September 5, 2025 • 9 mins
Mitch Lyons joins the show to launch you into Week 1 in the NFL, with predictions for Lions @ Packers, reactions to Jalen Carter spitting on Dak Prescott, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Our friend mix Lions from mix lions wealth dot Com
to talk a little college football. He played at the
highest level of the Michigan State, of course, played seven
years eight years in the National Football League with the
Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, and he joins us
here on Axes and Bros. On this Friday morning. Mitch,
good morning to you. I know last night you were
glued to the TV set just like I was. And
(00:22):
I know how much respect you have for world champions
like the Philadelphia Eagles, even though they were probably one
of the rivals while you played in Pittsburgh. My question
would be regarding just before the first snap. I mean,
they haven't seen a snap yet and Jalen Carter is
spitting at Dak Prescott and getting injected and probably find
him may miss another game. How is a player? Would
(00:43):
you have handled that if he was on your team,
if he's your teammate, how do you deal with that
as a young player?
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Hey, his teammates are absolutely disgusted with that action. It's selfish,
it's self serving, and honestly, it's just wrong on so
many levels. And I would expect the suspension. I mean,
all the hype surrounding the NFL season, the big marketing
machine it is. That's exactly how they wanted to start
the season right before the first NAF have I guy
spitting on another grown man just unbelievable. I mean, words
(01:15):
can't there's no words. It's just who does that, right,
and especially on that stage in that setting, and you know,
I just I don't get it. It's baffling.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
So is that something Captains will talk? I know obviously
Nick Sirianni and he said he's going to keep it
in house. The head coach is going to, of course
say something. This coaching staff will address it with him.
Do coaches then let players handle it? Do do captains
then take over? How much of a hand holding moment
this will this have to be? Now for Philadelphia Eagles
(01:49):
captains and players in general?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Do you think here's the thing, chef as coaches or players?
I mean, what do you do? Do you say, hey,
don't spit on somebody? You should that already a sonciety
that we even have to say that, right, I mean,
it's it's unbelievable. So you know, yeah, you say it
to him, I guess, but it's pretty pretty uh embarrassing
(02:11):
and unbelievable that you even have to do that, right,
And that's that's what his teammates are thinking right now.
And obviously the coaches are disgusted and frustrated. He's a
huge cog in there and they're lying they're fortunate to
come out of there with a win, and uh, you know,
you just it's not a good sign for the future.
I mean, somebody needs to get in his ear, I guess,
as ridiculous as that sounds, and try to get him
(02:33):
to grow up, because you know this, this isn't good
if he's if he's doing this, I mean, you know,
what is he what is he doing? You know, when
he's not on the camera in front of the bright
lights and the audience. I don't know, it's that was
just just believable to me.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Yeah, it's a good point. Mitch Lions from Mitch lines
well dot com joining is here to talk a little
college football on ex'es and bros. I know, usually it's Sunday.
You used to feel it on a Sunday when it
was opening so maybe it's slightly different on a Thursday,
but it was still opening day for the National Football League,
of which you are part of. That fraternity. How were
(03:09):
your emotions last night in the build up to Eagles
and Cowboys in Philly?
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Oh? Yeah, that first game of the year is always huge.
You know, there's a lot of anticipation. You've gone through
the whole offseason, and you know it's kind of built
to a crescendo. You have gone through camp, you have
banged your own teammates in practice, and it's time to
get on with the real game and play some opponents.
So it's awesome to, you know, finally kick the ball off.
So my heart gets raising a little bit, and I
(03:35):
get those I get those emotions from days gone by.
For sure.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Lions are being viewed as second tier in the division,
primarily because of the Packers acquisition of Michael Parsons. It's
a great players, you and I both know, but it
seems like it's a very chic now for analysts and
predictors to go out there and say the Lions are
going to finish second, the Lions aren't going to make
the playoffs because the division is so hard. How do
(04:01):
you look at the Lions this year? Where do you
have them finishing in the division.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
I have him winning the division. I have him winning
the super Bowl and all of Michigan is going to rejoice.
That's that's where I have them. I mean, it's comical
to me that all of a sudden, Green Bay is
the favorite because they went out and they got what
a player that can rush the passer, kind of like
Aiden Hutchinson. So you know, I don't really see the
difference there. We've got a great pass rusher back to
(04:26):
you know, we were in a position to probably win
the thing last year with a completely decimated defense, and
now this year, you know, we've got some bodies back.
Hopefully we can stay healthier. I'm really looking forward to
this first game just to see how the defense looks.
I fully expect our offense to be as explosive as
ever and sit back, grab a bag of popcorn, and
let's watch this thing.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
So just so unclear, you're saying this as a former
football player, right, You're not saying this because you're a
Lions fan. I want to make sure that you are
saying this based on your head, not your heart. That
the Lions will be the best team when everything is
said and done.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
That is correct. That is correct. I just think offensively,
even like last year where the defense decimated I mean
it was still they won fifteen games for grant a
lout because their offense is unbelievable. Now, hey, things could change, right,
I mean, Jared Goff could go down Game one and
that obviously changed the whole perspective. That's true of any team.
But assuming we don't have a rash of injuries like
(05:21):
we have, I think our defense is good and a
lot better than it was playing in that playoff game.
Let's put it that way. We were missing so many guys.
If we can even be average on defense, the offense
is going to put so much pressure on opponents that
it's just going to be really hard for teams to
keep up. And obviously Hunch is a big big part
of that and putting pressure on the quarterback, and then
you know, having Davin before it get to the pass
rusher as well. Getting McNeil back there in a few
(05:43):
weeks hopefully will help. But I'm really high on not
only the offense, but I think the defense is going
to be respectable, and those combined with a great kicking game,
I think we have enough to get it over the top.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Yeah, it's a great point. Not enough made of the
kicking game and just how good and consider in both
kicking and punting have been for the Lions over the
last couple of years, and I would argue Detroit's back
seven is as good as it gets, perhaps in the
entire NFC. So you said you think they'll win the
Super Bowl. Who do you think they'll be playing in
the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
I think probably the Ravens. That would be my pick.
I guess you know, they were close last year, obviously
had a gut ranching loss themselves with a dropball by
Mark Anders. But you know, I think with Lamar and
I love John Harbor as a coach, and you know,
I think that would be And I know it's a
popular pick. I've seen that a lot, but I really
(06:34):
feel those two teams, you know, have what it takes
to get there.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Yeah, I have Detroit playing Buffalo in the Super Bowl.
Michigan State I thought looked really good in the first half.
I thought their defense in general was rock solid. I
don't care if they played Western Michigan. I don't care
who they played. I wanted to look at a few
things on what they did well, breaking huddles, being on
time in certain things, and I think for the most
part I saw what I wanted to see, even though
(07:01):
the final score isn't what I expected. What was your
overall take on Michigan State's opening week, and then we'll
get to them against BC.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Yeah, I would agree with a lot of what you said.
The one thing I was disappointed in I just I'm
not sold on Aiden Childs at least on that performance.
I thought it was inaccurate. I thought he missed some
wide open guys down the field that you just can't miss,
especially against a quality opponent. And you know, Boston College
is this is an interesting matchup this week because they're really,
you know, two teams kind of seeking the same thing.
(07:33):
They're both teams that are predicted to be five hundred
teams and we were playing, you know, teams that are
that caliber in college football. You can't miss opportunities to
get easy, easy sixs, and you know I saw that
a couple times last week, and even on his touchdown
pass to marsh it was under thrown right. So I
need to see more out of him, more consistency. You know,
(07:54):
he didn't throw picks, but he lost you know, dropped
the ball a couple of times back there can't have it,
and just need to see that before I can really
believe in this team and that they're going to make
the jump, I need to see improvement at that position.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
I don't disagree with you at all. I thought their
defense was pretty damn good, though. I mean, when you
have four forced fumbles and you have twelve tackles for
loss and you have I think it was well. I
was trying to think of the pressures. I'm getting some
numbers mixed out in my head. I thought the defense
was pretty damn Yeah, it was pretty damn good. I
thought it was four sacks or somewhere around there. We
(08:28):
heard it on Tuesday. I thought the defense in general
and I think that's something you can build upon. And lastly,
you told us this a while ago. Defense is always
ahead offense. So is this the week you've got to
see it from the offense or do you recognize that
the defense is always going to be ahead of the
offense in the early part of the season.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Well, like I said, I want to see some improvement, right,
I mean, we've got to have that. But I would
agree to the defense I thought looked really good. You know,
coud it. We'll see how good Western is, you know. Obviously,
Rutgers hung around sixty six on Fordham. That's probably not
you know, probably not a true testament to their offensive prowess.
But uh, you know, the quarterback has some good numbers.
He's a kid from Alabama, so he'll test us defense
(09:08):
and test our secondary. But yeah, I was really uh,
you know, encouraged by the defensive line plague and getting
pressure on the quarterback and stuff on the run. But
we'll see, Uh, we'll see, we'll see this weekend. I
think it will tell us a lot more as I
think that, you know, we're going to be facing a
little tougher competition and Bilbrien's a good coach, and you
know they'll be ready to play.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Looking forward to watching it and looking forward to talking
to you on Monday and Mondays with Mitch. Mitch Allons,
thanks for the time today. Have a great weekend, my friend.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Be safe you as well, and uh ay, great great
time to be alive all weekends.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Love it.
Our friend mix Lions from mix lions wealth dot Com
to talk a little college football. He played at the
highest level of the Michigan State, of course, played seven
years eight years in the National Football League with the
Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, and he joins us
here on Axes and Bros. On this Friday morning. Mitch,
good morning to you. I know last night you were
glued to the TV set just like I was. And
(00:22):
I know how much respect you have for world champions
like the Philadelphia Eagles, even though they were probably one
of the rivals while you played in Pittsburgh. My question
would be regarding just before the first snap. I mean,
they haven't seen a snap yet and Jalen Carter is
spitting at Dak Prescott and getting injected and probably find
him may miss another game. How is a player? Would
(00:43):
you have handled that if he was on your team,
if he's your teammate, how do you deal with that
as a young player?
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Hey, his teammates are absolutely disgusted with that action. It's selfish,
it's self serving, and honestly, it's just wrong on so
many levels. And I would expect the suspension. I mean,
all the hype surrounding the NFL season, the big marketing
machine it is. That's exactly how they wanted to start
the season right before the first NAF have I guy
spitting on another grown man just unbelievable. I mean, words
(01:15):
can't there's no words. It's just who does that, right,
and especially on that stage in that setting, and you know,
I just I don't get it. It's baffling.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
So is that something Captains will talk? I know obviously
Nick Sirianni and he said he's going to keep it
in house. The head coach is going to, of course
say something. This coaching staff will address it with him.
Do coaches then let players handle it? Do do captains
then take over? How much of a hand holding moment
this will this have to be? Now for Philadelphia Eagles
(01:49):
captains and players in general?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Do you think here's the thing, chef as coaches or players?
I mean, what do you do? Do you say, hey,
don't spit on somebody? You should that already a sonciety
that we even have to say that, right, I mean,
it's it's unbelievable. So you know, yeah, you say it
to him, I guess, but it's pretty pretty uh embarrassing
(02:11):
and unbelievable that you even have to do that, right,
And that's that's what his teammates are thinking right now.
And obviously the coaches are disgusted and frustrated. He's a
huge cog in there and they're lying they're fortunate to
come out of there with a win, and uh, you know,
you just it's not a good sign for the future.
I mean, somebody needs to get in his ear, I guess,
as ridiculous as that sounds, and try to get him
(02:33):
to grow up, because you know this, this isn't good
if he's if he's doing this, I mean, you know,
what is he what is he doing? You know, when
he's not on the camera in front of the bright
lights and the audience. I don't know, it's that was
just just believable to me.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Yeah, it's a good point. Mitch Lions from Mitch lines
well dot com joining is here to talk a little
college football on ex'es and bros. I know, usually it's Sunday.
You used to feel it on a Sunday when it
was opening so maybe it's slightly different on a Thursday,
but it was still opening day for the National Football League,
of which you are part of. That fraternity. How were
(03:09):
your emotions last night in the build up to Eagles
and Cowboys in Philly?
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Oh? Yeah, that first game of the year is always huge.
You know, there's a lot of anticipation. You've gone through
the whole offseason, and you know it's kind of built
to a crescendo. You have gone through camp, you have
banged your own teammates in practice, and it's time to
get on with the real game and play some opponents.
So it's awesome to, you know, finally kick the ball off.
So my heart gets raising a little bit, and I
(03:35):
get those I get those emotions from days gone by.
For sure.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Lions are being viewed as second tier in the division,
primarily because of the Packers acquisition of Michael Parsons. It's
a great players, you and I both know, but it
seems like it's a very chic now for analysts and
predictors to go out there and say the Lions are
going to finish second, the Lions aren't going to make
the playoffs because the division is so hard. How do
(04:01):
you look at the Lions this year? Where do you
have them finishing in the division.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
I have him winning the division. I have him winning
the super Bowl and all of Michigan is going to rejoice.
That's that's where I have them. I mean, it's comical
to me that all of a sudden, Green Bay is
the favorite because they went out and they got what
a player that can rush the passer, kind of like
Aiden Hutchinson. So you know, I don't really see the
difference there. We've got a great pass rusher back to
(04:26):
you know, we were in a position to probably win
the thing last year with a completely decimated defense, and
now this year, you know, we've got some bodies back.
Hopefully we can stay healthier. I'm really looking forward to
this first game just to see how the defense looks.
I fully expect our offense to be as explosive as
ever and sit back, grab a bag of popcorn, and
let's watch this thing.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
So just so unclear, you're saying this as a former
football player, right, You're not saying this because you're a
Lions fan. I want to make sure that you are
saying this based on your head, not your heart. That
the Lions will be the best team when everything is
said and done.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
That is correct. That is correct. I just think offensively,
even like last year where the defense decimated I mean
it was still they won fifteen games for grant a
lout because their offense is unbelievable. Now, hey, things could change, right,
I mean, Jared Goff could go down Game one and
that obviously changed the whole perspective. That's true of any team.
But assuming we don't have a rash of injuries like
(05:21):
we have, I think our defense is good and a
lot better than it was playing in that playoff game.
Let's put it that way. We were missing so many guys.
If we can even be average on defense, the offense
is going to put so much pressure on opponents that
it's just going to be really hard for teams to
keep up. And obviously Hunch is a big big part
of that and putting pressure on the quarterback, and then
you know, having Davin before it get to the pass
rusher as well. Getting McNeil back there in a few
(05:43):
weeks hopefully will help. But I'm really high on not
only the offense, but I think the defense is going
to be respectable, and those combined with a great kicking game,
I think we have enough to get it over the top.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
Yeah, it's a great point. Not enough made of the
kicking game and just how good and consider in both
kicking and punting have been for the Lions over the
last couple of years, and I would argue Detroit's back
seven is as good as it gets, perhaps in the
entire NFC. So you said you think they'll win the
Super Bowl. Who do you think they'll be playing in
the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
I think probably the Ravens. That would be my pick.
I guess you know, they were close last year, obviously
had a gut ranching loss themselves with a dropball by
Mark Anders. But you know, I think with Lamar and
I love John Harbor as a coach, and you know,
I think that would be And I know it's a
popular pick. I've seen that a lot, but I really
(06:34):
feel those two teams, you know, have what it takes
to get there.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Yeah, I have Detroit playing Buffalo in the Super Bowl.
Michigan State I thought looked really good in the first half.
I thought their defense in general was rock solid. I
don't care if they played Western Michigan. I don't care
who they played. I wanted to look at a few
things on what they did well, breaking huddles, being on
time in certain things, and I think for the most
part I saw what I wanted to see, even though
(07:01):
the final score isn't what I expected. What was your
overall take on Michigan State's opening week, and then we'll
get to them against BC.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Yeah, I would agree with a lot of what you said.
The one thing I was disappointed in I just I'm
not sold on Aiden Childs at least on that performance.
I thought it was inaccurate. I thought he missed some
wide open guys down the field that you just can't miss,
especially against a quality opponent. And you know, Boston College
is this is an interesting matchup this week because they're really,
you know, two teams kind of seeking the same thing.
(07:33):
They're both teams that are predicted to be five hundred
teams and we were playing, you know, teams that are
that caliber in college football. You can't miss opportunities to
get easy, easy sixs, and you know I saw that
a couple times last week, and even on his touchdown
pass to marsh it was under thrown right. So I
need to see more out of him, more consistency. You know,
(07:54):
he didn't throw picks, but he lost you know, dropped
the ball a couple of times back there can't have it,
and just need to see that before I can really
believe in this team and that they're going to make
the jump, I need to see improvement at that position.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
I don't disagree with you at all. I thought their
defense was pretty damn good, though. I mean, when you
have four forced fumbles and you have twelve tackles for
loss and you have I think it was well. I
was trying to think of the pressures. I'm getting some
numbers mixed out in my head. I thought the defense
was pretty damn Yeah, it was pretty damn good. I
thought it was four sacks or somewhere around there. We
(08:28):
heard it on Tuesday. I thought the defense in general
and I think that's something you can build upon. And lastly,
you told us this a while ago. Defense is always
ahead offense. So is this the week you've got to
see it from the offense or do you recognize that
the defense is always going to be ahead of the
offense in the early part of the season.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Well, like I said, I want to see some improvement, right,
I mean, we've got to have that. But I would
agree to the defense I thought looked really good. You know,
coud it. We'll see how good Western is, you know. Obviously,
Rutgers hung around sixty six on Fordham. That's probably not
you know, probably not a true testament to their offensive prowess.
But uh, you know, the quarterback has some good numbers.
He's a kid from Alabama, so he'll test us defense
(09:08):
and test our secondary. But yeah, I was really uh,
you know, encouraged by the defensive line plague and getting
pressure on the quarterback and stuff on the run. But
we'll see, Uh, we'll see, we'll see this weekend. I
think it will tell us a lot more as I
think that, you know, we're going to be facing a
little tougher competition and Bilbrien's a good coach, and you
know they'll be ready to play.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Looking forward to watching it and looking forward to talking
to you on Monday and Mondays with Mitch. Mitch Allons,
thanks for the time today. Have a great weekend, my friend.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Be safe you as well, and uh ay, great great
time to be alive all weekends.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Love it.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com