NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Judy Battista, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo deliver the biggest football headlines of the day, Wednesday August 20. First, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Shottenheimer says he expects hold-in Micah Parsons to play in the season opener versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Then, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson joins Judy and Ian for an interview. Later, Bucky Brooks, Bridget Condon, Brian Baldinger and Sara Walsh each give analysis on teams from around the NFL. Also, Michael F. Florio shares his fantasy sleepers heading into the new season.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Less than three weeks from Week one of the NFL season,
and still some big questions about exactly who that guy
Jayden Daniels is going to be throwing the ball to
or handing it off for that matter. Will Terry McLaurin
be back for Washington, and what is going to happen
with Brian Robinson Junior.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
We will tell you everything we know.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
We will also talk about some of these guys justin Fields,
Davante Adams, maybe even some of those other commanders receivers
like Deebo Samuel who could be the sleepers in your
fantasy draft. Michael f Florio will be here with answers,
as always, have a lot us have a conversation with
a guy who has laid a few hits during his
time in the NFL with multiple teams. Mac Wilson, Cardinals linebacker.
(00:52):
What is the latest in Arizona? What are their chances
in that.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Ed FC West? We'll ask him.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Welcome inside with the insiders alongside Ian Rappaport, Judy Batista
and Mike Garafolo. I am Tom Pelicero. We are fifteen
days away from kickoff in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
We got trades happening within the past hour.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
We've got tons of news to get to, but let's
start out with one of those teams in the kickoff game,
that is the Dallas Cowboys, who overarching storyline through the
course of training camp in the preseason has been the
one guy who was participating in basically none of it.
Michael Parsons, still awaiting a new contract, has not practiced,
has said that he's dealing with backsreis the times, has
(01:34):
not been on the field. But when asked today if
he's still confident about having Michael Parsons out there week one,
Brian Schottenheimer said this.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Because I think at the end of the day, we
feel like Mike is going to be out there when
we line up against Philadelphia here in fifteen days or
whatever it is. And you know, so no answers, Yeah,
I feel good about that.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
I think my tone hasn't changed, my answer hasn't really changed.
I'm focused on the field, I'm focused on the guys
that are working in the business side of it's going
to take care of itself. And but no, I mean
I could answer those questions.
Speaker 5 (02:08):
All day long.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
So let's whine this for a second here, Ian, because
we know this Michael Parsons is under contract for the
twenty twenty five season. He has not practiced because he
says he's got backswortus. It's an elaborate hold in of
sorts here. There's no new contract, there's no not even
communication about a new contract. Are the Cowboys really expecting
Micah is simply going to eventually show up on the
(02:31):
field and be out there come that Thursday night opener.
Speaker 6 (02:35):
Michael Parsons has been on the field.
Speaker 7 (02:36):
He's just been on the sideline, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing,
sometimes slowly walking. He's nursing that back injury that he
has had the entire training camp, a nagging back injury.
It is important to note Micah Parsons is trying to
get himself ready to play. He has not practiced yet.
We've been talking about the Terry McLaurin situation. McLaurin faces
(02:57):
the ten day ramp up just to get on the
practice Micah Parsons hasn't even begun the ramp up to
get on the practice field yet. So for the Dallas
Cowboys of Brian Schottenheimer and I certainly understand why he
has continued to focus on the field and somehow, some
way try to remain optimistic.
Speaker 6 (03:14):
But Micah hasn't even practiced yet.
Speaker 7 (03:16):
Let alone set foot on and gone full speed, let
alone think about trying to play Game one. He also,
I should note, has requested to be traded. Yes, if
he had to somehow play and he was physically ready,
then he would play.
Speaker 6 (03:31):
But he has also requested to be traded.
Speaker 7 (03:33):
Cowboys have showed no indication that they are going anywhere
toward a long term deal, So I get it.
Speaker 6 (03:39):
We're pretty far away from that right now, Brian.
Speaker 8 (03:43):
I mean, it's a head coach sort of optimism, right
You always got to kind of keep it optimistic, especially
when you've got a player of this magnitude that hasn't
been on the field for you during training camp. But
he's not hearing anything from the player's side because I
don't gather anything change there.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Ian.
Speaker 8 (03:57):
You talked about the Cowboys unwillingness to go unless Jerry
Jones tell him I'm gonna do the deal in like
five days.
Speaker 9 (04:02):
Let's just stretch this out. Don't worry.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
He'll have plenty of.
Speaker 9 (04:04):
Time in press, which he may have.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
He may have and they may have.
Speaker 8 (04:07):
Said that behind closed doors, but there's no indication that
that is going to be the case, and these negotiations
are all of a sudden, you gonna kick start and
something's gonna get done that quickly. So Brian Schottenhnheimer's confidence
may be unfounded, but at this point, as a head coach,
you gotta figure and you gotta hope for the best
possible scenario. And the best possible scenario is that guy
playing in Week one against the Eagles in his home state.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
We'll see.
Speaker 10 (04:31):
Well, a head coach saying he feels confident that a
player is going to play in the opener certainly risks
a level of embarrassment if that player does not show
up in the opener. So at the very least, he
has to be confident that Michael Parsons is not going
to hold out if there is no new contract in
the next two and a half weeks. Either that or,
as you said, I mean, did Jerry Jones tell him, Hey, listen,
(04:52):
there's going to be a deal done in the next
two weeks.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Don't worry about it.
Speaker 10 (04:55):
He's gonna be there.
Speaker 4 (04:56):
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
It's very unusual though.
Speaker 10 (04:59):
You know that, but the head coach has to be
optimistic and has to talk about the rest of the
team and we're just proceeding as if it's business as usual.
But for him to say I feel confidence he's going
to be there week one certainly suggests that he has
been given an indication from somebody that Michael Parsons will
be on the field new contract or no new contract.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Well, I'll say this, Michael Parsons and Brian Shotneimer have
had an open dialogue between the two of them. Where
there's not an open dialogue is between Jerry Jones and
Michael Parsons agent David Mulageda, who not only let's your
itierate has not gotten any sort of offer in writing.
He has never talked to the Cowboys to try to
negotiate a contract here. So we could point the Ceedee
Lamb getting done right about this time last year. We
(05:42):
could talk about Dak Prescott getting done on game day.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Those were months of talks. There are no.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
Talks here, and so ultimately the player has to make
a decision to hold in. I'llso remind you of this
not a real thing. You could get fined, they could
take away game checks.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
There's a lot of different levers they can poll.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Still fifty days now until that opener The same applies
to Terry McLaurin in Washington, who recently came off the
physically unable to perform list, has not actually practiced, but
is in the process right now of what the coaching
staff has referred to as the ramp up period.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
He did not practice once again today.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Neither did Brian Robinson, the running back who has been
the subject of.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Trade talks, and Dan Quinn.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
I think it's fair to say DQ might be getting
a little bit sick of talking to about the storyline.
Speaker 11 (06:30):
I'm not gonna play Where's Waldo?
Speaker 4 (06:32):
Guys?
Speaker 11 (06:32):
All right? Moving forward, So just so we're clear on that.
So Terry's return to play format is no different than
any of the other players. He's healthy, which is now
a good step to like getting closer to being back
on the field. So you'll see that earlier then later.
I don't have a date circled on my white boredom
(06:52):
my office this day for him, this day for him,
But you know the good news, we're getting closer to
that for sure.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Does not seem like they're getting closer to a contract
at this point. Far made from me Ian to give
advice to Terry mclaurin's agent buddy makerhon negotiated a contract.
I would make one suggestion though, tomorrow, have Terry show
up red and white striped sweater, stocking cap, just wandering
around the perimeter of the.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Field and see what happens. What do you think?
Speaker 7 (07:17):
Yeah, I definitely think one thing the situation needs is
to be escalated again. I think that last time this
happened when McLaurin showed up was signing autographs with his
agent next to him, it definitely did a lot of
really good things for their relationship and send the negotiations
in a place where everybody wants, which is for a
deal getting done. Terry mclaurran is getting ready to play football.
He is expected to practice at some point before the season. Also,
(07:39):
by the way, has requested a trader, though it doesn't
really seem like the team has gone anywhere toward making
that happen a lot of times in these situations. When
a player steps on the field at practice and begins
to look like someone ready to play football, that is
when contract extension talks really kid kicking the gear wants
to make the thirty three million dollars of dk metcalp
the team has offered less.
Speaker 6 (08:00):
There is room there for compromise.
Speaker 7 (08:02):
We're just getting to the point where it compromise has
to happen so we can actually play.
Speaker 8 (08:08):
I don't think Ian got the Waldough joke there, Tom,
but I did, Judy did as well, everybody in the
control room and everybody at home watching.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Dude, I got it.
Speaker 9 (08:15):
Also, it did not go to waste.
Speaker 8 (08:17):
I'm not so sure elsewhere on the Washington commanders and
the drama surrounding the team. We're talking about Brian Robinson,
who remains out of practice, remains away from the team
at this point. I mean, it's pretty clear he's probably
put on that uniform or any practice uniform for the
last time. There are teams that are interested that have
had talks with the commanders. From my understanding, the problem
(08:39):
is at this time of year, it's tough to do.
Like if this happened in March at the beginning of
the league year, I think Brian Robinson gets traded pretty quickly,
and he's got himself a number of teams that still
have holes. You don't have that right now, and you've
got to figure out the financials. So that's part of
the discussion as well as Washington gonna have to take
on some money to facilitate a deal because a lot
of teams don't have the budget right now out for.
Speaker 9 (09:00):
Three four million dollars.
Speaker 8 (09:02):
At least they'll tell you they don't have the budget
for three point four million dollars.
Speaker 9 (09:05):
So this continues to go on. I'd expect the resolution sometime.
Speaker 8 (09:08):
The next couple of days, perhaps, if not, going to
have to cut him if they are intent on not
having won on the roster greet.
Speaker 10 (09:17):
You know, this team was so far ahead of schedule
last season, right, they get all the way to the
NFC Championship Game. They did so much this offseason to
get to make that final push to get over the
hump to get to the Super Bowl. But there's an
awful lot of stuff circulating around this team now with
two weeks until the opener. Right, you've got the McLaurin situation,
You've got the Brian Robinson situation. The offensive line is
(09:39):
still a little bit of a jumble that hasn't really
been settled in. There's a lot of questions about like
who's emerging as the number three receiver here while McLaurin
hasn't even been on the field. So for a team
that has such high expectations and.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
So much talent.
Speaker 10 (09:54):
There's just an awful lot of murkiness that you'd like
to see get cleared up in the next next week
or sos that they can go full steam ahead into
the season.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Michael Parsons has requested a trade. Terry McLaurin is requested
a trade. Neither of those guys yet been traded. You
know who has Harrison Phillips, the Vikings nose tackle just
minutes before the show officially shipped off to the New
York Jets. It is a twenty twenty six and twenty
twenty seven sixth round pick going to the Vikings. They
sent Harrison Phillips and a seven round pick in twenty
(10:27):
twenty seven to New York. They also take half of
Harrison Phillips's salary off the books at a time. The Quasia,
Dopo Mensa, and the front office are also in the
market to bring a receiver to Minnesota. We know they
got Justin Jefferson back on the field. He's been dealing
with a hamstring injury. Good to go for Week one,
but Jalen Naylor is banged up. Jordan Addison is suspended
(10:48):
for the first three games of the season.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Ian They have been making.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Phone calls around the NFL at this point, I'd be
surprised if the Vikings don't acquire a veteran receiver. Free
agent would also be an opportunity here. It would be
a surprising if they don't add at that position. The
real question now is who.
Speaker 7 (11:09):
Right and they are not alone, by the way, and
teams looking for It's not like you're gonna go find me.
You're not gonna find it justin Jefferson anyway. But it's
not like you're even gonna go find a Jordan Addison.
Those guys, they'll, due respect to the list we showed
right there, don't really exist right now.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
I mean, Amari Cooper has not signed.
Speaker 7 (11:23):
Gabe Davis has done visits, has also not signed. What
teams you're really looking for now, as far as I
could tell, is fourth and fifth receivers. You got teams
like the Jaguars are looking for one, the Jets are
looking for one. There's several teams that are in the
market for fourth fifth receivers, guys who can play special teams.
We'll see if they can find them. A lot of
times it's a player room might get cut for another
(11:44):
playerroom might get cut, Judy, this is the kind of
currency we're talking about this time of year.
Speaker 10 (11:50):
Yeah, Jerry Rice is not walking through that door for
a team like the Jets that you know has Garrett
Wilson obviously as number one, and then okay, there's a
pretty good drop off there to number and beyond. It's
really hard to find somebody at that level at this
point in the year, and it's even harder to integrate them.
They spend all off season getting quarterbacks and wide receivers
(12:13):
onto the same page, getting their rhythm right, learning what
each other likes to do in an offense. To expect
that you're going to get somebody who can just drop
in and make a significant difference this late in the
off season, Boy, that really is a stretch, Mike.
Speaker 8 (12:29):
There are a few teams that feel good about their
receiver depth that are going to be looking to see
if some of these teams are willing to pull the
trigger on a deal before final cut, before they have.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
To make some tough decisions. Ian and I were up
in New England.
Speaker 8 (12:40):
That's one of the areas on the roster that is
really deep, and they've got some veterans there, so I
know they've had some conversations and that could be a
team that we can keep our eye on as we
get closer elsewhere. Today we had some news on the
quarterback front, and we talk about trading receivers. There was
talk and some chatter, just like Jameis Winston a couple
(13:01):
of days ago with the Giants and that we're keeping him.
There was talking chatter about what the Bears trade away
Tyson Bagent, and they said, no, we've got a young
backup quarterback that we really like that we think can
develop under Ben Johnson. Hopefully we don't need him because
Kayleb Williams is our quarterback now in forever. But they
show the value that they have in Beijing today with
a two year, ten million dollar extension for Bagent, who
(13:23):
would have been a restricted free agent at the end
of the season. This was an emotional moment for beagent,
as you could see right here.
Speaker 12 (13:35):
Yeah, I think that you know, a lot of people
don't know this, but you know, my dad is my
he's my right hand man, and he didn't he didn't
have running water until he was in high school. So
there's definitely a lot of things that and people that
I could that I think I could certainly help with
(13:57):
this gift up and blessed with. But yeah, just little
things like that. You know, I don't really know anybody
back at home with any money.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
So yeah, it feels good.
Speaker 12 (14:06):
I mean it's certainly a weight, uh weight off my
shoulders and my family shoulders, and yeah, it definitely means
a lot.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
There we go.
Speaker 13 (14:18):
One more time, y'all know what time it is. But
like we put the work in off here, bro, seasons
just ain't go as planned. We got two more left together, bro, Yeah,
two more left together.
Speaker 11 (14:30):
Bro.
Speaker 14 (14:34):
Yeah, can't even look at me, scared even.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
Look at me?
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Come home? Bro? Yes, sir, Yeah, sir.
Speaker 10 (14:50):
Welcome back to the Insiders, presented by Best Buy and
Welcome to the Insiders Arizona Linebacker Mac Wilson Senior and
Ian Rock Report. I'm Gdpatista Mac. Thanks so much for
joining us. I know this has been a super busy
summer for you. You're transitioning to Mike Linebacker, you got
the green dot. How has it all been going for you?
Speaker 12 (15:12):
Uh?
Speaker 14 (15:12):
Yeah, First and foremost, thank you guys for having me
on the show. I'm excited to be a part of
this and uh, honestly just just been taking it one
day at a time with everything that comes with being
the green dot, you know, in any defense.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
So I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Speaker 14 (15:26):
I feel like I'm I'm more than ready and uh
and I feel like the guys really do a good
job of making me comfortable out there when I am
calling the defense, which allows me to play fast and
allowed me to be who I am. So it's been
It's been fun. Man, It's been been a challenge for
me a little bit. But you know, I'm always open
open for any challenge. I feel like and you know,
(15:46):
what better person you know to be calling the defense?
I feel like it myself.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
Your career, Mac has been so fascinating.
Speaker 7 (15:54):
I remember I was going back in my mind when
you signed with the Arizona Cardinals, and I was thinking
in my head, basically, they signed a player who played a.
Speaker 6 (16:02):
Lot of special teams, was excellent special.
Speaker 7 (16:04):
Teams and some defense. That has not been the case
at all. You have been a mainstay on this defense.
You mentioned the green dot. Now, what has this been
like for you career wise? To see your playing time
and your proficiency in your level just kind of go
like this over the course of the last couple of years.
Speaker 14 (16:23):
Yeah, I mean, honestly, I kind of talked to, you know,
some rookie guys and you know, just some friends who
really didn't pay too much attention to my career, and honestly,
just to look back, you know where I come from,
you know, being drafted in Cleveland, playing three years there,
then getting traded to New England playing two years there,
then you know, earning me a contract here with Arizona.
(16:45):
You know, it just been a blessing honestly, and just
shows the faith and the dedication I have to stick
through it through all those times. I feel like, you know,
it wasn't always great, it wasn't always bad neither, you know,
I just had to be with my feet was that
at the same time, and just and just work for
for where where.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
I'm at now.
Speaker 14 (17:02):
I feel like and you know, everything has been paying
off for me, and you know, I just got to
continue to keep that same mindset, you know, as a
guy from three years ago who didn't have much, didn't
know what his future was headed, didn't know if I
was gonna get any plays. You know, I feel like
me having that mindset, which is which allowed me kind
of just to stay grounded and just keep working.
Speaker 10 (17:25):
Give us the scouting report on where Kyler Murray is
right now.
Speaker 14 (17:30):
I feel like Kyler's color is color, you know, a leader,
leader of the pack. You know, been doing a tremendous
job off season with you know, the attention to detail,
with how he've been carrying and so, you know, just
being a great leader honestly, just you know everything that
people people will be trying to say about him, you know,
he's not that, you know, And I feel like this
year he's he's he's been been focused and I feel
(17:52):
like this year he's primed to show people, you know,
what this Arizona team is all about.
Speaker 7 (17:58):
Football is important and we will football and I'm sure
there are always more football questions. But I love rap music.
As the people know you are actually a rapper. I
got sent in the mail and of course we saw
on the internet when you performed for these schedule release
for the Arizona Cardinals.
Speaker 6 (18:15):
What has your rap career been like?
Speaker 7 (18:18):
And kind of take us through what it's like to
be a professional football player than someone who, you know,
let's say, dabbles in the greatest form of music.
Speaker 6 (18:25):
That there is.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
Yeah, I mean, honestly, it's pretty cool.
Speaker 14 (18:29):
Kind of picked up some some keys and tills from
my brother Orlando Fikes, who's a rapper out of Detroit,
and kind of just being around him this past last offseason,
I was able to pick up a few rhynds and
just kind of pick up his cadence and kind of
how he go about, you know, making music and things
like that, and it kind of just stuck with me
and it was something that I kind of enjoyed and
(18:50):
it kind of take me away from like the game.
It takes me away from like family, and just put
me in this different mind state of just you know,
trying to make cool rhymes and you know, I just
like the feeling of where I be at mentally when
I'm when I'm in a studio recording and things like that.
It's super fun, honestly, and you know, I'm really not
rapping to to try to get a deal or anything
like that. It's just something that it's a new hobby
(19:11):
that I really found that I'm that I've that I
became good at, you know, over time from putting that work.
Speaker 10 (19:19):
I hope you've got something planned for the season opener,
but first you've got to play the final preseason game.
It's Saturday night as it happens on the NFL Network
against the Raiders. I know you're not sure if you're
going to be playing, but what do you want to see,
whether you're on the field or not. What do you
want to see from this team and this defense to
convince you that you're ready to go for the season.
Speaker 14 (19:40):
Yeah, honestly, I just want to see I'm sure everybody
want to see the resilience. Got beat pretty bad last week,
so I feel like guys are Arizon fire this week.
Guys working hard, and you know, you just want to
see guys go out there and compete. You know, you
don't know where things gonna stand next week with you know,
how to shape or the roster may look, so you
want to go out there and leave.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
A leave a great last impression. You know.
Speaker 14 (20:00):
That's something I've always been been telling rookies over the years,
and just even guys who may feel like they're on
the bubble, even myself, you know, I just you just
want to go to work, put that work in each
and every day and just and just show the guys
your worth.
Speaker 10 (20:16):
Mac, thank you so much for joining us again. We're
going to get back to you because we want to
hear if you're coming up with a rap for the
regular season at any point. But thanks so much for
taking a few minutes.
Speaker 5 (20:24):
Lots of luck this season, Yes, maam.
Speaker 4 (20:27):
I appreciate you. Guys.
Speaker 10 (20:31):
When we return, we're going to talk about the Browns
and Rams with Bridget Conton and Bucky Brooks, and then
we're going to chat about the NFC South with Sarah
Walsh and Brian Baldinger. Coming up next on The Insiders
Presented by best Buy.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
The Browns quarterback decision is in. If there was even
a decision, it will be number fifteen. Joe Flacco going
into year I believe one hundred and seventy two in
the NFL. Well, he'll be the starter. Here's what Miles
Garrett had to say about his quarterbacks.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
I do now.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
I think he does too, and that's more important than anything.
So No, he's excited to go out there and show it. No,
he's coolest can be and he's ready for the moment.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Welcome back to The Insiders presented by best Buy, Tom
Pelicerro Judy Batista, Bucky Brooks fixing those glasses, and Bridget
Condon as well.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Bridget you will be.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
At the preseason finale for the Browns one pm Eastern
Time on Sunday, or should be Saturday in Cleveland. We
obviously know now fla Go was the starting quarterback. What
else should we be looking for?
Speaker 15 (21:36):
Yeah, Tom, A lot of conversation has been about who's
going to be playing quarterback. But look, this Browns team
is only going to go as far as its defense
will take it. This season, the Browns have had the
worst quarterback play in many metrics since twenty twenty two.
And that doesn't matter because in twenty twenty three they
made the playoffs and that's because of their number one
scoring defense. When you look at this team, they're going
(21:59):
to have to face Lamar Joe Burrow Aaron Rodgers in
their division twice this season. Their defense is gonna need
to be what keeps them afloat. And we know Miles
Garrett is good. He signed that contract extension this offseason.
He had fourteen sacks, second in the league last season.
But it's their secondary that I'm gonna be watching this
Saturday in the preseason game. They're dealing with a lot
of injuries. Mj Emerson, Torres Achilles, Greg Newsom and Denzel
(22:22):
Ward both with shoulder injuries. Good news though Newsom is
back on the practice field. They're starting to ramp him up.
And in terms of Denzel Ward, coach Kevin Stefanski was
asked about him today guys, and he said that he's
day to day and we might see him back on
the field very soon.
Speaker 16 (22:39):
Yeah, that defense is still has the potential to be
light outed in the Jim Schwartz. But it comes down
to the quarterback play and even though they named Joe
Flacco the starter, my concern will be who is the backup?
Is it Kenny Pickett shoulder saying is Dylan Gabriel? Which
one of those guys is going to emerge? And literally
we will find out the way this plays out in
Game three. Kenny Pickett hasn't been a available, Dalli gabl A,
(23:01):
Shadur Sand has played a game a piece, respectively. Someone
has to win this backup job because it is look,
it is malpractice to go into the season thinking that
Joe Flacco is going to play each and every game.
Speaker 5 (23:13):
You need to have a backup.
Speaker 16 (23:14):
Plan, but right now those plans are shaky given the
inexperience in the injuries that a plague in the position.
Speaker 10 (23:22):
Well, we do know that Joe Flacco is going to
play in the preseason finale, Kenny Pickett is not, which
means he will not have played in the preseason at all.
And we don't know if Shadora is going to play
in the preseason finale. So they're right, Bucky, it is
going to come all the way down to the wire
about who is going to be the backup quarterback. All right,
let's turn to the Rams because there was a little
bit of quarterback drama there about Matthew Stafford and his
(23:45):
back bridget He did return to practice this week. Where
do things stand with Matthew Stafford.
Speaker 15 (23:50):
Yeah, Judy, good signs for the Ramses. He was back
on the practice field today. That means three days in
a row. Of course, today was just a walk through,
but positive news for this Rams team. It's unlikely we'll
see Matthew Stafford on the field Saturday against the Browns,
and that's not because of his back injury. Of course
that adds to it, but Sean McVay typically does not
play his starter, So don't be concerned if you don't
(24:11):
see Matthew Stafford out there. I know a lot of
people are wondering, well, what about his connection with Devonte Adams.
This is the first week that we've seen the two
of them in pads making a connection. All signs point
to that chemistry being there. He's picked back up with
that chemistry with Puka Nakua as well. And look, guys,
everything I'm told is if he had to play today,
he could play. But he's thirty seven years old, he's
(24:31):
in his seventeenth NFL season.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
They want to.
Speaker 15 (24:34):
Make sure he is as healthy as possible week one.
The question going forward, Tom, Judy and Bucky is how
is he going to look after Week one, after he
plays the Texans, after he gets hit. That's going to
be the question mark.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
Yeah, huge question mark.
Speaker 16 (24:49):
The chemistry with Devanta Adams and Puquin Nakula that could
be worked out on the practice field, but the Rams
need to have the chemistry with the number two quarterback
up and going, and that's Jimmy Garoppolo.
Speaker 5 (24:58):
The thing about Jimmy Garopolo, I must say.
Speaker 16 (25:00):
Having watched the joint practice with the Rams against the
Dallas Cowboys, he was on point.
Speaker 5 (25:05):
Sean McVay controls the pen.
Speaker 16 (25:07):
He's a masterful schemer, and so if Jimmy Garoppolo has
to play very optimistic that he can have success because
Sean McVay will make sure that the Xison owes online
to give Jimmy Garoppolo success. But let's be real about
this Rams team. This Rams team is loaded on offense
and on defense. Offensively, they have the ability to run
the football to offset some of the things that may
(25:29):
take place with the quarterback. And then we talked about
those weapons on the outside, DeVonta Adams pukinga cool.
Speaker 5 (25:34):
They have others that can contribute.
Speaker 16 (25:36):
This team will be fine regards of who is playing
quarterback because Sean McVay has the pending.
Speaker 4 (25:40):
He'll always make it right.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
Bridget, thank you. We will see you Saturday.
Speaker 1 (25:46):
To be clear ahead of that Browns Rams game, Bucky
Judy stick around, but first.
Speaker 8 (25:50):
High Mike, Hello Tom, Hello Buccaneers injuries.
Speaker 2 (25:56):
This is not ideal. Right.
Speaker 8 (25:57):
You want to go into the season feeling great, feeling healthy,
the health he'll be all year. That's not going to
be the case for the Buccaneers that godwin one. I'm
still trying to get an answer on whether Week one
is possible or likely for him getting a lot of
we'll sees when it comes to that, you get Works
on the pup list, the Jalen McMillan one. Yeah, he's
going to miss more than the start of the season.
That's looking like from what I'm told, six to eight
(26:18):
weeks to start the season. They've got a week nine bye,
so perhaps after that. But Sarah Wat's going to be
here to sort this all out along with Brian Baldinger. Sarah,
I go to you because you know that's not what
you want to see heading into week one?
Speaker 9 (26:33):
Is there concern down in Tampa right now?
Speaker 17 (26:36):
Look, Mike, I don't want to say that they're pushing
the panic button, but you just saw that list of names.
There's definitely cause for concern. And let me just give
you the context here. I mean, this is a Buccaneers
team that the narrative this whole offseason was everyone's returning,
and now we're enging closer to that week when starting.
There's some pretty big names that are not out there
right now for Tampa Bay. Tristan Works is obviously the biggest,
most notable name because obviously he is charged with protecting
(26:59):
Baker made Field's blind side. We know that he is
not going to be back for week one. The positive,
if there is a positive, in that they have known
this for the last month, so they have been making
preparations that they are going to be without Tristan Works
to start here, Chris Godwin, you just mentioned Tim. It's
not believed he will be back for week one. We
don't have an exact timetable other than they say that
he's on track without really giving us anything firm on that.
(27:21):
The big surprise or really because it just unfolded, Jalen
McMillan now expected to miss significant time after hurting his
neck in that preseason game, that last preseason game. So
the Buccaneers without two of their top three receivers, which
means they're going to rely on Mike Evans and they're
going to have to rely on the rookie of Mecca Buka.
I just spoke to their new offensive coordinator, Josh Brazzard,
(27:41):
and I said, look, you have to go to Atlanta
for Week once, the first game that you're ever going
to call as an offensive coordinator. Now you're going to
be not doing that at full strength. And he said,
if you want to look at the bright side, he's
got reps and having to plug and play guys last
year as the passing coordinators that those are not baldy
the kind of reps you want, but we know what
it's like to have to piece together a game plan.
They were without Mike at times last year, so that
(28:03):
is what Bizarre is going to have to do.
Speaker 18 (28:06):
Sarah, let me just get bold here, just bold. I
mean they're going to go to Atlanta without their best
player and that's Tristan Worfs and there is no replacement
of Tristan Worfs. Now they're also going to go up
and Atlanta hasn't shown anything in preseason, but jeff Ulbrick
is a quality defensive coordinator, and they really haven't shown
what they're going to do, what the plan is, what
(28:26):
it's going to look like.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
They've added some pieces.
Speaker 18 (28:29):
You can go out and see some of the rookie
pass rushers at Atlanta, but Jeff Olbrick could be a
little surprised to Josh Grizzard and to Baker Mayfield and
what they tried to do.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
Now, last year they were two shootouts.
Speaker 18 (28:41):
Kirk Cousins, you know, through eight touchdowns in eight or
eight hundred yards in these two games. So we know
that that's not going to happen with Michael Pennix here.
But those probably the two best games that Cousins played
against this Tampa defense. So those are a couple of
things I'm looking at, you know, here from Tampa's offense
and what they have to think about right now.
Speaker 7 (29:02):
And by the way, let me just add guys you
mentioned and Sarah mentioned some of the injuries. Christian is,
in my understanding, is not expected also to be on
the field.
Speaker 6 (29:09):
Week one, dealing with a have an oblique.
Speaker 7 (29:12):
Injury about a four so weak injuries, So probably misses
week one, week two, we'll see if he's one of
those that starts the year on ir Buck Baldy.
Speaker 6 (29:22):
I want to go to you.
Speaker 7 (29:23):
I want to talk about their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons.
You're a little bullish once't you tell me what you
think about the Falcons?
Speaker 4 (29:31):
Well, i'spend a day.
Speaker 18 (29:32):
Well, I mean one day doesn't mean anything, right, we
were all out there in Flowery Mound and so we
got a chance to see him, see what Raheem is doing.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
Look, I know people are having their fantasy drafts right now.
Speaker 18 (29:42):
Ian, Like, if you don't take Drake London as you
receiving number one, you're crazy every single pass I saw
in an entire two and a half hour practice where
Michael Pennix went to Drake London, he caught one hit
in the passes. He caught passes in a slot, he
caught passes in the red zone. I mean, the ball
goes to him and if it's not going to hit,
the running the ball really well. This offense line basically
(30:02):
returns intact Drew Dolman, who was injured the second half
of the season. They come back with the same five
up front. They've extended some guys the right tackle McGarry's
extended and they can flat out run it. And so
maybe if you're a fantasy draft maybe you're thinking Vjon.
I think I'm saying his name right here, Ian, I
think you'd probably take Vjon right here with one of
the top three picks, like.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
He's going to get fed.
Speaker 18 (30:25):
And they could be very dynamic offensively because one thing
Michael Pennix Junior has is he's got a big arm
and he's not afraid to show it off and get
it down the field where those chunk explosive plays on
offense and.
Speaker 17 (30:39):
Baldy you brought up Cale McGary and we were talking
about Tristan Wurks and the absence of him, mc gary
was carted off practice today. My understanding by Falcons is
that they are waiting the results of an MRI on him,
but that could potentially be huge for the Falcons because
he's the right tackle that protects Penix the lefties blind side.
That could be a real big problem for this Falcons seam.
(31:01):
That also, by the way, their backup tackle Storm Norton
just underwent ankle surgery, so Key's out. So the Falcons
are keeping their fingers crossed on McGarry in the situation
that unfolded today. As for Pennix, that he is not
going to get any preseason game reps. His offensive coordinator
Zach Robinson said, look, when he played in college, he
didn't have an exhibition game to get ready, and they
(31:21):
feel like they've given him enough looks against the Falcons defense.
Those looks that he would see in a preseason game,
they said, are more vanilla. But I was up in
Atlanta a couple of days ago, their GM Terry Foutno,
told me you everyone talks about Penix's big arm.
Speaker 6 (31:33):
He was talking to me about.
Speaker 17 (31:34):
His eyes and he said he's been so impressed with
his vision, his ability to see what's going on around him.
But of course, right now I'll focus on what's going
on with that Falcons offensive line.
Speaker 8 (31:44):
Yep, come on, everybody, get healthy. There's too much injury talk.
We want to see these teams at full strength right
out of the gate. We'll see how many of these
guys weaking. It's all good, Sarah, you know you got
you gotta give them the truth.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
Tons of NFL preseason action coming up on NFL Network.
Speaker 2 (32:01):
All starts out.
Speaker 1 (32:02):
Tomorrow night with these Steelers against the Panthers. You got
Falcons and Cowboys on Friday, and then it is another
quadruple aheader beginning with the Browns, perhaps the return of
the Shore.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Sanders show up against the.
Speaker 1 (32:16):
Rams, Packers, Seahawks, Jaguars, Dolphins, Cardinals, Raiders. Catch it all
from start to finish on Saturday, right here on NFL Network.
Time out to get some fantasy advice from our guy
Michael F. Florio, who helped me through my draft last night,
which I greatly appreciate here, but only now do we
(32:37):
get Florio some of your sleepers. Let's start out with
somebody you like at the quarterback position.
Speaker 19 (32:43):
I love Drake May and I've been talking him up
since last year. The fantasy community is starting to catch
on now, so he's going a little bit more price
year than what he would have went for a couple
months ago. But there's not a throw he cannot make.
And I expect him to run more because last year
then head coached on Mayo said he can run. We
just asked him not to because of the circumstances of
(33:04):
the season. But he has that special playmaker gene that
I think separates like good quarterbacks from great quarterbacks and
really high ceiling. But even with him going more expensive
than he like I expected, he's still just a QB two.
Speaker 5 (33:18):
So a lot of upside to be had with Drake May.
Speaker 7 (33:21):
And if you're in a keeper lake, this is the
absolute perfect time to grab him. I would also agree,
by the way, having him run a little bit might
be the key to unlocking all the playmaking ability for
Drake May. Sounds like he had a really really good
training camp. Okay, let's make a switch. Give me a
running back option here for you.
Speaker 19 (33:39):
Let's go to Dallas, right, there's no shortage of news
coming out of Dallas.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
But I think Jayden.
Speaker 5 (33:44):
Blue is a big sleeper there.
Speaker 19 (33:46):
He's fast, and he is shifty, and he is really
good hands as a receiver out of the backfield. And
when I was preparing for the NFL Draft, I kept thinking,
this guy, if he hits, he reminds me.
Speaker 5 (33:57):
Of what like CJ. Spiller once was.
Speaker 19 (33:59):
And his competition is Javontin Williams, who has struggled as
a runner ever since he hurt his knee, and pass
game volume has really propped him up, but last season
fourth lowess yards per target amongst all running backs. So
lou brings a lot of upside on a Cowboys team
that has running back work up for grabs.
Speaker 5 (34:18):
And the best part.
Speaker 19 (34:19):
Is he is explosive enough that he doesn't need twenty touches.
You can give him twelve to fifteen and he could
still hit in fantasy because he'll probably have a couple
of big plays.
Speaker 8 (34:28):
All right, Florida, when we went to break, we saw
a receiver in DK Metcalf that is making over thirty
million dollars per year. That does not count as a sleeper.
You better not mention him. So give me a sleeper
at the receiver position making.
Speaker 9 (34:39):
A lot less.
Speaker 19 (34:40):
Yeah, how about this guy Justin Jefferson no A Mecca
Abupa from the Tampa Bay Bucks. I think is a
fantastic sleeper right now. In fact, I have bumped him
up to where he might not even be considered a sleeper.
He's my wide receiver thirty two in rankings. But the
reason is because Chris Godwin it seems more and more
unlikely that he will be out there to start the season,
(35:01):
and McMillan that landed on the IR he could be
out for a while.
Speaker 5 (35:04):
So that leaves Evans and the rookie.
Speaker 19 (35:06):
There as the top two targets for Baker Mayfield and
double E. As Adam Ranks calling him on Fantasy Live,
he is a runway now to earn consistent playing time,
perhaps be the lead slot guy.
Speaker 5 (35:17):
So I think there is a lot of and he
comes from Ohio State.
Speaker 19 (35:20):
Do I need to say Moore is a wide receiver,
Like I think there's a lot of upside there in
a good Bucks offense.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
Or one more florio.
Speaker 1 (35:28):
You can argue that most tight ends are sleepers because
no one knows anything after like the top three guys here, But.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
Give me a deep, deep sleeper at tight end. Yeah,
this is deep.
Speaker 19 (35:36):
He might not even get drafted in some of listeners
leagues right now. But Elijah Arroyo out of Seattle, he
was a tight end prospect that I loved during the
draft time. Good speed for a guy that is his size,
moves more like a wide receiver to me, and he
had a lot of downfield usage in college, which you
don't really see out.
Speaker 5 (35:56):
Of tight ends.
Speaker 19 (35:57):
He could win after the catch, and with the Seahawks
moving on from no offense, there's a lot of opportunity there.
And speaking of opportunity, he was playing plenty with the
starters in the preseason. So just a late round Darthrow,
maybe even a waiver wire guy.
Speaker 5 (36:09):
But I do think there's upside there with the Royal.
Speaker 2 (36:13):
Filing that away.
Speaker 1 (36:14):
For my other fantasy draft, which is on Saturday afternoon,
Floor Oil, if you could just please.
Speaker 2 (36:18):
Keep your phone on, I would greatly appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Otherwise we will look for I gotchagin with you again
soon on this show.
Speaker 2 (36:25):
A lot more to come still on.
Speaker 1 (36:27):
This edition of The Insiders, including a look at some
teams that might surprise in twenty twenty five, or Bucky
Brooks rejoins the conversation to break down the Jets.
Speaker 2 (36:39):
A lot more snacks on the Insiders presented by best Buy.
Speaker 10 (36:41):
It's time for upgrade your Game Day, presented by best BUYE.
All week, we've been asking everybody, what teams do you
think are going to surprise fans by getting out to
a very fast start. There is Ian Roperport, there is
Bucky Brooks. Bucky, I'm starting with you. What team do
(37:02):
you think is going to surprise us early this season?
Speaker 16 (37:06):
A Judy, I'm going with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I
know they're gonna get a lot of attention because Aaron
Rodgers is in the building, But I think it's the
other guys that they've added to the roster that gives
this team the edge that it needs. Jalen Ramsey joining
a secondary with Darius Slay to kind of help Joey
Porter Junior learn how to be in the elite corner
while also give them the flexibility to.
Speaker 5 (37:24):
Match up with some of these top flight offenses.
Speaker 16 (37:27):
And then DK Metcalf being on the outside so that
Aaron Rodgers can hand the ball off but also throw
it out there to a big target. The Pittsburgh Stillers
have this confidence in this ascident that they feel like
they're going to be a lot better than most of
us predict. So I'm gonna lean on Mike Tomlin's arrogance,
his competitive arrogance, and rob with the Pittsburgh Steelers for
a little bit.
Speaker 7 (37:48):
Well that's the case, then the Steelers are gonna win
a playoff game this year, as they probably should.
Speaker 6 (37:52):
They are a stack team.
Speaker 7 (37:53):
If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, no doubt he's going to
be better than the version of the Jets are, especially
at the beginning of last year. I certainly with you
on the Steelers. My option here, my choice here would
be the Arizona Cardinals.
Speaker 4 (38:05):
I spent some time with them.
Speaker 6 (38:06):
During training camp. They didn't do much, certainly not on offense.
Speaker 7 (38:10):
In the offseason, added a couple pieces Josh Wet on defense,
certainly drafted on defense. But it's Arizona. They don't get
a ton of publicity. They're going to be better. They
really are, And I know that most people probably couldn't
name anyone on their team except for maybe Marvin Harrison
Junior and Kyler Murray. But they are really good. They're
really solid. The foundation is built, and I expect the
(38:31):
Arizona Cardinals to have a much better year this year.
Speaker 6 (38:34):
Competing to the Land in the playoffs. Duty.
Speaker 10 (38:39):
I agree with both of you about the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Don't forget they opened the season in New York against
the New York Jets. I'm going to be at that game.
I can't wait. It's been circled since the schedule was released,
and you know that Aaron Rodgers more than anybody, is
going to want to make sure the Steelers get off
to a very fast start.
Speaker 1 (38:59):
It's doing enough before the NFL regular season kicks off,
and NFL Network has seven live games this week. Big
names return, risen rookies look to make their mark. It's
their last chance to set the stage and enter the
new season strong. Week three of NFL preseason live on
NFL Network. Blackou restrictions apply also starting with NFL Plus.
Subchurchen required for NFL Plus. We've got more trades. The
(39:23):
Denver Broncos working out one sending their wide receiver Devon
Velay to the New Orleans Saints. Of course, a Sean
Payton connection right there. Broncos picking up a twenty twenty
six to fourth rounder at a twenty twenty seven to
seventh in exchange for Vala who's had some production in
the NFL cut down deadline now just six days a
(39:44):
week away, and we have a whole lot more roster.
Speaker 2 (39:46):
Movement to come. We'll be covering all of it right
here on the Insiders.
Speaker 1 (39:50):
Welcome back, Tom Tili, Saraian Rapport, Judae Batista and Mike
Gara Fular.
Speaker 2 (39:54):
We've seen two full weeks of preseason action.
Speaker 1 (39:56):
Insiders will be off the next couple of nights because
of these games here, so to this point is our
last time away in Judy, who is your favorite player
that you have seen so far here in the preseason.
Speaker 10 (40:08):
I don't know how anybody in New York could say
anybody but Jackson Dark, which has totally energized the New
York Giants fan base with his performance. He was really
good in training camp practices, but what he's shown on
the field in the first two preseason games has wowed everybody.
His command of the offense, his confidence.
Speaker 2 (40:27):
Moxie is award.
Speaker 10 (40:28):
The Giants have thrown around a lot, and you can
see that he's been really superb, especially in the second
preseason game, especially really sharp, and I think has finally
given Giants fans some hope that there are better days
ahead At the quarterback position.
Speaker 2 (40:42):
Never mind this segment, go Ian.
Speaker 7 (40:46):
The forty nine Ers and Chiefs have just made a
trade and is a certainly familiar name. Sky Moore, the
early pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, struggled to really
stay on the field. There are plenty of talents. Struggles
stay on the field has landed with these San Francisco
forty nine ers. We know injuries have hit their receiver room.
(41:08):
They have now acquired sky more So another trade, another
wide receiver trade today, Judy.
Speaker 8 (41:17):
Your reaction, All right, Well, let's go back to your
regularly scheduled programming.
Speaker 9 (41:21):
Sky Moore, I.
Speaker 8 (41:25):
Will go forty nine ers, staying with it. I'm staying
on track. We just talked about the Niners. How about
Chase Lucas, the defensive back. I've had a bunch of
Chase Lucas scoops like he's signed, he's on a practice squad.
Speaker 9 (41:38):
He's here, he's there, He's back and forth, like poor
Chase Lucas is bouncing around.
Speaker 8 (41:41):
Will whatever click for him? I'll tell you what it's
clicking this so far. I mean, he has been one
of the main talks of forty nine ers camp. This kid,
and I know that they are impressed with what they've seen,
but they still might have to make a tough decision
there at the position at the quarnerback position. So, given
everything I've ever tweeted about Chase Louke, I'm rooting that
I won't have a tweet for him in the coming.
Speaker 9 (42:02):
Days because that'll mean he made the team.
Speaker 1 (42:04):
Tom hold On, I got one.
Speaker 6 (42:07):
I got one.
Speaker 7 (42:08):
Jackson Hawes, he has a tight end for the Bills.
He started a Yale, he went.
Speaker 6 (42:13):
To Georgia Tech. He absolutely mauls people in the run game.
Speaker 7 (42:17):
I love watching him, especially when he pops up on
social media.
Speaker 1 (42:20):
The Ian absolutely has not seen that guy play. I'm
not even sure that's a real pub. We don't put
any name in front of me, and he would have
said it and sold it exactly like that. Give me
Efton Chisholm, the third from the Patriots, leads the NFL
and touchdown the receptions in the preseason.
Speaker 2 (42:37):
Undrafted out of Eastern Washington, that sounds familiar.
Speaker 1 (42:39):
Cooper Couples that guy too, enjoyed the game Beast couple
day seehim on night
Less than three weeks from Week one of the NFL season,
and still some big questions about exactly who that guy
Jayden Daniels is going to be throwing the ball to
or handing it off for that matter. Will Terry McLaurin
be back for Washington, and what is going to happen
with Brian Robinson Junior.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
We will tell you everything we know.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
We will also talk about some of these guys justin Fields,
Davante Adams, maybe even some of those other commanders receivers
like Deebo Samuel who could be the sleepers in your
fantasy draft. Michael f Florio will be here with answers,
as always, have a lot us have a conversation with
a guy who has laid a few hits during his
time in the NFL with multiple teams. Mac Wilson, Cardinals linebacker.
(00:52):
What is the latest in Arizona? What are their chances
in that.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Ed FC West? We'll ask him.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Welcome inside with the insiders alongside Ian Rappaport, Judy Batista
and Mike Garafolo. I am Tom Pelicero. We are fifteen
days away from kickoff in the NFL.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
We got trades happening within the past hour.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
We've got tons of news to get to, but let's
start out with one of those teams in the kickoff game,
that is the Dallas Cowboys, who overarching storyline through the
course of training camp in the preseason has been the
one guy who was participating in basically none of it.
Michael Parsons, still awaiting a new contract, has not practiced,
has said that he's dealing with backsreis the times, has
(01:34):
not been on the field. But when asked today if
he's still confident about having Michael Parsons out there week one,
Brian Schottenheimer said this.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Because I think at the end of the day, we
feel like Mike is going to be out there when
we line up against Philadelphia here in fifteen days or
whatever it is. And you know, so no answers, Yeah,
I feel good about that.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
I think my tone hasn't changed, my answer hasn't really changed.
I'm focused on the field, I'm focused on the guys
that are working in the business side of it's going
to take care of itself. And but no, I mean
I could answer those questions.
Speaker 5 (02:08):
All day long.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
So let's whine this for a second here, Ian, because
we know this Michael Parsons is under contract for the
twenty twenty five season. He has not practiced because he
says he's got backswortus. It's an elaborate hold in of
sorts here. There's no new contract, there's no not even
communication about a new contract. Are the Cowboys really expecting
Micah is simply going to eventually show up on the
(02:31):
field and be out there come that Thursday night opener.
Speaker 6 (02:35):
Michael Parsons has been on the field.
Speaker 7 (02:36):
He's just been on the sideline, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing,
sometimes slowly walking. He's nursing that back injury that he
has had the entire training camp, a nagging back injury.
It is important to note Micah Parsons is trying to
get himself ready to play. He has not practiced yet.
We've been talking about the Terry McLaurin situation. McLaurin faces
(02:57):
the ten day ramp up just to get on the
practice Micah Parsons hasn't even begun the ramp up to
get on the practice field yet. So for the Dallas
Cowboys of Brian Schottenheimer and I certainly understand why he
has continued to focus on the field and somehow, some
way try to remain optimistic.
Speaker 6 (03:14):
But Micah hasn't even practiced yet.
Speaker 7 (03:16):
Let alone set foot on and gone full speed, let
alone think about trying to play Game one. He also,
I should note, has requested to be traded. Yes, if
he had to somehow play and he was physically ready,
then he would play.
Speaker 6 (03:31):
But he has also requested to be traded.
Speaker 7 (03:33):
Cowboys have showed no indication that they are going anywhere
toward a long term deal, So I get it.
Speaker 6 (03:39):
We're pretty far away from that right now, Brian.
Speaker 8 (03:43):
I mean, it's a head coach sort of optimism, right
You always got to kind of keep it optimistic, especially
when you've got a player of this magnitude that hasn't
been on the field for you during training camp. But
he's not hearing anything from the player's side because I
don't gather anything change there.
Speaker 2 (03:56):
Ian.
Speaker 8 (03:57):
You talked about the Cowboys unwillingness to go unless Jerry
Jones tell him I'm gonna do the deal in like
five days.
Speaker 9 (04:02):
Let's just stretch this out. Don't worry.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
He'll have plenty of.
Speaker 9 (04:04):
Time in press, which he may have.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
He may have and they may have.
Speaker 8 (04:07):
Said that behind closed doors, but there's no indication that
that is going to be the case, and these negotiations
are all of a sudden, you gonna kick start and
something's gonna get done that quickly. So Brian Schottenhnheimer's confidence
may be unfounded, but at this point, as a head coach,
you gotta figure and you gotta hope for the best
possible scenario. And the best possible scenario is that guy
playing in Week one against the Eagles in his home state.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
We'll see.
Speaker 10 (04:31):
Well, a head coach saying he feels confident that a
player is going to play in the opener certainly risks
a level of embarrassment if that player does not show
up in the opener. So at the very least, he
has to be confident that Michael Parsons is not going
to hold out if there is no new contract in
the next two and a half weeks. Either that or,
as you said, I mean, did Jerry Jones tell him, Hey, listen,
(04:52):
there's going to be a deal done in the next
two weeks.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Don't worry about it.
Speaker 10 (04:55):
He's gonna be there.
Speaker 4 (04:56):
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
It's very unusual though.
Speaker 10 (04:59):
You know that, but the head coach has to be
optimistic and has to talk about the rest of the
team and we're just proceeding as if it's business as usual.
But for him to say I feel confidence he's going
to be there week one certainly suggests that he has
been given an indication from somebody that Michael Parsons will
be on the field new contract or no new contract.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Well, I'll say this, Michael Parsons and Brian Shotneimer have
had an open dialogue between the two of them. Where
there's not an open dialogue is between Jerry Jones and
Michael Parsons agent David Mulageda, who not only let's your
itierate has not gotten any sort of offer in writing.
He has never talked to the Cowboys to try to
negotiate a contract here. So we could point the Ceedee
Lamb getting done right about this time last year. We
(05:42):
could talk about Dak Prescott getting done on game day.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Those were months of talks. There are no.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
Talks here, and so ultimately the player has to make
a decision to hold in. I'llso remind you of this
not a real thing. You could get fined, they could
take away game checks.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
There's a lot of different levers they can poll.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Still fifty days now until that opener The same applies
to Terry McLaurin in Washington, who recently came off the
physically unable to perform list, has not actually practiced, but
is in the process right now of what the coaching
staff has referred to as the ramp up period.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
He did not practice once again today.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Neither did Brian Robinson, the running back who has been
the subject of.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Trade talks, and Dan Quinn.
Speaker 1 (06:24):
I think it's fair to say DQ might be getting
a little bit sick of talking to about the storyline.
Speaker 11 (06:30):
I'm not gonna play Where's Waldo?
Speaker 4 (06:32):
Guys?
Speaker 11 (06:32):
All right? Moving forward, So just so we're clear on that.
So Terry's return to play format is no different than
any of the other players. He's healthy, which is now
a good step to like getting closer to being back
on the field. So you'll see that earlier then later.
I don't have a date circled on my white boredom
(06:52):
my office this day for him, this day for him,
But you know the good news, we're getting closer to
that for sure.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Does not seem like they're getting closer to a contract
at this point. Far made from me Ian to give
advice to Terry mclaurin's agent buddy makerhon negotiated a contract.
I would make one suggestion though, tomorrow, have Terry show
up red and white striped sweater, stocking cap, just wandering
around the perimeter of the.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Field and see what happens. What do you think?
Speaker 7 (07:17):
Yeah, I definitely think one thing the situation needs is
to be escalated again. I think that last time this
happened when McLaurin showed up was signing autographs with his
agent next to him, it definitely did a lot of
really good things for their relationship and send the negotiations
in a place where everybody wants, which is for a
deal getting done. Terry mclaurran is getting ready to play football.
He is expected to practice at some point before the season. Also,
(07:39):
by the way, has requested a trader, though it doesn't
really seem like the team has gone anywhere toward making
that happen a lot of times in these situations. When
a player steps on the field at practice and begins
to look like someone ready to play football, that is
when contract extension talks really kid kicking the gear wants
to make the thirty three million dollars of dk metcalp
the team has offered less.
Speaker 6 (08:00):
There is room there for compromise.
Speaker 7 (08:02):
We're just getting to the point where it compromise has
to happen so we can actually play.
Speaker 8 (08:08):
I don't think Ian got the Waldough joke there, Tom,
but I did, Judy did as well, everybody in the
control room and everybody at home watching.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Dude, I got it.
Speaker 9 (08:15):
Also, it did not go to waste.
Speaker 8 (08:17):
I'm not so sure elsewhere on the Washington commanders and
the drama surrounding the team. We're talking about Brian Robinson,
who remains out of practice, remains away from the team
at this point. I mean, it's pretty clear he's probably
put on that uniform or any practice uniform for the
last time. There are teams that are interested that have
had talks with the commanders. From my understanding, the problem
(08:39):
is at this time of year, it's tough to do.
Like if this happened in March at the beginning of
the league year, I think Brian Robinson gets traded pretty quickly,
and he's got himself a number of teams that still
have holes. You don't have that right now, and you've
got to figure out the financials. So that's part of
the discussion as well as Washington gonna have to take
on some money to facilitate a deal because a lot
of teams don't have the budget right now out for.
Speaker 9 (09:00):
Three four million dollars.
Speaker 8 (09:02):
At least they'll tell you they don't have the budget
for three point four million dollars.
Speaker 9 (09:05):
So this continues to go on. I'd expect the resolution sometime.
Speaker 8 (09:08):
The next couple of days, perhaps, if not, going to
have to cut him if they are intent on not
having won on the roster greet.
Speaker 10 (09:17):
You know, this team was so far ahead of schedule
last season, right, they get all the way to the
NFC Championship Game. They did so much this offseason to
get to make that final push to get over the
hump to get to the Super Bowl. But there's an
awful lot of stuff circulating around this team now with
two weeks until the opener. Right, you've got the McLaurin situation,
You've got the Brian Robinson situation. The offensive line is
(09:39):
still a little bit of a jumble that hasn't really
been settled in. There's a lot of questions about like
who's emerging as the number three receiver here while McLaurin
hasn't even been on the field. So for a team
that has such high expectations and.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
So much talent.
Speaker 10 (09:54):
There's just an awful lot of murkiness that you'd like
to see get cleared up in the next next week
or sos that they can go full steam ahead into
the season.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Michael Parsons has requested a trade. Terry McLaurin is requested
a trade. Neither of those guys yet been traded. You
know who has Harrison Phillips, the Vikings nose tackle just
minutes before the show officially shipped off to the New
York Jets. It is a twenty twenty six and twenty
twenty seven sixth round pick going to the Vikings. They
sent Harrison Phillips and a seven round pick in twenty
(10:27):
twenty seven to New York. They also take half of
Harrison Phillips's salary off the books at a time. The Quasia,
Dopo Mensa, and the front office are also in the
market to bring a receiver to Minnesota. We know they
got Justin Jefferson back on the field. He's been dealing
with a hamstring injury. Good to go for Week one,
but Jalen Naylor is banged up. Jordan Addison is suspended
(10:48):
for the first three games of the season.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
Ian They have been making.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Phone calls around the NFL at this point, I'd be
surprised if the Vikings don't acquire a veteran receiver. Free
agent would also be an opportunity here. It would be
a surprising if they don't add at that position. The
real question now is who.
Speaker 7 (11:09):
Right and they are not alone, by the way, and
teams looking for It's not like you're gonna go find me.
You're not gonna find it justin Jefferson anyway. But it's
not like you're even gonna go find a Jordan Addison.
Those guys, they'll, due respect to the list we showed
right there, don't really exist right now.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
I mean, Amari Cooper has not signed.
Speaker 7 (11:23):
Gabe Davis has done visits, has also not signed. What
teams you're really looking for now, as far as I
could tell, is fourth and fifth receivers. You got teams
like the Jaguars are looking for one, the Jets are
looking for one. There's several teams that are in the
market for fourth fifth receivers, guys who can play special teams.
We'll see if they can find them. A lot of
times it's a player room might get cut for another
(11:44):
playerroom might get cut, Judy, this is the kind of
currency we're talking about this time of year.
Speaker 10 (11:50):
Yeah, Jerry Rice is not walking through that door for
a team like the Jets that you know has Garrett
Wilson obviously as number one, and then okay, there's a
pretty good drop off there to number and beyond. It's
really hard to find somebody at that level at this
point in the year, and it's even harder to integrate them.
They spend all off season getting quarterbacks and wide receivers
(12:13):
onto the same page, getting their rhythm right, learning what
each other likes to do in an offense. To expect
that you're going to get somebody who can just drop
in and make a significant difference this late in the
off season, Boy, that really is a stretch, Mike.
Speaker 8 (12:29):
There are a few teams that feel good about their
receiver depth that are going to be looking to see
if some of these teams are willing to pull the
trigger on a deal before final cut, before they have.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
To make some tough decisions. Ian and I were up
in New England.
Speaker 8 (12:40):
That's one of the areas on the roster that is
really deep, and they've got some veterans there, so I
know they've had some conversations and that could be a
team that we can keep our eye on as we
get closer elsewhere. Today we had some news on the
quarterback front, and we talk about trading receivers. There was
talk and some chatter, just like Jameis Winston a couple
(13:01):
of days ago with the Giants and that we're keeping him.
There was talking chatter about what the Bears trade away
Tyson Bagent, and they said, no, we've got a young
backup quarterback that we really like that we think can
develop under Ben Johnson. Hopefully we don't need him because
Kayleb Williams is our quarterback now in forever. But they
show the value that they have in Beijing today with
a two year, ten million dollar extension for Bagent, who
(13:23):
would have been a restricted free agent at the end
of the season. This was an emotional moment for beagent,
as you could see right here.
Speaker 12 (13:35):
Yeah, I think that you know, a lot of people
don't know this, but you know, my dad is my
he's my right hand man, and he didn't he didn't
have running water until he was in high school. So
there's definitely a lot of things that and people that
I could that I think I could certainly help with
(13:57):
this gift up and blessed with. But yeah, just little
things like that. You know, I don't really know anybody
back at home with any money.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
So yeah, it feels good.
Speaker 12 (14:06):
I mean it's certainly a weight, uh weight off my
shoulders and my family shoulders, and yeah, it definitely means
a lot.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
There we go.
Speaker 13 (14:18):
One more time, y'all know what time it is. But
like we put the work in off here, bro, seasons
just ain't go as planned. We got two more left together, bro, Yeah,
two more left together.
Speaker 11 (14:30):
Bro.
Speaker 14 (14:34):
Yeah, can't even look at me, scared even.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
Look at me?
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Come home? Bro? Yes, sir, Yeah, sir.
Speaker 10 (14:50):
Welcome back to the Insiders, presented by Best Buy and
Welcome to the Insiders Arizona Linebacker Mac Wilson Senior and
Ian Rock Report. I'm Gdpatista Mac. Thanks so much for
joining us. I know this has been a super busy
summer for you. You're transitioning to Mike Linebacker, you got
the green dot. How has it all been going for you?
Speaker 12 (15:12):
Uh?
Speaker 14 (15:12):
Yeah, First and foremost, thank you guys for having me
on the show. I'm excited to be a part of
this and uh, honestly just just been taking it one
day at a time with everything that comes with being
the green dot, you know, in any defense.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
So I'm grateful for the opportunity.
Speaker 14 (15:26):
I feel like I'm I'm more than ready and uh
and I feel like the guys really do a good
job of making me comfortable out there when I am
calling the defense, which allows me to play fast and
allowed me to be who I am. So it's been
It's been fun. Man, It's been been a challenge for
me a little bit. But you know, I'm always open
open for any challenge. I feel like and you know,
(15:46):
what better person you know to be calling the defense?
I feel like it myself.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
Your career, Mac has been so fascinating.
Speaker 7 (15:54):
I remember I was going back in my mind when
you signed with the Arizona Cardinals, and I was thinking
in my head, basically, they signed a player who played a.
Speaker 6 (16:02):
Lot of special teams, was excellent special.
Speaker 7 (16:04):
Teams and some defense. That has not been the case
at all. You have been a mainstay on this defense.
You mentioned the green dot. Now, what has this been
like for you career wise? To see your playing time
and your proficiency in your level just kind of go
like this over the course of the last couple of years.
Speaker 14 (16:23):
Yeah, I mean, honestly, I kind of talked to, you know,
some rookie guys and you know, just some friends who
really didn't pay too much attention to my career, and honestly,
just to look back, you know where I come from,
you know, being drafted in Cleveland, playing three years there,
then getting traded to New England playing two years there,
then you know, earning me a contract here with Arizona.
(16:45):
You know, it just been a blessing honestly, and just
shows the faith and the dedication I have to stick
through it through all those times. I feel like, you know,
it wasn't always great, it wasn't always bad neither, you know,
I just had to be with my feet was that
at the same time, and just and just work for
for where where.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
I'm at now.
Speaker 14 (17:02):
I feel like and you know, everything has been paying
off for me, and you know, I just got to
continue to keep that same mindset, you know, as a
guy from three years ago who didn't have much, didn't
know what his future was headed, didn't know if I
was gonna get any plays. You know, I feel like
me having that mindset, which is which allowed me kind
of just to stay grounded and just keep working.
Speaker 10 (17:25):
Give us the scouting report on where Kyler Murray is
right now.
Speaker 14 (17:30):
I feel like Kyler's color is color, you know, a leader,
leader of the pack. You know, been doing a tremendous
job off season with you know, the attention to detail,
with how he've been carrying and so, you know, just
being a great leader honestly, just you know everything that
people people will be trying to say about him, you know,
he's not that, you know, And I feel like this
year he's he's he's been been focused and I feel
(17:52):
like this year he's primed to show people, you know,
what this Arizona team is all about.
Speaker 7 (17:58):
Football is important and we will football and I'm sure
there are always more football questions. But I love rap music.
As the people know you are actually a rapper. I
got sent in the mail and of course we saw
on the internet when you performed for these schedule release
for the Arizona Cardinals.
Speaker 6 (18:15):
What has your rap career been like?
Speaker 7 (18:18):
And kind of take us through what it's like to
be a professional football player than someone who, you know,
let's say, dabbles in the greatest form of music.
Speaker 6 (18:25):
That there is.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
Yeah, I mean, honestly, it's pretty cool.
Speaker 14 (18:29):
Kind of picked up some some keys and tills from
my brother Orlando Fikes, who's a rapper out of Detroit,
and kind of just being around him this past last offseason,
I was able to pick up a few rhynds and
just kind of pick up his cadence and kind of
how he go about, you know, making music and things
like that, and it kind of just stuck with me
and it was something that I kind of enjoyed and
(18:50):
it kind of take me away from like the game.
It takes me away from like family, and just put
me in this different mind state of just you know,
trying to make cool rhymes and you know, I just
like the feeling of where I be at mentally when
I'm when I'm in a studio recording and things like that.
It's super fun, honestly, and you know, I'm really not
rapping to to try to get a deal or anything
like that. It's just something that it's a new hobby
(19:11):
that I really found that I'm that I've that I
became good at, you know, over time from putting that work.
Speaker 10 (19:19):
I hope you've got something planned for the season opener,
but first you've got to play the final preseason game.
It's Saturday night as it happens on the NFL Network
against the Raiders. I know you're not sure if you're
going to be playing, but what do you want to see,
whether you're on the field or not. What do you
want to see from this team and this defense to
convince you that you're ready to go for the season.
Speaker 14 (19:40):
Yeah, honestly, I just want to see I'm sure everybody
want to see the resilience. Got beat pretty bad last week,
so I feel like guys are Arizon fire this week.
Guys working hard, and you know, you just want to
see guys go out there and compete. You know, you
don't know where things gonna stand next week with you know,
how to shape or the roster may look, so you
want to go out there and leave.
Speaker 4 (19:59):
A leave a great last impression. You know.
Speaker 14 (20:00):
That's something I've always been been telling rookies over the years,
and just even guys who may feel like they're on
the bubble, even myself, you know, I just you just
want to go to work, put that work in each
and every day and just and just show the guys
your worth.
Speaker 10 (20:16):
Mac, thank you so much for joining us again. We're
going to get back to you because we want to
hear if you're coming up with a rap for the
regular season at any point. But thanks so much for
taking a few minutes.
Speaker 5 (20:24):
Lots of luck this season, Yes, maam.
Speaker 4 (20:27):
I appreciate you. Guys.
Speaker 10 (20:31):
When we return, we're going to talk about the Browns
and Rams with Bridget Conton and Bucky Brooks, and then
we're going to chat about the NFC South with Sarah
Walsh and Brian Baldinger. Coming up next on The Insiders
Presented by best Buy.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
The Browns quarterback decision is in. If there was even
a decision, it will be number fifteen. Joe Flacco going
into year I believe one hundred and seventy two in
the NFL. Well, he'll be the starter. Here's what Miles
Garrett had to say about his quarterbacks.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
I do now.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
I think he does too, and that's more important than anything.
So No, he's excited to go out there and show it. No,
he's coolest can be and he's ready for the moment.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
Welcome back to The Insiders presented by best Buy, Tom
Pelicerro Judy Batista, Bucky Brooks fixing those glasses, and Bridget
Condon as well.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Bridget you will be.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
At the preseason finale for the Browns one pm Eastern
Time on Sunday, or should be Saturday in Cleveland. We
obviously know now fla Go was the starting quarterback. What
else should we be looking for?
Speaker 15 (21:36):
Yeah, Tom, A lot of conversation has been about who's
going to be playing quarterback. But look, this Browns team
is only going to go as far as its defense
will take it. This season, the Browns have had the
worst quarterback play in many metrics since twenty twenty two.
And that doesn't matter because in twenty twenty three they
made the playoffs and that's because of their number one
scoring defense. When you look at this team, they're going
(21:59):
to have to face Lamar Joe Burrow Aaron Rodgers in
their division twice this season. Their defense is gonna need
to be what keeps them afloat. And we know Miles
Garrett is good. He signed that contract extension this offseason.
He had fourteen sacks, second in the league last season.
But it's their secondary that I'm gonna be watching this
Saturday in the preseason game. They're dealing with a lot
of injuries. Mj Emerson, Torres Achilles, Greg Newsom and Denzel
(22:22):
Ward both with shoulder injuries. Good news though Newsom is
back on the practice field. They're starting to ramp him up.
And in terms of Denzel Ward, coach Kevin Stefanski was
asked about him today guys, and he said that he's
day to day and we might see him back on
the field very soon.
Speaker 16 (22:39):
Yeah, that defense is still has the potential to be
light outed in the Jim Schwartz. But it comes down
to the quarterback play and even though they named Joe
Flacco the starter, my concern will be who is the backup?
Is it Kenny Pickett shoulder saying is Dylan Gabriel? Which
one of those guys is going to emerge? And literally
we will find out the way this plays out in
Game three. Kenny Pickett hasn't been a available, Dalli gabl A,
(23:01):
Shadur Sand has played a game a piece, respectively. Someone
has to win this backup job because it is look,
it is malpractice to go into the season thinking that
Joe Flacco is going to play each and every game.
Speaker 5 (23:13):
You need to have a backup.
Speaker 16 (23:14):
Plan, but right now those plans are shaky given the
inexperience in the injuries that a plague in the position.
Speaker 10 (23:22):
Well, we do know that Joe Flacco is going to
play in the preseason finale, Kenny Pickett is not, which
means he will not have played in the preseason at all.
And we don't know if Shadora is going to play
in the preseason finale. So they're right, Bucky, it is
going to come all the way down to the wire
about who is going to be the backup quarterback. All right,
let's turn to the Rams because there was a little
bit of quarterback drama there about Matthew Stafford and his
(23:45):
back bridget He did return to practice this week. Where
do things stand with Matthew Stafford.
Speaker 15 (23:50):
Yeah, Judy, good signs for the Ramses. He was back
on the practice field today. That means three days in
a row. Of course, today was just a walk through,
but positive news for this Rams team. It's unlikely we'll
see Matthew Stafford on the field Saturday against the Browns,
and that's not because of his back injury. Of course
that adds to it, but Sean McVay typically does not
play his starter, So don't be concerned if you don't
(24:11):
see Matthew Stafford out there. I know a lot of
people are wondering, well, what about his connection with Devonte Adams.
This is the first week that we've seen the two
of them in pads making a connection. All signs point
to that chemistry being there. He's picked back up with
that chemistry with Puka Nakua as well. And look, guys,
everything I'm told is if he had to play today,
he could play. But he's thirty seven years old, he's
(24:31):
in his seventeenth NFL season.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
They want to.
Speaker 15 (24:34):
Make sure he is as healthy as possible week one.
The question going forward, Tom, Judy and Bucky is how
is he going to look after Week one, after he
plays the Texans, after he gets hit. That's going to
be the question mark.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
Yeah, huge question mark.
Speaker 16 (24:49):
The chemistry with Devanta Adams and Puquin Nakula that could
be worked out on the practice field, but the Rams
need to have the chemistry with the number two quarterback
up and going, and that's Jimmy Garoppolo.
Speaker 5 (24:58):
The thing about Jimmy Garopolo, I must say.
Speaker 16 (25:00):
Having watched the joint practice with the Rams against the
Dallas Cowboys, he was on point.
Speaker 5 (25:05):
Sean McVay controls the pen.
Speaker 16 (25:07):
He's a masterful schemer, and so if Jimmy Garoppolo has
to play very optimistic that he can have success because
Sean McVay will make sure that the Xison owes online
to give Jimmy Garoppolo success. But let's be real about
this Rams team. This Rams team is loaded on offense
and on defense. Offensively, they have the ability to run
the football to offset some of the things that may
(25:29):
take place with the quarterback. And then we talked about
those weapons on the outside, DeVonta Adams pukinga cool.
Speaker 5 (25:34):
They have others that can contribute.
Speaker 16 (25:36):
This team will be fine regards of who is playing
quarterback because Sean McVay has the pending.
Speaker 4 (25:40):
He'll always make it right.
Speaker 2 (25:43):
Bridget, thank you. We will see you Saturday.
Speaker 1 (25:46):
To be clear ahead of that Browns Rams game, Bucky
Judy stick around, but first.
Speaker 8 (25:50):
High Mike, Hello Tom, Hello Buccaneers injuries.
Speaker 2 (25:56):
This is not ideal. Right.
Speaker 8 (25:57):
You want to go into the season feeling great, feeling healthy,
the health he'll be all year. That's not going to
be the case for the Buccaneers that godwin one. I'm
still trying to get an answer on whether Week one
is possible or likely for him getting a lot of
we'll sees when it comes to that, you get Works
on the pup list, the Jalen McMillan one. Yeah, he's
going to miss more than the start of the season.
That's looking like from what I'm told, six to eight
(26:18):
weeks to start the season. They've got a week nine bye,
so perhaps after that. But Sarah Wat's going to be
here to sort this all out along with Brian Baldinger. Sarah,
I go to you because you know that's not what
you want to see heading into week one?
Speaker 9 (26:33):
Is there concern down in Tampa right now?
Speaker 17 (26:36):
Look, Mike, I don't want to say that they're pushing
the panic button, but you just saw that list of names.
There's definitely cause for concern. And let me just give
you the context here. I mean, this is a Buccaneers
team that the narrative this whole offseason was everyone's returning,
and now we're enging closer to that week when starting.
There's some pretty big names that are not out there
right now for Tampa Bay. Tristan Works is obviously the biggest,
most notable name because obviously he is charged with protecting
(26:59):
Baker made Field's blind side. We know that he is
not going to be back for week one. The positive,
if there is a positive, in that they have known
this for the last month, so they have been making
preparations that they are going to be without Tristan Works
to start here, Chris Godwin, you just mentioned Tim. It's
not believed he will be back for week one. We
don't have an exact timetable other than they say that
he's on track without really giving us anything firm on that.
(27:21):
The big surprise or really because it just unfolded, Jalen
McMillan now expected to miss significant time after hurting his
neck in that preseason game, that last preseason game. So
the Buccaneers without two of their top three receivers, which
means they're going to rely on Mike Evans and they're
going to have to rely on the rookie of Mecca Buka.
I just spoke to their new offensive coordinator, Josh Brazzard,
(27:41):
and I said, look, you have to go to Atlanta
for Week once, the first game that you're ever going
to call as an offensive coordinator. Now you're going to
be not doing that at full strength. And he said,
if you want to look at the bright side, he's
got reps and having to plug and play guys last
year as the passing coordinators that those are not baldy
the kind of reps you want, but we know what
it's like to have to piece together a game plan.
They were without Mike at times last year, so that
(28:03):
is what Bizarre is going to have to do.
Speaker 18 (28:06):
Sarah, let me just get bold here, just bold. I
mean they're going to go to Atlanta without their best
player and that's Tristan Worfs and there is no replacement
of Tristan Worfs. Now they're also going to go up
and Atlanta hasn't shown anything in preseason, but jeff Ulbrick
is a quality defensive coordinator, and they really haven't shown
what they're going to do, what the plan is, what
(28:26):
it's going to look like.
Speaker 4 (28:28):
They've added some pieces.
Speaker 18 (28:29):
You can go out and see some of the rookie
pass rushers at Atlanta, but Jeff Olbrick could be a
little surprised to Josh Grizzard and to Baker Mayfield and
what they tried to do.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
Now, last year they were two shootouts.
Speaker 18 (28:41):
Kirk Cousins, you know, through eight touchdowns in eight or
eight hundred yards in these two games. So we know
that that's not going to happen with Michael Pennix here.
But those probably the two best games that Cousins played
against this Tampa defense. So those are a couple of
things I'm looking at, you know, here from Tampa's offense
and what they have to think about right now.
Speaker 7 (29:02):
And by the way, let me just add guys you
mentioned and Sarah mentioned some of the injuries. Christian is,
in my understanding, is not expected also to be on
the field.
Speaker 6 (29:09):
Week one, dealing with a have an oblique.
Speaker 7 (29:12):
Injury about a four so weak injuries, So probably misses
week one, week two, we'll see if he's one of
those that starts the year on ir Buck Baldy.
Speaker 6 (29:22):
I want to go to you.
Speaker 7 (29:23):
I want to talk about their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons.
You're a little bullish once't you tell me what you
think about the Falcons?
Speaker 4 (29:31):
Well, i'spend a day.
Speaker 18 (29:32):
Well, I mean one day doesn't mean anything, right, we
were all out there in Flowery Mound and so we
got a chance to see him, see what Raheem is doing.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
Look, I know people are having their fantasy drafts right now.
Speaker 18 (29:42):
Ian, Like, if you don't take Drake London as you
receiving number one, you're crazy every single pass I saw
in an entire two and a half hour practice where
Michael Pennix went to Drake London, he caught one hit
in the passes. He caught passes in a slot, he
caught passes in the red zone. I mean, the ball
goes to him and if it's not going to hit,
the running the ball really well. This offense line basically
(30:02):
returns intact Drew Dolman, who was injured the second half
of the season. They come back with the same five
up front. They've extended some guys the right tackle McGarry's
extended and they can flat out run it. And so
maybe if you're a fantasy draft maybe you're thinking Vjon.
I think I'm saying his name right here, Ian, I
think you'd probably take Vjon right here with one of
the top three picks, like.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
He's going to get fed.
Speaker 18 (30:25):
And they could be very dynamic offensively because one thing
Michael Pennix Junior has is he's got a big arm
and he's not afraid to show it off and get
it down the field where those chunk explosive plays on
offense and.
Speaker 17 (30:39):
Baldy you brought up Cale McGary and we were talking
about Tristan Wurks and the absence of him, mc gary
was carted off practice today. My understanding by Falcons is
that they are waiting the results of an MRI on him,
but that could potentially be huge for the Falcons because
he's the right tackle that protects Penix the lefties blind side.
That could be a real big problem for this Falcons seam.
(31:01):
That also, by the way, their backup tackle Storm Norton
just underwent ankle surgery, so Key's out. So the Falcons
are keeping their fingers crossed on McGarry in the situation
that unfolded today. As for Pennix, that he is not
going to get any preseason game reps. His offensive coordinator
Zach Robinson said, look, when he played in college, he
didn't have an exhibition game to get ready, and they
(31:21):
feel like they've given him enough looks against the Falcons defense.
Those looks that he would see in a preseason game,
they said, are more vanilla. But I was up in
Atlanta a couple of days ago, their GM Terry Foutno,
told me you everyone talks about Penix's big arm.
Speaker 6 (31:33):
He was talking to me about.
Speaker 17 (31:34):
His eyes and he said he's been so impressed with
his vision, his ability to see what's going on around him.
But of course, right now I'll focus on what's going
on with that Falcons offensive line.
Speaker 8 (31:44):
Yep, come on, everybody, get healthy. There's too much injury talk.
We want to see these teams at full strength right
out of the gate. We'll see how many of these
guys weaking. It's all good, Sarah, you know you got
you gotta give them the truth.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
Tons of NFL preseason action coming up on NFL Network.
Speaker 2 (32:01):
All starts out.
Speaker 1 (32:02):
Tomorrow night with these Steelers against the Panthers. You got
Falcons and Cowboys on Friday, and then it is another
quadruple aheader beginning with the Browns, perhaps the return of
the Shore.
Speaker 2 (32:15):
Sanders show up against the.
Speaker 1 (32:16):
Rams, Packers, Seahawks, Jaguars, Dolphins, Cardinals, Raiders. Catch it all
from start to finish on Saturday, right here on NFL Network.
Time out to get some fantasy advice from our guy
Michael F. Florio, who helped me through my draft last night,
which I greatly appreciate here, but only now do we
(32:37):
get Florio some of your sleepers. Let's start out with
somebody you like at the quarterback position.
Speaker 19 (32:43):
I love Drake May and I've been talking him up
since last year. The fantasy community is starting to catch
on now, so he's going a little bit more price
year than what he would have went for a couple
months ago. But there's not a throw he cannot make.
And I expect him to run more because last year
then head coached on Mayo said he can run. We
just asked him not to because of the circumstances of
(33:04):
the season. But he has that special playmaker gene that
I think separates like good quarterbacks from great quarterbacks and
really high ceiling. But even with him going more expensive
than he like I expected, he's still just a QB two.
Speaker 5 (33:18):
So a lot of upside to be had with Drake May.
Speaker 7 (33:21):
And if you're in a keeper lake, this is the
absolute perfect time to grab him. I would also agree,
by the way, having him run a little bit might
be the key to unlocking all the playmaking ability for
Drake May. Sounds like he had a really really good
training camp. Okay, let's make a switch. Give me a
running back option here for you.
Speaker 19 (33:39):
Let's go to Dallas, right, there's no shortage of news
coming out of Dallas.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
But I think Jayden.
Speaker 5 (33:44):
Blue is a big sleeper there.
Speaker 19 (33:46):
He's fast, and he is shifty, and he is really
good hands as a receiver out of the backfield. And
when I was preparing for the NFL Draft, I kept thinking,
this guy, if he hits, he reminds me.
Speaker 5 (33:57):
Of what like CJ. Spiller once was.
Speaker 19 (33:59):
And his competition is Javontin Williams, who has struggled as
a runner ever since he hurt his knee, and pass
game volume has really propped him up, but last season
fourth lowess yards per target amongst all running backs. So
lou brings a lot of upside on a Cowboys team
that has running back work up for grabs.
Speaker 5 (34:18):
And the best part.
Speaker 19 (34:19):
Is he is explosive enough that he doesn't need twenty touches.
You can give him twelve to fifteen and he could
still hit in fantasy because he'll probably have a couple
of big plays.
Speaker 8 (34:28):
All right, Florida, when we went to break, we saw
a receiver in DK Metcalf that is making over thirty
million dollars per year. That does not count as a sleeper.
You better not mention him. So give me a sleeper
at the receiver position making.
Speaker 9 (34:39):
A lot less.
Speaker 19 (34:40):
Yeah, how about this guy Justin Jefferson no A Mecca
Abupa from the Tampa Bay Bucks. I think is a
fantastic sleeper right now. In fact, I have bumped him
up to where he might not even be considered a sleeper.
He's my wide receiver thirty two in rankings. But the
reason is because Chris Godwin it seems more and more
unlikely that he will be out there to start the season,
(35:01):
and McMillan that landed on the IR he could be
out for a while.
Speaker 5 (35:04):
So that leaves Evans and the rookie.
Speaker 19 (35:06):
There as the top two targets for Baker Mayfield and
double E. As Adam Ranks calling him on Fantasy Live,
he is a runway now to earn consistent playing time,
perhaps be the lead slot guy.
Speaker 5 (35:17):
So I think there is a lot of and he
comes from Ohio State.
Speaker 19 (35:20):
Do I need to say Moore is a wide receiver,
Like I think there's a lot of upside there in
a good Bucks offense.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
Or one more florio.
Speaker 1 (35:28):
You can argue that most tight ends are sleepers because
no one knows anything after like the top three guys here, But.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
Give me a deep, deep sleeper at tight end. Yeah,
this is deep.
Speaker 19 (35:36):
He might not even get drafted in some of listeners
leagues right now. But Elijah Arroyo out of Seattle, he
was a tight end prospect that I loved during the
draft time. Good speed for a guy that is his size,
moves more like a wide receiver to me, and he
had a lot of downfield usage in college, which you
don't really see out.
Speaker 5 (35:56):
Of tight ends.
Speaker 19 (35:57):
He could win after the catch, and with the Seahawks
moving on from no offense, there's a lot of opportunity there.
And speaking of opportunity, he was playing plenty with the
starters in the preseason. So just a late round Darthrow,
maybe even a waiver wire guy.
Speaker 5 (36:09):
But I do think there's upside there with the Royal.
Speaker 2 (36:13):
Filing that away.
Speaker 1 (36:14):
For my other fantasy draft, which is on Saturday afternoon,
Floor Oil, if you could just please.
Speaker 2 (36:18):
Keep your phone on, I would greatly appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Otherwise we will look for I gotchagin with you again
soon on this show.
Speaker 2 (36:25):
A lot more to come still on.
Speaker 1 (36:27):
This edition of The Insiders, including a look at some
teams that might surprise in twenty twenty five, or Bucky
Brooks rejoins the conversation to break down the Jets.
Speaker 2 (36:39):
A lot more snacks on the Insiders presented by best Buy.
Speaker 10 (36:41):
It's time for upgrade your Game Day, presented by best BUYE.
All week, we've been asking everybody, what teams do you
think are going to surprise fans by getting out to
a very fast start. There is Ian Roperport, there is
Bucky Brooks. Bucky, I'm starting with you. What team do
(37:02):
you think is going to surprise us early this season?
Speaker 16 (37:06):
A Judy, I'm going with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and I
know they're gonna get a lot of attention because Aaron
Rodgers is in the building, But I think it's the
other guys that they've added to the roster that gives
this team the edge that it needs. Jalen Ramsey joining
a secondary with Darius Slay to kind of help Joey
Porter Junior learn how to be in the elite corner
while also give them the flexibility to.
Speaker 5 (37:24):
Match up with some of these top flight offenses.
Speaker 16 (37:27):
And then DK Metcalf being on the outside so that
Aaron Rodgers can hand the ball off but also throw
it out there to a big target. The Pittsburgh Stillers
have this confidence in this ascident that they feel like
they're going to be a lot better than most of
us predict. So I'm gonna lean on Mike Tomlin's arrogance,
his competitive arrogance, and rob with the Pittsburgh Steelers for
a little bit.
Speaker 7 (37:48):
Well that's the case, then the Steelers are gonna win
a playoff game this year, as they probably should.
Speaker 6 (37:52):
They are a stack team.
Speaker 7 (37:53):
If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, no doubt he's going to
be better than the version of the Jets are, especially
at the beginning of last year. I certainly with you
on the Steelers. My option here, my choice here would
be the Arizona Cardinals.
Speaker 4 (38:05):
I spent some time with them.
Speaker 6 (38:06):
During training camp. They didn't do much, certainly not on offense.
Speaker 7 (38:10):
In the offseason, added a couple pieces Josh Wet on defense,
certainly drafted on defense. But it's Arizona. They don't get
a ton of publicity. They're going to be better. They
really are, And I know that most people probably couldn't
name anyone on their team except for maybe Marvin Harrison
Junior and Kyler Murray. But they are really good. They're
really solid. The foundation is built, and I expect the
(38:31):
Arizona Cardinals to have a much better year this year.
Speaker 6 (38:34):
Competing to the Land in the playoffs. Duty.
Speaker 10 (38:39):
I agree with both of you about the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Don't forget they opened the season in New York against
the New York Jets. I'm going to be at that game.
I can't wait. It's been circled since the schedule was released,
and you know that Aaron Rodgers more than anybody, is
going to want to make sure the Steelers get off
to a very fast start.
Speaker 1 (38:59):
It's doing enough before the NFL regular season kicks off,
and NFL Network has seven live games this week. Big
names return, risen rookies look to make their mark. It's
their last chance to set the stage and enter the
new season strong. Week three of NFL preseason live on
NFL Network. Blackou restrictions apply also starting with NFL Plus.
Subchurchen required for NFL Plus. We've got more trades. The
(39:23):
Denver Broncos working out one sending their wide receiver Devon
Velay to the New Orleans Saints. Of course, a Sean
Payton connection right there. Broncos picking up a twenty twenty
six to fourth rounder at a twenty twenty seven to
seventh in exchange for Vala who's had some production in
the NFL cut down deadline now just six days a
(39:44):
week away, and we have a whole lot more roster.
Speaker 2 (39:46):
Movement to come. We'll be covering all of it right
here on the Insiders.
Speaker 1 (39:50):
Welcome back, Tom Tili, Saraian Rapport, Judae Batista and Mike
Gara Fular.
Speaker 2 (39:54):
We've seen two full weeks of preseason action.
Speaker 1 (39:56):
Insiders will be off the next couple of nights because
of these games here, so to this point is our
last time away in Judy, who is your favorite player
that you have seen so far here in the preseason.
Speaker 10 (40:08):
I don't know how anybody in New York could say
anybody but Jackson Dark, which has totally energized the New
York Giants fan base with his performance. He was really
good in training camp practices, but what he's shown on
the field in the first two preseason games has wowed everybody.
His command of the offense, his confidence.
Speaker 2 (40:27):
Moxie is award.
Speaker 10 (40:28):
The Giants have thrown around a lot, and you can
see that he's been really superb, especially in the second
preseason game, especially really sharp, and I think has finally
given Giants fans some hope that there are better days
ahead At the quarterback position.
Speaker 2 (40:42):
Never mind this segment, go Ian.
Speaker 7 (40:46):
The forty nine Ers and Chiefs have just made a
trade and is a certainly familiar name. Sky Moore, the
early pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, struggled to really
stay on the field. There are plenty of talents. Struggles
stay on the field has landed with these San Francisco
forty nine ers. We know injuries have hit their receiver room.
(41:08):
They have now acquired sky more So another trade, another
wide receiver trade today, Judy.
Speaker 8 (41:17):
Your reaction, All right, Well, let's go back to your
regularly scheduled programming.
Speaker 9 (41:21):
Sky Moore, I.
Speaker 8 (41:25):
Will go forty nine ers, staying with it. I'm staying
on track. We just talked about the Niners. How about
Chase Lucas, the defensive back. I've had a bunch of
Chase Lucas scoops like he's signed, he's on a practice squad.
Speaker 9 (41:38):
He's here, he's there, He's back and forth, like poor
Chase Lucas is bouncing around.
Speaker 8 (41:41):
Will whatever click for him? I'll tell you what it's
clicking this so far. I mean, he has been one
of the main talks of forty nine ers camp. This kid,
and I know that they are impressed with what they've seen,
but they still might have to make a tough decision
there at the position at the quarnerback position. So, given
everything I've ever tweeted about Chase Louke, I'm rooting that
I won't have a tweet for him in the coming.
Speaker 9 (42:02):
Days because that'll mean he made the team.
Speaker 1 (42:04):
Tom hold On, I got one.
Speaker 6 (42:07):
I got one.
Speaker 7 (42:08):
Jackson Hawes, he has a tight end for the Bills.
He started a Yale, he went.
Speaker 6 (42:13):
To Georgia Tech. He absolutely mauls people in the run game.
Speaker 7 (42:17):
I love watching him, especially when he pops up on
social media.
Speaker 1 (42:20):
The Ian absolutely has not seen that guy play. I'm
not even sure that's a real pub. We don't put
any name in front of me, and he would have
said it and sold it exactly like that. Give me
Efton Chisholm, the third from the Patriots, leads the NFL
and touchdown the receptions in the preseason.
Speaker 2 (42:37):
Undrafted out of Eastern Washington, that sounds familiar.
Speaker 1 (42:39):
Cooper Couples that guy too, enjoyed the game Beast couple
day seehim on night
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