May 8, 2025 • 25 mins
Ryan "BEEF" Coyle and Nick McClay discuss the #NFL offseason as the #NFLDraft is in the rear-view mirror.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello everyone, and welcome back to Fox Sports The Gambler.
This is your host, Ryan Coyle, joined alongside Nick McLay.
For the past few months we were bringing you Bending
the Edge leading up to the NFL Draft. We did
some draft recap last week, and Brace hit me up
the other day and said, let's keep it.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Going and make kind of an off season show.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
And we're recording this on Tuesday, May sixth, where we
are eight or one hundred and nine days away from
Week zero kicking off for college football, and we are
one hundred and twenty one days away from the NFL
season opener with the Philadelphia Eagles, so before we know
what football season will be here, so over these next
few months and then I assume leading into the season
as well.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
We're gonna give you a little bit everything. We're gonna
give you some gambling for some NFL and some college.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
We're gonna talk college storylines, NFL storylines. Today's episode, we're
gonna do kind of NFL offseason recap, some of the
major storylines that happened over the past few months and
that are gonna, you know, help dictate.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
The not only this season coming up, but going forward.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
So gonna be just a little kind of back and
forth bar type of conversation about NFL, college football, gambling
all mixed into one. But Nick, we're gonna be doing
this shooting for seven or eight o'clock every Tuesday night
going forward, but as always walking back and how are we?
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Yeah, man, I'm good. I can't wait to keep doing this,
keep up with the off season. There's always things happening,
even when you know, you know, our eyes are shut,
there's always something happening in the football world, whether it
be college or rather it be NFL. So I'm excited
to dive into it, get into all these you know,
winners and losers of the off season. You know, all
these moving pieces, moving parts. You know, the league's gonna
(01:33):
look a lot different than it was than it did
last year. So I'm excited to you know, get into
it throughout this offseason and see kind of where everyone
stacks up heading into Week one. So I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Yeah. NFL was cool in terms of teams always kind
of come out of nowhere, whether it was you know,
two years ago with the with the Texans, they had
a really impressive kind of first year there with CJ.
Stroud and Demico last year with the Commanders. What we've
seen the Lions build over the past few years, NFL,
you can really kind of flipped the switch in one
one strong offseason. And I got an article here from
(02:05):
NFL dot Com the ten best moves of the offseason
and one of these teams, you know, the number one
move or the number one transaction of the offseason as
a team that a lot of people are predicting to potentially,
you know, flip that switch and go from last place
in their division to a legit playoff threat and maybe
even a division winner.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
And that's just Chicago Bears.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
This NFL dot Com article has the Bears hiring Ben
Johnson as their head coach as the number one move
of the entire offseason.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
So thoughts on that.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Nick Line's offensive coordinator Ben Johnson obviously the past few years,
was the hot name in the cycle, turns down jobs
the past two years and he decides.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Finally to take the inner division rival job with the Bears.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Obviously, I have Caleb Williams there, they have a ton
of weapons. They really built up that offensive line. The
defense has been good for a few years now. Is
that the move that when you think of this offseason
Nick sticks out to the most.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Yeah, I don't know if that specific move, but I
think just the Chicago Bears offseason in general is kind
of the main focus point. They've done so much to
revamp that team, starting with the coaching position. I mean that,
like you said, he's been the hot topic of the
coaching carouse of the last two years. Every single team
that needed a head coach wanted him. So, you know,
you look at him, at what he did in Detroit.
(03:21):
I mean, you obviously want to bring that type of
offensive mindset into this into your system. I mean, I
think he can do very well. With Caleb Williams, he'd
kind of underperformed that first year, but at the same time,
he didn't really have much help. Offensive line was terrible.
Gave up the most sacks in the league with sixty eight.
I think it was maybe even seventy. But they did
(03:41):
everything that they really needed to do to you know,
bolster that offensive line. They did everything that they could
in the draft.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Two.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
They got a big man in Aussie Trapello in to
you know, kind of back out who they signed this
year in the offseason and made trades for so I think,
you know, the offseason of the Bears, they they did
everything that they needed to do to you know, set
themselves up for success to win their division. Signed Joe
(04:09):
your Trader for Joe Tooney, Jonah Jackson, Drew Doman. You know,
they made moves that they needed to make, and you know,
getting a guy in the draft like Luther Burden to
come in as a weapon. I think him roma Doonza,
I know, him behind Luther, behind DJ Moore is gonna
be great. DJ Moore kind of has a similar play style.
He's been in the league a while. I think Luther
(04:31):
can learn a lot from DJ Moore. I think you
can do a lot of gadget plays like we've seen
Ben Johnson like to do in Detroit. So I think
there's gonna be a fun offensive watch. And they even
they signed some guys on the defensive line too, so
it wasn't just all offense. They signed guys on defense.
I think the Chicago Bears were kind of the main
focus point of this offseason right now.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Yeah, and if you're the Bears, you know, obviously goal
number one is you gotta get the most out of
Killer Williams.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
I mean, coming out, he was one of the top five.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I think quarterback prospects hyped up in the last fifteen
to twenty years probably put him up there in that
Trevor Lawrence to Andrew Luck kind of in that mix.
Pick your poison with with who you have, but you
have to get the most out of him. And in
that roop year, thirty five hundred yards, twenty touchdowns, six
interceptions wasn't eye popping. He had some really good moments,
(05:22):
but he also had some really bad moments as well.
So bringing a guy like Ben Johnson, who is being
hyped up like the next McVeigh, you know, the next
greatest thing since sliced bread, I say, let's pump the
brakes a little bit, like they've had some good years
in Detroit.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
And he got a lot out of Jared Goff.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Jared Goff played the best football of his career with
Ben Johnson calling the plays. But you know, let's see it,
when you're the head man, it's a lot different going
from just focusing on the play calling and being the
offensive play caller.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
To running the entire team, running the entire organization.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
So for that to be the number one move of
the off season that sticks out, that stood out to
me there wasn't that many crazy moves. Obviously, there's some
big moves, Like number two on this list, they have
Jamar Chase and t Higgins both getting extensions with the Bengals.
That's obviously big for Joe Barrows. The Rams signed DeVante Adams.
So like for those to be number two and three
(06:12):
on the list of biggest moves of the off season
like that, that kind of sticks out to you, all right,
it wasn't the craziest one like Commanders trading for Deebo.
So wasn't that wild of an offseason. There's one big
dominant potentially still in the works with Aaron Rodgers. I
know this is kind of a recap show of the
off season, but you know, sitting here on May six,
(06:34):
what percent chance do you give Aaron Rodgers a playing
in the NFL next season? And if he does play,
what percentage chance would that be for the Pittsburgh Steelers
in your eyes?
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Yeah, I think if he does play, it will be
for the Steelers. I think that's really the main spot.
They obviously only have Mason Rudolph just side or just
drafted Will Howard, who at this point I think is
going to become that QB one by week one, I
think he is. You go out and draft him, he
waits to the six round. I mean, you got nothing
really to lose right there. He's an experienced guy just
(07:05):
coming off a national championship, So I think Will Howard
will end up starting there. But if Aaron Rodgers at
this point, is he ever gonna come back? I really
you have no clue. You never know with Aaron Rodgers
at this point, he could go another retreat. Who knows,
No one knows. But if he does come back, I
would expect it to be the Steelers. I don't really
know who else would go after him. Raiders have Geno,
(07:27):
Seahawks and Darnold. I mean, I don't know who who
really goes after him at a time like this, But
I think if he is, it's going to be in
a Pittsburgh uniform.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Yeah, I mean, I hope it dis ray.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Aaron Rodgers is just done for all the fun he
was in Green Bay. I'm just sick of hearing him,
hearing his name and the hold up that that he's
put these teams in.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
And if he.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Doesn't sign with the series, like you said, rooting for
Will Howard, I think he has the chance to help
that team kind of right away when you look what
he did with no I think obviously grand scheme wise,
the Steelers players are probably more talented than the Ohio
State team, but it's like a really solid team around
him and the Steelers he had played with all those
(08:12):
all stars last year at Ohio State. He's used to
just kind of playing that game manager type role and
wasn't forced to go out and do all too much
last year. But he adds value with his legs. That's
gonna be something to watch. A guy who was picked
that late and he has a chance to go in
there and win the quarterback job for day one should
be interesting.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
But you know the show. The title of our show
football is King.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
The quarterback position is the king of the sport, the
king of you know, the sports world probably, And we
had some big quarterback moves this offseason.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
You had so you touched on.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold, They trade away Gino Smith
to the Raiders. JJ McCarthy will now take over full
time as the Vikings quarterback. Kirk Cousins still remains on
the roster with the Falcons as the backup to Michael
Pennix there, Matthew Stafford was rumors that he could be traded,
he might just retire. He winds up getting a big
extension with the Rams. When you look at the quarterback spot, Nick,
(09:01):
what's the number one move that kind of sticks out
to you the most, whether it was you know, a
guy resigning extending, or a guy being traded out in
the move, or even when you look to the NFL
Draft one of the draft picks as well, what's the
biggest quarterback domino in your eyes?
Speaker 2 (09:14):
As we entered the twenty twenty five season.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
I was pretty shocked about the Gino moving on. I
know that they haven't really you know, they were just
tread and water kind of the Seahawks the past couple
of years with him, but he had a nice year
last year. I know they kind of wanted to revamp something,
so they go out and get Donald. I understand that
Raiders obviously needed to get something, so I understand it,
but I was just kind of shocked at that kind
(09:38):
of move. I mean, I think Donald is going to
be with him in cup now over there to Seattle.
I think that could be a good, good little one
two combo. But at the same time, I don't really
think they have much else Seattle. I think they got
a good offensive lineman in Gray's Abel. I think that's
a great pick for them. But I just the two,
like you said, this offseason wasn't too impactful at the
(10:01):
quarterback spot like we kind of have seen in recent years.
But I think Donald and Gino could have some impacts
on those two teams. But I think it'll be mainly
outsiders for that. And I mean, as we touched on
with the Steelers DK going over to Pittsburgh, I think
you set kind of Will Howard up for success there.
(10:22):
You got DK, you got George Pickens, you bring back
Jalen Warren. Not the craziest running back room, but you
bring in familiar faces, got a good line, got a
good defense. I think that Pittsburgh a team could be
some I mean, it's a Mike Tomland team, so they'll
probably just end up going nine to eight. But at
the same time, I think Will Harrot could could be
(10:42):
the quarterback that kind of just pops out at us.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Yeah, that would be something if he I mean, I
don't know if long term wise, but maybe just you know,
this season right away, Will Howard maybe the most immediate success,
and I think you and I are kind of on
the same page with that. It's gonna be one of
the more fascinating quarterback competitions for sure, especially Aaron Rodgers
is not bought in are brought in. On this list
(11:06):
of the ten best moves of the offseason, Number eight
is the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champions re signing Zach
Bond three year, fifty one million dollar deal. Had a
insane season last year in his first year kind of
playing in that off ball linebacker spot, one hundred and
fifty one tackles, eleven tackles for lost, five force fumbballs,
(11:27):
just seemed to always be around the ball, always making
a play. But with resigning him, the Eagles had to
let some key guys go out the door. You had
to let Williams walk, You'd let Josh Sweat walk. You
had to trade CJ. Gardner Johnson as a as a
potential you know, cap move for down the line. Thoughts
on the Eagles, you know, giving all this money to
an off ball linebacker, no matter how good he was,
(11:47):
I'm having to let some some of.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Those key pieces go as well.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Or do you agree that you know this was the
right move and you're trusting Howie Roseman in this transaction.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Yeah, I think we have to trust how he in
this spot, and I think it was the right decision.
He's just coming off of Hunt, like he just said,
one hundred and fifty plus tackles, eleven tackles for loss,
five forst fumble. He was all over the ball, wherever
the ball was. He was there three years, fifty one million.
I know Philadelphia is not known to be giving linebackers
deals like that, but he just proved it, you know
(12:18):
what I mean. You know you don't see that what
he just did that last season winning a Super Bowl,
winning or going All Pro, and you don't try to
resign him, give him a blank check whatever it is,
thirty four mil guaranteed. I trust Howie in this situation.
I know we did have to get rid of Milton.
I know we had to get rid of Josh Sweat,
but you know we got guys like Jalen Carter, hopefully
(12:38):
Jordan Davis can stot up that middle of the defensive line,
h Nolan Smith, Jaylex Hunt. We got younger guys kind
of filling in that role. So I love the signing
of Zach Bonnant and we needed it. I mean, without him,
we really only have him to Kobe Dean right now.
I mean, obviously we just drafted John Cambe. But this
is going back a couple you know, a month or
(12:58):
two ago when we did resign. If we just let
him walk heading into the draft, we'd only have a
couple of linebackers. So I like the signing. I know,
like you said, it's not the most Philadelphia moved to
sign off ball linebackers the deals like this, but I
think it was the right move and I think it
needed to be done.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
And to payback off that after this season that Saquon
Barkley as the Eagles basically give him like a raise,
they give him an extension, make him the highest paid
running back reset the running back market. Is that another
move that.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
After one year you're confident in because last year was
really the first year when you look at Saquon's career
that he was healthy from start to finish, and you can,
you know, attribute that to just bad luck before or
are playing behind a much worse offensive line. Are you
confident in giving him that much money, especially after a
year that he had last year where all the touches
he had obviously going number two thousand yards and not
(13:50):
really having you know, gain well obviously got touches. Jalen
Hurts would run the football lot, but you know, it
seemed like Saquon more times than not. What was touching
the ball twenty plus times a game?
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Yeah, I mean, I think he proved that he deserved
it with the year he had, so I'm not really
too upset about it. Just keeping him in an Eagle uniform,
keeping him behind this offensive line is going to be
a win for the Eagles. I mean, we saw what
he could do. Just give the ball to him and
he'll find the holes. With an offensive line like the
offensive line that we have. If we can stay healthy
on that offensive line, I think he could maybe even
(14:21):
do it again. I don't know if he'll be able
to put up the same exact numbers with you know,
the outsiding supporting cast, but I think he's a guy
that you just get the ball in his hands and
he's going to make plays happen.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
We don't.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
We only have, you know, our wide receiver depth isn't
really too amazing. In my opinion, I think we have
a great duo, maybe one of the best duos in
aj Brown and DeVante Smith, but behind that really not much.
So getting the ball in his hands is main priority
for this Eagles offense and signing him to another an
extension I think is a good idea, especially with what
he just put out all.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Right, Number ten on this list a head scratcher to
me kind of at the moment, but especially more of
a head scratcher now after what they did in the draft,
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resigning Chris Godwin three years, sixty
six million, forty four and guaranteed, so really that that
could be kind of just like a two year, forty
four million dollar deal if you want to make.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
It as simple as that.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
But he's coming up to town, acl Mike Evans is
still producing a thousand yard seasons. Who knows, he might
have hinted that, you know, he might only be around
for another year or two. McMillan had a great rookiear
last year. And then they use another first round pick
on a receiver in a Mecca Abuk And I'm not
saying that I don't like those four receivers. That is
definitely the best group of four receivers when when they're
(15:38):
fully healthy in the NFL, I think we would all
agree with that, But there's only so many balls that
can go around. And maybe Abuka is, you know, drafted
as that Evans replacement, maybe just to fill in more
for god Went until he's fully back. But a little
bit of a puzzling decision there for me in strategy,
what are your thoughts on this kind of whole dynamic
in the Tampa Bay Bucks receiving when they're all healthy,
(16:01):
it's going to be a dangerous group. But you know,
as I said, you only have one football to go around,
and he got these four really good receivers.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Yeah, I'm right with you. The four receivers went healthier
are probably the best in the league. But the thing
is you can't really rely on that. Chris Godwin hasn't
really relied on or been reliable to stay on the field.
Mike Evans is getting older. We don't know how much
longer he has left. I mean, he's a first ballot
Hall of Famer, so when he's on that field, he's
going to be a problem. Baker Mayfield will always sling
the ball. They got a good offensive line, So I
(16:31):
think this is a little puzzling to go with a
Guka in first round, not saying I think heading into
the draft, I said that he was going to be
one of the most productive receivers in this class. Now
I'm kind of thinking he kind of a similar role
to how Jackson Smith and the Jig his rookie year
was in Seattle, where he had to kind of fill
in and not get as much targets behind DK and
(16:53):
who else e DK and Tyler Lockett out there in Seattle.
So I think he might not produce that much in
year one, But I think, like Buka is kind of
a pick down down the line, that he's gonna be
their wide receiver one. Heading forward, I think he is
going to have one of the best careers as a
wide receiver in this draft. At Buka, he's one of
my favorite players in this class. But yeah, the signing
(17:16):
three years, like you said, I kind of lean towards
it's only gonna be a two year deal. That threeout
third year might be a little iffy, But I think
he just has to stay healthy. I don't even know
if he'll be ready for Week one. He had a
very gruesome injury. It's gonna be tough to come back
from that. But I think this receiver and core with
with the four guys, if they're healthy, like you said,
(17:38):
I think could be one of the danger dangerous receiving
groups of this of this league.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
All right, let's switch over a little bit, kind of
to the gambling side of things. We got about, you know,
seven or eight minutes to go, as we talked about,
the draft just happened, so pretty much, you know, rosters
are gonna have some movement. There's gonna be some injuries,
but all the major moves are behind us, trades and whatnot.
(18:05):
I think Aaron Rodgers is probably the biggest potential domino
out there. Kirk Cousins maybe as well. If he gets
sent off to a team. I don't know how much
he would affect teams odds, But when you look at
the top, let's go the top ten or the top
twelve teams in Super Bowl odds, Eagles number one leading the.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Pack at plus six fifty.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
Then you got the Bills, the favorite out of the
AFC at plus seven hundred. That's tied with the Ravens
at plus seven hundred as well, Chiefs plus seven to fifty,
Lions ten to one, Commanders sixteen to one, Niners twenty
to one, Packers twenty to one, Bengals twenty to one,
and Rams twenty two to one. So when you look
at these standings, they have projected basically the Eagles to
(18:44):
win the East, the Lions to win the North, the
Niners to win the West, and then the Bucks are
the next one at twenty five to one to win
the South. You look at the AFC Bills plus seven
hundred to win the East, no surprise there, Ravens seven
to one.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
To win this Bowl.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
They would be the favorite to win the North, Chiefs
plus seven to fifty to win the West or to
win the Super Bowl, so they'd be favorite to win
the West there, and then to wrap it up the
AFC South, the closest team Houston Texans, all the way
down at forty to one. So any kind of surprising
odds there, you know, for to have the Ravens and
(19:20):
Bills both the head of the Chiefs, I think, say
what you want about the Chiefs, they still it's kind
of like the Patriots, where they're gonna be there no
matter what until proven otherwise. I think that's a little
bit disrespectful. Commanders in there at sixteen to one, no
matter saying that this time last year, any of those
numbers kind of popping off the page or one of
those teams cut your eye as a good value play
(19:41):
at this stage of the game.
Speaker 3 (19:42):
Yeah, kind of piggyback on what you said out the Chiefs.
I mean, if you have Patrick mahons and you Reid
on your sideline, I think it's kind of hard to
go against that, especially in that division. That division's kind
of weak. I know, you know the Chargers are with Herbert,
they haven't really been reliable. I guess you can kind
of count Bo Knicks, you know, see what he can
do in that Broncos I like, I love that Broncos defense.
(20:04):
I'm not going to say that they can go out
and do something, but I'm a big fan of that
Broncos defense. But Commanders at sixteen to one, like you said,
saying this this time last year, you would say you're crazy.
But I mean they've made the moves. They they went out,
got Larmy Tunsel, they got Deebo, they got you know,
obviously Jaydon Daniels. But I think they could do something.
(20:25):
I'm not saying obviously we're we're obviously I'm gonna take
the Eagles over that but seeing them at sixteen to one,
I'm kind of, you know, shocked at that. I don't think.
I don't like the Niners number at all. I don't
think they're that good at all. I don't think I
think they're going to take a big step back at
twenty to one.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
I don't.
Speaker 3 (20:42):
I don't see that what you know they did in
the offseason or even in the draft will help them
this year. I especially as an Iowa State fan, I'm
not too high on brock Party. I don't think he
can really lead them to you know, I guess, and
then IFC championship or a Super Bowl win. So those
ones are kind of sticking out to me right there.
But obviously I'm going to go with the Eagles at
(21:05):
six fifty.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah. The craziest like trend I think currently in the
NFL is that that NFC's trend with the no repeat
winner back.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Yeah, Yeah, that gives me.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
I think it's since three oh four there hasn't been
a repeat winner in the NFC East, and it's like
Eagles come in here as the favorite to win the
Super Bowl. To win the NFC East, they are minus
one forty Commanders plus two hundred Cowboys all the way
down on a plus seven to fifty Giants at nineteen
to one. But it's like, are we really buying into
that trend? Like obviously teams switched from from year to year,
(21:39):
but you know, I don't think I think the Commander's
played over their head last year, like even the offseason
moves like Armie tunsl in his thirties, deebo, I think
his best days are behind him. Obviously you got the
young quarterback, you got Terry, but it's like, how good
is that run game like Brian Robinson and did they
bring back did they bring back Eckler or did they
get a back in the draft or anything.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
They may have brought back Eckler.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
I don't don't take.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
Yeah, the backfield's not the backfield's not that scary. I
think they played a little bit about their head last
year and we saw that, don't I agree with the
US Championship losing by thirty points. So the Commanders all
the way at sixteen to one, showing a lot of
respect to Jayden and Daniels.
Speaker 2 (22:20):
We'll see ye. Just Stroud lit it up on lit
it up last year.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
He was vaulted into that top five conversation excuse me,
two years ago, and then I think we saw him
take a step back last year, So that's certainly gonna
be something to watch.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
I else wanted just saw a tweet that said Jaden
Daniels had the best rookie career of any rookie in
any sport. There's no win will average thirty seven and
twenty seven playing plumbers.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
But what are we doing Lebron too, probably whatever, Eric Bakers.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
Eric Dickerson at like eighteen hundred and eighteen.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
All right, one more before we get out. A team
that I've been hearing, like hyped up a little bit.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Some people have been kind of calling them the Commanders
from last year. They think they could be that team
that takes a big jump this year. Second, your quarterback
with Drake may really good head coach, and Mike Rabel
the Patriots, they're twenty eight to one to win the AFC.
They are to win the East. They're a second in
the East at plus four seventy five. And obviously it's
(23:26):
been a down few years for the Patriots after Bill
Belichick has left. In kind of the past couple of
years without Belichick or excuse me, the last few years
with Belichick still running the show, but belts on the
Patriots off season. They were by far the biggest spender.
I think them in at the Bears and then they
go out they bring in Will Campbell. More of your
thoughts kind of on their draft, their off season and
(23:49):
how good is Drake May Like, because I just the
Patriots were a team that wasn't really on match last year.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Is like everyone was.
Speaker 1 (23:55):
Kind of hyping up Drake May the people that would
watch every single game, like have the ability to go
back and watch the film, but the thoughts on him
and any chance that they could take down the Bills
in the East.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
I'm a big fan of Drake May. I mean, he
didn't really have that much help last year, but in
this off season, they really did a lot that, like
you said, the biggest spenders. They really went in on
the offensive line, Will Campbell. I think they got Garrett
Bradbury too, maybe even someone else. I think they got
on the defensive side, they got Harrl Landry, they got
Carlton Davis, Stefan Diggs. Obviously Morgan Moses he's a little older,
(24:29):
but they did, you know, what they needed to do
to protect their guys Milton Williams obviously was one of
the biggest, you know, free agent signings of this class
of this offseason. So I like what they did in
the offseason. I love that what they did in the
draft with Will Campbell protecting your franchise guy. I mean,
you kind of needed to do that after what we
saw last season. Drake Maye just running around, I mean,
(24:50):
and like he can run around, like he can use
his legs to you know, beat you. So I won't
be surprised if we see them take a little jump.
Not saying they'll really make the play offs. They got
to beat the Bill still, but I think that they're
taking a step in the right direction with with their
young quarterback, with their young offensive lineman and Will Campbell.
So I like what they're doing down there or up
(25:11):
there in New England.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
All right, well, i'll wrap it up for episode one.
We've got many more episodes of come. I'm sure we're
gonna be touching on everything.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Next week. We'll transition over into college a little bit.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
That one's even harder to keep track of obviously with
the transfer portal and everything.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
So that'll be fun. That might even have to be
a back to back two week episode, but.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
That'll do it for episode one of Football Is King.
So we said, we'll be streaming every Tuesday our goal,
you know, in between seven and eight o'clock, that kind
of range going forward, and before we know it, training
camp will be here. So everyone keep it locked here
on Fox Sports The Gambler.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
We'll be talking to you next week
Hello everyone, and welcome back to Fox Sports The Gambler.
This is your host, Ryan Coyle, joined alongside Nick McLay.
For the past few months we were bringing you Bending
the Edge leading up to the NFL Draft. We did
some draft recap last week, and Brace hit me up
the other day and said, let's keep it.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Going and make kind of an off season show.
Speaker 1 (00:19):
And we're recording this on Tuesday, May sixth, where we
are eight or one hundred and nine days away from
Week zero kicking off for college football, and we are
one hundred and twenty one days away from the NFL
season opener with the Philadelphia Eagles, so before we know
what football season will be here, so over these next
few months and then I assume leading into the season
as well.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
We're gonna give you a little bit everything. We're gonna
give you some gambling for some NFL and some college.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
We're gonna talk college storylines, NFL storylines. Today's episode, we're
gonna do kind of NFL offseason recap, some of the
major storylines that happened over the past few months and
that are gonna, you know, help dictate.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
The not only this season coming up, but going forward.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
So gonna be just a little kind of back and
forth bar type of conversation about NFL, college football, gambling
all mixed into one. But Nick, we're gonna be doing
this shooting for seven or eight o'clock every Tuesday night
going forward, but as always walking back and how are we?
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Yeah, man, I'm good. I can't wait to keep doing this,
keep up with the off season. There's always things happening,
even when you know, you know, our eyes are shut,
there's always something happening in the football world, whether it
be college or rather it be NFL. So I'm excited
to dive into it, get into all these you know,
winners and losers of the off season. You know, all
these moving pieces, moving parts. You know, the league's gonna
(01:33):
look a lot different than it was than it did
last year. So I'm excited to you know, get into
it throughout this offseason and see kind of where everyone
stacks up heading into Week one. So I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
Yeah. NFL was cool in terms of teams always kind
of come out of nowhere, whether it was you know,
two years ago with the with the Texans, they had
a really impressive kind of first year there with CJ.
Stroud and Demico last year with the Commanders. What we've
seen the Lions build over the past few years, NFL,
you can really kind of flipped the switch in one
one strong offseason. And I got an article here from
(02:05):
NFL dot Com the ten best moves of the offseason
and one of these teams, you know, the number one
move or the number one transaction of the offseason as
a team that a lot of people are predicting to potentially,
you know, flip that switch and go from last place
in their division to a legit playoff threat and maybe
even a division winner.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
And that's just Chicago Bears.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
This NFL dot Com article has the Bears hiring Ben
Johnson as their head coach as the number one move
of the entire offseason.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
So thoughts on that.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Nick Line's offensive coordinator Ben Johnson obviously the past few years,
was the hot name in the cycle, turns down jobs
the past two years and he decides.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Finally to take the inner division rival job with the Bears.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Obviously, I have Caleb Williams there, they have a ton
of weapons. They really built up that offensive line. The
defense has been good for a few years now. Is
that the move that when you think of this offseason
Nick sticks out to the most.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Yeah, I don't know if that specific move, but I
think just the Chicago Bears offseason in general is kind
of the main focus point. They've done so much to
revamp that team, starting with the coaching position. I mean that,
like you said, he's been the hot topic of the
coaching carouse of the last two years. Every single team
that needed a head coach wanted him. So, you know,
you look at him, at what he did in Detroit.
(03:21):
I mean, you obviously want to bring that type of
offensive mindset into this into your system. I mean, I
think he can do very well. With Caleb Williams, he'd
kind of underperformed that first year, but at the same time,
he didn't really have much help. Offensive line was terrible.
Gave up the most sacks in the league with sixty eight.
I think it was maybe even seventy. But they did
(03:41):
everything that they really needed to do to you know,
bolster that offensive line. They did everything that they could
in the draft.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Two.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
They got a big man in Aussie Trapello in to
you know, kind of back out who they signed this
year in the offseason and made trades for so I think,
you know, the offseason of the Bears, they they did
everything that they needed to do to you know, set
themselves up for success to win their division. Signed Joe
(04:09):
your Trader for Joe Tooney, Jonah Jackson, Drew Doman. You know,
they made moves that they needed to make, and you know,
getting a guy in the draft like Luther Burden to
come in as a weapon. I think him roma Doonza,
I know, him behind Luther, behind DJ Moore is gonna
be great. DJ Moore kind of has a similar play style.
He's been in the league a while. I think Luther
(04:31):
can learn a lot from DJ Moore. I think you
can do a lot of gadget plays like we've seen
Ben Johnson like to do in Detroit. So I think
there's gonna be a fun offensive watch. And they even
they signed some guys on the defensive line too, so
it wasn't just all offense. They signed guys on defense.
I think the Chicago Bears were kind of the main
focus point of this offseason right now.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Yeah, and if you're the Bears, you know, obviously goal
number one is you gotta get the most out of
Killer Williams.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
I mean, coming out, he was one of the top five.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I think quarterback prospects hyped up in the last fifteen
to twenty years probably put him up there in that
Trevor Lawrence to Andrew Luck kind of in that mix.
Pick your poison with with who you have, but you
have to get the most out of him. And in
that roop year, thirty five hundred yards, twenty touchdowns, six
interceptions wasn't eye popping. He had some really good moments,
(05:22):
but he also had some really bad moments as well.
So bringing a guy like Ben Johnson, who is being
hyped up like the next McVeigh, you know, the next
greatest thing since sliced bread, I say, let's pump the
brakes a little bit, like they've had some good years
in Detroit.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
And he got a lot out of Jared Goff.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Jared Goff played the best football of his career with
Ben Johnson calling the plays. But you know, let's see it,
when you're the head man, it's a lot different going
from just focusing on the play calling and being the
offensive play caller.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
To running the entire team, running the entire organization.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
So for that to be the number one move of
the off season that sticks out, that stood out to
me there wasn't that many crazy moves. Obviously, there's some
big moves, Like number two on this list, they have
Jamar Chase and t Higgins both getting extensions with the Bengals.
That's obviously big for Joe Barrows. The Rams signed DeVante Adams.
So like for those to be number two and three
(06:12):
on the list of biggest moves of the off season
like that, that kind of sticks out to you, all right,
it wasn't the craziest one like Commanders trading for Deebo.
So wasn't that wild of an offseason. There's one big
dominant potentially still in the works with Aaron Rodgers. I
know this is kind of a recap show of the
off season, but you know, sitting here on May six,
(06:34):
what percent chance do you give Aaron Rodgers a playing
in the NFL next season? And if he does play,
what percentage chance would that be for the Pittsburgh Steelers
in your eyes?
Speaker 3 (06:43):
Yeah, I think if he does play, it will be
for the Steelers. I think that's really the main spot.
They obviously only have Mason Rudolph just side or just
drafted Will Howard, who at this point I think is
going to become that QB one by week one, I
think he is. You go out and draft him, he
waits to the six round. I mean, you got nothing
really to lose right there. He's an experienced guy just
(07:05):
coming off a national championship, So I think Will Howard
will end up starting there. But if Aaron Rodgers at
this point, is he ever gonna come back? I really
you have no clue. You never know with Aaron Rodgers
at this point, he could go another retreat. Who knows,
No one knows. But if he does come back, I
would expect it to be the Steelers. I don't really
know who else would go after him. Raiders have Geno,
(07:27):
Seahawks and Darnold. I mean, I don't know who who
really goes after him at a time like this, But
I think if he is, it's going to be in
a Pittsburgh uniform.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Yeah, I mean, I hope it dis ray.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Aaron Rodgers is just done for all the fun he
was in Green Bay. I'm just sick of hearing him,
hearing his name and the hold up that that he's
put these teams in.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
And if he.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Doesn't sign with the series, like you said, rooting for
Will Howard, I think he has the chance to help
that team kind of right away when you look what
he did with no I think obviously grand scheme wise,
the Steelers players are probably more talented than the Ohio
State team, but it's like a really solid team around
him and the Steelers he had played with all those
(08:12):
all stars last year at Ohio State. He's used to
just kind of playing that game manager type role and
wasn't forced to go out and do all too much
last year. But he adds value with his legs. That's
gonna be something to watch. A guy who was picked
that late and he has a chance to go in
there and win the quarterback job for day one should
be interesting.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
But you know the show. The title of our show
football is King.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
The quarterback position is the king of the sport, the
king of you know, the sports world probably, And we
had some big quarterback moves this offseason.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
You had so you touched on.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold, They trade away Gino Smith
to the Raiders. JJ McCarthy will now take over full
time as the Vikings quarterback. Kirk Cousins still remains on
the roster with the Falcons as the backup to Michael
Pennix there, Matthew Stafford was rumors that he could be traded,
he might just retire. He winds up getting a big
extension with the Rams. When you look at the quarterback spot, Nick,
(09:01):
what's the number one move that kind of sticks out
to you the most, whether it was you know, a
guy resigning extending, or a guy being traded out in
the move, or even when you look to the NFL
Draft one of the draft picks as well, what's the
biggest quarterback domino in your eyes?
Speaker 2 (09:14):
As we entered the twenty twenty five season.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
I was pretty shocked about the Gino moving on. I
know that they haven't really you know, they were just
tread and water kind of the Seahawks the past couple
of years with him, but he had a nice year
last year. I know they kind of wanted to revamp something,
so they go out and get Donald. I understand that
Raiders obviously needed to get something, so I understand it,
but I was just kind of shocked at that kind
(09:38):
of move. I mean, I think Donald is going to
be with him in cup now over there to Seattle.
I think that could be a good, good little one
two combo. But at the same time, I don't really
think they have much else Seattle. I think they got
a good offensive lineman in Gray's Abel. I think that's
a great pick for them. But I just the two,
like you said, this offseason wasn't too impactful at the
(10:01):
quarterback spot like we kind of have seen in recent years.
But I think Donald and Gino could have some impacts
on those two teams. But I think it'll be mainly
outsiders for that. And I mean, as we touched on
with the Steelers DK going over to Pittsburgh, I think
you set kind of Will Howard up for success there.
(10:22):
You got DK, you got George Pickens, you bring back
Jalen Warren. Not the craziest running back room, but you
bring in familiar faces, got a good line, got a
good defense. I think that Pittsburgh a team could be
some I mean, it's a Mike Tomland team, so they'll
probably just end up going nine to eight. But at
the same time, I think Will Harrot could could be
(10:42):
the quarterback that kind of just pops out at us.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Yeah, that would be something if he I mean, I
don't know if long term wise, but maybe just you know,
this season right away, Will Howard maybe the most immediate success,
and I think you and I are kind of on
the same page with that. It's gonna be one of
the more fascinating quarterback competitions for sure, especially Aaron Rodgers
is not bought in are brought in. On this list
(11:06):
of the ten best moves of the offseason, Number eight
is the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champions re signing Zach
Bond three year, fifty one million dollar deal. Had a
insane season last year in his first year kind of
playing in that off ball linebacker spot, one hundred and
fifty one tackles, eleven tackles for lost, five force fumbballs,
(11:27):
just seemed to always be around the ball, always making
a play. But with resigning him, the Eagles had to
let some key guys go out the door. You had
to let Williams walk, You'd let Josh Sweat walk. You
had to trade CJ. Gardner Johnson as a as a
potential you know, cap move for down the line. Thoughts
on the Eagles, you know, giving all this money to
an off ball linebacker, no matter how good he was,
(11:47):
I'm having to let some some of.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Those key pieces go as well.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Or do you agree that you know this was the
right move and you're trusting Howie Roseman in this transaction.
Speaker 3 (11:57):
Yeah, I think we have to trust how he in
this spot, and I think it was the right decision.
He's just coming off of Hunt, like he just said,
one hundred and fifty plus tackles, eleven tackles for loss,
five forst fumble. He was all over the ball, wherever
the ball was. He was there three years, fifty one million.
I know Philadelphia is not known to be giving linebackers
deals like that, but he just proved it, you know
(12:18):
what I mean. You know you don't see that what
he just did that last season winning a Super Bowl,
winning or going All Pro, and you don't try to
resign him, give him a blank check whatever it is,
thirty four mil guaranteed. I trust Howie in this situation.
I know we did have to get rid of Milton.
I know we had to get rid of Josh Sweat,
but you know we got guys like Jalen Carter, hopefully
(12:38):
Jordan Davis can stot up that middle of the defensive line,
h Nolan Smith, Jaylex Hunt. We got younger guys kind
of filling in that role. So I love the signing
of Zach Bonnant and we needed it. I mean, without him,
we really only have him to Kobe Dean right now.
I mean, obviously we just drafted John Cambe. But this
is going back a couple you know, a month or
(12:58):
two ago when we did resign. If we just let
him walk heading into the draft, we'd only have a
couple of linebackers. So I like the signing. I know,
like you said, it's not the most Philadelphia moved to
sign off ball linebackers the deals like this, but I
think it was the right move and I think it
needed to be done.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
And to payback off that after this season that Saquon
Barkley as the Eagles basically give him like a raise,
they give him an extension, make him the highest paid
running back reset the running back market. Is that another
move that.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
After one year you're confident in because last year was
really the first year when you look at Saquon's career
that he was healthy from start to finish, and you can,
you know, attribute that to just bad luck before or
are playing behind a much worse offensive line. Are you
confident in giving him that much money, especially after a
year that he had last year where all the touches
he had obviously going number two thousand yards and not
(13:50):
really having you know, gain well obviously got touches. Jalen
Hurts would run the football lot, but you know, it
seemed like Saquon more times than not. What was touching
the ball twenty plus times a game?
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Yeah, I mean, I think he proved that he deserved
it with the year he had, so I'm not really
too upset about it. Just keeping him in an Eagle uniform,
keeping him behind this offensive line is going to be
a win for the Eagles. I mean, we saw what
he could do. Just give the ball to him and
he'll find the holes. With an offensive line like the
offensive line that we have. If we can stay healthy
on that offensive line, I think he could maybe even
(14:21):
do it again. I don't know if he'll be able
to put up the same exact numbers with you know,
the outsiding supporting cast, but I think he's a guy
that you just get the ball in his hands and
he's going to make plays happen.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
We don't.
Speaker 3 (14:32):
We only have, you know, our wide receiver depth isn't
really too amazing. In my opinion, I think we have
a great duo, maybe one of the best duos in
aj Brown and DeVante Smith, but behind that really not much.
So getting the ball in his hands is main priority
for this Eagles offense and signing him to another an
extension I think is a good idea, especially with what
he just put out all.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Right, Number ten on this list a head scratcher to
me kind of at the moment, but especially more of
a head scratcher now after what they did in the draft,
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resigning Chris Godwin three years, sixty
six million, forty four and guaranteed, so really that that
could be kind of just like a two year, forty
four million dollar deal if you want to make.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
It as simple as that.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
But he's coming up to town, acl Mike Evans is
still producing a thousand yard seasons. Who knows, he might
have hinted that, you know, he might only be around
for another year or two. McMillan had a great rookiear
last year. And then they use another first round pick
on a receiver in a Mecca Abuk And I'm not
saying that I don't like those four receivers. That is
definitely the best group of four receivers when when they're
(15:38):
fully healthy in the NFL, I think we would all
agree with that, But there's only so many balls that
can go around. And maybe Abuka is, you know, drafted
as that Evans replacement, maybe just to fill in more
for god Went until he's fully back. But a little
bit of a puzzling decision there for me in strategy,
what are your thoughts on this kind of whole dynamic
in the Tampa Bay Bucks receiving when they're all healthy,
(16:01):
it's going to be a dangerous group. But you know,
as I said, you only have one football to go around,
and he got these four really good receivers.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Yeah, I'm right with you. The four receivers went healthier
are probably the best in the league. But the thing
is you can't really rely on that. Chris Godwin hasn't
really relied on or been reliable to stay on the field.
Mike Evans is getting older. We don't know how much
longer he has left. I mean, he's a first ballot
Hall of Famer, so when he's on that field, he's
going to be a problem. Baker Mayfield will always sling
the ball. They got a good offensive line, So I
(16:31):
think this is a little puzzling to go with a
Guka in first round, not saying I think heading into
the draft, I said that he was going to be
one of the most productive receivers in this class. Now
I'm kind of thinking he kind of a similar role
to how Jackson Smith and the Jig his rookie year
was in Seattle, where he had to kind of fill
in and not get as much targets behind DK and
(16:53):
who else e DK and Tyler Lockett out there in Seattle.
So I think he might not produce that much in
year one, But I think, like Buka is kind of
a pick down down the line, that he's gonna be
their wide receiver one. Heading forward, I think he is
going to have one of the best careers as a
wide receiver in this draft. At Buka, he's one of
my favorite players in this class. But yeah, the signing
(17:16):
three years, like you said, I kind of lean towards
it's only gonna be a two year deal. That threeout
third year might be a little iffy, But I think
he just has to stay healthy. I don't even know
if he'll be ready for Week one. He had a
very gruesome injury. It's gonna be tough to come back
from that. But I think this receiver and core with
with the four guys, if they're healthy, like you said,
(17:38):
I think could be one of the danger dangerous receiving
groups of this of this league.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
All right, let's switch over a little bit, kind of
to the gambling side of things. We got about, you know,
seven or eight minutes to go, as we talked about,
the draft just happened, so pretty much, you know, rosters
are gonna have some movement. There's gonna be some injuries,
but all the major moves are behind us, trades and whatnot.
(18:05):
I think Aaron Rodgers is probably the biggest potential domino
out there. Kirk Cousins maybe as well. If he gets
sent off to a team. I don't know how much
he would affect teams odds, But when you look at
the top, let's go the top ten or the top
twelve teams in Super Bowl odds, Eagles number one leading the.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Pack at plus six fifty.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
Then you got the Bills, the favorite out of the
AFC at plus seven hundred. That's tied with the Ravens
at plus seven hundred as well, Chiefs plus seven to fifty,
Lions ten to one, Commanders sixteen to one, Niners twenty
to one, Packers twenty to one, Bengals twenty to one,
and Rams twenty two to one. So when you look
at these standings, they have projected basically the Eagles to
(18:44):
win the East, the Lions to win the North, the
Niners to win the West, and then the Bucks are
the next one at twenty five to one to win
the South. You look at the AFC Bills plus seven
hundred to win the East, no surprise there, Ravens seven
to one.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
To win this Bowl.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
They would be the favorite to win the North, Chiefs
plus seven to fifty to win the West or to
win the Super Bowl, so they'd be favorite to win
the West there, and then to wrap it up the
AFC South, the closest team Houston Texans, all the way
down at forty to one. So any kind of surprising
odds there, you know, for to have the Ravens and
(19:20):
Bills both the head of the Chiefs, I think, say
what you want about the Chiefs, they still it's kind
of like the Patriots, where they're gonna be there no
matter what until proven otherwise. I think that's a little
bit disrespectful. Commanders in there at sixteen to one, no
matter saying that this time last year, any of those
numbers kind of popping off the page or one of
those teams cut your eye as a good value play
(19:41):
at this stage of the game.
Speaker 3 (19:42):
Yeah, kind of piggyback on what you said out the Chiefs.
I mean, if you have Patrick mahons and you Reid
on your sideline, I think it's kind of hard to
go against that, especially in that division. That division's kind
of weak. I know, you know the Chargers are with Herbert,
they haven't really been reliable. I guess you can kind
of count Bo Knicks, you know, see what he can
do in that Broncos I like, I love that Broncos defense.
(20:04):
I'm not going to say that they can go out
and do something, but I'm a big fan of that
Broncos defense. But Commanders at sixteen to one, like you said,
saying this this time last year, you would say you're crazy.
But I mean they've made the moves. They they went out,
got Larmy Tunsel, they got Deebo, they got you know,
obviously Jaydon Daniels. But I think they could do something.
(20:25):
I'm not saying obviously we're we're obviously I'm gonna take
the Eagles over that but seeing them at sixteen to one,
I'm kind of, you know, shocked at that. I don't think.
I don't like the Niners number at all. I don't
think they're that good at all. I don't think I
think they're going to take a big step back at
twenty to one.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
I don't.
Speaker 3 (20:42):
I don't see that what you know they did in
the offseason or even in the draft will help them
this year. I especially as an Iowa State fan, I'm
not too high on brock Party. I don't think he
can really lead them to you know, I guess, and
then IFC championship or a Super Bowl win. So those
ones are kind of sticking out to me right there.
But obviously I'm going to go with the Eagles at
(21:05):
six fifty.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah. The craziest like trend I think currently in the
NFL is that that NFC's trend with the no repeat
winner back.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
Yeah, Yeah, that gives me.
Speaker 1 (21:17):
I think it's since three oh four there hasn't been
a repeat winner in the NFC East, and it's like
Eagles come in here as the favorite to win the
Super Bowl. To win the NFC East, they are minus
one forty Commanders plus two hundred Cowboys all the way
down on a plus seven to fifty Giants at nineteen
to one. But it's like, are we really buying into
that trend? Like obviously teams switched from from year to year,
(21:39):
but you know, I don't think I think the Commander's
played over their head last year, like even the offseason
moves like Armie tunsl in his thirties, deebo, I think
his best days are behind him. Obviously you got the
young quarterback, you got Terry, but it's like, how good
is that run game like Brian Robinson and did they
bring back did they bring back Eckler or did they
get a back in the draft or anything.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
They may have brought back Eckler.
Speaker 2 (22:02):
I don't don't take.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
Yeah, the backfield's not the backfield's not that scary. I
think they played a little bit about their head last
year and we saw that, don't I agree with the
US Championship losing by thirty points. So the Commanders all
the way at sixteen to one, showing a lot of
respect to Jayden and Daniels.
Speaker 2 (22:20):
We'll see ye. Just Stroud lit it up on lit
it up last year.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
He was vaulted into that top five conversation excuse me,
two years ago, and then I think we saw him
take a step back last year, So that's certainly gonna
be something to watch.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
I else wanted just saw a tweet that said Jaden
Daniels had the best rookie career of any rookie in
any sport. There's no win will average thirty seven and
twenty seven playing plumbers.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
But what are we doing Lebron too, probably whatever, Eric Bakers.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
Eric Dickerson at like eighteen hundred and eighteen.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
All right, one more before we get out. A team
that I've been hearing, like hyped up a little bit.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Some people have been kind of calling them the Commanders
from last year. They think they could be that team
that takes a big jump this year. Second, your quarterback
with Drake may really good head coach, and Mike Rabel
the Patriots, they're twenty eight to one to win the AFC.
They are to win the East. They're a second in
the East at plus four seventy five. And obviously it's
(23:26):
been a down few years for the Patriots after Bill
Belichick has left. In kind of the past couple of
years without Belichick or excuse me, the last few years
with Belichick still running the show, but belts on the
Patriots off season. They were by far the biggest spender.
I think them in at the Bears and then they
go out they bring in Will Campbell. More of your
thoughts kind of on their draft, their off season and
(23:49):
how good is Drake May Like, because I just the
Patriots were a team that wasn't really on match last year.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Is like everyone was.
Speaker 1 (23:55):
Kind of hyping up Drake May the people that would
watch every single game, like have the ability to go
back and watch the film, but the thoughts on him
and any chance that they could take down the Bills
in the East.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
I'm a big fan of Drake May. I mean, he
didn't really have that much help last year, but in
this off season, they really did a lot that, like
you said, the biggest spenders. They really went in on
the offensive line, Will Campbell. I think they got Garrett
Bradbury too, maybe even someone else. I think they got
on the defensive side, they got Harrl Landry, they got
Carlton Davis, Stefan Diggs. Obviously Morgan Moses he's a little older,
(24:29):
but they did, you know, what they needed to do
to protect their guys Milton Williams obviously was one of
the biggest, you know, free agent signings of this class
of this offseason. So I like what they did in
the offseason. I love that what they did in the
draft with Will Campbell protecting your franchise guy. I mean,
you kind of needed to do that after what we
saw last season. Drake Maye just running around, I mean,
(24:50):
and like he can run around, like he can use
his legs to you know, beat you. So I won't
be surprised if we see them take a little jump.
Not saying they'll really make the play offs. They got
to beat the Bill still, but I think that they're
taking a step in the right direction with with their
young quarterback, with their young offensive lineman and Will Campbell.
So I like what they're doing down there or up
(25:11):
there in New England.
Speaker 1 (25:15):
All right, well, i'll wrap it up for episode one.
We've got many more episodes of come. I'm sure we're
gonna be touching on everything.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Next week. We'll transition over into college a little bit.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
That one's even harder to keep track of obviously with
the transfer portal and everything.
Speaker 2 (25:29):
So that'll be fun. That might even have to be
a back to back two week episode, but.
Speaker 1 (25:33):
That'll do it for episode one of Football Is King.
So we said, we'll be streaming every Tuesday our goal,
you know, in between seven and eight o'clock, that kind
of range going forward, and before we know it, training
camp will be here. So everyone keep it locked here
on Fox Sports The Gambler.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
We'll be talking to you next week
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