions. It's only seemed like there was
some thought of like, he's good, he's the best, but
we just want to see him go out and do
it and play. Hutchinson has certainly done that, so he
ends up with the mega deal that many were expecting.
Four years, one hundred and eighty million, forty five million
(03:00):
dollars per year, gets twenty five million dollars additional over
the next two years. Just another example, Mike, of the
Lions taking care of their excellent, excellent homegrown players.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
We've seen it year after year.
Speaker 3 (03:14):
Aiden Hutchinson the last to get huge dollars for a
Detroit organization that does it the right way.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
And Aiden Hutchinson went after Trayvon Walker. So Trayvon Walker
is coming off back to back double digit season. I
know we don't talk about him that much, and I
don't know that he'll reach this when it comes to
what kind of deal he'll eventually get, but certainly helps him.
I mean, you see the value of the quarterback number one,
and then disrupting the quarterback.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
That's how these guys get paid.
Speaker 5 (03:40):
The quarnerbacks are in there somewhere too as well for
the Lions, and I saw this from Dave Burkett, who
covers them for the Detroit Free Press, put it out
there this morning saying they've committed almost a billion dollars
a billion with a B to the core players that
they have drafted in recent years. Now, not all of
that's guaranteed, but when you're talking about core players and
(04:01):
guys that have been really good, a lot of that
is going to get paid out. And Brad Holmes spoke
to him at the combine last year, had already done
a bunch of deals.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
There were even more deals coming. He was like, oh, yeah,
I got a everybody wants to get paid. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (04:12):
Well, you know what, that's a good thing, Brad, because
that means that you hit on your draft picks, you
developed them, and you've got yourself a core that you
want to then reinvest in. Hayden Hutchinson gets a big
one here along with all these other guys that have
gotten deal and probably.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
More coming for Brad as well.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
And how will Aiden Hutchinson celebrate while on Sunday he'll
be chasing around his fellow Michigan Wolverine JJ McCarthy. Full
participant in practice today for the Vikings for the first
time since he suffered a high ankle sprain all the
way back in Week two. The number ten overall pick
in the twenty twenty four draft now set to return
to action at Detroit, and he says finally he's ready
(04:48):
to roll.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
I felt close, you know, at the end of the day.
Speaker 6 (04:51):
It was still a couple of things where it felt
like my foot was in concrete, and you just don't
want to be in that position, especially, you know, going
into a Thursday game, our Sunday game. Just not being
able to move the way I want to and protect
myself as the biggest concern. I feel like myself again.
I feel like I, you know, have those mobility things
that I was concerned about, you know, going into last week.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
In the prior weeks, so yeah, ready to go.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Jade Daniels also trending toward returning to action after missing
Monday Night's lots at Kansas City with a hamstring injury. Officially,
Jane Daniels a full participant in practice today. Dan Quinn
said that will be the case all week, putting Daniels
right on track to me back for another big game
Sunday night against the Seahawks. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin will
not play in that game. He re injured his quad
(05:40):
Monday night. In his return to action, Quinn said they
are hopeful this is not going to be anything long term,
but scary Terry's nightmare season continues right here. Some other
noble quarterbacks could be returning in Week nine. We already
mentioned Lamar Jackson. He is back off the injury report,
officially good to go on Thursday night against the Dolphins.
Michael Pennigs, junior limited in practice today, said he is
(06:02):
trending in the right direction. We'll see if that equals
him being out there on the field. Kyler Murray no
official injury report yet because they play Monday night against
the Cowboys. Miss two games with a foot, but they're
certainly hopeful this is Kyler's return. Brock Perty remains limited
in practice. They're ramping him up. It's been a slow
process with that toe. And Bryce Young didn't play last
week because of a high ankle. Spring full participant in
(06:25):
practice today, which would seem ian to put him on
track to play against the Packers. Meanwhile, there's a quarterback
question in the new one in Cincinnati.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
It's really been a season full of quarterback questions for
the Cincinnati Bago. They thought that Joe Flacco was the answer,
and at times he really has been. Late in this
game against the Jets, I'm totally suffered an ac joint
sprain in his right shoulder, went into the locker room,
was able to finish the game, but it is best
to describe his status this week as up in the air.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Did not practice today.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Zach Taylor saying he is someone who could come in
and start Mike on very limited.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
They don't know how limited.
Speaker 4 (07:01):
We remember he's only been there three weeks.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
He has told Taylor that he wants to play, absolutely,
they don't know if he can physically do it. Jake Browning,
of course, is the backup and may in fact be
starting for the Bengals, Mike Hell's.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
Freddie AFC North the Steelers. After that disappointing loss of
the Packers, welcome the Colts into town. The Colts. I
know a lot of folks are saying, haven't played that
many playoff teams.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Well, they've got four or five of them left on
the schedule.
Speaker 5 (07:27):
As far as how the standings stack right now, the
Steelers are one of them. But here's Mike Tomlin saying, yeah,
might be leading the division, but we can get a
lot better.
Speaker 7 (07:36):
We make no excuses about how or why we fall short.
Our job is to perform and perform at a high level,
and we haven't done that, and so I'm excited about
getting back to it. Seven games or whatever does make
a season. We certainly got more in front of us
and more opportunities to write our story, whether it's individuals,
whether it's a component of our team, or whether it's
(07:58):
our team in general. I think that's our general mindset.
Speaker 5 (08:05):
This is how we do it. We tee up talk
about the Colts and the Steelers ahead.
Speaker 8 (08:09):
We honestly, Mike, I've seen this Colts offense best offensive football.
They've scored the most touchdowns, the most points, they've they've
beaten you know, even the lost to the Rams. They
should have won that game. They had an early celebration.
The guy dropped the ball before he crossed the goal
lineh would have won that game. But regardless, I mean Pittsburgh.
Now they've lost to Seattle. You know, they've lost the Cincinnati,
(08:30):
we lost the Green Bay. They've given up over thirty
in all these games. And if they're gonna, if they're
going to follow what Mike says, where they're gonna, they
have time to write their script. I think he's got
to start on the defensive side of the ball right now. Offensively,
Aaron's doing what I think he can do. But even
in this first game to the Jets, they gave up
thirty two points that touchdown there to Garrett Wilson. I mean,
they're last right now in passing yards allowed. You're watching
(08:54):
Jackson Smith and Jigba, you know, deep balls down the field.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
We saw it in the Cincinnati.
Speaker 8 (08:58):
We've seen it right here with the Patriots, you know,
giving up a lot of big plays and not good
on you know, giving up first downs and teams are
converting twelve and twelve to eighteen on fourth downs, right
now they can't get off the field.
Speaker 2 (09:13):
You know in certain situations.
Speaker 8 (09:15):
We saw it just you know against Green Bay where
they didn't tackle well. Tucker Craft is catching you know,
three yard flat routes and he's going for twenty or
thirty yards after the catch. They got to tackle better
and then, honestly, their stars have to show up this weekend,
you know, TJ. Watt, Cam Hayward, Alex Heismith. They pay
these guys a lot of money and they're not really
(09:37):
impacting the game right now the way they need to
in order for this team. Because you can talk about
the pass defense. Pass defense can be a function of
pressure on the quarterback.
Speaker 9 (09:48):
If Daniel Jones.
Speaker 8 (09:49):
Can sit back here behind a good offensive line and
set his feet and find his targets, he's going to
complete these passes. I'm saying this a Colts offense. They've
got the leading rusher that Josh Downs right there that
you're looking at. He's a slot receiver. He's a big
part of this offense. You look at the screen game
right here to Tyler Warren, He's a big part of
the offense. They like two and three tight end sets
(10:11):
to run the ball, but all these throws you watch
from Daniel Jones, he's got a really clean pocket and
it doesn't matter who they've been playing against. He gets
a clean pocket and he gets a chance to air
it out. They take their shots. Shane Stike is throwing
a lot of deep balls in these games. It's not
dinking dunk, They're not checking it down. They're taking those
shots down the field, whether it's you know, Pittman or
(10:34):
Josh Stowns or to Tyler Warren. And oh, by the way,
we all watch a lot of you or Giant games
over the years that remember that confused look at Daniel
Jones used to have a lot of times coming off
the field, just that sort of days that's gone.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
It's completely gone.
Speaker 8 (10:50):
That guy's playing with as much confidence as any quarterback
in this league.
Speaker 10 (10:53):
Right now, hand off to bydel Ydell following his blockers
so touchdown Chargers Kamani by now first rushing touchdown of
his career, this one a three yard run.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
To the left. Look at the movement over there.
Speaker 11 (11:16):
A nice job by Zion next to him as well.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
That was fun to watch.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
What a way to get your career going for Kamani.
Vydell who joins us right now on the insiders with me,
Tom Pilaicero, and Ian Rappaport. Kimani got hell no time
here to kind of take a breather after that Thursday
night game.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Rest up.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
How we feeling midway through? But so far has been
your breakout season here.
Speaker 12 (11:41):
It's feeling good. You know, I'm just trying to just
follow it up with another performance. Just focus on the
next game.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
Kimani, It's been interesting the way the running back position
for the Chargers has played out. We had Naji obviously
go out for the season with the achilles. You have
Marion ham to go out with the ankle injury for
an extended period of time, and I assume that when
you step in there as what has basically become the
lead back for now, most people were probably like, who
is that guy? What has this ride been like for you?
(12:11):
The last three or so weeks on the field, off
the field, everything that's gone into it, It's been great.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
You know.
Speaker 12 (12:18):
I was blessed to have the opportunity for the my
coaches to trust me, for my teammates to trust me,
and you know, I've been just been trying to prove
them right.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
You know.
Speaker 12 (12:28):
The season, the none of the team's care. You know
that we have injuries, so we got to keep trying
to win.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
But to take me back though, you know, to the
end of August here, Kimani, and you know you're always
fighting for a job, fighting for roster's fight. You get
cut at the end of camp, you signed back to
the practice squad. Is anywhere in your brain or you thinking, hey, well,
you know, six weeks in I might have a couple
of one hundred yard performances under my belt.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
How do you stay ready for that type of opportunity?
Speaker 12 (12:56):
You know, back like when that happened, I was just
trying to take it day by day, just you know,
I try not to think like too far ahead and
just just stay stay with the course, stay focused, and
just try to get better at that at that point in.
Speaker 3 (13:11):
Time, right, But then you score your first touchdown and
we just saw the we just saw the cookbook. You've
scored a lot of touchdowns in your life at Troy
and high school and all that, But you score your
first NFL touchdown. You had a nice touchdown celebration. Ready,
you must have at least thought of that. How much
time do you think, all right, if I scored my
first NFL touchdown. Here's how I'm going to celebrate, just
to make sure you nail it at the moment.
Speaker 12 (13:34):
Honestly, it was just like I just did it at
the moment, Like I didn't.
Speaker 2 (13:39):
I didn't think through.
Speaker 12 (13:40):
Any of that, Honestly, I just just so happened to
get in the end zone and then it just like
it just came out like it was a natural almost.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
So this week, now you guys come back, you get
that win. Now you're taking on the Titans this week.
This is like proverbial trap game, right, It's the Titans
teither disarrayed, they got an interim coach. What is Jim
Harbor message been to you guys to make sure you're
ready to roll out here on Sunday.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
Just to play our game.
Speaker 12 (14:07):
To just attack it how we know it, attack it
like how we did last week, and to execute the
game plan.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
You don't want to go back to one thing that
that Tom mentioned. I mean, you have had two hundred
yard games in the last three weeks. You've also now
had the extra little break from the kind of mini buy.
Your body is obviously not taking this kind of pounding
and this many hits in probably a couple of years physically,
How do you how do you deal with that? How
(14:37):
do you sort of get ready for that and make
sure that when you do come back you're you're kind
of hitting on all cylinders.
Speaker 12 (14:43):
I would just say, like it kind of goes back
to just the time when I was on the practice squad.
I was taking it like I was a starter almost
and taking care of my body at that point, and
like when the opportunity came, I knew like it like
it wasn't on a stop and I was just going
to have to keep going.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
I remember when we first talked back at the Senior Bowl,
which was only a couple of years ago, it feels
like forever ago. But one thing that everybody knew about
you walking in was your great uncle, the late baseball legend,
Hank Aaron, who you got to know you got to
spend some time with it Tuopark question One, how were
those interactions?
Speaker 2 (15:21):
What do you remember most? And two?
Speaker 1 (15:23):
You know you got the World Series in your backyard
right now? Do you pay any attention just based upon
maybe some of that familial stuff that's somewhere deep inside you?
Speaker 12 (15:32):
Yeah, I definitely I've been watching the World Series. You know,
he was great he told me a lot just about
not really like anything on the field wise, it was
just more so off the field and you know all
the adversity faced off the field and just how he
dealt with that to keep focus and just keep going.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
So, speaking of baseball, we have seen pictures of Justin
Herbert also and enjoying the Dodgers playing the World Series.
And your quarterback, besides enjoying some baseball and whatever else
he's been doing, has also been flashing some running skills, especially.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
On Thursday Night.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
I mean, his ability to move in the pocket and
to escape and rush has really helped you guys offensively.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
The question for you is can you evaluate his running skills, like,
as someone who does this for a living, what do
you think about the way your quarterback runs? And you
kind of let him hang out in the running back
room a little bit because of how successful he's been.
Speaker 12 (16:32):
He does not hang out in the running back room.
He has a lot of other stuff he deals with.
But he does a great job, you know, keeping the
keeping us ahead on the sticks and you know, taking
off when he needs to and when he sees you
know that no one's, no one's there for him, you know,
he takes off and he does a good job protecting himself.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Come Onie, great to see you again, man, appreciate the time.
Keep this thing rolled. We'll see you again soon. Yes, sir,
thank you.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Yeah, it's time for the Wolf of Ball Street. I
love that part. It's great part kind of goofy doing
with me.
Speaker 7 (17:13):
Cam.
Speaker 5 (17:14):
Listen the Wolf of Ball Street where Cameron Wolf joins
us every week to give down, to give us his
rundown of all things ball.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Wolf of Ball Street. Got it. Let's go Wolf of
Ball Street, Week nine edition. Go camp, Mike Gee, I'm
not going anywhere.
Speaker 13 (17:30):
And to start the Wolf of Ball Street, let's start
with the Buffalo Bills. I was there this past week.
They blow out the Panthers, but there's still this nagging
need of more from Josh Allen in this passing game,
and so talking to people in Buffalo, there's a level
of relax but complacency is not a factor here. They
have certainly been looking inside the trademarket for a vertical
(17:53):
deep route receiver. If they can find someone that is
good for them price wise, they have just two million
in cap space, and also someone that can immediately come
in and have an impact. With Josh. Don't be surprised
to see them make a move. This week is going
to be very important against the Chiefs to see how
their playmakers line up. Josh Allen loves to throw that
deep ball. They haven't quite had that yet. They've looked
(18:15):
at multiple positions with wide receiver, maybe that spot. One
player that fits a lot of those categories I mentioned
New Orleans Saints Rashid Shaheed keep an eye on all
of this. Now, let's go to Jacksonville where they're coming
off of bye week with an idea of making some changes,
and one change you shouldn't be surprised to see Travis
Hunter becoming.
Speaker 9 (18:33):
The center of their passing offense.
Speaker 13 (18:36):
Brian Thomas Junior has had some struggles early on in
the season with some drops.
Speaker 9 (18:40):
They're not giving up on him.
Speaker 13 (18:41):
Liam Cohen confirmed they're not trading him, but they've talked
this bye week about using a.
Speaker 9 (18:45):
Hunter even more.
Speaker 13 (18:47):
They felt like there were a lot of opportunities that
were missed in the first half of the season, maybe
when Hunter was the second or third progression. Don't be
surprised if he ends up being the first progression and
also seeing a little bit more snaps at cornerback as well.
They think that he's finally ready to be unleashed as
a playmaker and finally let's go to Miami, where I'll
be for the Thursday night game tomorrow. Look, it's been
(19:08):
a rough year for Miami, but there was a moment
during this week where their offensive coordinator Frank Smith talks
to Jonas Sabi and Aya and said, I learned in
Arizona you do this hakka.
Speaker 9 (19:17):
Dance to get your team and you hyped up. Why
don't you do that?
Speaker 13 (19:20):
He did it in front of the offensive line, and
then his teammates encouraged him after the win against the
Panthers or the Falcons to do it, and he does it,
and there's a certain galvanization that comes with it.
Speaker 9 (19:33):
They think they.
Speaker 13 (19:33):
Can continue this, the dance and that galvanization against the
Ravens this week. Thursday Night football is something of a
positive light for a Dolphins team that hasn't had much
of it this year, and another sign that they're Head
coach Mike McDaniel hasn't lost the team yet. They are
still fighting.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I love a good hockey dance.
Speaker 5 (19:52):
I think you got to work on everybody else in
the background, like get them to fully understand how it's done,
do it all together. It's really an intimidating kind of thing.
We've seen like high school teams do it before games.
It is a fascinating thing to see. And if that's
what galvinizes them weeping, and if that's what gets them
to play well Tomorrow night, while Cameron Wolf is in
attendance covering this game, so be it.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Thursday Night Football Ravens.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
Dolphins coverage begins on Prime at seven pm Eastern, and
we're also in NFL networks. Do yourself a favor, get
yourself two TVs. One on Prime. Watch Rappaport over there
one on NFL Network.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
You'll see me and Judy Batista on that program.
Speaker 5 (20:27):
Coming up, we got the Chiefs and the Bills, one
of the big matchups this weekend that.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
We'll be talking about.
Speaker 5 (20:31):
Also, Robert Splaine, Patriots landbacker, are going to join us
after the break.
Speaker 2 (20:36):
That's next on the Insiders.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Time Now for Good coverage presented by Progressive Insurance. The
Patriots defense aw just six point three pass yards per
attempt since Week four.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
That ranks tenth in the NFL.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Lengland currently riding a five game win streak and in
first place in the AFC East. Key member of the
defense Robertsplaine joined us right now on the Insiders with me,
Tom Pilicero as well as Mike Garafolo, Robert six and two. Man,
you're sitting a top the AFC East hous life out
there right now in New England.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
Life is good.
Speaker 11 (21:22):
I'm so proud of the guys really been coming together
these past few weeks and we're able to get some
huge wins.
Speaker 5 (21:30):
Tell me about the I mean, you joined Mike Grabel
there in New England, but tell me about the impact
that he's had in that locker room and how guys
are following him with his energy and everything that he
has meant to that organization and the experience that he's
had previously as being a head coach.
Speaker 11 (21:47):
Yeah, coach really sets the standard for us as players.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
Every day he walks in that building.
Speaker 11 (21:53):
He brings energy, passion, and a level of expectation that
you know what to expect as a player.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Robert.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
I was there week one. It's a rainy day, You're
facing the Raiders. Everybody's expecting you. Guys are going to
come out first game with a verbel era and like
it just it wasn't great in second half, the Raiders
offense got things going. Drake really struggled on offense. How
did vrabel respond to that very first game? And what's
allowed you guys to coalesce so well here in less
(22:22):
than two months since?
Speaker 11 (22:23):
Yeah, I think he's remained really consistent. We're going to
focus on preparation throughout the week and then we're going
to let it rip on Sunday. That was not our
best outfit week one, and we just want to continue
to work to get better each and every week. So
we're just going to continue to keep our heads down
working and good things are going to happen for us.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
What do you what do you see in practice from
Mac Jones? Because we see it on game day on Sunday?
I mean, are you seeing an increased confidence? I mean,
I know, you know, you know what did I say?
I'm sorry? They tell me Drake May, I don't even know,
he said, Mac Joe. That was a couple of regimes ago.
Speaker 11 (22:59):
But hey, yeah, and I'm like mccollins, so I don't know.
Speaker 5 (23:08):
Man, we are having a show man, We are have
s How about Drake May?
Speaker 2 (23:14):
How impressed to you with what you've seen?
Speaker 5 (23:16):
Of him in practice because the confidence seems to be growing.
Speaker 11 (23:19):
On Sundays confidence leadership, swag. He says he has no swag,
but he walks around with a lot of swag.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
Uh.
Speaker 11 (23:28):
A guy that people really gravitate towards, whether you're a
defensive player, offensive player, special teams player. He has control
of the locker room. You go in there, guys respect him,
and he does not take that lightly. He goes out
there leads every day, not only in practice, but shows
up big for us on game day.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
You've played for several different teams, Robert, You've seen a
lot of different quarterbacks over your time, But what was
the moment at which whether it's going up against each
other in camp or whenever, they were like, oh all right,
this this guy might be it.
Speaker 11 (24:01):
Yeah. Early in Ota is as a linebacker, you're a
vision and break player on so many different defensive calls.
So I recognized early on he was able to manipulate
underneath coverage rather easily, So you need to start going
away from his eyes at certain points early in the downs.
(24:21):
He really has a great understanding of what he's getting
coverage wise, and he's able to manipulate underneath defenders really well.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
You know I mentioned Mike Rabel.
Speaker 5 (24:29):
This is your second go round with him, right like
you were with the Tennessee Titans won twenty eighteen, you
were waived. So when you go and you sign in
free agency and you're back there in New England, you say, okay,
wait a second, what are you seeing this time around?
Like did you see my development as a player?
Speaker 2 (24:46):
And you conversate, what is this? Why do you want me?
Speaker 10 (24:49):
Now?
Speaker 2 (24:51):
That's awesome? Like, seriously, did that surprise you?
Speaker 9 (24:55):
It did.
Speaker 11 (24:56):
But my first career start came a against the Mike
Brabel led Tennessee Titans when I was with Pittsburgh Steelers,
and that was a game that changed my life. And
you never know, it could have had a turning point
in coach where he saw something in me that he
didn't at that point. I was a young, undrafted player
that many people didn't believe would last in this league.
(25:19):
So for me to be here today playing for coach
as an honor and a privilege.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
So Sunday you go up against the Falcons.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Don't know for certain if this is going to be
Michael Pennix junior, if it might be Kirk Cousins, if
we're going on Garafolo's timeline of guys from twenty twenty three.
Who knows, maybe Desmond Rinder starts for them instead. Here
when you look at all the different weapons they've got,
Bijon Robinson, they can do things in the past game.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
What do you see in? How do you attack them?
Speaker 11 (25:44):
Yeah, you start with seven, You start with Bijon, an
elite all around back can do it all out of
the backfield, lining in the slot, lining as an ex receiver,
going in motions, screens down the field, slants outside zone,
inside zone.
Speaker 9 (26:01):
So he is.
Speaker 11 (26:04):
Target number or one or I don't want to say
target because that sounds bad. But he's the prime focus
of their offensive attack, yep.
Speaker 5 (26:14):
And he should be the prime focus of your defensive
game plan. Sometimes I like to play a game called
What's on the Shelf? Behind you? Looks like there should
be wine bottles in those little slots. What's on the shelf?
And did you design it yourself? There are decorated.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Yeah, those are some wine bottles.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
Actually, oh they are okay, yeah, I thought they were
like little figurines there.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
This is Eve and Wally. Who are they?
Speaker 11 (26:40):
They're Disney animated characters. Oh, Wally Disney guy, the Disney
guy I got.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
I got a dog. He didn't have a name. We
should name him on these days, so we'll work on that.
Speaker 11 (26:52):
Robert the beauty.
Speaker 9 (26:56):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (26:57):
I love that we're being told repeatedly, those are really packed.
We got it.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
We want to get as much of it as possible.
And Mike's pulling things.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Off the ship right here, and.
Speaker 11 (27:07):
I thought it might as well was coming on TV,
so no, throw.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
It back up there, brother? What kind is it? All? Right?
Speaker 9 (27:15):
There?
Speaker 2 (27:15):
You go, lady, you got to try to see a.
Speaker 1 (27:18):
Couple of bourbon guys here. It all came together. Don't
pull yours out, Mike, you're not allowed to drink that
till after the show.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
Robert, best of luck, man, thanks a lot for me here.
We appreciate I already have, Robert, you're the best, dude.
Speaker 11 (27:30):
Appreciate you guys.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
Hosted Basilhagen. Actually actually is a really nice edition. Just
picked that up recently. Anyway, big time fun matchup for
that guy right there, Jimbo, as they say, and the
Buffalo Bills facing the Kandasity Chiefs this week, and what
I don't know, could be an ABC title game matchup
maybe hopefully.
Speaker 4 (27:53):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (27:53):
Listen to these stars talk about what they first see
Sunday being like, I.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
Mean, they don't like us.
Speaker 14 (27:59):
I mean that's that's pretty They do not like the Chiefs,
But I mean it is a cool environment I love
playing in like historic stadiums, and that stadium has had
so many great players playing it, and who knows it
might be the last time that we get the opportunity
to play there.
Speaker 15 (28:13):
I'm gonna give you a cliche answer here. I mean,
it's the next one. Every game is different, every year
is different. Everything presents itself in a different way. Nothing
that happened last year, the year before, or the year
before that carries over or matters. This week.
Speaker 3 (28:30):
Lies, Josh Allen lies and all matters and all carries over.
It cannot wait for Sunday Bucket Books. Thank you very
much for hanging with us on the Insiders. These guys
teaed it up pretty good. Why don't you tell me
what you're looking forward to in this big time matchup
on Sunday.
Speaker 16 (28:47):
I'm looking for the continued evolution of the Kancity Chiefs
passing game. Rashid Rice has come the last two weeks
and has been the number one receiver that they needed.
When you think about what he is able to do,
he's a catch and run specialist. He's a guy that
is terrific catching the ball under the knee.
Speaker 2 (29:02):
Now you look.
Speaker 16 (29:03):
At the stats differentestrian, they don't stand out in terms
of yards per catch. But what he's able to do
is he's able to really add the screen game to
this offense. So you have him doing the horizontal stuff,
you have Xavier Worthy doing the vertical stuff, and what
it's done is balance out the offense. More ball control,
more efficiency, more effectiveness from Pat Mahomes. So it really
(29:23):
really works out. Three touchdowns from Rice. It's important because
now he's helping them put the ball in the paint.
What you like when I look on the Buffalo side
of it, I love the re emergence of James Cook
as a big time playmaker in this offense. Ran for
two hundred yards a week ago against the Carolina Panthers
and it was the big explosive runs.
Speaker 2 (29:43):
And what happens when James Cook gets going.
Speaker 16 (29:46):
It allows the Buffalo Bills to not only retain the explosiveness,
but it allows them to control the game. And a
matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, where you know that
Pat Mahomes is the master of finishing games off in
the fourth quarter. James Cook, his emergence, his effectiveness, his
production will allow them to control the ball, play keep
away from the Chiefs maybe in the fourth quarter, and
(30:07):
allow them to win a game that is a big
game on their schedule, because ultimately this could decide some
seedings when it comes to the AFC playoff field.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
Welcome back to the Siders presented by Progressive Insurance New Today.
We had a trade the Eagles and the Jets pulled
off the trade. Michael Carter the second, very good slot
corner versal sout quarter goes to the Philadelphia Eagles and
a trade that's been in the works for a couple
of weeks, John Metchi the third goes to the Jets
a receiver to give them depths plus a pick swap
(30:39):
the Eagles loading up for the stretch run. Meanwhile, speaking
of green teams, we got a lot of green. That's
not green. That's the Green Bay Packers throwbacks right there.
Usually they're green. This is more blue. It's still the
Packers throwbacks. In what is a big time game against
the Carolina Panthers. Let's listen to Jordan Love tell us
(31:00):
really about the throwbacks, but about this Panthers defense.
Speaker 17 (31:03):
They don't want to give up big time plays and
you can see that all of the tape as they
do a good job of that. I think we were
looking at a stat there, one of the highest in
the league, like you said, of least exposive plays hit
on them. So you just got to do a good
job of taking what's there sometimes and finding those little
whether it's to check down, whether it's just hitting a
guy with the middle they drop step, and maximizing all
(31:23):
those yards. And when those opportunities do come to hit
a big play down the middle or over the top,
you know, we got to hit on that. You got
to maximize those opportunities when they come.
Speaker 3 (31:33):
Welcome in, Bridget conon to the party bucket books joining
us as well.
Speaker 4 (31:37):
Bridgie heard Jordan Love.
Speaker 3 (31:39):
You know what kind of quarterback he has been this
year for the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 4 (31:43):
What is going to be key for him in this
matchup Sunday.
Speaker 18 (31:47):
And just keep doing what he's doing. Jordan Love is
playing exceptionally and he just completed twenty straight passes in
that win against the Steelers on Sunday, something that didn't
even surprise any of his teammates. Guys, how interesting is this?
Nobody on the Packer's sideline even knew that that was
happening until after the game when they were in the
locker room. That just goes to show the composure, the
(32:07):
pois Jordan Love is playing with, and the confidence his
teammates have in him. I was talking with linebacker kway
Walker on the phone earlier and he said, yeah, we
had no idea about that stat but Jordan Love hasn't
even scratched the surface of how good he can be.
He said, it doesn't surprise him what he's doing out
there on the field, and he said it started in
training camp. He said he remembers how hard Jordan Love
(32:27):
was working as he got ready for his third season,
so nothing surprises him. What's really funny is I asked
him about some of the stats that Jordan Love has had.
He's having the best season statistically in his career so
far this season, and he said, you can't see me
because we're talking on the phone, but I'm smiling talking
about my quarterback. That's how much belief he has in him.
Bucky and they're just wanting to get the ball into
(32:48):
his hands as much as possible.
Speaker 2 (32:50):
Love Man turk.
Speaker 16 (32:51):
Graf has been terrific, But Jordan Love has really made
all of these guys better. And one of the reasons
that Jordan Love is help this offense goes because he's
getting the ball out of his hands quicker. Now ball's
coming out. They're doing those catch and run concepts. You're
seeing things at the line of scrimmage, horizontal concepts. So
now they're attacking the underbeluy of the defense and it's
leading to more control of the game because they're racking
(33:13):
up first downs instead of big play honey. But Jordan
Love has also shown the ability to push the ball
down the field when the opportunity presents itself. And overall,
we're seeing the maturation of a franchise quarterback, someone who
understands when they take when the defense is giving, but
also will push the envelope when it's there.
Speaker 2 (33:31):
It's really working out well.
Speaker 16 (33:32):
For the Packers as they're rounding in the form as
a Super Bowl contender.
Speaker 3 (33:37):
Yeah, great call, Buck. You actually have to be honest,
I'm a little jealous of the bridge. It gets to see
this in person. Covering it for us at NFL Network.
Take me inside the Panthers run game, because I think
it was pretty obvious. Juba Hobbard was the starting running back,
no big deal. Then he got a cap injury and
everything changed. What is the plan for the Panthers?
Speaker 18 (33:56):
Yeah, Ian really interesting situation that the Panthers have with
their running game between Cuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdell. What's
interesting is now we have a Packer's third ranked run defense.
That is going to be the first game where we're
figuring this out. Dave Canallis was asked this week, how
do you plan to split up the reps? They're still
working through it in practice because, as you mentioned, Rico
Dowdell has been exceptional for this team this season. In
(34:19):
the two games that Cuba was out with injury, Rico
went off and then Cuba has been back the past
two weeks, Week seven and Week eight, and their run
game really has taken a hit. So what do you do.
Do you play the veteran Cuba Hubbard, who has done
so much for this Panthers team, or do you go
with Rico, a newer member of the Panthers who has
that hot hand right now. I talked with kuway Walker,
the linebacker for the Packers, about how you defend. You know,
(34:41):
if it's Cuba, if it's Rico, he said, no matter
who's out there, it's the same for this Packers defense.
Create one on one matchups and be physical at the
line of scrimmage. But ian something that might impact this
run game. Five members of their offensive line were on
the injury report today. Of course, they're hoping to get
a couple of those guys back on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (35:01):
Time out to Marcus my words, you bretty yet, Marcus,
Marcus Grant's words, He's got his Week nine Fantasy sleepers.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Marcus, jump right in and.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
Give me a quarterback people should think about putting in
the lineup.
Speaker 4 (35:12):
Let's go Trevor Lawrence Soula.
Speaker 19 (35:13):
He hasn't quite lived up to expectations, but the last
couple of weeks have not been too bad for him.
He's averaged more than twenty one fantasy points per game
over his last three. Had a season high two hundred
and ninety six yards in Week seven against the Rams.
Now he gets the Raiders of the third lowest pressure
rate just three interceptions so far this season, very curious
to see what Liam Cohen might have cooked up in
the bye week, but Trevor Lawrence starting to turn things around.
Speaker 2 (35:35):
How about running backs?
Speaker 5 (35:36):
I got a couple of guys that I think might
be candidates here, so hopefully you'll name one and.
Speaker 2 (35:39):
Help me make some decisions. What do you got?
Speaker 3 (35:41):
All right?
Speaker 19 (35:42):
Let's start with Tyrone Tracy, who takes over after the
unfortunate no injury to Cam Scataboo.
Speaker 4 (35:48):
Was going against the.
Speaker 19 (35:48):
Niners defensive front that is definitely feeling the loss of
Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. They have one hundred and
fifty seven rushing yards last week to the Houston Texans.
Now Tracy not a huge part of the passing game,
but could get the occasional target. It still has a
really good opportunity against a kind of leaky run defense.
Then here's Burshard Smith, who probably is better in maybe
deeper leagues, but with Isaiah Pacheco right now week to week,
(36:09):
Kareem Hutt getting a lot of work but not looking
very explosive. Brashard Smith kind of having a vibe of
Jeric McKinnon two point zero in this Chiefs offense. Right now,
the Bills have been a top six favorable matchup for
running backs. So with some more opportunity and a few
targets his way up, Brishard Smith could be a nice
flex play.
Speaker 1 (36:25):
Marcus Hellbot a wide receiver who maybe this could be
the week you gotta have him in.
Speaker 19 (36:31):
I think it's DK Metcalf, and maybe I'm fudging the
definition of sleeper a little bit, but he's a guy
who's been kind of mid as the kids would say
so far, but has a really good opportunity this week
against the Colts are the third best matchup for wide receivers.
What has Metcalf will float Not so much the catches
in the yards. It has been the fact that he
scored a touchdown in five of Pittsburgh's seven games this year.
Last week, the Colts had a tough time with Chim
(36:52):
Ray DK in the middle of the field. That's where
DK Metcalf does a lot of his work. I would
expect Aaron Rodgers to look his way quite a bit.
Speaker 2 (36:58):
All right.
Speaker 5 (36:58):
How about a defense for those of us who like
to stream defenses.
Speaker 19 (37:02):
Yeah, for the streaming contingent out there, I'm gonna say,
go back to the Jaguars again. I gave you Trevor
Lawrence at the start. We'll wrap it up with the
Jaguars defense going against the Raiders. The Jags had that
crazy turnover look early in the season, with fourteen takeaways
in their first five games. They haven't had one in
a couple of games since then, but the Raiders have
been giving it away at a high rate. Twelve turnovers overall,
ten interceptions by Gino Smith, who, by the way, has
(37:24):
also been sacked nineteen times. So everybody likes a buffet
in Vegas. This one could be a turnover buffet for
the Jaguars this week.
Speaker 1 (37:31):
Don't sleep on Marcus Grant or his sleepers NFL dot
com slash Sleepers for the full list. Marcus, thank you
very much. We'll see you next Wednesday. We'll see everybody
else tomorrow. Every weekday, in fact, on The Insiders Live
on NFL Network Tuesdays, Wednesdays Friday at seven pm Eastern Time.
Mondays and Thursdays, we're on the NFL channel on fast
(37:53):
streaming platforms.
Speaker 2 (37:54):
It's a podcast days a week, it's a YouTube show
five days a week. And after this there's even more
shows stick around.
Speaker 20 (38:08):
Are you ready to be part of the biggest event?
In the world.
Speaker 4 (38:11):
Come work Super Sunday.
Speaker 20 (38:13):
Contemporary Services Corporation is holding a hiring event on November
fifteenth from ten am to four pm at Levi Stadium.
Now hiring to work Super Bowl sixty in Santa Clara.
Flexible positions with great pay rates available. Register now to
be part of the Big Game experience. Visit our website
and apply now at CSC dash USA dot com. Slash
(38:35):
Super Sunday.
Speaker 1 (38:38):
Happy Early Halloween from the Philadelphia Eagles, who seem to
be enjoying themselves here.
Speaker 2 (38:44):
Mike, what's Jalen hurtswearing?
Speaker 5 (38:47):
He's wearing a janitor's get up there. And I heard
some folks say, or saw some folks saying, like maybe
it's from Bruce Almighty or what.
Speaker 2 (38:54):
I think He's just a regular janitor.
Speaker 5 (38:55):
Gotta be a message here, right, Everything's about messaging.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
So I wonder what it is. I don't know, janitor
clean up messes.
Speaker 5 (39:00):
Maybe a janitor you don't appreciate everything he does to
make sure that everything runs smoothie.
Speaker 2 (39:04):
I don't know. I thought of this all night long.
I really can't come up with the best bussy.
Speaker 4 (39:09):
Who's the Eagle?
Speaker 3 (39:13):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (39:14):
Who are these guys?
Speaker 2 (39:15):
Don't know.
Speaker 4 (39:18):
Is this music.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
I can't hear you.
Speaker 3 (39:20):
Guys, because the music should be our music for the
entire today, tomorrow, and Friday.
Speaker 1 (39:26):
Yes, we will be here on Friday. We'll be holding
it down on Halloween. I'm debating how far I need
to have the bowl of candy away from the front
door so you don't hear the doorbell ringing perpetually in
the background. Man, that is a lot of screaming. Mike,
what are you gonna go as on Friday night with
your kids? I'm gonna go as a reporter, but not
(39:48):
on this show. I took off. How do you feel
about that?
Speaker 9 (39:51):
Ian?
Speaker 3 (39:51):
Wait a minute, you're taking off. You're taking off the
show and you're not even dressing up. You know, Halloween
is a dress up holiday like everyone, and you're not
only you're not working, but you're not dressing up.
Speaker 2 (40:05):
What are you gonna wear?
Speaker 4 (40:08):
I'm gonna be the kol Aid guy?
Speaker 2 (40:09):
Nothing?
Speaker 1 (40:11):
Again, You're the kool Aid guy every year. You can't
recycle the costumes, all right, we gotta
Speaker 3 (40:19):
H
Hosts And Creators
Judy Battista
Tom Pelissero
Ian Rapaport
Mike Garafolo
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