January 17, 2025 • 33 mins
On this episode of Twentyman in the Huddle podcast presented by Microsoft, Tim Twentyman is joined by Dan Miller, Penei Sewell and John Keim previewing the Detroit Lions’ NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Golf works out of the gun, gives to his right.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Jared takes back, looking BROI got.
Speaker 3 (00:05):
The man touch down detroit lyonk Jamier Kids.
Speaker 4 (00:12):
Welcome to the twenty in the Huddle podcast. It is
the divisional round of the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
You all know the guy. He's sitting next to me.
Speaker 4 (00:18):
Fox two sports director, the voice of the Detroit Lines
and Dan. Now, I'm what are you conflicted at all?
You are born and raised in Washington. You had season
tickets to then the Redskins growing up. You worked in
Washington for sixteen years for radio and television. You are
nine post game yeah, Washington. Now you have been in
(00:41):
Detroit a long time. Now, is there any conflict at
all this week? Any looking back to your childhood memories
fond Lee And.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
I'll say this, I have great memories of those teams,
from George Allen to Joe Gibbs and all those crews.
And that's I think that's part of what fed my
past for what I do for sports and wanted to
get involved. It was, you know, my love's growing up
with them and the bullets. I mean, it was like
those two things. But you know, you come here for
(01:10):
twenty seven years you're immersed in this and even before
I got to play by play job when I worked here,
you know, for the first seven years you were around
this team. You get to know the players, you get
to know the families, you get to know just everybody involved,
and you want to see this group do well. So
there's no conflict for me whatsoever. Look, I want to
be in a super Bowl. I want to call a
(01:31):
super Bowl, and if they're standing in the way of that,
that's what it is. I'm happy to see their success
because I have a lot of friends back there and
I know they've been through some miserable times with that franchise,
so it's been fun to see them enjoy it. Just
like I've said, the best part of my job here
is seeing fans happy and enjoying what's going on with
the Lions, because they deserve that. But when we kick
(01:52):
off on Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
It's all blue.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
It is all blue.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
The newness of this matchup I think is fun too,
because you looked at who the Lions could have faced
been that storyline with Stafford in LA again, it could
have been the third time with Minnesota, third time with
Green Bay. I think this is the most fun matchup
they could have got just because of the newness of it,
obviously Jane and Daniels and what he's bringing to the table.
But it's just it's something different, and I think that's fun.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
We may, if things work out, still see Matthew and
what the rams. We'll see what happens and all the
things that go there. Jared going back against his team
and Brad and everything that's involved. But we've done that
and if we have to do it again, we will.
But I was ready for something new. I was also
ready to not see the Vikings again right away, or
not see Green Bay right away.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
So I agree with you.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
I think that this the newness of this, the challenge
of this, and this is a really good team and
a really confident team coming in here. And it's nothing
to do with oh this is easy or anything like that.
It's just, hey, this is something new.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Let's do this, all right.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Let's get into Saturday's matchup. First off, I think the
big one is obviously Jane Daniels, their rookie quarterback. The
numbers well, I think he does not look like a
rookie Dan. I've never seen anything like it, really. I mean,
we've seen some good rookie performances. But this kid is
so calm, so cool, so collected. You talk to any coach,
any player on this line's roster, and they've said the
(03:10):
same thing. You turn on the film and he doesn't
look like a rookie. This kid is composed. Has been
the word that I've heard a ton this week.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Not apples to apples, but it kind of reminds me
of when RG three went there and just lifted that
franchise up and kind of brought them back and they
had some moments there where it was just, you know,
crazy for football again. But you know, we kind of
watched him from afar this season and you were seeing
what he was doing. I mean, he is special, and
his ability to evade the rush and to make plays
(03:37):
with his feet and then still be an accurate thrower
sixty nine percent on the year tells you a lot
about who he is. So it's not just a one
dimensional player. He's not a runner who throws. Sometimes he
can throw the deep ball. Coach said that on Monday,
and you look back at some of the tapes of
the balls he's throw to McLaurin and Dianmi Brown. The
game he had the other night where he broke out.
(03:57):
There's a lot of good things happening with this foot
team right now. He's in the middle of it, and
that's a challenge man in particular. You gotta be careful
when you're coming in on him. It's different than other quarterbacks.
You need to make sure you're coming into control because
he's gonna shake in, be gone. It's more about containment
than it is sacks.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
For those edge guys.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
In this one, you almost have to be an unselfish player.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
If you're Zadarius Smith, if you're Josh Pascal, if you're
some of those other guys. You can't get vertical, get
past him, you can't run by him. You almost you
want to put pressure on him, you want to get
to him, but there's a point internally where you just.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Have to stop. It's got to collapse and you've got
to stop.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
And you got to say, Okay, I can live with
this rookie in this environment. And look, he played at LSU,
the SEC, He's been in big environus, loud places even
this year. He's never seen what he's gonna see Saturday
night at Ford Field, I don't think, and so keep
him in that pocket make him have to see coverage,
get into right plays and make throws. And I think
(04:53):
if you're the Lions, and if you're Aaron Glenn, you're
really happy with that situation.
Speaker 5 (04:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
No, I think it's it's gonna be very interesting to
see what happened and to everything that you just said. Yeah,
this isn't going to be too big for him. He
showed that in the opening round of the playoffs. I
mean he looked like a ten year vet out there.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
So I think it's certainly one of those things where
don't anticipate the he's going to come in here and
just the scene's going to be too big, and we
know what the home field advantage is like at Ford Field,
that it's going to be a problem. He's ready for
this and the Lions have.
Speaker 5 (05:22):
To be ready for him.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Two and one Lions against kind of mobile quarterbacks, I
would say, you know, I thought Jola Mane got the
better of him week twelve, but they did a great
job against Kyler Murray week three.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
Yeah, basically two runs.
Speaker 4 (05:33):
Yeah, and Anthony Richards in week twelve, yeah, start and
then they slowed him down did a good job too.
So did a great job in that regard. They've had
some kind of tune ups to this, but he's a
different challenge. Yeah, he is, and we're gonna see how
this defense handles that. And this defense has got to
be coming in with some confidence. We saw what they
did against Minnesota. It's a different challenge. But I think
anytime you put.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Together an effort like that under lights like that, in
a situation like that, with all that on the line,
it just feeds your overall confidence.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Slip over the other side of the football and offense
that has been so good all year long. They get
a big piece back on Saturday night. David Montgomery looks
like he's trending toward coming back.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
And look, we can't.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Understate the dub that Jamir Gibbs did kind of running
into that role. Almost four hundred rushing yards, five touchdowns,
added over one hundred yards receiving another touchdown. He really
handled that load. But there's something about getting David.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
Back, isn't there?
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Dan?
Speaker 4 (06:22):
There's no question, a tone setter of toughness, everything that
comes with that.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
And I've heard all the conversations about how do you
take the ball out of Jamir's hands when he's played
so well. Look, It's about options, and it's about two
running backs that can both do positive things for this team.
We've seen the power that David brings look Jamiir brings
it to but they do things differently and they can
keep each other fresh. This is nothing but a positive
and the football in David Montgomery's hands is never a
(06:45):
bad thing. And I trust Ben Johnson to understand how
to split that load. Let those guys do their work,
understand who's carrying the hothand and.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
Go from there.
Speaker 4 (06:53):
This quote from Dan Campbell this week, number five is
a big part of us. He's a huge part of us.
To me, he's a bell, he's somebody that's a tone setter,
he's a catalyst. There's a place for him and a
place for him in this game that.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Comes from the top.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
I think he said it perfect, yeah, right there.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
And I know he trusts Ben Johnson to figure it
out too, and they'll come with a plan. Look, these
guys know the recipe. They've won fifteen games for a reason.
They understand what it takes, and they understand how to
utilize the different weapons that they have. And you think
of all the weapons that they have on this team,
they've found a way to keep everybody involved and utilize
guys at the right time, and it's added up to wins.
(07:29):
And let me say this too, Craig Reynolds, great job, yes,
jump jumping in there, jumping in there when he was
you know, Montgomery was out, whether he was asked to
catch the ball, which he did a couple of games,
to go, block, pass, protect, whatever it is, run the
ball a couple of times. I think you just got
exactly what you asked for out of him. And it's
tough when you sit all season and wait for that chance.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
No, it's a great point by you because they've had
that a lot of different places, right Christian Mahogan, he's
stepping up and doing his thing when he's had different guys.
You know, a tight end anywhere receivers have had to
step up, timpasack. That's the m of this football team.
And Craig Grounds is a great example of just a
guy waiting the wing, put your head down, go to work.
When he gets your opportunity to make the most of it.
(08:10):
And we've seen that all year long. Next man up
is significant and you have to be ready. It's not
just the saying you have to be ready and coaches
have to have a plan for that guy. These coaches
have We've seen that time after time, and the players
have been ready.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
All right.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Some of your best calls over the last few weeks
have been on kind of those fourth down plays, big moments,
right that touchdown to Jamir on fourth down, that was
such a great call by you.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Fourth down. It looks like that could be huge, I
mean a huge aspect of that game.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
Detroit obviously thirty three times they went for it on
fourth rounder and the registaton and that was the fourth most,
but really the most of any team. You know, that
wasn't a bad team, just trying to have to go
for it. Washington twenty three times, mill of the pack,
but they converted twenty of twenty three. I mean that's crazy.
And then then you look at the Wildcard game three
of five, but first series twenty yard line, fourth and
(08:58):
two at the Tampa Bay twenty said, no touchdowns at
are a premium in this game, We're gonna We're gonna
get it.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
How crucial is fourth down in this game on Saturday?
I think in this game, fourth down is the new
third down. I mean, it's just these coaches have no
problem going forward. And I think the reason is, and
I've said this continuously about Dan Campbell, they trust these
units on the field with the football in their hands.
I think they've trust Kingsbury to make the call. They
trust Daniels to make the play. The Lions trust Been
(09:26):
to make the call. They trust Jared to make the play,
and the offensive line to block, and Alvin Rod to
make the catch, and Gibbs or Montgomery to make the play.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Whatever it is.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
They just trust those guys and they want the game
in their hands.
Speaker 4 (09:37):
You know.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
It's interesting.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
Aaron talked about Eron glennon the defensive cocording for the Lions,
talked about this on Wednesday too, is just how that
changes a defensive perspective too, and how third and six
and third and five typically in the league it's that's
a passing down. Yeah, for Washington Detroit, that can be
a running down because you know you're gonna go fourth
on fourth down, you're just putting yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
In a good position, you get it.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
Great.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
It really changes the way you have to play defense,
especially on third down when you play Washington Detroit with
just how good they are and fourced down, doesn't.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
That Yeah, at that point, the playbook's wide open because
you know you're getting another crack at it coming up.
And look the Lions of the number one third down
defense in the NFL. To me, the onus on them
is first and second down. You've got to put them
in good down and distance positions for your defense on
third down. And I think that's where you can maybe
get Daniels in some situations, like any quarterback, not just
(10:24):
talking about him, but it's winning first and second down
that oftentimes will lead the third down and then that
decision on fourth down becomes a little more difficult.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
It should be a fun one Saturday night in Detroit,
a chance to go to the NFC Championship game, which
you will host, listen him around. I mean, it's going
to be crazy.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
And we've watched other teams do this long enough, you
know it's fun to be in the mix. It's fun
to be feeling what we're feeling right now, that edginess
about a game coming up. And you know what, it's
not an easy game. It's not supposed to be an
easy game. There's not that many teams left, right, so
this is the time you got to go out there
and prove it and the Lions have proven it. They
have a good recipe to win. The stage is bigger,
the stakes are, but what you have to do to
(11:01):
win a football game doesn't change, and they've shown they
know how to do that. They just got to go
out and do what they could do to do during
the regular seas. I wish Saturday could get here. I
know everybody's going to be listening to your call. Time
is moving really really slow.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Isn't it.
Speaker 4 (11:14):
You're gonna do a great job Saturday night. I'll be there,
You'll be there. You guys will join in too, and
it'll be a fun one.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Can't wait looking forward to it. And Ford Field is
a special place and I can't wait to see all
you people out there.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
And we'll be back with Penney Soool.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Welcome back to the podcast.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
A guy nice to heed, no introduction whatsoever. He is
the All Pro, the Pro Bowl, the best right tackle
in football, Pennae Sool, thanks for joining me. Appreciate it,
appreciate you having me again the bye week, just you know,
a chance to kind of sit back a little bit,
watch some football, spend some time with the family. Just
how important was that you guys hadn't had one since
week five. So was it good just to kind of
(11:53):
rest up the body a little bit, recalibrate, refocus, and
get your mind right going in the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (11:57):
Yeah, it's a little little breathe there, I guess, and
it definitely helps with the early buy that we had
this year, So a couple guys that were banged up,
they were able to kind of heal up a little
bit more, and not only physically but mentally, you know,
just kind of get a fresh air of just I
guess reality in terms of getting back to your family,
(12:18):
your loved ones, and so yeah, it was good, but
now it's time to come back.
Speaker 4 (12:22):
How much fun did you have over the weekend, not
only just the time of the family too, but being
able to sit back and watch football and kind of
just see who the opponent was. Enjoy playoff football a
little bit with not the stress and everything else that
comes with obviously being a part of it and be
playing in it.
Speaker 7 (12:35):
Oh yeah, the first two days I just gave it
to my family took I think it was like snowing
really hard one of those days, so we went to
the backyard, I blew up the tube and just went
sledding a.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Little bit nice.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah, we're out there for maybe.
Speaker 7 (12:51):
Like twenty minutes. Max is called from I think nine months.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
One of those she's getting close to Yeah.
Speaker 7 (12:59):
She's moving though, she's crawling place. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
So congratulations on the All Pro and the Pro Bowl.
I thought that little message that the team.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Did with everybody was great to incorporate Isabelle and Mela,
And as a parent, I can totally appreciate Malachai's nap time,
but just to have them involved it, does it mean
a little bit more?
Speaker 4 (13:17):
I mean, to have these honors and stuff like that,
with the family being involved in stuff, does it Does
it mean a little bit.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
More to you now?
Speaker 7 (13:25):
It was definitely cool for me to find out the
way I did that little video my wife did with Malachi.
It almost caught me for a second just because it
was not anything kind of what he was saying. It
is just me kind of sitting back and seeing how
far he's just really grown and how time just flies. Man,
he makes the time just move. So how I guess
(13:47):
big he's guy, and even Mila just seeing them grow.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
Yeah, trust me, you'll turn around and they'll be seventeen
in one second. So that's what that's reminds that that's crazy.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
What's gonna be like.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Run that tunnel, that atmosphere.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
How much are you looking forward to that?
Speaker 4 (14:02):
I mean those playoff games last year at Ford Field
were ridiculous and this one's got a chance to have
a home NFC championship game. Have you let yourself think
about what's that, what that's going to be like, and
how fun that's gonna be Saturday night.
Speaker 7 (14:16):
I haven't really thought about it, to be honest. I know,
I know it's just gonna be electric, just like last year.
So I'm kind of just focused on the game plan
and uh doing my job. So but I know it'll
be it'll be loud out there.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
So speaking of that, the job, just the challenge that
prevents it or presents itself with Washington, what jumps out
on tape? What kind of defense do you guys facing?
What are the challenges there with.
Speaker 7 (14:41):
Them very talented group from the back end to the front.
I mean, those those two up front from Allen and Paying,
those those guys set the tone. So, uh, we got
a we got a good challenge ahead of us, and
we know what, uh we got to do going into
this game. So there's a very They got veterans linebacker
at the wagoner and Louisu and even the back end.
(15:02):
They're playing good ball right now, so we just got
to go out there NEXTQ.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
I was curious if you heard David Montgomery's comments yesterday.
He spoke to the media and they asked him just
about you know, him and John and the combo, and
he said, look, he stopped it and he said, look,
we don't have two one thousand yard receivers on this team.
We don't have two backs that have a thousand screamy
yards if not for that offensive line and the job
(15:26):
that they do. I'm just curious if you heard the
comments and your reaction to a guy like that who's
done at a high level for a long time.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
A tough guy, I know, a guy that you.
Speaker 4 (15:35):
Respect giving that love to the guys up front yesterday.
Speaker 7 (15:39):
Yeah, he's being too nice man. Him and Jah, those
two guys are just special. I've never seen players like that,
those guys being able to run the ball. Montgomery just
how tough he is, and even John's tough too. I
don't think people give him credit for that. So those
two guys are electric and that make you miss, and
(16:01):
they make us look good like at the end of
the day. And then true Jamo and Saint, those guys
are just crazy as well. Jamie was willing to come
in on the run game and take somebody's head off,
and Saint he always does that. So yeah, we all
compliment each other, and yeah, he's just being too nice.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
Jamiir held down the fort, you know, really well carried
the load the last three weeks. But how important is
it to get David back and just the kind of
he's a tone center, right, it's that physical mentality. Just
how much of an offense finding an offense? How important
is it to get him back and have that two
headed monster again.
Speaker 7 (16:36):
It's very important. He's a huge part of this offense.
I mean, he just like you said, he brings a
physical presence. Every time he touched that ball, defenders are
gonna feel him, you know, And it's just our job
to just get him to that point where he can
do what he do and so for him to come
back and again Sonic and Knuckles and just those two
doing those things something special.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
I wanted to ask you about two young guys, just
a couple more for you, Penny, Christian Mahogany hopefully Kevin
Zeitler that that the hamstring is good.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
We saw him working off to the.
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Side on on Wednesday's practice and and he'll be good
to go. If not, you've had to you know, Christians
had to step in there and play before. Just a
confidence level you have in him, and how have you
seen him grow throughout the year to to be able
to kind of step in and and really have the
coach's confidence if needed.
Speaker 7 (17:22):
Yeah, he'd be good at the end of the day.
I mean, he's got one under his belt with Chicago
and just I think players and coaches seeing him from
the start of camp and well he wasn't able, but
just seeing what he got back from once he got back,
it's just been positive. So uh, just he'll be good.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
He's gotten asking us about him, doesn't he Yeah, No,
he fits that room.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
He fits you guys.
Speaker 4 (17:47):
Another guy I want to ask you about who we
haven't seen and you know his drafted is kind of
a developmental guy, big body, but you know, played at
British Columbia University. Giovanni Manu. I'm curious what you what
you've how have you seen him throughout the year.
Speaker 7 (18:03):
Just mentally, you know, I think the mental aspect of
the game was the most important part from because physically,
that man's gifted in every way. In my opinion, he's able.
I think he's probably a better runner than I am,
to be honest. Yeah, he can move. For a big
guy like that, he can move laterally and.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Forward, So.
Speaker 7 (18:24):
Those physical traits he'll be fine. So it's just really
seeing him grow from learning the playbook to now learning
the defenses and what they're wanting to do, body language
and demeanors when he's out there. So just a mental game.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
I want to finish with this one twenty twenty one.
Obviously three thirteen and one. You know, your rookie year
a tough thing. You know, the next year you just
miss the playoffs, the disappointment of last year losing the
NFC Championship game. How those three years kind of molded
this core in this team to kind of be ready
(19:00):
for the moment that you guys are at right now,
the number one seed, one of the favorites in the
NFC to go to the Super Bowl. How is that
kind of three years led you to this point.
Speaker 7 (19:10):
I mean, I think it's a number of things, but
just kind of going through those emotions of how hard
it is to win in this league, you know, and
then coach Campbell and Brad Holmes bringing in the guys
that fit our culture and fit our style. It has
been important. So I think those two things played a
(19:32):
huge factor into where we're at today.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
And yeah, well congratulations on the Pro Bowl, on the
All Pro They're going to continue to come the best
right tackle in football. Go get it done on Saturday,
and let's get another one for the NFC Championship game.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Thank you, appreciate you. Welcome back to the Town in
the Huddle podcast.
Speaker 4 (19:53):
I am very happy to welcome with John Kime does
a great job covering everything Commanders for ESPAN. You can
also catch his podcast then Time Report. John, thanks so
much for joining me. I appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (20:03):
My pleasure.
Speaker 6 (20:04):
It's fun to be talking in the NFL playoff football
between the Lines and the Commanders, two organizations.
Speaker 5 (20:09):
You wouldn't have thought about this a few years ago,
you know.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
And for the Commanders in particular to have four wins
last year to be the number two pick, I mean,
what a turnaround for this organization, The job dan Quinn
has done, and obviously Daniels, how maybe unexpected is this
run from your perspective, haven't been around him for so long.
Speaker 6 (20:29):
Yeah, I think I would say beginning of the season
vary as the season got going, not at all, because
you started to see just how unique Jayden Daniels is
as a quarterback, as a rookie quarterback, So you started
to see like they were capable of doing things like
this offense is good, and I think, you know, I'm
going to go back to like Dan Quinn because I
(20:51):
think Dan Campbell and Quinn have done two great things
for their organizations, which is setting the tone for the
organization and creating an atmosphere and a cult sure that
players can thrive it. And so I think when you
started to see that aspect early and then when you
start to see how good Jayden Daniels was, I'm not
surprised that they're in this point now. I think if
(21:12):
they get beyond this point, I'd be very surprised because
of how good Detroit is. But to get to this point,
like to beat Tampa Bay in the first round, you know,
not a big shock at all.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
Talking about Jaydon Daniels, Dan Campbell was asked about him
yesterday and he said, watching him, he doesn't look like
a rookie quarterback. And I think that's been the whole deal,
just what John has made him so good all year long,
just the poise, everything else, I mean heat, that's probably
one of the greatest rookie performances we've ever seen in
this league.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
And that's saying something for sure.
Speaker 5 (21:43):
And so I think you hit on one word, poise
in the pocket. You see that.
Speaker 6 (21:47):
You see the way he keeps his emotions in check
to an unbelievable level, to the point where they kicked
the game winning field goal the other day against Tampa.
They have the camera on him on the bench. He's
just kind of sitting there watches it go through, stands up.
There's very little reaction immediately, like it's just he is
so locked in the moment. So that's one thing. But
I'm going to go back like his talent can everybody
(22:08):
can see the talent. You could see the talent before
the draft. He can run, he can throw, he has
you know he's that. But it's to me, it's the
work ethic that got him to this point. So for example,
in the spring, he's showing up at five point thirty
five forty five in the spring to just work on
you know, going over formations, watching film over over plays,
(22:29):
and so when he would come in to the practices,
they would talk about how far ahead he is with
this offense because of the work he puts in behind
the scenes.
Speaker 5 (22:38):
He still does that.
Speaker 6 (22:39):
He shows up around five five thirty every day, first in,
last out kind of thing. But he and Cliff Offense,
accordinated to Cliff Kingsbury, are going through walkthroughs three days
a week at like six am every day. And like
they'll say, we give him the playbook on Tuesday night
and by Wednesday morning, he's got it down. And so, like,
I think it's that rare ability to study and process
it and retain it the way he does. That helps
(23:01):
him stay poised and play a little bit faster in
the pocket.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
It should be a fun matchup with him.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
I know the Lions are certainly aware of what he
can do both in the pocket outside of the pocket,
and that'll be a great matchup between Aaron Glenn the
defensive coordinator and and and him trying to disguise some coverages,
give him some things he hasn't seen.
Speaker 2 (23:19):
But boy, that that that kid looks really really good.
Speaker 4 (23:22):
Injuries obviously, you know, a factor Lions are gonna get
David Montgomery back this week.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
They didn't play last week.
Speaker 4 (23:28):
Where what's the injury situation with Washington coming out of
the wild carding hang into Saturday.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
They're in good shape, yea.
Speaker 6 (23:35):
The only they're they're the only guy that's been ruled
out is a backup linebackers, a good special teamer and
Jordan McGee. But you know, they got Marshaun Lattimore back
last week. Now he still looks rusty, but they got
him back. You know, John Allen came back recently, Austin
Eckler came back a couple of weeks ago. Those guys
have been out for a little while, so they're actually
at a good point with their health.
Speaker 5 (23:55):
I mean, there's some you know, you know how it
is like this time of the year.
Speaker 6 (23:57):
A lot of guys are gonna be dealing with a
lot of little things but over but for the most part,
they're in a really good spot.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
You know, you talked off you talked about it off
the top about the culture that that Dan Quinn has
built there. Just maybe talk about that just a little
bit more and just why these players have have bought
in so much to to to what he's bringing. You
compared him to Dan Campbell, and I think that's a
great comparison because Dan talked about his history with with
(24:26):
with Dan Quinn too, and how much he you know, values,
you know, that part of the job and the culture
that he's built there just what has made him so
successful there in Washington and be able to turn this
thing around so quickly.
Speaker 5 (24:41):
So there's a couple of things.
Speaker 6 (24:42):
One, I think it's just like you know, watching Campbell
from Afar, you saw how he set the tone for
the building and just the mindset that you create and
the consistent messaging that you deliver, and I think Quinn
does a lot of that. Now they're different in how
they go about it, like you know, they they're not
going to say the same things, but I think the
intentionality is very similar and I think that's a big part.
(25:03):
But the messaging is consistent from both aspects, and so
you see. And then Quinn also brings a ton of energy. Now,
anytime there's change, and you know this, like anytime there's
change with the coaching staff, there's always that oh, well
it's going to be different because of this, and there's
more energy because it's new. But there was I've been
around a lot of coaching changes. I had not seen
(25:24):
the energy like this. Even in the spring, you could
just feel it was different, and like you didn't know
how it would translate to the field and success, but
you knew it was different. And some of it they have,
like I think it's thirteen or fourteen X players on
their coaching staff.
Speaker 5 (25:38):
That helps.
Speaker 6 (25:39):
But Quinn I think sets the tone with his energy.
I mean he is upbeat, positive, and like even after
the first game, Tim, they lost to the Bucks in
the first game thirty seven to twenty, it was there
was no there's no panic. It was all about this
is what we need to learn.
Speaker 5 (25:55):
Right.
Speaker 6 (25:55):
They beat the Giants next week, like, yeah, you know
his comment was like yeah, we beat them, but we
have to do better here. It's always about what can
you do to get better? What do you learn to
get better? And if you process it that way, I
think it helps. And then I say all that and
then because number five jayde Daniels is really good, that
helps too. But all the other stuff is mad and
I also think Tim. The last thing is they changed
(26:17):
the roster over in a huge a fifty five sixty
percent of the roster was new but I think they
did a really good job of finding players who fit
the culture they wanted. Bobby Wagner, Zach Er, It's Austin Ecker,
guys like that. I think they have made a difference too.
So it's all of that, but it starts with I
think getting the right guys as coach. And they interviewed,
you know, they Aaron Glenn was on the list, Ben
Johnson on the list, but I think Quinn was the
(26:37):
guy that brought the energy that this place in particular needed.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
So many comparisons between Quinn and Campbell. It's going to
be such a fun matchup just from that regard on Saturday,
and the newness of this game I.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Think is interesting too.
Speaker 4 (26:53):
Of all the opponents that the Lions could have faced,
Washington obviously is the one they haven't faced this year.
Do you like that about this matchup that they haven't
faced each other? There's kind of a newness to the
game planned and and there's that aspect of Saturday for sure.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
I think, you know, and I think it'll be fun
listen as someone who you know, you're in the NFL,
You're you're a fan of football, right, that's why you're
doing this to go watch it. For me to go
watch a playoff game in Ford Field, it's going to
be a blast because that's the energy you want in
a building, Like I'm looking forward to that.
Speaker 5 (27:24):
And I think for these.
Speaker 6 (27:25):
Guys, like I think the newness of it comes in,
you know, when you're studying the opponent and what they do,
et cetera. But it's also there is the unknown, like
you know, you know Detroit how good that offense is,
and you know they're going to move the ball and
score on this team. But then it's like, how does
Detroit's defense do against this group? We don't know what
they're going to do. We knew how Tampa Bay would
try to attack them, and so there was clearly some mystery.
(27:47):
And also it was also, hey, how much better is
Daniels from week one to now?
Speaker 5 (27:52):
But now it's just all mystery. And so I think
there is that element.
Speaker 6 (27:55):
I hadn't thought about that, but I think that element
is a fun one to add layers this game. By
the way, and Campbell and Quinn, this is no surprise
they share the same agent.
Speaker 4 (28:05):
Of course they do because of the newness. Obviously, Lions
fans aren't very familiar with Washington that roster, maybe who's
one or two players who maybe could impact this game
that that Lions fans maybe don't know that the Washington's.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Could be looking for to have a big game Saturday night.
Speaker 6 (28:23):
So I mean the obvious one of offense would be
Terry McLain at receiver. I mean, he's very, very good
and he has is it thirteen to fourteen touchdown passes
now catches this year, the big change in his game.
And he's got speed, he can make big plays and
Jane Dams will attack down the field, so he's dropped
in some dimes them. They they have a chance for
connection every game with that. It's just a matter of
(28:44):
do you hit it or not. But the other area
where he's really improved and what they've improved with him
is in the red zone. Eleven touchdowns catches in the
red zone, so that's a place to watch for him.
That's he had eleven in his first five years combined
in the red zone. So that was it was some
on him, some on coaching, but now he's a big
thought there. Zach Ertz veteran, you know, you got people
(29:05):
know him. He's been in the league. He's a very
good security blanket for Daniels. Austin Eckler another guy who
in space can hurt you still. And I think on defense,
the guys you'd have to look at Frankie Louvu, the linebacker,
Bobby Wagner. People know him, but Frankie Louvo maybe you
don't know. And he was in Carolina for a few years,
really good last year and really blossom this year. In
(29:25):
this defense, they like to move him around a lot.
They like to rush him as a passer. The danger
for Washington is and I've seen Ben Johnson do this. Man,
if you can, if they can get Jamiir Gibbs on
him outside, it's a rap for Gibbs. I mean he's
gonna you know that, that's an area where Detroit could
take advantage. They rush Louver for a reason. He's really
good at that. But in coverage that's a weakness. So
(29:47):
if they can get him there, but he is a
he is an impact player for them.
Speaker 2 (29:51):
Is that run defense a little bit of a concern.
Speaker 4 (29:53):
You just look at the numbers, you know, rank thirtieth
and Detroit is so good at running the football, and
that's what they want to do. That's how everything is
built off that is that the big concern for Washington
coming in.
Speaker 6 (30:02):
It's not a little concern, it'd be a big cancer
because and also you know how this like Detroit with Gibbs,
they do a really good job and I've just been
watching it before we start talking of creating gaps and
lanes for Gibbs. They're really really good at that. So
they create hesitation in the linebackers and I think in
the front because with all them the eye candy and
the motion and the action and then maybe sometimes some
(30:22):
wider splits. So you create really good gaps lanes for him,
that's where they're going to have a problem with it,
and so they have had issues with it, and sometimes
it's the gaps get too wide for them. Last week,
I felt like it was one of their better games,
more consistently stopping the run against Bucky Irving and Tampa
because they were more gap sound, more guys staying there
and did a good job tackling Irving is a different
(30:44):
you know, Gibbs is a different dude than Irving, and
he's gonna make guys miss and you know, you watch
where his yards before first contact is amazing.
Speaker 5 (30:51):
So yeah, I think.
Speaker 6 (30:52):
That's gonna be the big thing, and it's gonna be
the hard part too, is you know, it's it's if
you start focusing too much on him and stopping the run.
I think it's hard the way they align, But then
it's like, okay, you know Amir Saint Brown, you got
Jamis and Williams like they're a laporta. You got other
ways to attack. So yeah, that is that is a
big threat. They haven't done well against it all year,
(31:13):
but they do have strong halves against the run, and
that's what they're gonna need.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Saturday night, John, last one for you again.
Speaker 4 (31:20):
I'm talking with John conn does a great job with
the ESPN covered everything.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Commanders.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
If Washington comes into Detroit, beats them, upsets them, what's
gonna be the key? How does how does Washington go
on the road and defeat Detroit in your opinion?
Speaker 2 (31:34):
What what's the biggest key to that game for them
to win?
Speaker 5 (31:38):
Man, that's that's a hard one.
Speaker 6 (31:40):
So listen, the offense has to be explosive, right, You've
got to maintain you you can't come in here, you
cannot make the mistakes. You can't have the holding penalty
to set you back. You can't you've got to finish
with touchdowns. So Detroit's offense puts pressure on other offenses
to match pace. And I think you've got to finish
in the reds. They've been good on that. You can't
(32:00):
have the turnovers, so that's one, and I think defensively,
can you create a turnover or two? Can you get
enough stops to at least so it's not you know,
giving Detroit the ball in the last minute with the
chance to win. I think you know. That to me
is how you have to go. And this is a
really good offense. Obviously for Washington, I think they can
match a lot of what Detroit does, but can they
(32:22):
do it all a game? And that's gonna be the
hard thing to do, but that's how it'll have to
be done.
Speaker 5 (32:26):
I don't see it.
Speaker 6 (32:28):
I'd be I think it'd be silly for me to
think this defense could go in there and slow Detroit
a lot. I mean, they did well against Tampa, but
some of that was because of what the offense controlling
the ball. But in this game, you can't just control
the ball. You've got to finish with touchdowns.
Speaker 2 (32:41):
Well, it should be a fun one Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (32:44):
You're gonna have a great atmosphere because Detroit gets turned
off for the playoffs. If it's anything like it was
last year, it'll be a great environment. Two teams that
don't really know each other. That's gonna be the fun
aspect of this game. John, thank you so much for
joining me. Appreciated great stuff, and we'll see in the
press box on Saturday night.
Speaker 5 (33:01):
All right, Tim, thanks for having me on
Speaker 4 (33:06):
H
Golf works out of the gun, gives to his right.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Jared takes back, looking BROI got.
Speaker 3 (00:05):
The man touch down detroit lyonk Jamier Kids.
Speaker 4 (00:12):
Welcome to the twenty in the Huddle podcast. It is
the divisional round of the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
You all know the guy. He's sitting next to me.
Speaker 4 (00:18):
Fox two sports director, the voice of the Detroit Lines
and Dan. Now, I'm what are you conflicted at all?
You are born and raised in Washington. You had season
tickets to then the Redskins growing up. You worked in
Washington for sixteen years for radio and television. You are
nine post game yeah, Washington. Now you have been in
(00:41):
Detroit a long time. Now, is there any conflict at
all this week? Any looking back to your childhood memories
fond Lee And.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
I'll say this, I have great memories of those teams,
from George Allen to Joe Gibbs and all those crews.
And that's I think that's part of what fed my
past for what I do for sports and wanted to
get involved. It was, you know, my love's growing up
with them and the bullets. I mean, it was like
those two things. But you know, you come here for
(01:10):
twenty seven years you're immersed in this and even before
I got to play by play job when I worked here,
you know, for the first seven years you were around
this team. You get to know the players, you get
to know the families, you get to know just everybody involved,
and you want to see this group do well. So
there's no conflict for me whatsoever. Look, I want to
be in a super Bowl. I want to call a
(01:31):
super Bowl, and if they're standing in the way of that,
that's what it is. I'm happy to see their success
because I have a lot of friends back there and
I know they've been through some miserable times with that franchise,
so it's been fun to see them enjoy it. Just
like I've said, the best part of my job here
is seeing fans happy and enjoying what's going on with
the Lions, because they deserve that. But when we kick
(01:52):
off on Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
It's all blue.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
It is all blue.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
The newness of this matchup I think is fun too,
because you looked at who the Lions could have faced
been that storyline with Stafford in LA again, it could
have been the third time with Minnesota, third time with
Green Bay. I think this is the most fun matchup
they could have got just because of the newness of it,
obviously Jane and Daniels and what he's bringing to the table.
But it's just it's something different, and I think that's fun.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
We may, if things work out, still see Matthew and
what the rams. We'll see what happens and all the
things that go there. Jared going back against his team
and Brad and everything that's involved. But we've done that
and if we have to do it again, we will.
But I was ready for something new. I was also
ready to not see the Vikings again right away, or
not see Green Bay right away.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
So I agree with you.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
I think that this the newness of this, the challenge
of this, and this is a really good team and
a really confident team coming in here. And it's nothing
to do with oh this is easy or anything like that.
It's just, hey, this is something new.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Let's do this, all right.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Let's get into Saturday's matchup. First off, I think the
big one is obviously Jane Daniels, their rookie quarterback. The
numbers well, I think he does not look like a
rookie Dan. I've never seen anything like it, really. I mean,
we've seen some good rookie performances. But this kid is
so calm, so cool, so collected. You talk to any coach,
any player on this line's roster, and they've said the
(03:10):
same thing. You turn on the film and he doesn't
look like a rookie. This kid is composed. Has been
the word that I've heard a ton this week.
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Not apples to apples, but it kind of reminds me
of when RG three went there and just lifted that
franchise up and kind of brought them back and they
had some moments there where it was just, you know,
crazy for football again. But you know, we kind of
watched him from afar this season and you were seeing
what he was doing. I mean, he is special, and
his ability to evade the rush and to make plays
(03:37):
with his feet and then still be an accurate thrower
sixty nine percent on the year tells you a lot
about who he is. So it's not just a one
dimensional player. He's not a runner who throws. Sometimes he
can throw the deep ball. Coach said that on Monday,
and you look back at some of the tapes of
the balls he's throw to McLaurin and Dianmi Brown. The
game he had the other night where he broke out.
(03:57):
There's a lot of good things happening with this foot
team right now. He's in the middle of it, and
that's a challenge man in particular. You gotta be careful
when you're coming in on him. It's different than other quarterbacks.
You need to make sure you're coming into control because
he's gonna shake in, be gone. It's more about containment
than it is sacks.
Speaker 4 (04:14):
For those edge guys.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
In this one, you almost have to be an unselfish player.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
If you're Zadarius Smith, if you're Josh Pascal, if you're
some of those other guys. You can't get vertical, get
past him, you can't run by him. You almost you
want to put pressure on him, you want to get
to him, but there's a point internally where you just.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Have to stop. It's got to collapse and you've got
to stop.
Speaker 4 (04:32):
And you got to say, Okay, I can live with
this rookie in this environment. And look, he played at LSU,
the SEC, He's been in big environus, loud places even
this year. He's never seen what he's gonna see Saturday
night at Ford Field, I don't think, and so keep
him in that pocket make him have to see coverage,
get into right plays and make throws. And I think
(04:53):
if you're the Lions, and if you're Aaron Glenn, you're
really happy with that situation.
Speaker 5 (04:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
No, I think it's it's gonna be very interesting to
see what happened and to everything that you just said. Yeah,
this isn't going to be too big for him. He
showed that in the opening round of the playoffs. I
mean he looked like a ten year vet out there.
Speaker 4 (05:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
So I think it's certainly one of those things where
don't anticipate the he's going to come in here and
just the scene's going to be too big, and we
know what the home field advantage is like at Ford Field,
that it's going to be a problem. He's ready for
this and the Lions have.
Speaker 5 (05:22):
To be ready for him.
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Two and one Lions against kind of mobile quarterbacks, I
would say, you know, I thought Jola Mane got the
better of him week twelve, but they did a great
job against Kyler Murray week three.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
Yeah, basically two runs.
Speaker 4 (05:33):
Yeah, and Anthony Richards in week twelve, yeah, start and
then they slowed him down did a good job too.
So did a great job in that regard. They've had
some kind of tune ups to this, but he's a
different challenge. Yeah, he is, and we're gonna see how
this defense handles that. And this defense has got to
be coming in with some confidence. We saw what they
did against Minnesota. It's a different challenge. But I think
anytime you put.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Together an effort like that under lights like that, in
a situation like that, with all that on the line,
it just feeds your overall confidence.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Slip over the other side of the football and offense
that has been so good all year long. They get
a big piece back on Saturday night. David Montgomery looks
like he's trending toward coming back.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
And look, we can't.
Speaker 4 (06:10):
Understate the dub that Jamir Gibbs did kind of running
into that role. Almost four hundred rushing yards, five touchdowns,
added over one hundred yards receiving another touchdown. He really
handled that load. But there's something about getting David.
Speaker 5 (06:20):
Back, isn't there?
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Dan?
Speaker 4 (06:22):
There's no question, a tone setter of toughness, everything that
comes with that.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
And I've heard all the conversations about how do you
take the ball out of Jamir's hands when he's played
so well. Look, It's about options, and it's about two
running backs that can both do positive things for this team.
We've seen the power that David brings look Jamiir brings
it to but they do things differently and they can
keep each other fresh. This is nothing but a positive
and the football in David Montgomery's hands is never a
(06:45):
bad thing. And I trust Ben Johnson to understand how
to split that load. Let those guys do their work,
understand who's carrying the hothand and.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
Go from there.
Speaker 4 (06:53):
This quote from Dan Campbell this week, number five is
a big part of us. He's a huge part of us.
To me, he's a bell, he's somebody that's a tone setter,
he's a catalyst. There's a place for him and a
place for him in this game that.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Comes from the top.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
I think he said it perfect, yeah, right there.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
And I know he trusts Ben Johnson to figure it
out too, and they'll come with a plan. Look, these
guys know the recipe. They've won fifteen games for a reason.
They understand what it takes, and they understand how to
utilize the different weapons that they have. And you think
of all the weapons that they have on this team,
they've found a way to keep everybody involved and utilize
guys at the right time, and it's added up to wins.
(07:29):
And let me say this too, Craig Reynolds, great job, yes,
jump jumping in there, jumping in there when he was
you know, Montgomery was out, whether he was asked to
catch the ball, which he did a couple of games,
to go, block, pass, protect, whatever it is, run the
ball a couple of times. I think you just got
exactly what you asked for out of him. And it's
tough when you sit all season and wait for that chance.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
No, it's a great point by you because they've had
that a lot of different places, right Christian Mahogan, he's
stepping up and doing his thing when he's had different guys.
You know, a tight end anywhere receivers have had to
step up, timpasack. That's the m of this football team.
And Craig Grounds is a great example of just a
guy waiting the wing, put your head down, go to work.
When he gets your opportunity to make the most of it.
(08:10):
And we've seen that all year long. Next man up
is significant and you have to be ready. It's not
just the saying you have to be ready and coaches
have to have a plan for that guy. These coaches
have We've seen that time after time, and the players
have been ready.
Speaker 6 (08:22):
All right.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Some of your best calls over the last few weeks
have been on kind of those fourth down plays, big moments,
right that touchdown to Jamir on fourth down, that was
such a great call by you.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Fourth down. It looks like that could be huge, I
mean a huge aspect of that game.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
Detroit obviously thirty three times they went for it on
fourth rounder and the registaton and that was the fourth most,
but really the most of any team. You know, that
wasn't a bad team, just trying to have to go
for it. Washington twenty three times, mill of the pack,
but they converted twenty of twenty three. I mean that's crazy.
And then then you look at the Wildcard game three
of five, but first series twenty yard line, fourth and
(08:58):
two at the Tampa Bay twenty said, no touchdowns at
are a premium in this game, We're gonna We're gonna
get it.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
How crucial is fourth down in this game on Saturday?
I think in this game, fourth down is the new
third down. I mean, it's just these coaches have no
problem going forward. And I think the reason is, and
I've said this continuously about Dan Campbell, they trust these
units on the field with the football in their hands.
I think they've trust Kingsbury to make the call. They
trust Daniels to make the play. The Lions trust Been
(09:26):
to make the call. They trust Jared to make the play,
and the offensive line to block, and Alvin Rod to
make the catch, and Gibbs or Montgomery to make the play.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Whatever it is.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
They just trust those guys and they want the game
in their hands.
Speaker 4 (09:37):
You know.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
It's interesting.
Speaker 4 (09:38):
Aaron talked about Eron glennon the defensive cocording for the Lions,
talked about this on Wednesday too, is just how that
changes a defensive perspective too, and how third and six
and third and five typically in the league it's that's
a passing down. Yeah, for Washington Detroit, that can be
a running down because you know you're gonna go fourth
on fourth down, you're just putting yourself.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
In a good position, you get it.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
Great.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
It really changes the way you have to play defense,
especially on third down when you play Washington Detroit with
just how good they are and fourced down, doesn't.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
That Yeah, at that point, the playbook's wide open because
you know you're getting another crack at it coming up.
And look the Lions of the number one third down
defense in the NFL. To me, the onus on them
is first and second down. You've got to put them
in good down and distance positions for your defense on
third down. And I think that's where you can maybe
get Daniels in some situations, like any quarterback, not just
(10:24):
talking about him, but it's winning first and second down
that oftentimes will lead the third down and then that
decision on fourth down becomes a little more difficult.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
It should be a fun one Saturday night in Detroit,
a chance to go to the NFC Championship game, which
you will host, listen him around. I mean, it's going
to be crazy.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
And we've watched other teams do this long enough, you
know it's fun to be in the mix. It's fun
to be feeling what we're feeling right now, that edginess
about a game coming up. And you know what, it's
not an easy game. It's not supposed to be an
easy game. There's not that many teams left, right, so
this is the time you got to go out there
and prove it and the Lions have proven it. They
have a good recipe to win. The stage is bigger,
the stakes are, but what you have to do to
(11:01):
win a football game doesn't change, and they've shown they
know how to do that. They just got to go
out and do what they could do to do during
the regular seas. I wish Saturday could get here. I
know everybody's going to be listening to your call. Time
is moving really really slow.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Isn't it.
Speaker 4 (11:14):
You're gonna do a great job Saturday night. I'll be there,
You'll be there. You guys will join in too, and
it'll be a fun one.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Can't wait looking forward to it. And Ford Field is
a special place and I can't wait to see all
you people out there.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
And we'll be back with Penney Soool.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Welcome back to the podcast.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
A guy nice to heed, no introduction whatsoever. He is
the All Pro, the Pro Bowl, the best right tackle
in football, Pennae Sool, thanks for joining me. Appreciate it,
appreciate you having me again the bye week, just you know,
a chance to kind of sit back a little bit,
watch some football, spend some time with the family. Just
how important was that you guys hadn't had one since
week five. So was it good just to kind of
(11:53):
rest up the body a little bit, recalibrate, refocus, and
get your mind right going in the playoffs.
Speaker 7 (11:57):
Yeah, it's a little little breathe there, I guess, and
it definitely helps with the early buy that we had
this year, So a couple guys that were banged up,
they were able to kind of heal up a little
bit more, and not only physically but mentally, you know,
just kind of get a fresh air of just I
guess reality in terms of getting back to your family,
(12:18):
your loved ones, and so yeah, it was good, but
now it's time to come back.
Speaker 4 (12:22):
How much fun did you have over the weekend, not
only just the time of the family too, but being
able to sit back and watch football and kind of
just see who the opponent was. Enjoy playoff football a
little bit with not the stress and everything else that
comes with obviously being a part of it and be
playing in it.
Speaker 7 (12:35):
Oh yeah, the first two days I just gave it
to my family took I think it was like snowing
really hard one of those days, so we went to
the backyard, I blew up the tube and just went
sledding a.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
Little bit nice.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah, we're out there for maybe.
Speaker 7 (12:51):
Like twenty minutes. Max is called from I think nine months.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
One of those she's getting close to Yeah.
Speaker 7 (12:59):
She's moving though, she's crawling place. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
So congratulations on the All Pro and the Pro Bowl.
I thought that little message that the team.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Did with everybody was great to incorporate Isabelle and Mela,
And as a parent, I can totally appreciate Malachai's nap time,
but just to have them involved it, does it mean
a little bit more?
Speaker 4 (13:17):
I mean, to have these honors and stuff like that,
with the family being involved in stuff, does it Does
it mean a little bit.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
More to you now?
Speaker 7 (13:25):
It was definitely cool for me to find out the
way I did that little video my wife did with Malachi.
It almost caught me for a second just because it
was not anything kind of what he was saying. It
is just me kind of sitting back and seeing how
far he's just really grown and how time just flies. Man,
he makes the time just move. So how I guess
(13:47):
big he's guy, and even Mila just seeing them grow.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
Yeah, trust me, you'll turn around and they'll be seventeen
in one second. So that's what that's reminds that that's crazy.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
What's gonna be like.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Run that tunnel, that atmosphere.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
How much are you looking forward to that?
Speaker 4 (14:02):
I mean those playoff games last year at Ford Field
were ridiculous and this one's got a chance to have
a home NFC championship game. Have you let yourself think
about what's that, what that's going to be like, and
how fun that's gonna be Saturday night.
Speaker 7 (14:16):
I haven't really thought about it, to be honest. I know,
I know it's just gonna be electric, just like last year.
So I'm kind of just focused on the game plan
and uh doing my job. So but I know it'll
be it'll be loud out there.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
So speaking of that, the job, just the challenge that
prevents it or presents itself with Washington, what jumps out
on tape? What kind of defense do you guys facing?
What are the challenges there with.
Speaker 7 (14:41):
Them very talented group from the back end to the front.
I mean, those those two up front from Allen and Paying,
those those guys set the tone. So, uh, we got
a we got a good challenge ahead of us, and
we know what, uh we got to do going into
this game. So there's a very They got veterans linebacker
at the wagoner and Louisu and even the back end.
(15:02):
They're playing good ball right now, so we just got
to go out there NEXTQ.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
I was curious if you heard David Montgomery's comments yesterday.
He spoke to the media and they asked him just
about you know, him and John and the combo, and
he said, look, he stopped it and he said, look,
we don't have two one thousand yard receivers on this team.
We don't have two backs that have a thousand screamy
yards if not for that offensive line and the job
(15:26):
that they do. I'm just curious if you heard the
comments and your reaction to a guy like that who's
done at a high level for a long time.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
A tough guy, I know, a guy that you.
Speaker 4 (15:35):
Respect giving that love to the guys up front yesterday.
Speaker 7 (15:39):
Yeah, he's being too nice man. Him and Jah, those
two guys are just special. I've never seen players like that,
those guys being able to run the ball. Montgomery just
how tough he is, and even John's tough too. I
don't think people give him credit for that. So those
two guys are electric and that make you miss, and
(16:01):
they make us look good like at the end of
the day. And then true Jamo and Saint, those guys
are just crazy as well. Jamie was willing to come
in on the run game and take somebody's head off,
and Saint he always does that. So yeah, we all
compliment each other, and yeah, he's just being too nice.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
Jamiir held down the fort, you know, really well carried
the load the last three weeks. But how important is
it to get David back and just the kind of
he's a tone center, right, it's that physical mentality. Just
how much of an offense finding an offense? How important
is it to get him back and have that two
headed monster again.
Speaker 7 (16:36):
It's very important. He's a huge part of this offense.
I mean, he just like you said, he brings a
physical presence. Every time he touched that ball, defenders are
gonna feel him, you know, And it's just our job
to just get him to that point where he can
do what he do and so for him to come
back and again Sonic and Knuckles and just those two
doing those things something special.
Speaker 4 (16:59):
I wanted to ask you about two young guys, just
a couple more for you, Penny, Christian Mahogany hopefully Kevin
Zeitler that that the hamstring is good.
Speaker 5 (17:05):
We saw him working off to the.
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Side on on Wednesday's practice and and he'll be good
to go. If not, you've had to you know, Christians
had to step in there and play before. Just a
confidence level you have in him, and how have you
seen him grow throughout the year to to be able
to kind of step in and and really have the
coach's confidence if needed.
Speaker 7 (17:22):
Yeah, he'd be good at the end of the day.
I mean, he's got one under his belt with Chicago
and just I think players and coaches seeing him from
the start of camp and well he wasn't able, but
just seeing what he got back from once he got back,
it's just been positive. So uh, just he'll be good.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
He's gotten asking us about him, doesn't he Yeah, No,
he fits that room.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
He fits you guys.
Speaker 4 (17:47):
Another guy I want to ask you about who we
haven't seen and you know his drafted is kind of
a developmental guy, big body, but you know, played at
British Columbia University. Giovanni Manu. I'm curious what you what
you've how have you seen him throughout the year.
Speaker 7 (18:03):
Just mentally, you know, I think the mental aspect of
the game was the most important part from because physically,
that man's gifted in every way. In my opinion, he's able.
I think he's probably a better runner than I am,
to be honest. Yeah, he can move. For a big
guy like that, he can move laterally and.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Forward, So.
Speaker 7 (18:24):
Those physical traits he'll be fine. So it's just really
seeing him grow from learning the playbook to now learning
the defenses and what they're wanting to do, body language
and demeanors when he's out there. So just a mental game.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
I want to finish with this one twenty twenty one.
Obviously three thirteen and one. You know, your rookie year
a tough thing. You know, the next year you just
miss the playoffs, the disappointment of last year losing the
NFC Championship game. How those three years kind of molded
this core in this team to kind of be ready
(19:00):
for the moment that you guys are at right now,
the number one seed, one of the favorites in the
NFC to go to the Super Bowl. How is that
kind of three years led you to this point.
Speaker 7 (19:10):
I mean, I think it's a number of things, but
just kind of going through those emotions of how hard
it is to win in this league, you know, and
then coach Campbell and Brad Holmes bringing in the guys
that fit our culture and fit our style. It has
been important. So I think those two things played a
(19:32):
huge factor into where we're at today.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
And yeah, well congratulations on the Pro Bowl, on the
All Pro They're going to continue to come the best
right tackle in football. Go get it done on Saturday,
and let's get another one for the NFC Championship game.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Thank you, appreciate you. Welcome back to the Town in
the Huddle podcast.
Speaker 4 (19:53):
I am very happy to welcome with John Kime does
a great job covering everything Commanders for ESPAN. You can
also catch his podcast then Time Report. John, thanks so
much for joining me. I appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (20:03):
My pleasure.
Speaker 6 (20:04):
It's fun to be talking in the NFL playoff football
between the Lines and the Commanders, two organizations.
Speaker 5 (20:09):
You wouldn't have thought about this a few years ago,
you know.
Speaker 4 (20:12):
And for the Commanders in particular to have four wins
last year to be the number two pick, I mean,
what a turnaround for this organization, The job dan Quinn
has done, and obviously Daniels, how maybe unexpected is this
run from your perspective, haven't been around him for so long.
Speaker 6 (20:29):
Yeah, I think I would say beginning of the season
vary as the season got going, not at all, because
you started to see just how unique Jayden Daniels is
as a quarterback, as a rookie quarterback, So you started
to see like they were capable of doing things like
this offense is good, and I think, you know, I'm
going to go back to like Dan Quinn because I
(20:51):
think Dan Campbell and Quinn have done two great things
for their organizations, which is setting the tone for the
organization and creating an atmosphere and a cult sure that
players can thrive it. And so I think when you
started to see that aspect early and then when you
start to see how good Jayden Daniels was, I'm not
surprised that they're in this point now. I think if
(21:12):
they get beyond this point, I'd be very surprised because
of how good Detroit is. But to get to this point,
like to beat Tampa Bay in the first round, you know,
not a big shock at all.
Speaker 4 (21:23):
Talking about Jaydon Daniels, Dan Campbell was asked about him
yesterday and he said, watching him, he doesn't look like
a rookie quarterback. And I think that's been the whole deal,
just what John has made him so good all year long,
just the poise, everything else, I mean heat, that's probably
one of the greatest rookie performances we've ever seen in
this league.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
And that's saying something for sure.
Speaker 5 (21:43):
And so I think you hit on one word, poise
in the pocket. You see that.
Speaker 6 (21:47):
You see the way he keeps his emotions in check
to an unbelievable level, to the point where they kicked
the game winning field goal the other day against Tampa.
They have the camera on him on the bench. He's
just kind of sitting there watches it go through, stands up.
There's very little reaction immediately, like it's just he is
so locked in the moment. So that's one thing. But
I'm going to go back like his talent can everybody
(22:08):
can see the talent. You could see the talent before
the draft. He can run, he can throw, he has
you know he's that. But it's to me, it's the
work ethic that got him to this point. So for example,
in the spring, he's showing up at five point thirty
five forty five in the spring to just work on
you know, going over formations, watching film over over plays,
(22:29):
and so when he would come in to the practices,
they would talk about how far ahead he is with
this offense because of the work he puts in behind
the scenes.
Speaker 5 (22:38):
He still does that.
Speaker 6 (22:39):
He shows up around five five thirty every day, first in,
last out kind of thing. But he and Cliff Offense,
accordinated to Cliff Kingsbury, are going through walkthroughs three days
a week at like six am every day. And like
they'll say, we give him the playbook on Tuesday night
and by Wednesday morning, he's got it down. And so, like,
I think it's that rare ability to study and process
it and retain it the way he does. That helps
(23:01):
him stay poised and play a little bit faster in
the pocket.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
It should be a fun matchup with him.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
I know the Lions are certainly aware of what he
can do both in the pocket outside of the pocket,
and that'll be a great matchup between Aaron Glenn the
defensive coordinator and and and him trying to disguise some coverages,
give him some things he hasn't seen.
Speaker 2 (23:19):
But boy, that that that kid looks really really good.
Speaker 4 (23:22):
Injuries obviously, you know, a factor Lions are gonna get
David Montgomery back this week.
Speaker 2 (23:27):
They didn't play last week.
Speaker 4 (23:28):
Where what's the injury situation with Washington coming out of
the wild carding hang into Saturday.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
They're in good shape, yea.
Speaker 6 (23:35):
The only they're they're the only guy that's been ruled
out is a backup linebackers, a good special teamer and
Jordan McGee. But you know, they got Marshaun Lattimore back
last week. Now he still looks rusty, but they got
him back. You know, John Allen came back recently, Austin
Eckler came back a couple of weeks ago. Those guys
have been out for a little while, so they're actually
at a good point with their health.
Speaker 5 (23:55):
I mean, there's some you know, you know how it
is like this time of the year.
Speaker 6 (23:57):
A lot of guys are gonna be dealing with a
lot of little things but over but for the most part,
they're in a really good spot.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
You know, you talked off you talked about it off
the top about the culture that that Dan Quinn has
built there. Just maybe talk about that just a little
bit more and just why these players have have bought
in so much to to to what he's bringing. You
compared him to Dan Campbell, and I think that's a
great comparison because Dan talked about his history with with
(24:26):
with Dan Quinn too, and how much he you know, values,
you know, that part of the job and the culture
that he's built there just what has made him so
successful there in Washington and be able to turn this
thing around so quickly.
Speaker 5 (24:41):
So there's a couple of things.
Speaker 6 (24:42):
One, I think it's just like you know, watching Campbell
from Afar, you saw how he set the tone for
the building and just the mindset that you create and
the consistent messaging that you deliver, and I think Quinn
does a lot of that. Now they're different in how
they go about it, like you know, they they're not
going to say the same things, but I think the
intentionality is very similar and I think that's a big part.
(25:03):
But the messaging is consistent from both aspects, and so
you see. And then Quinn also brings a ton of energy. Now,
anytime there's change, and you know this, like anytime there's
change with the coaching staff, there's always that oh, well
it's going to be different because of this, and there's
more energy because it's new. But there was I've been
around a lot of coaching changes. I had not seen
(25:24):
the energy like this. Even in the spring, you could
just feel it was different, and like you didn't know
how it would translate to the field and success, but
you knew it was different. And some of it they have,
like I think it's thirteen or fourteen X players on
their coaching staff.
Speaker 5 (25:38):
That helps.
Speaker 6 (25:39):
But Quinn I think sets the tone with his energy.
I mean he is upbeat, positive, and like even after
the first game, Tim, they lost to the Bucks in
the first game thirty seven to twenty, it was there
was no there's no panic. It was all about this
is what we need to learn.
Speaker 5 (25:55):
Right.
Speaker 6 (25:55):
They beat the Giants next week, like, yeah, you know
his comment was like yeah, we beat them, but we
have to do better here. It's always about what can
you do to get better? What do you learn to
get better? And if you process it that way, I
think it helps. And then I say all that and
then because number five jayde Daniels is really good, that
helps too. But all the other stuff is mad and
I also think Tim. The last thing is they changed
(26:17):
the roster over in a huge a fifty five sixty
percent of the roster was new but I think they
did a really good job of finding players who fit
the culture they wanted. Bobby Wagner, Zach Er, It's Austin Ecker,
guys like that. I think they have made a difference too.
So it's all of that, but it starts with I
think getting the right guys as coach. And they interviewed,
you know, they Aaron Glenn was on the list, Ben
Johnson on the list, but I think Quinn was the
(26:37):
guy that brought the energy that this place in particular needed.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
So many comparisons between Quinn and Campbell. It's going to
be such a fun matchup just from that regard on Saturday,
and the newness of this game I.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Think is interesting too.
Speaker 4 (26:53):
Of all the opponents that the Lions could have faced,
Washington obviously is the one they haven't faced this year.
Do you like that about this matchup that they haven't
faced each other? There's kind of a newness to the
game planned and and there's that aspect of Saturday for sure.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
I think, you know, and I think it'll be fun
listen as someone who you know, you're in the NFL,
You're you're a fan of football, right, that's why you're
doing this to go watch it. For me to go
watch a playoff game in Ford Field, it's going to
be a blast because that's the energy you want in
a building, Like I'm looking forward to that.
Speaker 5 (27:24):
And I think for these.
Speaker 6 (27:25):
Guys, like I think the newness of it comes in,
you know, when you're studying the opponent and what they do,
et cetera. But it's also there is the unknown, like
you know, you know Detroit how good that offense is,
and you know they're going to move the ball and
score on this team. But then it's like, how does
Detroit's defense do against this group? We don't know what
they're going to do. We knew how Tampa Bay would
try to attack them, and so there was clearly some mystery.
(27:47):
And also it was also, hey, how much better is
Daniels from week one to now?
Speaker 5 (27:52):
But now it's just all mystery. And so I think
there is that element.
Speaker 6 (27:55):
I hadn't thought about that, but I think that element
is a fun one to add layers this game. By
the way, and Campbell and Quinn, this is no surprise
they share the same agent.
Speaker 4 (28:05):
Of course they do because of the newness. Obviously, Lions
fans aren't very familiar with Washington that roster, maybe who's
one or two players who maybe could impact this game
that that Lions fans maybe don't know that the Washington's.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Could be looking for to have a big game Saturday night.
Speaker 6 (28:23):
So I mean the obvious one of offense would be
Terry McLain at receiver. I mean, he's very, very good
and he has is it thirteen to fourteen touchdown passes
now catches this year, the big change in his game.
And he's got speed, he can make big plays and
Jane Dams will attack down the field, so he's dropped
in some dimes them. They they have a chance for
connection every game with that. It's just a matter of
(28:44):
do you hit it or not. But the other area
where he's really improved and what they've improved with him
is in the red zone. Eleven touchdowns catches in the
red zone, so that's a place to watch for him.
That's he had eleven in his first five years combined
in the red zone. So that was it was some
on him, some on coaching, but now he's a big
thought there. Zach Ertz veteran, you know, you got people
(29:05):
know him. He's been in the league. He's a very
good security blanket for Daniels. Austin Eckler another guy who
in space can hurt you still. And I think on defense,
the guys you'd have to look at Frankie Louvu, the linebacker,
Bobby Wagner. People know him, but Frankie Louvo maybe you
don't know. And he was in Carolina for a few years,
really good last year and really blossom this year. In
(29:25):
this defense, they like to move him around a lot.
They like to rush him as a passer. The danger
for Washington is and I've seen Ben Johnson do this. Man,
if you can, if they can get Jamiir Gibbs on
him outside, it's a rap for Gibbs. I mean he's
gonna you know that, that's an area where Detroit could
take advantage. They rush Louver for a reason. He's really
good at that. But in coverage that's a weakness. So
(29:47):
if they can get him there, but he is a
he is an impact player for them.
Speaker 2 (29:51):
Is that run defense a little bit of a concern.
Speaker 4 (29:53):
You just look at the numbers, you know, rank thirtieth
and Detroit is so good at running the football, and
that's what they want to do. That's how everything is
built off that is that the big concern for Washington
coming in.
Speaker 6 (30:02):
It's not a little concern, it'd be a big cancer
because and also you know how this like Detroit with Gibbs,
they do a really good job and I've just been
watching it before we start talking of creating gaps and
lanes for Gibbs. They're really really good at that. So
they create hesitation in the linebackers and I think in
the front because with all them the eye candy and
the motion and the action and then maybe sometimes some
(30:22):
wider splits. So you create really good gaps lanes for him,
that's where they're going to have a problem with it,
and so they have had issues with it, and sometimes
it's the gaps get too wide for them. Last week,
I felt like it was one of their better games,
more consistently stopping the run against Bucky Irving and Tampa
because they were more gap sound, more guys staying there
and did a good job tackling Irving is a different
(30:44):
you know, Gibbs is a different dude than Irving, and
he's gonna make guys miss and you know, you watch
where his yards before first contact is amazing.
Speaker 5 (30:51):
So yeah, I think.
Speaker 6 (30:52):
That's gonna be the big thing, and it's gonna be
the hard part too, is you know, it's it's if
you start focusing too much on him and stopping the run.
I think it's hard the way they align, But then
it's like, okay, you know Amir Saint Brown, you got
Jamis and Williams like they're a laporta. You got other
ways to attack. So yeah, that is that is a
big threat. They haven't done well against it all year,
(31:13):
but they do have strong halves against the run, and
that's what they're gonna need.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Saturday night, John, last one for you again.
Speaker 4 (31:20):
I'm talking with John conn does a great job with
the ESPN covered everything.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
Commanders.
Speaker 4 (31:24):
If Washington comes into Detroit, beats them, upsets them, what's
gonna be the key? How does how does Washington go
on the road and defeat Detroit in your opinion?
Speaker 2 (31:34):
What what's the biggest key to that game for them
to win?
Speaker 5 (31:38):
Man, that's that's a hard one.
Speaker 6 (31:40):
So listen, the offense has to be explosive, right, You've
got to maintain you you can't come in here, you
cannot make the mistakes. You can't have the holding penalty
to set you back. You can't you've got to finish
with touchdowns. So Detroit's offense puts pressure on other offenses
to match pace. And I think you've got to finish
in the reds. They've been good on that. You can't
(32:00):
have the turnovers, so that's one, and I think defensively,
can you create a turnover or two? Can you get
enough stops to at least so it's not you know,
giving Detroit the ball in the last minute with the
chance to win. I think you know. That to me
is how you have to go. And this is a
really good offense. Obviously for Washington, I think they can
match a lot of what Detroit does, but can they
(32:22):
do it all a game? And that's gonna be the
hard thing to do, but that's how it'll have to
be done.
Speaker 5 (32:26):
I don't see it.
Speaker 6 (32:28):
I'd be I think it'd be silly for me to
think this defense could go in there and slow Detroit
a lot. I mean, they did well against Tampa, but
some of that was because of what the offense controlling
the ball. But in this game, you can't just control
the ball. You've got to finish with touchdowns.
Speaker 2 (32:41):
Well, it should be a fun one Saturday night.
Speaker 4 (32:44):
You're gonna have a great atmosphere because Detroit gets turned
off for the playoffs. If it's anything like it was
last year, it'll be a great environment. Two teams that
don't really know each other. That's gonna be the fun
aspect of this game. John, thank you so much for
joining me. Appreciated great stuff, and we'll see in the
press box on Saturday night.
Speaker 5 (33:01):
All right, Tim, thanks for having me on
Speaker 4 (33:06):
H
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