NFL Network Insiders Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport break down the biggest headlines from around the league, including why rookie two-way phenom Travis Hunter remains unsigned during mandatory minicamp and weigh in on DK Metcalf’s comments about playing with Aaron Rodgers. Jane Slater reports from Cowboys camp with the latest on Micah Parsons’ contract situation. Steve Wyche and Brian Baldinger provide updates from Commanders minicamp, while Baldinger and Bucky Brooks discuss the excitement surrounding Jaguars camp. Later, Baldinger breaks down the Bills’ defense, Bucky shares insights on the Packers trying WR Bo Melton at CB, and weighs expectations for Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. Steve Wyche dives into Davante Adams’ rejuvenation with the Rams, and he joins Bucky to discuss the Falcons' direction under Michael Penix Jr. Plus, the crew debates which teams are most likely to break their playoff droughts in 2025.
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Michael Parsons that mini camp and participating.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
What a novel concept for a guy looking for a contract.
We will have the latest from down in Dallas with R.
Jane Slater on Parsons and what his presence means for Dallas. Meanwhile,
TNT that is Travis and Trevor. Trevor too, Travis Travis.
There you see it right there, the latest on the
Jaguars and Travis Hunters. Why is that deal not done?
(00:33):
We'll ask our Ian Rappaport that one. And we've got
some playoff droughts that need ending Jets fans, Will this
be the year?
Speaker 3 (00:41):
No?
Speaker 2 (00:41):
But stay tuned anyway, because we're going to talk about
a couple other teams, maybe the Falcons and some other
teams that haven't been to the playoffs in a while.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Can they end the drought? Maybe the Chicago Bears.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Welcome inside with the insiders. Sorry, Ian, was I not
supposed to give away the answers yet? Ian Rappaport with
me tonight we were in the ending Brian Baldinger on
the way, what how about you? Just I know you're
supposed to tease it, but I couldn't tease that one.
Everybody knows that's the case. He and Rappaport with me,
Brian Baldinger, Steve Weiss, Jaine Slader, Bucky Brooks.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
I think I got them all.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
They're all with us this hour, So lock it in
because we've got plenty of news happening around the NFL,
including Jermaine Pratt, who is dumped by the Bengals probably
weeks or months too late. Everybody saw this come and
finds a deal quickly with the Raiders. One year, four
point twenty five million dollars deal, another five hundred thousand
in playtime incentives there according to Ian. And then there's
(01:33):
Jihad Campbell, this one getting done the thirty first overall pick.
People still can't figure out why he was there available
for the Eagles at thirty one. Whatever locks in that deal,
a fully guaranteed deal as all first rounders are. I
mentioned Travis Hunter here he is on one side of
the balls. He plays both sides for the Jaguars. Here
(01:55):
he is at Mini Caamp talking about the start so
far to his NFL.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
To playing your personality showing through.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
It's been very easy for me.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
You know.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
The guys come in and I bring the juice every day.
Always got a smile on my face, make everyone laugh
when I get the chance. So we've just been fun,
having fun and just being kids out here, just loving
and living our dream.
Speaker 6 (02:15):
To see all of these fans here like you guys
are just doing typical drills and they're chairing for you
every time.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Such, Polly, what's that experience?
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Like, that's very very great, great experience. I know I
can't let them down. I got to go out down
work and I know they got my back.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Jackguars, have the fans there to see mini camp and
seeing the guy that's going to be playing on both
sides of the ball. Can't wait to see that come
the regular season. For now getting in the work in
the spring. What about training camp though, because you got
to have your deal signed ian by training camp. Travis
Hunter one of four just mentioned you hot Campbell. Now
down to four first rounders that hasn't signed, and everybody
around them is done. What's taking so long there?
Speaker 7 (02:51):
Yeah, taking a look at the landscape of things, it
feels to me feels like Travis Hunter will probably be
the last first rounder to sign. You know, these things
are general one, not complicated. We know he's going to
make forty six point six and change million dollars, and
he's going to get a thirty million dollars signing bonus.
These numbers are all negotiated. They are basically done. The
numbers you cannot mess with, which is why it's actually
(03:14):
hard to negotiate a rookie contract, believe it or not,
because there's not that much to give and take.
Speaker 8 (03:19):
There's when the bonus is paid.
Speaker 7 (03:20):
For instance, is it all in one lump sum, is
it all up front, which generally happens with quarterbacks, or
is it paid let's say a little bit now, a
little bit in September, a little bit in March. There's
not that many things to negotiate over. But to me,
it seems like this is going to be the hardest
to get done as Travis Hunter tries to do everything
he possibly can to maximize his deal, not just right now,
(03:43):
but in the third year and the fourth year. I
don't expect to hold out. We rarely, rarely, rarely see
a holdout. But I do think this will take some time.
But if you're talking about Jaguars fans, talking about Jaguars people,
I don't think they have anything to worry about because
he's almost certainly going to be participating in training, you
think they will figure out a way to get.
Speaker 8 (04:02):
It done by then.
Speaker 7 (04:03):
And then, just considering how many times we here on
the Insiders have talked about the Jaguars since Travis Hunter,
since they traded up for Travis Hunter, and since they
drafted him, it's like times ten from usual. This is
a team that one did not perform well last year
now as a new coach, now is a new GM
and has more hype than I can ever remember.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
For the Jaguars, Yeah, more hype because of Travis Hunter
joining an offense and a defense, but joining an offense
that alreadys got some playmakers, including Brian Thomas Junior.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Who was injured and left practice.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Liam Cohen saying not a big deal would have returned
if it was the regular season game. I think that's
always the comparison. So not a big deal there, which
is a sigh of relief for the Jaguars. You hate
to see that guy leaving practice. More in the Jaguars
later in the program. For now, back to these Steelers,
because DK Metcalf, who was on the receiving end of
a couple of throws from Aaron Rodgers early in practice,
(04:59):
I say early because he didn't do anything in team
drills and won't during mini camp. He had a chance
to talk talk to the media today about the guy
that he was throwing with on the side and will
now be throwing with at the facility and at Akroscher
Stadium wherever the Steelers play this upcoming season.
Speaker 9 (05:15):
I like the way he views the game, you know,
from a receiver standpoint, but also from a quarterback standpoint.
I think I can gain a lot of knowledge just
from being around him because he's seen a lot of football.
So just trying to soak up, soak up as much
information and the ball as I can.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Aaron Rodgers lauding DK Metcalf's character when he spoke about
him yesterday, has had a chance to get to know him.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
With shaking hands literally with players his.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Teammates now on the field yesterday, offensive lineman coming up
to him and be like, Hi, I'm Zach Frasier, I'm
this guy, I'm that guy.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
It was quite the scene to see.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Ian.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
You were not in the program yesterday, so I want
to get you to get a chance to get a
bite at Rodgers.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Finally in the building, finally on the practice field with
the Steelers.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
Yeah, And first of all, Aaron Rodgers introducing himself to
everyone is kind of funny because usually this is what
happens when you just started this and we actually don't
ever get to see it because usually a guy signs
like in March or earlier and does all of this
behind closed doors at Conditioning and OTA's and all of
these things. So yeah, I think Aaron Rodgers got a
little bit of a late start. But as it pertains
the DK Metcalf, I'm not worried at all because these
(06:19):
guys have been working but we all have been wondering
whether or not Aaron Rodgers was going to become the
Steelers quarterback, was he going to retire or all these
other things. DK Metcalf was working out with him and
probably knew. So I think that rapport is a good one.
And you know, for DK Metcalf, I think it's fair
to say he wasn't thrilled with the situation in Seattle,
one reason why he was more than open to a trade.
(06:41):
This is a good sign that he's going to get
a quarterback who is now fully invested in him, and
the Steelers aren't done. I expect them to add at
least one more target, probably just one, but I'd say
another target somewhere along the line. Gave Davis, for instance,
visited there's other players or no Rogers. Well, they could
potentially trade for They're not done, but this acclamation from
(07:02):
Rogers to the Steelers offense is for sure something I'm
not worried about. Arthur Smith and Rogers together, two of
the brightest football minds. You can imagine he's ready to
start to work with DK Metcalf. He's still got the summer.
Maybe he'll work with some guys and may build that
rapport there. Training camp is so so long, They're going
to catch him in no time and the Steelers will
be fine.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Aaron Rodgers getting the chance to get acclimated with players
and the building there because they're going to go to
training camp and Latrobe when they come back to Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Wants to be able to hit the ground running.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Was figuring out where all the rooms were in the
building yesterday. So Rogers and Arthur Smith going to have
a chance to catch up during the break and get
more acclimated to that offense. The Cowboys mandatory minichamp. Lots
of storylines down there in Dallas, but you know, Micah Parsons,
that's a big one. He's a big personality and the
eventually he's going to get a big contract we think
(07:53):
from the Cowboys. Just not there yet, but he is
there at mandatory minicamp. Here's some of what he had
to say.
Speaker 10 (08:00):
I'm pretty hopeful. I'm still, you know, hanging tight. You like,
I understand it's up to him and he gives the
green line on everything. So hopefully something's done, you know
by next month.
Speaker 11 (08:10):
How you avoid getting anxious as this thing starts to
drag on a little bit.
Speaker 10 (08:13):
I just keep putting working, you know, at the end
of the day, man, Like you know, I still love football.
I think it's still about football. I understand the business
side always kind of creeps in every couple of years
in the football world, but I just keep it about football.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Jane Slater with US now, Jane. Michah Parsons did not
participate yesterday. I believe I saw that he did participate
today in mini camp.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
It's a it's a sign of faith. I mean, we're
talking about the Steelers. TJ.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Wattson not there, some other guys haven't been there, but
Micah Parsons is there.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
What is his presence mean to the Cowboys.
Speaker 12 (08:45):
Well, I think it also says a lot about his
relationship with Brian Schottenheimer, right, I mean shoty As and
Micah has talked about this, really leaned in come to
his football camps. He's doing those dinners. It's the little things. Again,
I keep talking. The fans will roll their eyes in
and I get it, but it's those little things that
help you build the culture. And you know, listening to
Micah Parsons right, there are obviously a little anxiety around
(09:07):
the fact this thing isn't done yet. He's showing up
and doing what he needs to do. Micah, don't get anxious.
Look at what happened with Ceedee Lamb, look at what
happened with Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence in the past. These
things can get contentious and this one really hasn't.
Speaker 13 (09:23):
But they always get it done. I will say.
Speaker 12 (09:25):
The only knock that I have on Micah Parsons and
maybe something that they're pushing across the table in some
of their agent negotiations is where Micah Parsons sometimes fall
off towards the end.
Speaker 13 (09:37):
Of the seasons.
Speaker 12 (09:38):
If you look at the nine December and January games,
how many sacks has He had only one and a
half sacks and that was against teams that were twelve
and five teams with winning records. Now it's crazy when
you look at his other games and the forty four
other ones he had forty sacks.
Speaker 13 (09:54):
So his big issue, I think around that.
Speaker 12 (09:56):
Building, if you talk to folks, is just not needing
to be consistent and it's play just a consistent overall defender.
And what's going to help him is they finally started
dedicating a lot of resources the defensive line of the ball.
Speaker 13 (10:08):
Talking to a coach today, he.
Speaker 12 (10:09):
Just told me Micah Parsons is better when he has
guys around him.
Speaker 13 (10:13):
And they certainly did that by.
Speaker 12 (10:14):
Going out and getting Dante Fowler back after that double
digit sack season from the Commanders. They've got Marshall nieland
Sam Williams coming back, Peyton Turner, Solomon Thomas.
Speaker 13 (10:23):
He doesn't have to do it all.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
How about the.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Matt Eberflus factor here for Micah Parsons and what he
means for his defense.
Speaker 13 (10:33):
Look, Matty Flue is a tough coach. You know this.
Speaker 12 (10:36):
In Dallas sometimes I saw that it didn't always land
with some.
Speaker 13 (10:40):
Of the players, but I mean they had Mike Zimmer
last year.
Speaker 12 (10:43):
Mike Mike Zimmer is not exactly Unicorns and sunshine. But
I will say this about Matt Eberflus, he likes speed
on his defense, he likes length. We're already seeing him
play around with using guys outside of their position.
Speaker 13 (10:57):
I mean we saw this a little bit with Izzy
last year.
Speaker 12 (11:00):
Looks like they're using Israel mcuamo a little bit more
from that safety, that corner position. Some good news I
think that's also going to help Mattie reflues today. Is
Trayvon Diggs thinks that he's going to be ready by
week one. I know that when I updated folks on
Trayvon Diggs and his developments a couple of weeks ago,
he was beginning to store getting acclimated as some of the.
Speaker 13 (11:20):
Drills required for his position.
Speaker 12 (11:23):
Remember this is like the second injuries had to that
ACL in the.
Speaker 13 (11:26):
Last couple of years.
Speaker 12 (11:27):
But I think corner is still in an area that
Matt eber Flewis is probably tinkering with to see if
they've got the right pieces there.
Speaker 13 (11:34):
But defensive line.
Speaker 12 (11:35):
I mean I just went through a number of the
guys that they've got there. It really allows you to
use Micah Parsons more as a chess.
Speaker 13 (11:41):
Piece when you've got that defensive.
Speaker 12 (11:43):
Line short up in some of the sources they put
not only in the interior, but the exterior of that
defensive line.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Micah Parson's versatility, that's part of the value. That's part
of what you the pitch that you make to the
Cowboys to pay him. Again, we're keeping a close eye
on that. See what you can happen before the start
of training camp. James later are star covering things down
there at the star Ian take the wheel.
Speaker 7 (12:06):
Let's stay in this division and watch the connection from
Jayden Daniels and Deebo. Samuel Deebo, of course acquired this offseason.
I broke that story at the combine. Thank you very much,
two players. I know the commanders are expecting big things
for him. To see them connecting so early has to
be a good sign for Washington, which has such high
(12:27):
expectations this year. Let's listen to dan Quinn talk all
about it. Oh no, sorry, we will. I guess we're
not gonna listen to dan Quinn. All good guys, Let's
welcome in Steve Weisch and Bucky Brooks to talk about it.
Bucky will start with you. Jade Daniels obviously performed so
well last year, how can you avoid a sophomore slump?
Speaker 14 (12:49):
You know, Ian, when it comes down to young quarterbacks,
it's all about the three p's. It's about the play caller,
the playmakers, and the protectors. And when you look at
the Washington Commanders, obviously lead their past protection needed some work,
so they go and get Laramy Tomso to protect the
blind side, to make sure that jayde Daniels is erected
and protected in the pocket.
Speaker 15 (13:10):
Then you have Cliff.
Speaker 14 (13:10):
Kingsbury given more weapons on the outside, so you have
Deebo Samuel to go with Scary Terry McLaurin so that
they can be able to really run some of those
catch and run plays that you like.
Speaker 15 (13:21):
Meaning, let's get it to Deebo Samuel.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
On the run.
Speaker 14 (13:23):
Let's allow him to use that yack yards up to
cats to produce some of these explosive plays.
Speaker 15 (13:28):
Last year, Jay Daniels had.
Speaker 14 (13:30):
Over thirty five hundred yards, twenty five touchdowns, only nine interceptions.
Look for that number to jump as he's able to
really get more bang for his bulk using high completion
percentage passes to deliver big plays.
Speaker 7 (13:43):
Yeah, Deebo Samuel still plenty of juice, dropped a little
weight going going into the Commanders obviously is a ton
im provemn last year his contract. Will see what he
gives Washington this year. We'll also see Steve with Trey Amos,
the second round pick from Ole miskiins Washington ready starting
to generate a little bunz.
Speaker 16 (14:01):
Yeah, And last week he started taking reps with the
first team defense. Not full time, they were just occasional reps,
but they are getting him ready.
Speaker 17 (14:08):
I spoke to somebody said they wanted a.
Speaker 16 (14:09):
Longer corner and he's six one one nine five on
the outside, so they can use Marshall and Latimore on
the other side and move Mikey sen was still into
the slot and therefore really impact their coverage because they
don't have anybody up front on their defensive line who's
an individual.
Speaker 17 (14:25):
Winner when it comes to the pass rush.
Speaker 16 (14:27):
And because of that, they want the coverage to uphold
some things and they scheme up some of the past pressures.
Now about that defensive front, they built it with some
big guys. They've got guys like Dietrich Wise, Gewort's Armstrongs,
yvon Kinlaw and Deron Payne, who's had a great offseason
according to this person, And they want guys.
Speaker 17 (14:44):
They want to be better on first and second down.
Speaker 16 (14:46):
They got tagged in early downs last year, so they
were on third and short a lot of times.
Speaker 17 (14:51):
They don't want to do that.
Speaker 16 (14:52):
They want to make it known pass downs that being
second long, so that secondary, maybe that includes Trey Amos
can make plays.
Speaker 8 (15:01):
That's a great call.
Speaker 7 (15:02):
And look if Amos, Trey Amis was the guy, as
you guys know, was considered by many to be a
first round talent. If he comes in and flashes a
little bit of that, that Washington secondary is going to
be much much better for a team, again the highest
of expectations in that division and throughout the NFL.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
Thanke story with the Jaguars this season, Trevor Lawrence, getting
him right, protecting him, doing everything they can to unlock
Trevor Lawrence. They spent a lot of money on him,
he had the shoulder rehab and now they want to
see an ascension under new head coach Liam Cohen in
twenty twenty five, which leads me to Bucky Brooks and
Brian Baldinger joining us here, Baldy all over the place
(15:43):
at Jaguars Mini camp today. Give us your impressions of
what you're seeing from the new look Jaguars under Lam Cohen.
Speaker 18 (15:49):
Well, let's just start of the new coach, you know,
Mike and Bucky, I mean Liam Kahn. I don't care
who talks to him or when you talk to him.
He's impressive. He's got a command. The year that he
had in Tampa was one of the great years of
any quarterback when you look at what Baker Mayfield did
a year ago and the way that they ran the ball,
and a lot of that is Liam Cohen's design and
(16:11):
how he gets the ball to his playmakers. And so
I think Trevor Lawrence is going to benefit a great
deal by the head coach, Liam Cohen, the play caller,
Liam Cohen, and really the leader of this team right
now is is Liam. So I think he's impressive and
that's a good start. But you know, they want to
be able to run the ball a whole lot better,
Bucky obviously than what they have been able to do
(16:33):
the last couple of years. They want to do everything
they can to help Trevor Lawrence and so you know,
the offensive line is rebuilt, there's some competition there that
they're looking forward to seeing how they do.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
And then the other.
Speaker 18 (16:45):
Part that was talked about all day Bucky was and
you know this Dad, eight takeaways last year eight and
if they want to helped out Trevor Lawrence, they want
to triple that number. They want twenty five thirty takeaways
extra at batch to Trevor Lawrence, shorter fields, you know,
those kind of things they're they're working on, you know,
(17:06):
the peanut punch drill in practice, getting the ball out.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
They're preaching take away to every drill every day.
Speaker 18 (17:14):
And so I think those are some of the things
that you can take away from this off season bucket
that I think is going to be good for this
h this you know this this team from Duval right now.
Speaker 14 (17:26):
And look, when you talk about the defense playing will, well,
the best way to get the defense playing will is
to have the offense get out of the fast starts.
And the way the offense can get out of the
fast start is really capitalizing on the playmakers that are
on the perimeter. When you want to improve the quarterback play,
what you do is surround them with what I call
ball catchers, and the guys that they have on the
perimeter right now are ball catchers in terms of great
(17:49):
hand aue coordination, great ball skills. BTJ, Brian Thomas Junior
and Travis Hunter are guys that are elite when it
comes to their ball skills. They expand the strike zone,
but more importantly, they delivered the explosive plays. The Yanmi
Brown coming over from the Washington Commanders to give them
a vertical element. So now as you're beginning to figure
out are we going to double team BTJ or Travis Hunter,
(18:10):
there's someone else that can punish you and don't sleep
on the tide end. Britten Strange came on like game
busses when he had opportunity to play for Evan Ingram
last year. When you think about the quartet that's on
the perimeter catching passes, it's an upgrade.
Speaker 15 (18:24):
They're explosive, their dynamic. It's going to make the game.
Speaker 14 (18:27):
A lot easier for Trevor Lawrence as he's beginning to
find his way and hopefully become the big money quarterback
that everyone wants to see, a top five quarterback that
is earning that money going into twenty twenty six, Well, I.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Saved really, you know, the best for last year bucket.
Speaker 18 (18:42):
How honestly, you go out to any practice, you can't
take your eyes off Trevor Travis Hunter, like you're.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
Just as an absolute magget.
Speaker 18 (18:51):
Whatever he's doing, wherever he's lying up, he's goes in motion.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
Your eyes are following your motion.
Speaker 18 (18:57):
You know, he's just you know, he's the fatigable, Like
the guy just doesn't get tired. It's a it's a
separate skill that he has. And so he can literally
if you want him to clear out for Brian Thomas
to come underneath, or for Donnie Brown to run a
dig route, he'll go clear you out. It'll be right
back in Audel for the next play. So like it is,
(19:19):
it can be really exciting for Trevor if they can
get that wall up front, you know, really to protect
to stay healthy.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
The competition Walker little over.
Speaker 18 (19:30):
At left tackle, right now Anton at the right tackle.
They like to Madoga that came in from Dallas. So
they didn't spend crazy in free agency, but they feel
like they got their type of players that love the practice,
love the game, can count on.
Speaker 3 (19:46):
Him and be out there every day, you know, working.
And so that's where it starts.
Speaker 18 (19:51):
I don't think we're anywhere close to where this organization
with Boselli and Gladstone all the way down wanting, but
I think they're alfo a good start at a good
off season right now.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
Indefatigable Travis Hunter in that heat, But Baldy heard you
say it was a muggy hot one down there in Jacksonville.
He's out there running clear out routes, practicing both ways.
Speaker 15 (20:13):
Pretty impressive.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Can't we wait to see it on display when we
get to the regular season. Brian Baldinger Bucky Brooks, but
he's a wild Thank you boys for your insight into Jacksonville.
Coming up, we're gonna talk about the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 17 (20:26):
Bo Melton.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
Bucky's got some thoughts about how important he is after
the release of Jay her Alexander coming up next to
the Insiders, the Jets first spring under Aaron Glenn is
almost complete. Mandatory miniicamp for those guys underway. Eric Glynn
(20:50):
likes what he has seen from his new quarterback, Justin Fields.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
That's pretty cool. Flip right there and see who that was.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
But very impressive young man here is Justin Fields on
his leader ship style.
Speaker 19 (21:02):
Kind of had a feeling when I got here. You know, guys,
we're looking for, you know, a leader to step up
on offense, so you know, I was glad to receive
that role and of course been you know, pushing the
guy he's in every day to be our best and
playoffs to our standard.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Josh Allen, how is married life? How is twenty twenty five?
And the prep for the Buffalo Bills. The expectations remain high,
the window remains open. As long as you've.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
Got Josh Allen to Buffalo.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
We go to hear from Brian Baldinger to come in
with us here and bring in his feelings on the
Buffalo Bills.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
Let's go to the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
I know we just saw that slow, low slick back
the hair for Josh Allen, but forget that.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
To get that out of here.
Speaker 3 (21:45):
No, look to me, Josh, he's going to return.
Speaker 18 (21:48):
They've dominated this division, Mike, the same offensive line coach
by Eron Tromber is coming back. But really all the
changes this year on a very good team from a
year ago, aside from the MVP of the league and
Josh Allen is what they did defensively, whether it's bringing
in you know, Larry Ogan, Jobi or Joey Bosa, you
know Michael Hoyt, I mean, and then the top five
(22:09):
draft picks were all defense, including three guys on the
defensive line. And by this point, you know, there's Max
Harrison right there, the number one pick.
Speaker 3 (22:17):
They need to help at corner.
Speaker 18 (22:18):
They drafted three corners and they drafted three defensive linemen,
and so how quickly can they get assimilated into you know,
Bobby Badge's Bobby Babbage defensive scheme and what Sean McDermott
wants to do. How quickly can those guys step up?
You know, whether it's t J. Sanders or Landon Jackson.
It was a deep draft with defensive lineman and they
(22:41):
got three of them. And so this was one of
their nemesis. It's been Lamar, it's been Patch Mahomes. That's
been the impediment to this team advancing in a play
in the postseason.
Speaker 3 (22:51):
So if you're going to advance, you know, you've got
to keep the score down.
Speaker 18 (22:55):
Your defense has to affect some of these start quarterbacks
in this league.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
And so that's what they've been and.
Speaker 18 (23:00):
I'm sure that you know the teaching, the scheme and
how they do things in Buffalo has been a big
part of this all season for shaw mcdermom.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
Brandon being the general manager, addresses defense and then the
local radio crew that he was on with I was
talking about the lack of addressing the wide receiver positions.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Like what do you guys want? Man, I can't do
everything here. I was a host team being on that one.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
You know they needed to address, but they needed to
address on defense and they did that ball they don't
go anywhere more from you.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
Coming up in.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
The Packers addressed some things on defense by using a
receiver that we'll.
Speaker 8 (23:38):
Get into it. We will get into it anyway.
Speaker 7 (23:41):
The Green Bay Packers continued their mandatory mini camp today.
A lot of fun things to get to a lot
of storylines, including hearing some key members the Packers talk
about just the small tidbit that they're going to be
basing their good friend Aaron Rodgers in week eight with
his new team, the Steelers.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
Yeah, it'll be a great challenge for us. We all
know what type of player he is and how good
he is, and I'm sure he'll be telling everybody all
our signals. So we'll have to you know, maybe play
that mind game with him a little bit.
Speaker 7 (24:17):
With that, we'd like to bring in Travis Hunter. Travis
or no, I read that wrong. The original Travis Hunter,
not current Travis Hunter. The original Travis Hunter. Bucky Brooks,
thanks for joining us again. The reason I say that,
and you know why I say that, but for the people.
The reason I say that is because Bo Melton, the
(24:38):
Packers receiver, was playing corner today Jyry Alexander's gone.
Speaker 8 (24:42):
They released him.
Speaker 7 (24:44):
Bou Melton was trying his hand in corners like Travis
Hunter is trying and handed all the things. Bucky, you
did this, You literally did this. Take me through the
bow Melton situation.
Speaker 8 (24:54):
Is it weird? Is it cool? What are the Packers
going to get to this? Break it down for me?
Speaker 14 (25:00):
Look, Ian, this is great because thirty years ago I
did this for the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 15 (25:04):
It's something that Ron Wolf Hall of fame.
Speaker 14 (25:07):
Executive general manager for the Packers back in the day,
what he learned from Al Davis. They would take athletic
wide receivers who weren't making the great necessarily a wide receiver,
and give them a chance to play defensive back.
Speaker 15 (25:18):
I was the second in Green.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Bay to do it.
Speaker 14 (25:20):
They had Corey Harrison, another guy, Keith Crawford it.
Speaker 15 (25:23):
They've done it with some other guys. It's part of
what they do in Green Bay.
Speaker 14 (25:26):
When Bo Milton was interesting five eleven hundred and eighty
nine pounds at the combine, he.
Speaker 15 (25:30):
Ran four to three four.
Speaker 14 (25:31):
He is a guy who's been a special team standout
for them since been a seventh round pick for Syettling
making his way to Green Bay. When you think about
five to eleven, the height, the side, the athleticism, then
the special teams probably had one hundred and fifty four
snaps on special teams, so you know he has the
toughness and the tackling ability to get it done.
Speaker 15 (25:49):
Then when you throw in the factor that his brother Max.
Speaker 14 (25:51):
Milton is a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, he's the
perfect candidate to pull it off. The thing about this
is if he's able to continue to being special teams contributor,
what it does is it buys some time to be
a backup cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. This isn't
necessarily a move for him to get on the field,
as he saw package defender in twenty twenty five. But
(26:11):
if he's able to work the process. We're making special
teams contributions. Maybe at twenty twenty six he can be
a guy that can work for the rotation as a
dime defender for the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 3 (26:21):
I like to move.
Speaker 15 (26:21):
It could enhance and extend his NFL playing career.
Speaker 8 (26:25):
Yeah, pussy can catch.
Speaker 7 (26:27):
So many DB's can't catch now you now you other
dbs can't catch anyway. Let's transition now. I love this storyline.
I can't wait for camp. Let's transition now to the
Minnesota Vikings and their mandatory miningcamp, which of course continue
today with lots of hair, lots of great receivers, lots
of calls from Brian Flores, and a lot of really
(26:48):
good things from JJ McCarthy, their young quarterback bucket, who
of course everyone is expecting so so much from. We
saw him a little bit in training camp last year.
I think we knew wouldn't be the start of last
were sewing a little bit of trade camp last year,
went through the whole offseason with all the different rumors
of all the quarterbacks.
Speaker 8 (27:06):
Now he's the starter.
Speaker 7 (27:08):
What are your impressions of JJ McCarthy in Minnesota.
Speaker 14 (27:12):
I really like JJ McCarthy, and I think he can
be an upgrade over Sam Donald. Give Kevin O'Connell a
little time to figure out what JJ McCarthy does well,
and we know that he will put together game plans
that allow him to play to his strengths. What JJ
McCarthy has in his favor is he has a talented
supporting cast of playmakers around him. Aaron Jones in the backfield,
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ. Hockinson at wide receiver, tied end, respectively,
(27:36):
a solid offensive line. So he just literally needs to
be a pass firus point guard in this offense. Doesn't
need to do too much, doesn't have to get outside
of himself because the players are going to be there
to be made because the talent around him can do it.
Look for the Minnesota Vikings to try and run the ball,
be conservative early in the year, but expect JJ McCarthy
be a playmaker and in the year he'll get a
(27:56):
bad rap because of how he was asked to play
at Michigan, but he was playing in Michigan really is
a precursor to how I expect him play in Minnesota.
Look for him to be the game manager when they
need it, but to morph into the playmaker. When we
get to the end of the season, this Minnesota Vikings
team is good and their quarterback is going to represent
in the second season in the league.
Speaker 7 (28:16):
Yeah, and the one thing we don't know, couldn't possibly know,
is he sat out all year after going through training camp.
How much did he learn? How much far? How much
further ahead is he now from last kimp. I would
imagine a lot, but you don't get to see it
until you really get to see him play. One of
the very very cool storylines for the Minnesota Vikings this year. Bucky,
thank you so much. As always excellent, excellent perspective.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Sam Darnold one of the moving chess pieces this offseason
when it comes to the quarterbacks out there in Seattle
now looking to show that last year with the bike,
he's not a fluke and he can carry that success
to Seattle. He has shown that in the off season
enough to get the defense of his head coach Mike
McDonald when he was asked recently about the possibility of
(28:59):
a quarterback competition.
Speaker 1 (29:00):
Here's more from McDonald on donald.
Speaker 15 (29:03):
What we love about.
Speaker 20 (29:04):
Sam is he's just a He's a distinct dude. Man,
he's just a just a he's like one of the guys.
There's a there's a sense of he's one of the guys.
So he's you know, right there with him and all
the things, and but he's that's him. But there's some
there's some, there's some, there's some to them, like he's
like the mess with them, you know, he's he's got
that edge to him, the competitiveness, and the guys respect
that and uh.
Speaker 17 (29:27):
Yeah, but he's him.
Speaker 20 (29:28):
You know, he's not trying to be anybody else, and
you got to respect that about him.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Yeah, that's a good bleep. There's some good bleep to him.
Sometimes there's bad bleep to a guy. Sometimes there's good
bleep to a guy. Good bleep the Sam Donald in
the eyes of Mike McDonald, Mike McDonald a defensive guy.
So once again, I want you to talking defense here, Baldy.
I want you what you're seeing from him in year two.
They're getting personnel that more fits his system. What are
we going to see from Mike McDonald here? This is
the upcoming season.
Speaker 18 (29:54):
Well, we saw last year a defensive finished fifteenth in
the league last year and points giving up the road
They're going to be better than that this year. If
we started to see signs towards the end of the season.
It happened in Baltimore the year before when they were
the number one defense football. They play a matchup zone, Mike,
and it's a little bit difficult to explain on TV,
(30:15):
but they.
Speaker 3 (30:16):
Really forced the quarterback to hold the ball.
Speaker 18 (30:18):
So Leonard Williams last year, Big Cat had an amazing season.
Eleven stacks, as good as any defensive tackle in football.
He had the pick six right here against Aaron Rodgers
and they're a big win in at Medline Stadium last year.
I'm glad they got that highlight in there. Devin Witherspoon
is leading away, you know. And if you look at
like Derek Hale, Bollye Mafey, they've got some rusher now
(30:41):
on the back end. Can they kind of squat on
some of these routes right here? Look for Devin Witherspoon
in his third year to take a step up. Talking
to Mike McDonald and Leslie Frasier this past year at
the Combine, they think Devin Witherspoon, Witherspoon can be used
a lot the way that they used Kile Hamilton in
(31:01):
Baltimore as a real chess piece because of his aggressive aggressiveness,
his tacking ability, and his ability to cover. And so
I think this defense has a chance, a real chance
to get him to the top ten this year. And
I think that will just fake this team that won
ten games a year ago just that much more competitive.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
They want to run the ball.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Mike McDonald told me that at the combine that would
get back to doing that. Play good defense now all
of a sudden, you don't have to ask a whole
lot out of Sam Darnold. That is the formula for
success in Seattle this upcoming season. Thank you, Brian Baldinger.
To the Los Angeles Rams, as we stay in the
NFC West, a bunch of i'd call them game faces,
but it's practice. It's mandatary mini the practice faces, but
(31:45):
they're serious about their mandatory mini camp out.
Speaker 1 (31:48):
There with the Rams, including the new guy, DeVante.
Speaker 6 (31:51):
Adams, really enjoying the time with the guys, getting to
know him, getting on the same page with Matthew and
you know, just kind of geling with the whole tel
right now. It feels like I've been on this team
for a couple of years. Now, just based off of
how opening receptive the guy think you open and receptives
the guys have been to me, I feel like this
is what I needed, just based off the vibe and
the aura of the of the of the building, and
(32:12):
everybody's in a, you know, a good mood. It's not
like a you know, a dark cloud over the building.
And I've I've experienced that quite a bit over the
last few years. So it's a glaring difference when you
come into a building like this.
Speaker 17 (32:27):
It's glaring.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
Well, it's a little more pointed Aaron Rodgers yesterday was like,
I'm not going to take any shots at my former teams.
You're gonna talk about this building. Devonte Adams a little
bit more appointed in what he was saying there. So
the vibes are good with Davonte with the rams so
far by.
Speaker 17 (32:40):
The vibes are good. He's still learning.
Speaker 16 (32:42):
Matthew Stafford though, and Devonte Adams and explaining a route
that he ran Tuesday really really madey things kind of clear.
He said, you know, on this route, the defense had
it schemed up and they had ran the proper coverage
where he should have been denied as one of the
primary targets, but he said Matthew Stafford fired it to
him anyway. So what he is learning about Matthew Stafford
as they continue to grow is that the deep beense
(33:04):
may be in the proper coverage, but if they're not
playing that coverage properly, he's gonna get the ball. And
that's one thing you saw over and over Devonte Adams,
Pook Nakua and Rookie tight and Terrence Ferguson getting a
lot of balls thrown to them by Stafford when they
were running together during this Ota practice on Tuesday.
Speaker 17 (33:22):
Let's flip it to the other side of the ball.
Speaker 16 (33:23):
Though, head coach Sean McVay was asked if they would
have any interest and now free agent cornerback jay Or
Alexander who was cut by the Packers, if they pretty
much said not really, they don't think they're going to
go down that road right now. But in speaking of
another cornerback where there is interest in Jalen Ramsey, the
Dolphins cornerback who is on the trade block, there was
no denying the interest that's there, But according to someone
(33:46):
I spoke to said it's kind of a long shot
because so many things have to happen for this trade
like this to be pulled off, And it doesn't seem
like Tyreese Halliburton has the ball in his hands with
a second left on the clock to make the buck.
So that's probably where things stand right now. But to
go back to the beginning point, all things are sonny.
I know you're from Philly area, you might, but all
(34:07):
things are sunny in La too.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
There you go.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
Yeah, a lot of times in fact, when it rains
like a half an inch, you guys freak out.
Speaker 1 (34:15):
Yes, it's really cute to watch. To be honest with you,
I said the word cute.
Speaker 7 (34:18):
Day two of Bucks Mini Camp is in the books,
and that guy wearing that really cool vest is Baker Mayfield.
The Bucks superstar has certainly coming to his own since
coming to Tampa Bay's probably been playing the best football
of his career, someone who has the team as excited
as it ever has been about the team about him,
(34:38):
And I have no doubt about this.
Speaker 8 (34:40):
He is excited.
Speaker 7 (34:41):
Even though they have the transition from William Cohen to
a new offensive coordinator.
Speaker 21 (34:47):
Obviously, the transition from Liam to Grizz has been really
really smooth.
Speaker 22 (34:51):
Guys, just taking ownership of it.
Speaker 21 (34:52):
Obviously it helps when you have the same pieces back,
but then obviously the new additions, the new guys we have,
just making sure that when we're teaching it installing it,
it doesn't a little details don't slip under the rug.
Speaker 22 (35:02):
You don't take anything for granted. But it's it's been
a really good offseason.
Speaker 21 (35:06):
Now's the time to you know, get some chemistry down,
really get an understanding of the offense.
Speaker 22 (35:11):
And I think we're in a good place right now.
Speaker 21 (35:12):
Obviously there's always room for improvement, but good to have
Mike back out there today and just to see how
it's all coming together.
Speaker 7 (35:20):
Jaskar's are on any more interesting. Young offensive coordinators around
the Falcons have one of those.
Speaker 8 (35:25):
Zach Robinson certainly fits that.
Speaker 7 (35:27):
Bel did a really nice job for Atlanta last year,
in part because he's got this guy, Bijon Robinson, another
one who had ton of hide last year. Really lived
up to it, and I know they're expecting many more
things of him. Just listen listen to coach Raheem Morris
talk about Bijon Robinson.
Speaker 8 (35:46):
He's a fan.
Speaker 11 (35:49):
Everything about Bijon is art form. You know, he is
the hardest person on a team. To talk about just
because he's he is an Atlanta Falcon. He is everything
about that and like you know, his ability to move,
his ability to take care of his body, his ability
to train, his ability to motivate, his unselfishness, humilially all
of those things, is his ability to get back in
(36:10):
our community. He's such a great player and such a
great human. I love being around him.
Speaker 16 (36:19):
Have you ever sat back and gone back and watched Jean.
Speaker 7 (36:23):
Is there a moment off the top of your head
that you remember saying wow?
Speaker 11 (36:28):
Every day he made it cutting a jock through yesterday
and we almost lost that mind and it was like.
Speaker 17 (36:35):
Like all right, let's go home.
Speaker 7 (36:39):
You know what I always think about guys who welcome
back in Steve Wish and Bucket Brooks. I always think
about when they the Falcons had the camera operator on
the roof and they got just one of the Jean
Robinson's run. It looked like it was in like a
video game. I mean, it's he's ridiculous. Going to see
a lot more of that. I'm going to see a
lot more of that this year. Steve, I want to
go to you first on this though, talk not be
(37:00):
John Robinson one of the other key factors of this offense.
Michael Pennick Junior came on midway through last year, really
really flashed big arm, some accuracy. What are we expecting
from him now that he is the entrenched starting quarterback.
Speaker 16 (37:15):
Yeah, but Jean can have a lot more room to
run the ball on the field and they can get
the passing game going. And of course Michael Penix is
now the starter. They started three games at the end
of last season, went one and two, completed less than
sixty percent of his passes. But in speaking with someone
with a team this week, they said, everything we've heard
positively about him this offseason, the way he's throwing the ball,
the way he's learning things, it's understated.
Speaker 17 (37:38):
He said, this guy has been.
Speaker 16 (37:40):
Absolutely You heard the way Rahiem Morris was talking about
Jehan Robinson, That's the way they're feeling about Michael Penicks
as well, again, throwing the ball, leading the team in
the classroom. This person someone else I spoke who said,
you know, a lot of the conversation has been about
his connection with wide receiver Drake London, but it's Darnell
Mooney who was on the verge of a breakout. Mooney
who had almost allsand yard receiving last year. He's someone
(38:02):
they're using in a lot more different ways. You mentioned
Zach Robinson the OC. He is a player that Pennix
has really struck up something with who could really have
a big season this year.
Speaker 14 (38:12):
You know, Steve, what was interesting last year had an
opportunity in the preseason to see Michael Pennix not playing
a game, but they did a workout before the game
and in talking to some of their coaches.
Speaker 15 (38:21):
They just talked about the juice that his ball had
in comparison to Kirk Cousins. It comes off like a rocket.
Speaker 14 (38:27):
And all of that time that Michael penn has got
to work with Kirk Cousins was rehabbing the chemistry and
the connectivity debt he built with the wide receivers.
Speaker 15 (38:35):
You're going to play that.
Speaker 14 (38:36):
You talk about Mooney, you can talk about Drake London,
cal Pitts, all of those big time playmakers around Atlanta
have a synergy with a young quarterback.
Speaker 15 (38:44):
Look for him to hit the ground running immediately this season.
Speaker 7 (38:51):
Yeah, the Atlanta Falcons have not been to the playoffs
in seven years? Can you guys believe that seven years?
This feels like one of those seasons. Feels like one
of those seasons where they're gonna get there and finally
finally get.
Speaker 8 (39:03):
Over the hump.
Speaker 7 (39:03):
Steve Bucky, thank you guys, rock great stuff. I transition
myself to this. Here's all the teams who haven't made
the playoffs in a very long time. So we got
the Bears, we got the Jets, we got the Falcons.
There's a bunch of other teams that have significant playoff droughts.
Whose drought is going to end this year? Don't worry,
we'll tell you exactly. Coming up, shi up.
Speaker 1 (39:30):
It is mini camp week around most of the NFL.
Speaker 2 (39:33):
So here are your many siders, many siders or just
giant heads. I'm not gonna make the joke that Tom
Pellisero made Ian Rappaport. He's not here, so he doesn't
get to make it. Your thoughts on the many siders there?
Speaker 7 (39:48):
I have two thoughts. One, I tower over Judy. I
appreciate someone being like, you know what, hean's not that tall.
He's getting annoyed if we make him the smalls, So
let's make him the second biggest. Shout out to the
version who made that graphic, thank you for touching my feelings.
The other thing is I wear a lot of cool shoes.
Those Jordan Lowe's are like midway through my collection. I
wish they'd maybe pick some better shoes.
Speaker 8 (40:09):
But it's all good, guys, we're all scribed right.
Speaker 17 (40:12):
We're all right, as were all scribed grammatical.
Speaker 16 (40:14):
It says mensiders like I'm sorry to be, but I
do like to And Mike, you look, you're you leaning
into Ian like that.
Speaker 17 (40:24):
It's like, really good. I could tell you guys are
really tight.
Speaker 1 (40:28):
Uh yeah, I mean I look the most bobbleheadish of
anybody I think, so you do.
Speaker 2 (40:35):
Get some insider bobbleheads. We'll see if we can make
that happen. We'll see if we can get the Jets
of the playoffs. They have the longest drought in the
NFL since they made the playoffs the last time. I
think it's the longest drought in professional sports, to be
honest with you. Twenty ten, which was the first year
of MetLife Stadium, which reminds me there's still only been
one game in the history of MetLife Stadium hosted by
(40:56):
one of the teams, the Giants and the Jets. The
other excuse me, postseason game the other postseason game was
the Super Bowl. Neither of the teams was even involved. Steve,
your thought, and who's going to end the drought here?
Speaker 17 (41:06):
I'm gonna go to the Atlanta Falcons.
Speaker 16 (41:07):
The tough first eight games with the back half of
their schedule. If they get rolling, they've got an opportunity
to win the South over Tampa Bay.
Speaker 8 (41:15):
Falconts are a good pick. I would say, I believe
they're going to make the playoffs too. He would be mine, though,
Carolina Panthers.
Speaker 7 (41:22):
The way Bryce played last year, the way this offensive
line has has gelled and gotten into good place, the
way they beefed up the defense in the draft in
free agency, Panthers should be better. This division is not
the hardest in the world. I see them in the playoffs.
Clip this if I'm right. If I'm wrong, forget about it.
But if I'm right, clip it and let's say.
Speaker 1 (41:41):
That, Yeah, yeah, it is a division. Well there's wild cards.
Speaker 2 (41:44):
It is a division where there's not a lot of
heavy hitters, but somebody's got to throw in the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers, I still think right they're gonna wind up
winning that division. For me, it's the Bears, Chicago that's
not the long draft, it's only four years. But Ben Johnson
coming in, I could see this team being rejuvenized offensively
out on both sides of the ball. Schedule sets up
pretty nicely. I'm going to go with the Chicago Bears
ending a four year drought. No drought for the insiders.
(42:07):
We are back tomorrow. Don't forget to join us. Thank
you for joining us this evening, uh Ian wish me
signing up my care both
Michael Parsons that mini camp and participating.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
What a novel concept for a guy looking for a contract.
We will have the latest from down in Dallas with R.
Jane Slater on Parsons and what his presence means for Dallas. Meanwhile,
TNT that is Travis and Trevor. Trevor too, Travis Travis.
There you see it right there, the latest on the
Jaguars and Travis Hunters. Why is that deal not done?
(00:33):
We'll ask our Ian Rappaport that one. And we've got
some playoff droughts that need ending Jets fans, Will this
be the year?
Speaker 3 (00:41):
No?
Speaker 2 (00:41):
But stay tuned anyway, because we're going to talk about
a couple other teams, maybe the Falcons and some other
teams that haven't been to the playoffs in a while.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Can they end the drought? Maybe the Chicago Bears.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Welcome inside with the insiders. Sorry, Ian, was I not
supposed to give away the answers yet? Ian Rappaport with
me tonight we were in the ending Brian Baldinger on
the way, what how about you? Just I know you're
supposed to tease it, but I couldn't tease that one.
Everybody knows that's the case. He and Rappaport with me,
Brian Baldinger, Steve Weiss, Jaine Slader, Bucky Brooks.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
I think I got them all.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
They're all with us this hour, So lock it in
because we've got plenty of news happening around the NFL,
including Jermaine Pratt, who is dumped by the Bengals probably
weeks or months too late. Everybody saw this come and
finds a deal quickly with the Raiders. One year, four
point twenty five million dollars deal, another five hundred thousand
in playtime incentives there according to Ian. And then there's
(01:33):
Jihad Campbell, this one getting done the thirty first overall pick.
People still can't figure out why he was there available
for the Eagles at thirty one. Whatever locks in that deal,
a fully guaranteed deal as all first rounders are. I
mentioned Travis Hunter here he is on one side of
the balls. He plays both sides for the Jaguars. Here
(01:55):
he is at Mini Caamp talking about the start so
far to his NFL.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
To playing your personality showing through.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
It's been very easy for me.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
You know.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
The guys come in and I bring the juice every day.
Always got a smile on my face, make everyone laugh
when I get the chance. So we've just been fun,
having fun and just being kids out here, just loving
and living our dream.
Speaker 6 (02:15):
To see all of these fans here like you guys
are just doing typical drills and they're chairing for you
every time.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Such, Polly, what's that experience?
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Like, that's very very great, great experience. I know I
can't let them down. I got to go out down
work and I know they got my back.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
Jackguars, have the fans there to see mini camp and
seeing the guy that's going to be playing on both
sides of the ball. Can't wait to see that come
the regular season. For now getting in the work in
the spring. What about training camp though, because you got
to have your deal signed ian by training camp. Travis
Hunter one of four just mentioned you hot Campbell. Now
down to four first rounders that hasn't signed, and everybody
around them is done. What's taking so long there?
Speaker 7 (02:51):
Yeah, taking a look at the landscape of things, it
feels to me feels like Travis Hunter will probably be
the last first rounder to sign. You know, these things
are general one, not complicated. We know he's going to
make forty six point six and change million dollars, and
he's going to get a thirty million dollars signing bonus.
These numbers are all negotiated. They are basically done. The
numbers you cannot mess with, which is why it's actually
(03:14):
hard to negotiate a rookie contract, believe it or not,
because there's not that much to give and take.
Speaker 8 (03:19):
There's when the bonus is paid.
Speaker 7 (03:20):
For instance, is it all in one lump sum, is
it all up front, which generally happens with quarterbacks, or
is it paid let's say a little bit now, a
little bit in September, a little bit in March. There's
not that many things to negotiate over. But to me,
it seems like this is going to be the hardest
to get done as Travis Hunter tries to do everything
he possibly can to maximize his deal, not just right now,
(03:43):
but in the third year and the fourth year. I
don't expect to hold out. We rarely, rarely, rarely see
a holdout. But I do think this will take some time.
But if you're talking about Jaguars fans, talking about Jaguars people,
I don't think they have anything to worry about because
he's almost certainly going to be participating in training, you
think they will figure out a way to get.
Speaker 8 (04:02):
It done by then.
Speaker 7 (04:03):
And then, just considering how many times we here on
the Insiders have talked about the Jaguars since Travis Hunter,
since they traded up for Travis Hunter, and since they
drafted him, it's like times ten from usual. This is
a team that one did not perform well last year
now as a new coach, now is a new GM
and has more hype than I can ever remember.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
For the Jaguars, Yeah, more hype because of Travis Hunter
joining an offense and a defense, but joining an offense
that alreadys got some playmakers, including Brian Thomas Junior.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Who was injured and left practice.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Liam Cohen saying not a big deal would have returned
if it was the regular season game. I think that's
always the comparison. So not a big deal there, which
is a sigh of relief for the Jaguars. You hate
to see that guy leaving practice. More in the Jaguars
later in the program. For now, back to these Steelers,
because DK Metcalf, who was on the receiving end of
a couple of throws from Aaron Rodgers early in practice,
(04:59):
I say early because he didn't do anything in team
drills and won't during mini camp. He had a chance
to talk talk to the media today about the guy
that he was throwing with on the side and will
now be throwing with at the facility and at Akroscher
Stadium wherever the Steelers play this upcoming season.
Speaker 9 (05:15):
I like the way he views the game, you know,
from a receiver standpoint, but also from a quarterback standpoint.
I think I can gain a lot of knowledge just
from being around him because he's seen a lot of football.
So just trying to soak up, soak up as much
information and the ball as I can.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Aaron Rodgers lauding DK Metcalf's character when he spoke about
him yesterday, has had a chance to get to know him.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
With shaking hands literally with players his.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Teammates now on the field yesterday, offensive lineman coming up
to him and be like, Hi, I'm Zach Frasier, I'm
this guy, I'm that guy.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
It was quite the scene to see.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Ian.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
You were not in the program yesterday, so I want
to get you to get a chance to get a
bite at Rodgers.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Finally in the building, finally on the practice field with
the Steelers.
Speaker 7 (05:57):
Yeah, And first of all, Aaron Rodgers introducing himself to
everyone is kind of funny because usually this is what
happens when you just started this and we actually don't
ever get to see it because usually a guy signs
like in March or earlier and does all of this
behind closed doors at Conditioning and OTA's and all of
these things. So yeah, I think Aaron Rodgers got a
little bit of a late start. But as it pertains
the DK Metcalf, I'm not worried at all because these
(06:19):
guys have been working but we all have been wondering
whether or not Aaron Rodgers was going to become the
Steelers quarterback, was he going to retire or all these
other things. DK Metcalf was working out with him and
probably knew. So I think that rapport is a good one.
And you know, for DK Metcalf, I think it's fair
to say he wasn't thrilled with the situation in Seattle,
one reason why he was more than open to a trade.
(06:41):
This is a good sign that he's going to get
a quarterback who is now fully invested in him, and
the Steelers aren't done. I expect them to add at
least one more target, probably just one, but I'd say
another target somewhere along the line. Gave Davis, for instance,
visited there's other players or no Rogers. Well, they could
potentially trade for They're not done, but this acclamation from
(07:02):
Rogers to the Steelers offense is for sure something I'm
not worried about. Arthur Smith and Rogers together, two of
the brightest football minds. You can imagine he's ready to
start to work with DK Metcalf. He's still got the summer.
Maybe he'll work with some guys and may build that
rapport there. Training camp is so so long, They're going
to catch him in no time and the Steelers will
be fine.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Aaron Rodgers getting the chance to get acclimated with players
and the building there because they're going to go to
training camp and Latrobe when they come back to Pittsburgh.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
Wants to be able to hit the ground running.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Was figuring out where all the rooms were in the
building yesterday. So Rogers and Arthur Smith going to have
a chance to catch up during the break and get
more acclimated to that offense. The Cowboys mandatory minichamp. Lots
of storylines down there in Dallas, but you know, Micah Parsons,
that's a big one. He's a big personality and the
eventually he's going to get a big contract we think
(07:53):
from the Cowboys. Just not there yet, but he is
there at mandatory minicamp. Here's some of what he had
to say.
Speaker 10 (08:00):
I'm pretty hopeful. I'm still, you know, hanging tight. You like,
I understand it's up to him and he gives the
green line on everything. So hopefully something's done, you know
by next month.
Speaker 11 (08:10):
How you avoid getting anxious as this thing starts to
drag on a little bit.
Speaker 10 (08:13):
I just keep putting working, you know, at the end
of the day, man, Like you know, I still love football.
I think it's still about football. I understand the business
side always kind of creeps in every couple of years
in the football world, but I just keep it about football.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Jane Slater with US now, Jane. Michah Parsons did not
participate yesterday. I believe I saw that he did participate
today in mini camp.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
It's a it's a sign of faith. I mean, we're
talking about the Steelers. TJ.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Wattson not there, some other guys haven't been there, but
Micah Parsons is there.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
What is his presence mean to the Cowboys.
Speaker 12 (08:45):
Well, I think it also says a lot about his
relationship with Brian Schottenheimer, right, I mean shoty As and
Micah has talked about this, really leaned in come to
his football camps. He's doing those dinners. It's the little things. Again,
I keep talking. The fans will roll their eyes in
and I get it, but it's those little things that
help you build the culture. And you know, listening to
Micah Parsons right, there are obviously a little anxiety around
(09:07):
the fact this thing isn't done yet. He's showing up
and doing what he needs to do. Micah, don't get anxious.
Look at what happened with Ceedee Lamb, look at what
happened with Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence in the past. These
things can get contentious and this one really hasn't.
Speaker 13 (09:23):
But they always get it done. I will say.
Speaker 12 (09:25):
The only knock that I have on Micah Parsons and
maybe something that they're pushing across the table in some
of their agent negotiations is where Micah Parsons sometimes fall
off towards the end.
Speaker 13 (09:37):
Of the seasons.
Speaker 12 (09:38):
If you look at the nine December and January games,
how many sacks has He had only one and a
half sacks and that was against teams that were twelve
and five teams with winning records. Now it's crazy when
you look at his other games and the forty four
other ones he had forty sacks.
Speaker 13 (09:54):
So his big issue, I think around that.
Speaker 12 (09:56):
Building, if you talk to folks, is just not needing
to be consistent and it's play just a consistent overall defender.
And what's going to help him is they finally started
dedicating a lot of resources the defensive line of the ball.
Speaker 13 (10:08):
Talking to a coach today, he.
Speaker 12 (10:09):
Just told me Micah Parsons is better when he has
guys around him.
Speaker 13 (10:13):
And they certainly did that by.
Speaker 12 (10:14):
Going out and getting Dante Fowler back after that double
digit sack season from the Commanders. They've got Marshall nieland
Sam Williams coming back, Peyton Turner, Solomon Thomas.
Speaker 13 (10:23):
He doesn't have to do it all.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
How about the.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Matt Eberflus factor here for Micah Parsons and what he
means for his defense.
Speaker 13 (10:33):
Look, Matty Flue is a tough coach. You know this.
Speaker 12 (10:36):
In Dallas sometimes I saw that it didn't always land
with some.
Speaker 13 (10:40):
Of the players, but I mean they had Mike Zimmer
last year.
Speaker 12 (10:43):
Mike Mike Zimmer is not exactly Unicorns and sunshine. But
I will say this about Matt Eberflus, he likes speed
on his defense, he likes length. We're already seeing him
play around with using guys outside of their position.
Speaker 13 (10:57):
I mean we saw this a little bit with Izzy
last year.
Speaker 12 (11:00):
Looks like they're using Israel mcuamo a little bit more
from that safety, that corner position. Some good news I
think that's also going to help Mattie reflues today. Is
Trayvon Diggs thinks that he's going to be ready by
week one. I know that when I updated folks on
Trayvon Diggs and his developments a couple of weeks ago,
he was beginning to store getting acclimated as some of the.
Speaker 13 (11:20):
Drills required for his position.
Speaker 12 (11:23):
Remember this is like the second injuries had to that
ACL in the.
Speaker 13 (11:26):
Last couple of years.
Speaker 12 (11:27):
But I think corner is still in an area that
Matt eber Flewis is probably tinkering with to see if
they've got the right pieces there.
Speaker 13 (11:34):
But defensive line.
Speaker 12 (11:35):
I mean I just went through a number of the
guys that they've got there. It really allows you to
use Micah Parsons more as a chess.
Speaker 13 (11:41):
Piece when you've got that defensive.
Speaker 12 (11:43):
Line short up in some of the sources they put
not only in the interior, but the exterior of that
defensive line.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Micah Parson's versatility, that's part of the value. That's part
of what you the pitch that you make to the
Cowboys to pay him. Again, we're keeping a close eye
on that. See what you can happen before the start
of training camp. James later are star covering things down
there at the star Ian take the wheel.
Speaker 7 (12:06):
Let's stay in this division and watch the connection from
Jayden Daniels and Deebo. Samuel Deebo, of course acquired this offseason.
I broke that story at the combine. Thank you very much,
two players. I know the commanders are expecting big things
for him. To see them connecting so early has to
be a good sign for Washington, which has such high
(12:27):
expectations this year. Let's listen to dan Quinn talk all
about it. Oh no, sorry, we will. I guess we're
not gonna listen to dan Quinn. All good guys, Let's
welcome in Steve Weisch and Bucky Brooks to talk about it.
Bucky will start with you. Jade Daniels obviously performed so
well last year, how can you avoid a sophomore slump?
Speaker 14 (12:49):
You know, Ian, when it comes down to young quarterbacks,
it's all about the three p's. It's about the play caller,
the playmakers, and the protectors. And when you look at
the Washington Commanders, obviously lead their past protection needed some work,
so they go and get Laramy Tomso to protect the
blind side, to make sure that jayde Daniels is erected
and protected in the pocket.
Speaker 15 (13:10):
Then you have Cliff.
Speaker 14 (13:10):
Kingsbury given more weapons on the outside, so you have
Deebo Samuel to go with Scary Terry McLaurin so that
they can be able to really run some of those
catch and run plays that you like.
Speaker 15 (13:21):
Meaning, let's get it to Deebo Samuel.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
On the run.
Speaker 14 (13:23):
Let's allow him to use that yack yards up to
cats to produce some of these explosive plays.
Speaker 15 (13:28):
Last year, Jay Daniels had.
Speaker 14 (13:30):
Over thirty five hundred yards, twenty five touchdowns, only nine interceptions.
Look for that number to jump as he's able to
really get more bang for his bulk using high completion
percentage passes to deliver big plays.
Speaker 7 (13:43):
Yeah, Deebo Samuel still plenty of juice, dropped a little
weight going going into the Commanders obviously is a ton
im provemn last year his contract. Will see what he
gives Washington this year. We'll also see Steve with Trey Amos,
the second round pick from Ole miskiins Washington ready starting
to generate a little bunz.
Speaker 16 (14:01):
Yeah, And last week he started taking reps with the
first team defense. Not full time, they were just occasional reps,
but they are getting him ready.
Speaker 17 (14:08):
I spoke to somebody said they wanted a.
Speaker 16 (14:09):
Longer corner and he's six one one nine five on
the outside, so they can use Marshall and Latimore on
the other side and move Mikey sen was still into
the slot and therefore really impact their coverage because they
don't have anybody up front on their defensive line who's
an individual.
Speaker 17 (14:25):
Winner when it comes to the pass rush.
Speaker 16 (14:27):
And because of that, they want the coverage to uphold
some things and they scheme up some of the past pressures.
Now about that defensive front, they built it with some
big guys. They've got guys like Dietrich Wise, Gewort's Armstrongs,
yvon Kinlaw and Deron Payne, who's had a great offseason
according to this person, And they want guys.
Speaker 17 (14:44):
They want to be better on first and second down.
Speaker 16 (14:46):
They got tagged in early downs last year, so they
were on third and short a lot of times.
Speaker 17 (14:51):
They don't want to do that.
Speaker 16 (14:52):
They want to make it known pass downs that being
second long, so that secondary, maybe that includes Trey Amos
can make plays.
Speaker 8 (15:01):
That's a great call.
Speaker 7 (15:02):
And look if Amos, Trey Amis was the guy, as
you guys know, was considered by many to be a
first round talent. If he comes in and flashes a
little bit of that, that Washington secondary is going to
be much much better for a team, again the highest
of expectations in that division and throughout the NFL.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
Thanke story with the Jaguars this season, Trevor Lawrence, getting
him right, protecting him, doing everything they can to unlock
Trevor Lawrence. They spent a lot of money on him,
he had the shoulder rehab and now they want to
see an ascension under new head coach Liam Cohen in
twenty twenty five, which leads me to Bucky Brooks and
Brian Baldinger joining us here, Baldy all over the place
(15:43):
at Jaguars Mini camp today. Give us your impressions of
what you're seeing from the new look Jaguars under Lam Cohen.
Speaker 18 (15:49):
Well, let's just start of the new coach, you know,
Mike and Bucky, I mean Liam Kahn. I don't care
who talks to him or when you talk to him.
He's impressive. He's got a command. The year that he
had in Tampa was one of the great years of
any quarterback when you look at what Baker Mayfield did
a year ago and the way that they ran the ball,
and a lot of that is Liam Cohen's design and
(16:11):
how he gets the ball to his playmakers. And so
I think Trevor Lawrence is going to benefit a great
deal by the head coach, Liam Cohen, the play caller,
Liam Cohen, and really the leader of this team right
now is is Liam. So I think he's impressive and
that's a good start. But you know, they want to
be able to run the ball a whole lot better,
Bucky obviously than what they have been able to do
(16:33):
the last couple of years. They want to do everything
they can to help Trevor Lawrence and so you know,
the offensive line is rebuilt, there's some competition there that
they're looking forward to seeing how they do.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
And then the other.
Speaker 18 (16:45):
Part that was talked about all day Bucky was and
you know this Dad, eight takeaways last year eight and
if they want to helped out Trevor Lawrence, they want
to triple that number. They want twenty five thirty takeaways
extra at batch to Trevor Lawrence, shorter fields, you know,
those kind of things they're they're working on, you know,
(17:06):
the peanut punch drill in practice, getting the ball out.
Speaker 3 (17:10):
They're preaching take away to every drill every day.
Speaker 18 (17:14):
And so I think those are some of the things
that you can take away from this off season bucket
that I think is going to be good for this
h this you know this this team from Duval right now.
Speaker 14 (17:26):
And look, when you talk about the defense playing will, well,
the best way to get the defense playing will is
to have the offense get out of the fast starts.
And the way the offense can get out of the
fast start is really capitalizing on the playmakers that are
on the perimeter. When you want to improve the quarterback play,
what you do is surround them with what I call
ball catchers, and the guys that they have on the
perimeter right now are ball catchers in terms of great
(17:49):
hand aue coordination, great ball skills. BTJ, Brian Thomas Junior
and Travis Hunter are guys that are elite when it
comes to their ball skills. They expand the strike zone,
but more importantly, they delivered the explosive plays. The Yanmi
Brown coming over from the Washington Commanders to give them
a vertical element. So now as you're beginning to figure
out are we going to double team BTJ or Travis Hunter,
(18:10):
there's someone else that can punish you and don't sleep
on the tide end. Britten Strange came on like game
busses when he had opportunity to play for Evan Ingram
last year. When you think about the quartet that's on
the perimeter catching passes, it's an upgrade.
Speaker 15 (18:24):
They're explosive, their dynamic. It's going to make the game.
Speaker 14 (18:27):
A lot easier for Trevor Lawrence as he's beginning to
find his way and hopefully become the big money quarterback
that everyone wants to see, a top five quarterback that
is earning that money going into twenty twenty six, Well, I.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Saved really, you know, the best for last year bucket.
Speaker 18 (18:42):
How honestly, you go out to any practice, you can't
take your eyes off Trevor Travis Hunter, like you're.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
Just as an absolute magget.
Speaker 18 (18:51):
Whatever he's doing, wherever he's lying up, he's goes in motion.
Speaker 3 (18:54):
Your eyes are following your motion.
Speaker 18 (18:57):
You know, he's just you know, he's the fatigable, Like
the guy just doesn't get tired. It's a it's a
separate skill that he has. And so he can literally
if you want him to clear out for Brian Thomas
to come underneath, or for Donnie Brown to run a
dig route, he'll go clear you out. It'll be right
back in Audel for the next play. So like it is,
(19:19):
it can be really exciting for Trevor if they can
get that wall up front, you know, really to protect
to stay healthy.
Speaker 3 (19:28):
The competition Walker little over.
Speaker 18 (19:30):
At left tackle, right now Anton at the right tackle.
They like to Madoga that came in from Dallas. So
they didn't spend crazy in free agency, but they feel
like they got their type of players that love the practice,
love the game, can count on.
Speaker 3 (19:46):
Him and be out there every day, you know, working.
And so that's where it starts.
Speaker 18 (19:51):
I don't think we're anywhere close to where this organization
with Boselli and Gladstone all the way down wanting, but
I think they're alfo a good start at a good
off season right now.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
Indefatigable Travis Hunter in that heat, But Baldy heard you
say it was a muggy hot one down there in Jacksonville.
He's out there running clear out routes, practicing both ways.
Speaker 15 (20:13):
Pretty impressive.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Can't we wait to see it on display when we
get to the regular season. Brian Baldinger Bucky Brooks, but
he's a wild Thank you boys for your insight into Jacksonville.
Coming up, we're gonna talk about the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 17 (20:26):
Bo Melton.
Speaker 2 (20:27):
Bucky's got some thoughts about how important he is after
the release of Jay her Alexander coming up next to
the Insiders, the Jets first spring under Aaron Glenn is
almost complete. Mandatory miniicamp for those guys underway. Eric Glynn
(20:50):
likes what he has seen from his new quarterback, Justin Fields.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
That's pretty cool. Flip right there and see who that was.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
But very impressive young man here is Justin Fields on
his leader ship style.
Speaker 19 (21:02):
Kind of had a feeling when I got here. You know, guys,
we're looking for, you know, a leader to step up
on offense, so you know, I was glad to receive
that role and of course been you know, pushing the
guy he's in every day to be our best and
playoffs to our standard.
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Josh Allen, how is married life? How is twenty twenty five?
And the prep for the Buffalo Bills. The expectations remain high,
the window remains open. As long as you've.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
Got Josh Allen to Buffalo.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
We go to hear from Brian Baldinger to come in
with us here and bring in his feelings on the
Buffalo Bills.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
Let's go to the defensive side of the ball.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
I know we just saw that slow, low slick back
the hair for Josh Allen, but forget that.
Speaker 1 (21:45):
To get that out of here.
Speaker 3 (21:45):
No, look to me, Josh, he's going to return.
Speaker 18 (21:48):
They've dominated this division, Mike, the same offensive line coach
by Eron Tromber is coming back. But really all the
changes this year on a very good team from a
year ago, aside from the MVP of the league and
Josh Allen is what they did defensively, whether it's bringing
in you know, Larry Ogan, Jobi or Joey Bosa, you
know Michael Hoyt, I mean, and then the top five
(22:09):
draft picks were all defense, including three guys on the
defensive line. And by this point, you know, there's Max
Harrison right there, the number one pick.
Speaker 3 (22:17):
They need to help at corner.
Speaker 18 (22:18):
They drafted three corners and they drafted three defensive linemen,
and so how quickly can they get assimilated into you know,
Bobby Badge's Bobby Babbage defensive scheme and what Sean McDermott
wants to do. How quickly can those guys step up?
You know, whether it's t J. Sanders or Landon Jackson.
It was a deep draft with defensive lineman and they
(22:41):
got three of them. And so this was one of
their nemesis. It's been Lamar, it's been Patch Mahomes. That's
been the impediment to this team advancing in a play
in the postseason.
Speaker 3 (22:51):
So if you're going to advance, you know, you've got
to keep the score down.
Speaker 18 (22:55):
Your defense has to affect some of these start quarterbacks
in this league.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
And so that's what they've been and.
Speaker 18 (23:00):
I'm sure that you know the teaching, the scheme and
how they do things in Buffalo has been a big
part of this all season for shaw mcdermom.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
Brandon being the general manager, addresses defense and then the
local radio crew that he was on with I was
talking about the lack of addressing the wide receiver positions.
Speaker 1 (23:21):
Like what do you guys want? Man, I can't do
everything here. I was a host team being on that one.
Speaker 2 (23:25):
You know they needed to address, but they needed to
address on defense and they did that ball they don't
go anywhere more from you.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
Coming up in.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
The Packers addressed some things on defense by using a
receiver that we'll.
Speaker 8 (23:38):
Get into it. We will get into it anyway.
Speaker 7 (23:41):
The Green Bay Packers continued their mandatory mini camp today.
A lot of fun things to get to a lot
of storylines, including hearing some key members the Packers talk
about just the small tidbit that they're going to be
basing their good friend Aaron Rodgers in week eight with
his new team, the Steelers.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
Yeah, it'll be a great challenge for us. We all
know what type of player he is and how good
he is, and I'm sure he'll be telling everybody all
our signals. So we'll have to you know, maybe play
that mind game with him a little bit.
Speaker 7 (24:17):
With that, we'd like to bring in Travis Hunter. Travis
or no, I read that wrong. The original Travis Hunter,
not current Travis Hunter. The original Travis Hunter. Bucky Brooks,
thanks for joining us again. The reason I say that,
and you know why I say that, but for the people.
The reason I say that is because Bo Melton, the
(24:38):
Packers receiver, was playing corner today Jyry Alexander's gone.
Speaker 8 (24:42):
They released him.
Speaker 7 (24:44):
Bou Melton was trying his hand in corners like Travis
Hunter is trying and handed all the things. Bucky, you
did this, You literally did this. Take me through the
bow Melton situation.
Speaker 8 (24:54):
Is it weird? Is it cool? What are the Packers
going to get to this? Break it down for me?
Speaker 14 (25:00):
Look, Ian, this is great because thirty years ago I
did this for the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 15 (25:04):
It's something that Ron Wolf Hall of fame.
Speaker 14 (25:07):
Executive general manager for the Packers back in the day,
what he learned from Al Davis. They would take athletic
wide receivers who weren't making the great necessarily a wide receiver,
and give them a chance to play defensive back.
Speaker 15 (25:18):
I was the second in Green.
Speaker 3 (25:19):
Bay to do it.
Speaker 14 (25:20):
They had Corey Harrison, another guy, Keith Crawford it.
Speaker 15 (25:23):
They've done it with some other guys. It's part of
what they do in Green Bay.
Speaker 14 (25:26):
When Bo Milton was interesting five eleven hundred and eighty
nine pounds at the combine, he.
Speaker 15 (25:30):
Ran four to three four.
Speaker 14 (25:31):
He is a guy who's been a special team standout
for them since been a seventh round pick for Syettling
making his way to Green Bay. When you think about
five to eleven, the height, the side, the athleticism, then
the special teams probably had one hundred and fifty four
snaps on special teams, so you know he has the
toughness and the tackling ability to get it done.
Speaker 15 (25:49):
Then when you throw in the factor that his brother Max.
Speaker 14 (25:51):
Milton is a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, he's the
perfect candidate to pull it off. The thing about this
is if he's able to continue to being special teams contributor,
what it does is it buys some time to be
a backup cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. This isn't
necessarily a move for him to get on the field,
as he saw package defender in twenty twenty five. But
(26:11):
if he's able to work the process. We're making special
teams contributions. Maybe at twenty twenty six he can be
a guy that can work for the rotation as a
dime defender for the Green Bay Packers.
Speaker 3 (26:21):
I like to move.
Speaker 15 (26:21):
It could enhance and extend his NFL playing career.
Speaker 8 (26:25):
Yeah, pussy can catch.
Speaker 7 (26:27):
So many DB's can't catch now you now you other
dbs can't catch anyway. Let's transition now. I love this storyline.
I can't wait for camp. Let's transition now to the
Minnesota Vikings and their mandatory miningcamp, which of course continue
today with lots of hair, lots of great receivers, lots
of calls from Brian Flores, and a lot of really
(26:48):
good things from JJ McCarthy, their young quarterback bucket, who
of course everyone is expecting so so much from. We
saw him a little bit in training camp last year.
I think we knew wouldn't be the start of last
were sewing a little bit of trade camp last year,
went through the whole offseason with all the different rumors
of all the quarterbacks.
Speaker 8 (27:06):
Now he's the starter.
Speaker 7 (27:08):
What are your impressions of JJ McCarthy in Minnesota.
Speaker 14 (27:12):
I really like JJ McCarthy, and I think he can
be an upgrade over Sam Donald. Give Kevin O'Connell a
little time to figure out what JJ McCarthy does well,
and we know that he will put together game plans
that allow him to play to his strengths. What JJ
McCarthy has in his favor is he has a talented
supporting cast of playmakers around him. Aaron Jones in the backfield,
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ. Hockinson at wide receiver, tied end, respectively,
(27:36):
a solid offensive line. So he just literally needs to
be a pass firus point guard in this offense. Doesn't
need to do too much, doesn't have to get outside
of himself because the players are going to be there
to be made because the talent around him can do it.
Look for the Minnesota Vikings to try and run the ball,
be conservative early in the year, but expect JJ McCarthy
be a playmaker and in the year he'll get a
(27:56):
bad rap because of how he was asked to play
at Michigan, but he was playing in Michigan really is
a precursor to how I expect him play in Minnesota.
Look for him to be the game manager when they
need it, but to morph into the playmaker. When we
get to the end of the season, this Minnesota Vikings
team is good and their quarterback is going to represent
in the second season in the league.
Speaker 7 (28:16):
Yeah, and the one thing we don't know, couldn't possibly know,
is he sat out all year after going through training camp.
How much did he learn? How much far? How much
further ahead is he now from last kimp. I would
imagine a lot, but you don't get to see it
until you really get to see him play. One of
the very very cool storylines for the Minnesota Vikings this year. Bucky,
thank you so much. As always excellent, excellent perspective.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Sam Darnold one of the moving chess pieces this offseason
when it comes to the quarterbacks out there in Seattle
now looking to show that last year with the bike,
he's not a fluke and he can carry that success
to Seattle. He has shown that in the off season
enough to get the defense of his head coach Mike
McDonald when he was asked recently about the possibility of
(28:59):
a quarterback competition.
Speaker 1 (29:00):
Here's more from McDonald on donald.
Speaker 15 (29:03):
What we love about.
Speaker 20 (29:04):
Sam is he's just a He's a distinct dude. Man,
he's just a just a he's like one of the guys.
There's a there's a sense of he's one of the guys.
So he's you know, right there with him and all
the things, and but he's that's him. But there's some
there's some, there's some, there's some to them, like he's
like the mess with them, you know, he's he's got
that edge to him, the competitiveness, and the guys respect
that and uh.
Speaker 17 (29:27):
Yeah, but he's him.
Speaker 20 (29:28):
You know, he's not trying to be anybody else, and
you got to respect that about him.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Yeah, that's a good bleep. There's some good bleep to him.
Sometimes there's bad bleep to a guy. Sometimes there's good
bleep to a guy. Good bleep the Sam Donald in
the eyes of Mike McDonald, Mike McDonald a defensive guy.
So once again, I want you to talking defense here, Baldy.
I want you what you're seeing from him in year two.
They're getting personnel that more fits his system. What are
we going to see from Mike McDonald here? This is
the upcoming season.
Speaker 18 (29:54):
Well, we saw last year a defensive finished fifteenth in
the league last year and points giving up the road
They're going to be better than that this year. If
we started to see signs towards the end of the season.
It happened in Baltimore the year before when they were
the number one defense football. They play a matchup zone, Mike,
and it's a little bit difficult to explain on TV,
(30:15):
but they.
Speaker 3 (30:16):
Really forced the quarterback to hold the ball.
Speaker 18 (30:18):
So Leonard Williams last year, Big Cat had an amazing season.
Eleven stacks, as good as any defensive tackle in football.
He had the pick six right here against Aaron Rodgers
and they're a big win in at Medline Stadium last year.
I'm glad they got that highlight in there. Devin Witherspoon
is leading away, you know. And if you look at
like Derek Hale, Bollye Mafey, they've got some rusher now
(30:41):
on the back end. Can they kind of squat on
some of these routes right here? Look for Devin Witherspoon
in his third year to take a step up. Talking
to Mike McDonald and Leslie Frasier this past year at
the Combine, they think Devin Witherspoon, Witherspoon can be used
a lot the way that they used Kile Hamilton in
(31:01):
Baltimore as a real chess piece because of his aggressive aggressiveness,
his tacking ability, and his ability to cover. And so
I think this defense has a chance, a real chance
to get him to the top ten this year. And
I think that will just fake this team that won
ten games a year ago just that much more competitive.
Speaker 1 (31:22):
They want to run the ball.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Mike McDonald told me that at the combine that would
get back to doing that. Play good defense now all
of a sudden, you don't have to ask a whole
lot out of Sam Darnold. That is the formula for
success in Seattle this upcoming season. Thank you, Brian Baldinger.
To the Los Angeles Rams, as we stay in the
NFC West, a bunch of i'd call them game faces,
but it's practice. It's mandatary mini the practice faces, but
(31:45):
they're serious about their mandatory mini camp out.
Speaker 1 (31:48):
There with the Rams, including the new guy, DeVante.
Speaker 6 (31:51):
Adams, really enjoying the time with the guys, getting to
know him, getting on the same page with Matthew and
you know, just kind of geling with the whole tel
right now. It feels like I've been on this team
for a couple of years. Now, just based off of
how opening receptive the guy think you open and receptives
the guys have been to me, I feel like this
is what I needed, just based off the vibe and
the aura of the of the of the building, and
(32:12):
everybody's in a, you know, a good mood. It's not
like a you know, a dark cloud over the building.
And I've I've experienced that quite a bit over the
last few years. So it's a glaring difference when you
come into a building like this.
Speaker 17 (32:27):
It's glaring.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
Well, it's a little more pointed Aaron Rodgers yesterday was like,
I'm not going to take any shots at my former teams.
You're gonna talk about this building. Devonte Adams a little
bit more appointed in what he was saying there. So
the vibes are good with Davonte with the rams so
far by.
Speaker 17 (32:40):
The vibes are good. He's still learning.
Speaker 16 (32:42):
Matthew Stafford though, and Devonte Adams and explaining a route
that he ran Tuesday really really madey things kind of clear.
He said, you know, on this route, the defense had
it schemed up and they had ran the proper coverage
where he should have been denied as one of the
primary targets, but he said Matthew Stafford fired it to
him anyway. So what he is learning about Matthew Stafford
as they continue to grow is that the deep beense
(33:04):
may be in the proper coverage, but if they're not
playing that coverage properly, he's gonna get the ball. And
that's one thing you saw over and over Devonte Adams,
Pook Nakua and Rookie tight and Terrence Ferguson getting a
lot of balls thrown to them by Stafford when they
were running together during this Ota practice on Tuesday.
Speaker 17 (33:22):
Let's flip it to the other side of the ball.
Speaker 16 (33:23):
Though, head coach Sean McVay was asked if they would
have any interest and now free agent cornerback jay Or
Alexander who was cut by the Packers, if they pretty
much said not really, they don't think they're going to
go down that road right now. But in speaking of
another cornerback where there is interest in Jalen Ramsey, the
Dolphins cornerback who is on the trade block, there was
no denying the interest that's there, But according to someone
(33:46):
I spoke to said it's kind of a long shot
because so many things have to happen for this trade
like this to be pulled off, And it doesn't seem
like Tyreese Halliburton has the ball in his hands with
a second left on the clock to make the buck.
So that's probably where things stand right now. But to
go back to the beginning point, all things are sonny.
I know you're from Philly area, you might, but all
(34:07):
things are sunny in La too.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
There you go.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
Yeah, a lot of times in fact, when it rains
like a half an inch, you guys freak out.
Speaker 1 (34:15):
Yes, it's really cute to watch. To be honest with you,
I said the word cute.
Speaker 7 (34:18):
Day two of Bucks Mini Camp is in the books,
and that guy wearing that really cool vest is Baker Mayfield.
The Bucks superstar has certainly coming to his own since
coming to Tampa Bay's probably been playing the best football
of his career, someone who has the team as excited
as it ever has been about the team about him,
(34:38):
And I have no doubt about this.
Speaker 8 (34:40):
He is excited.
Speaker 7 (34:41):
Even though they have the transition from William Cohen to
a new offensive coordinator.
Speaker 21 (34:47):
Obviously, the transition from Liam to Grizz has been really
really smooth.
Speaker 22 (34:51):
Guys, just taking ownership of it.
Speaker 21 (34:52):
Obviously it helps when you have the same pieces back,
but then obviously the new additions, the new guys we have,
just making sure that when we're teaching it installing it,
it doesn't a little details don't slip under the rug.
Speaker 22 (35:02):
You don't take anything for granted. But it's it's been
a really good offseason.
Speaker 21 (35:06):
Now's the time to you know, get some chemistry down,
really get an understanding of the offense.
Speaker 22 (35:11):
And I think we're in a good place right now.
Speaker 21 (35:12):
Obviously there's always room for improvement, but good to have
Mike back out there today and just to see how
it's all coming together.
Speaker 7 (35:20):
Jaskar's are on any more interesting. Young offensive coordinators around
the Falcons have one of those.
Speaker 8 (35:25):
Zach Robinson certainly fits that.
Speaker 7 (35:27):
Bel did a really nice job for Atlanta last year,
in part because he's got this guy, Bijon Robinson, another
one who had ton of hide last year. Really lived
up to it, and I know they're expecting many more
things of him. Just listen listen to coach Raheem Morris
talk about Bijon Robinson.
Speaker 8 (35:46):
He's a fan.
Speaker 11 (35:49):
Everything about Bijon is art form. You know, he is
the hardest person on a team. To talk about just
because he's he is an Atlanta Falcon. He is everything
about that and like you know, his ability to move,
his ability to take care of his body, his ability
to train, his ability to motivate, his unselfishness, humilially all
of those things, is his ability to get back in
(36:10):
our community. He's such a great player and such a
great human. I love being around him.
Speaker 16 (36:19):
Have you ever sat back and gone back and watched Jean.
Speaker 7 (36:23):
Is there a moment off the top of your head
that you remember saying wow?
Speaker 11 (36:28):
Every day he made it cutting a jock through yesterday
and we almost lost that mind and it was like.
Speaker 17 (36:35):
Like all right, let's go home.
Speaker 7 (36:39):
You know what I always think about guys who welcome
back in Steve Wish and Bucket Brooks. I always think
about when they the Falcons had the camera operator on
the roof and they got just one of the Jean
Robinson's run. It looked like it was in like a
video game. I mean, it's he's ridiculous. Going to see
a lot more of that. I'm going to see a
lot more of that this year. Steve, I want to
go to you first on this though, talk not be
(37:00):
John Robinson one of the other key factors of this offense.
Michael Pennick Junior came on midway through last year, really
really flashed big arm, some accuracy. What are we expecting
from him now that he is the entrenched starting quarterback.
Speaker 16 (37:15):
Yeah, but Jean can have a lot more room to
run the ball on the field and they can get
the passing game going. And of course Michael Penix is
now the starter. They started three games at the end
of last season, went one and two, completed less than
sixty percent of his passes. But in speaking with someone
with a team this week, they said, everything we've heard
positively about him this offseason, the way he's throwing the ball,
the way he's learning things, it's understated.
Speaker 17 (37:38):
He said, this guy has been.
Speaker 16 (37:40):
Absolutely You heard the way Rahiem Morris was talking about
Jehan Robinson, That's the way they're feeling about Michael Penicks
as well, again, throwing the ball, leading the team in
the classroom. This person someone else I spoke who said,
you know, a lot of the conversation has been about
his connection with wide receiver Drake London, but it's Darnell
Mooney who was on the verge of a breakout. Mooney
who had almost allsand yard receiving last year. He's someone
(38:02):
they're using in a lot more different ways. You mentioned
Zach Robinson the OC. He is a player that Pennix
has really struck up something with who could really have
a big season this year.
Speaker 14 (38:12):
You know, Steve, what was interesting last year had an
opportunity in the preseason to see Michael Pennix not playing
a game, but they did a workout before the game
and in talking to some of their coaches.
Speaker 15 (38:21):
They just talked about the juice that his ball had
in comparison to Kirk Cousins. It comes off like a rocket.
Speaker 14 (38:27):
And all of that time that Michael penn has got
to work with Kirk Cousins was rehabbing the chemistry and
the connectivity debt he built with the wide receivers.
Speaker 15 (38:35):
You're going to play that.
Speaker 14 (38:36):
You talk about Mooney, you can talk about Drake London,
cal Pitts, all of those big time playmakers around Atlanta
have a synergy with a young quarterback.
Speaker 15 (38:44):
Look for him to hit the ground running immediately this season.
Speaker 7 (38:51):
Yeah, the Atlanta Falcons have not been to the playoffs
in seven years? Can you guys believe that seven years?
This feels like one of those seasons. Feels like one
of those seasons where they're gonna get there and finally
finally get.
Speaker 8 (39:03):
Over the hump.
Speaker 7 (39:03):
Steve Bucky, thank you guys, rock great stuff. I transition
myself to this. Here's all the teams who haven't made
the playoffs in a very long time. So we got
the Bears, we got the Jets, we got the Falcons.
There's a bunch of other teams that have significant playoff droughts.
Whose drought is going to end this year? Don't worry,
we'll tell you exactly. Coming up, shi up.
Speaker 1 (39:30):
It is mini camp week around most of the NFL.
Speaker 2 (39:33):
So here are your many siders, many siders or just
giant heads. I'm not gonna make the joke that Tom
Pellisero made Ian Rappaport. He's not here, so he doesn't
get to make it. Your thoughts on the many siders there?
Speaker 7 (39:48):
I have two thoughts. One, I tower over Judy. I
appreciate someone being like, you know what, hean's not that tall.
He's getting annoyed if we make him the smalls, So
let's make him the second biggest. Shout out to the
version who made that graphic, thank you for touching my feelings.
The other thing is I wear a lot of cool shoes.
Those Jordan Lowe's are like midway through my collection. I
wish they'd maybe pick some better shoes.
Speaker 8 (40:09):
But it's all good, guys, we're all scribed right.
Speaker 17 (40:12):
We're all right, as were all scribed grammatical.
Speaker 16 (40:14):
It says mensiders like I'm sorry to be, but I
do like to And Mike, you look, you're you leaning
into Ian like that.
Speaker 17 (40:24):
It's like, really good. I could tell you guys are
really tight.
Speaker 1 (40:28):
Uh yeah, I mean I look the most bobbleheadish of
anybody I think, so you do.
Speaker 2 (40:35):
Get some insider bobbleheads. We'll see if we can make
that happen. We'll see if we can get the Jets
of the playoffs. They have the longest drought in the
NFL since they made the playoffs the last time. I
think it's the longest drought in professional sports, to be
honest with you. Twenty ten, which was the first year
of MetLife Stadium, which reminds me there's still only been
one game in the history of MetLife Stadium hosted by
(40:56):
one of the teams, the Giants and the Jets. The
other excuse me, postseason game the other postseason game was
the Super Bowl. Neither of the teams was even involved. Steve,
your thought, and who's going to end the drought here?
Speaker 17 (41:06):
I'm gonna go to the Atlanta Falcons.
Speaker 16 (41:07):
The tough first eight games with the back half of
their schedule. If they get rolling, they've got an opportunity
to win the South over Tampa Bay.
Speaker 8 (41:15):
Falconts are a good pick. I would say, I believe
they're going to make the playoffs too. He would be mine, though,
Carolina Panthers.
Speaker 7 (41:22):
The way Bryce played last year, the way this offensive
line has has gelled and gotten into good place, the
way they beefed up the defense in the draft in
free agency, Panthers should be better. This division is not
the hardest in the world. I see them in the playoffs.
Clip this if I'm right. If I'm wrong, forget about it.
But if I'm right, clip it and let's say.
Speaker 1 (41:41):
That, Yeah, yeah, it is a division. Well there's wild cards.
Speaker 2 (41:44):
It is a division where there's not a lot of
heavy hitters, but somebody's got to throw in the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers, I still think right they're gonna wind up
winning that division. For me, it's the Bears, Chicago that's
not the long draft, it's only four years. But Ben Johnson
coming in, I could see this team being rejuvenized offensively
out on both sides of the ball. Schedule sets up
pretty nicely. I'm going to go with the Chicago Bears
ending a four year drought. No drought for the insiders.
(42:07):
We are back tomorrow. Don't forget to join us. Thank
you for joining us this evening, uh Ian wish me
signing up my care both
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