December 26, 2025 • 50 mins
Today’s Best of Features:
(00:00-21:37) – J.P. Shadrick from the Jaguars.com and Westwood One joins the show to discuss what has gone so well for Trevor Lawrence in the last month that has led to this hot stretch of play for the Jacksonville. He shares some of the things that went wrong during the Urban Meyer era that led to setting back the team’s development, calls it a full hands-on deck in the passing game with how the Jaguars find the best matchup to exploit, and shares his thoughts on the Broncos, Bears, Patriots, Bills, and the Eagles heading into the playoffs. Finally, he gives his thoughts on IU’s CFP matchup against Alabama.
(21:37-38:36) – Nick Kelly from AL.com joins the show to give some of his thoughts on the College Football Playoff matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and Alabama Crimson Tide. He compares what he has seen from IU’s turnaround to the days of dominance with Nick Saban, believes there is only one path for Alabama to defeat Indiana, and gives his perspective on Fernando Mendoza and what he has done for IU this season.
(38:36-50:43) – Casey Vallier from the Indianapolis Colts Radio team joins the show to share what we know about DeForest Buckner’s neck injury that is resulting in him having surgery next week, states that Philip Rivers will start on Sunday even if the team is eliminates on Saturday night from playoff contention, and wonders the same thing as Jake as to whether Philip Rivers will want to come back for a few games next season if Daniel Jones isn’t ready for the start of the season.
Support the show: https://1075thefan.com/query-and-company/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Inadvertently when we were discussing with our friend JP Shadwick
Jown in Jacksonville before the Colts and Jags were playing
in Round number one down in Jacksonville, I simply asked
a question if he was a married fellow and he
said no, and then I believe later he said something
along the lines of like, let the ladies of Indie
know now most of the ladies in Indianapolis that are
single are probably out doing today returning gifts.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Right, Eddie and single ladies of Indianapolis, please reach out.
That's great.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Well again, that's our friend JP from the first go round.
Now here it is. The time has arrived and this
might be the biggest storyline of the weekend, at least
from the cold standpoint of things. But joining us now
in the Java House, Peel and poor gustline Java House
dot Com for by the way, Columbia amazingly smooth Columbian coffee.
(00:46):
Also the liquid Hydrate, Liquid Science, Hydration Energy Drink, Wrangler
Energy or excuse me, Hydration Drink and Wrangler Energy Drink
Jake twenty five the discount code JP. Joining us now
on the program, JP, first off Mery Christmas too, Ye yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Mary Christmas. That's that's quite a memory you guys have.
I didn't know ize that made such an impression on
everyone there.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
The dulcet tones of JP Shaddick, I mean, and we
we've been anticipating it. I mean, and I think, to
be honest with you, a lot of the single ladies
of Indianapolis have been waiting and circle this on the calendar. Well,
if you really want to know the truth.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Unfortunately, I'll be stuck in the studio in Jacksonville this week.
I'm not making the trip.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Ah Eddie, do you happen to have the breaking news
soundard by chance? Please if you come this just and
the reality show that was going to be JP's Loves
Select at Harry and I Isis has been canceled for
this weekend. H Well, JP, thanks for joining us. We'll
talk to you next year. All right, Hey, let's get
(01:46):
to this. This is clearly Look and you tell me
what has been the difference for this Jacks team, Because
this very quietly, JP, this might be right now the
hottest team in the NFL. And they seem to be
on a different level clearly than they have been. They're
playing their best ball at the best time. What has
been the difference?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Well, I mean the quarterback play is the difference. I mean,
he is playing out of his mind right now, or
is it? I mean that's the great question. Is it
out of his mind? Or is this the new level,
the next step for Trevor Lawrence? And I think he's
starting to prove that maybe he has taken a step.
Is it the ultimate final step that he wants to
be all the time? I don't know who's still room
(02:27):
for improvement, but that's been the number one thing because
they really haven't run the ball especially well over the
last month or so since we saw you guys, But
he has really been executing in the passing game at
a very high level and maybe not you know, statistically
big numbers games, but big throws in big moments without
(02:47):
hesitation and trusting everything in this offense right now. So
for me, that's that's the number one thing. When you
have everything else going well on defense especially, and then
all of a sudden you have the quarterback playing at
a high level, that's something you just haven't seen around
here in a long long time.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
The getting him playing at a high level, and we're
talking about Trevor Lawrence is that based on schematically, they
have changed things in more design things to get him
in comfort. Or is it simply a matter of, hey,
he's getting protected and his weapons are healthy and now
he feels in rhythm.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Yeah. I mean, I think it's a little bit of
a combination of that. I mean, I think it's more
just comfortability in the offense as the season has gone on.
That's one thing. The verbiage of it, it's long winded.
You know, they're getting to the line faster, and so
they have all the pre snap motions and reads that
they can do. Early in the season it was sober
both that they were late getting to the line and
(03:48):
it was hectic and he wasn't comfortable. So they eliminated
that snap process so he can think clearly when he's
at the line and has time to manage whatever he
needs to and then just letting it rip. I mean
they had a conversation about that, he and Liam Cohen
did about hey, man, don't worry about an interception. Don't
(04:09):
throw four in a game, but if you throw one,
it's worth it if you get three or four shots
down the field because of it. So that since that conversation,
it's been a really different feel for the quarterback. So
I think it's a combination of it. They might be
calling a few things, different guys are catching the ball.
I mean, that wasn't happening early in the season. I mean,
you laughed, but that was a problem really early. I
(04:31):
think this still lead the league in drops from all
the stuff early in the season. So reliability of the receivers,
confidence in the passing attack, and then comfortability in this offense.
It's all just kind of come together at the.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Right time when you look. And I'm curious if Trevor
Lawrence has discussed this at all, JP, because and I've
mentioned this before JP Shadwick, my guest Jaba House Peelaport
guest line from down in Jacksonville when Lawrence was in college.
And I think this is a challenge when assessing sometimes quarterbacks,
all the intangibles coming out right, but if you realistically look,
(05:03):
he's throwing the ball to t Higgins, He's throwing the
ball to Amari Rodgers, he's throwing the ball to Justin Ross.
He's throwing the guys that are at the collegiate level,
you know, a step and a half open on window
and timing doesn't have to be as precise. Has he
ever discussed whether or not that was an adjustment for him,
and maybe even adjustment that was continually delayed for him
(05:25):
in Jacksonville.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Well, I think there was so much other, so many
other things going on that that was probably the least
of his concerns when he first came in because of
everything going on in the coaching situation here at the time.
Remember it was urban Meyer, and it was all the
off the field stuff. And he had some early moments
in that season, like the game in Cincinnati, I think
(05:47):
week four before the whole urban Meyer thing, right that trip,
he actually played well and fought back in that game
and used his legs and figured out a way and
I'll say, this is a good step. But then it
all just kind of melted down around that. Yeah, and
and there is a little I think to what you're saying. Yeah,
you have to be you have to lead guys properly here,
(06:10):
you have to fit it and layer it into windows
down the field. But again, when there's not confidence in
the line or inconsistency in the receiver play, it was
I think probably a little hard for him just let
it loose. And you know, when he finally got to
the playoffs. You know, he took the four picks. Well,
then it's like, we have nothing to loose. Just let
(06:31):
it loose. And you saw I played in the second
half of that game. Just let it fly. And that's
the Trevor Lawrence you want without the four picks. Of course,
can you elaborate?
Speaker 1 (06:41):
And I know at this point, especially for you, it's
ancient history and it's a book that perhaps has been closed.
But JP Shatterck and I know you're with the the
you know, Jaguars dot Com, but we hear about the
Urban Meyer for those that are unfamiliar with it. You know,
the when they played Cincinnati, he stayed back in Ohio,
(07:02):
he didn't go back to Florida with the team. That
obviously created a lot of you know what in the world.
And then a photo came out of him at a
bar that created a second.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
What in the world? Was it?
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Was there even more to it than that per se
or was it just kind of the lack of presence,
if you will.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
I think there was a general lack of that. You
know that those were the big things obviously, as the
other moments there was problems with the kicker here apparently
allegedly kicked the kicker or whatever on the practice field
and some other things behind the scenes like that. So
there was a series I'm guessing of event. I mean,
that seems like it to me. It's not just one
(07:41):
thing that was the big one. And then then it
was pretty much all over from there and they just
had to kind of riote it as much as they could,
and then it became untenable towards the end of that season.
I think he got thirteen games in before they finally
made change. So you know that that was an other
lost opportunity, you know, and it just kind of extended
(08:05):
what Sead conn and the Jags ownership wanted to do.
And then they ended up getting Doug Peterson in here
actually had some success for a couple of years, two
nine win seasons under Peterson. Then unfortunately that didn't work
out either. So here we are with Liam Cohen and
in a really good spot eleven win seasons so far.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
You know, if you look at the Colts season JP
and yes, the Colts obviously had the quarterback injury situation,
but at the same time they got out to a
great start. You can look back now and say, Okay,
maybe they got and they did, they got fat off
some bad teams. Right, if you take out and you know,
(08:41):
beating the Chargers is impressive, Beating Denver's impressive. You take
that out twenty and fifty five the record of the
teams the Colts have beaten. How much of this stability
that Jacksonville has found could be potentially fools gold because
they also have been able to do it against the
lack of meat of their schedule Arizona Tennessee the Colts
(09:02):
for that matter, the Jets, although winning against Denver is impressive,
but is there any concern of that.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Well, they beat San Francisco at San Francisco and they
beat the Chargers.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Well, I mean, though, I mean the latest streak I'm saying,
I'm sorry, just you know, in terms of.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
I mean, you want to talk about the latest streak,
that's fine, I want to talk about the whole season.
I mean, they've they've done some things earlier when they
were a little inconsistent against some really good teams, and
then I think going to Denver proved that. Yeah, I'm
with you that some of those teams they were playing
as of late and having some issues with in close games,
(09:39):
Arizona one of those, Vegas one of those. They won
those games. They found a way. They didn't beat Houston
the second time because they gave up a nineteen point
leading the fourth quarter. But that changed the whole mindset
of this team that they're never going to let that
happen again. We've heard that here before over the years,
and they've let it happen again, but they haven't. And
(10:00):
the ultimate proof, I think right now at least, is
that they went out to Denver, the number one seed,
the number one defense in the league allegedly and put
up thirty eight points on them, I mean that and
dominated the game. So that's you can play what's on
the schedule, and they're beating everybody that's on the schedule
right now in a lot of different ways.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Is there another area that? And it does appear as
though you pointed out well, JP, and I appreciate it
that by and large, it's been consistent, right, I mean,
they've been consistently obviously competitive all year long, but this
isn't you know, You're right. You go back and you look,
and Kansas City was in there too. I think you
mentioned them.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Early when they went Today Night Football.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
Absolutely so when you look at that, are there other
areas aside from quarterback play that perhaps have been overshadowed
that were question marks going in that Jacksonville has addressed.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
You know, there were early in the season on defense, Okay,
how are they going to stop the run?
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Ups?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Totally new scheme on defense, some new faces in there.
Can they do that because they couldn't figure it out
last season? But especially against a team like the Colts.
For Jonathan Taylor, and I think as the season has
gone along, it was the same idea, right, Okay, you
haven't really played a great running team yet, Let's see
if you can go play a good, physical offensive line
(11:19):
and defensively hold up against them. And they've improved that
as the year has gone along, and that's been really
a key to everything else. If they can stop the
running game, then it sets up a little bit of
the pass rush. They don't have big sack numbers, but
they have some pressure numbers, which is not an official
stat I get it, but it causes things down the
field to happen. So that's where the takeaway numbers are
(11:40):
so high second in the NFL. Because the quarterbacks rushed
a bit. He's gotta let it fly tipball pick. You know.
So it all starts for me with the stopping of
the run game, and those guys up front have really
done a great job. Davon Hamilton is back to his
form before his back injury a couple of years ago,
and that's a great sign for the Steve moving ahead.
(12:00):
If it's consistent down the stretch and end of the postseason,
they got a shot to make.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
A run, you know they. Parker Washington is a guy
that was drafted. He was not a top pick. The
Jaguars have spent resources on the receiver position in the
last couple of years, but Washington and Thomas have very
similar seasons statistically. Is one the primary over the other?
(12:25):
JP or is one appear to be the who is
Trevor Lawrence's comfort player?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
If you will, It's a good one, and I'd probably
lean more towards If I'm picking between those two, I
would pick Parker Washington because he's the catch and run guy,
and you know he can catch it five yards and
then run for twenty after. Brian Thomas is the down
the field threat, vertical threat, and you knows he had
(12:51):
some drops early in the season and on the inbreaking
stuff was having trouble. They've kind of recrafted what he
is involved in this offense. And Denver last week actually
putana on him most of the game, followed him around
and kind of took him out. So Trevor Lawrence like,
we got three or four other guys we can throw
to here, and they did that. They spread the wealth
(13:11):
in the running back room has been big in the
passing game too, and checkdown game if they have to
go there. So it's a full hands on deck situation,
I think in the passing game. But between those two,
I mean, Parker Washington's playing the role of Christian Kirk
in the playoff team a couple of years ago, like
the go to guy slot receiver catch and run gets
your ten when you need third and eight. And he's
(13:35):
been really, really reliable so far for this team. And
he's he's got in the power return game too.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
Clearly, the again, JP, Shadwick is our guest joining us
from Jacksonville the real intriguing thing, and Jacksonville might be
in this mix, JP, I mean in terms of the
answer of what I'm about to ask you, this year
to me seems like almost more so than any of
recent ILK and this is the NF hell by design,
(14:01):
it is the hardest to answer this question, but I
want your thought, who's the best team in the NFL?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
The best team in the NFL? Uh kind of teams
are coming up and down. I was going I would
have said the Rams. I think, you know, they've got
the veteran quarterback, They've got a really good defense and
pass rushers, and they're really playing some good football right now.
(14:30):
You know, the running game of Buffalo is great and
he you know, they may not have the wins and
lost totals right that everybody's looking for right now, but
you don't want to see them in January. I got
news for you, because they've got some guys who can
bring it. But I think, yeah, I mean, it's it's
tough because the Rams have fallen off just a little bit.
They have blown it. They blew out the Daggs in London,
(14:51):
so that's kind of fresh in my mind right now.
So I guess I'm probably answering your question more is
like teams I don't want to see in the postseason.
But if you're seeing the Rams in the postseason, that
means in the Super Bowl, So that'd be fine too.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
Okay, I always ask this question. You ready, Yeah, And
it's a little late in the year for this, but
yet still this year it feels applicable. Give me the
team that JP Shattuck looks at and you see the
record and you are aware of the resume and everything
about it you are impressed by, but deep down and
you're like, but I still don't know if they're good,
and that's selling them short. But I'm still not. I
(15:28):
just don't know. I'm not convinced.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
I saw him last night Denver Broncos. Yes, I mean
the Jaguars went out there and put a number on them.
And then last night at Arrowhead, the Chiefs third string
quarterback had the football in his hands with two minutes
to go, and like, with a chance, and yeah, Boat
Knicks can do some things with his legs. And they've
(15:52):
done some fine things on offense this year, in their
second year with Sean Treeton. But boy, that that was
a deplete need a Chiefs team. They had so many
guys injured. Two starting corners were out, a bunch of
offensive players. They're on their fourth tackle I think this year.
I mean, so they they were really down to the
(16:12):
nitty gritty and Denver had them stay in the game
because they had an interception tip ball interception, short field
touchdown for Kansas City and then they flipped the field
in a pump return with the backup pump return, so
like that helped Kansas City stay in the game. Their
best drive of the night for the Chiefs was the
final drive that they couldn't finish. So I got some
(16:35):
questions about Denver right now, Okay, I don't know what
they are.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
I'm gonna get I totally agree with that. By the way,
I'm going to give you two teams. I want you
to tell me which one you would be more eager
to buy. You ready, Seattle Chicago.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Seattle's really stout upfront on defense. But then Sam Donald
might Sam Donald again?
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Do you trust and nothing? And listen, he's a great
story and I'm I don't know him, but I'm happy
for the guy because he's But but do you trust
him late in a game, in a big moment?
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Would you trust him? Or Caleb Williams? You know, I
don't know. That's tough because they're both look, you know, unproven.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Williams against Green Bay had a pretty big moment. I mean,
he put it right where it needed to be. But
I'm with you.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
He's young though, right, young guy hasn't been in there yet.
You know, it's different when you get in the playoffs
for the first time. How do you handle that? And
you're right, that was a great throw at the game,
I'm unbelievable throw and ketch, So maybe that gives him
a little confidence. So I guess to answer your question,
I'm probably I'd probably lean towards Chicago.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
Okay, let me give you one other one. Tell me
which one of these one old guard the other?
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Johnny come lately? You more buy Philly or New England.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Philly's defense man there. I mean, they've got dudes, and
I think when whenever the time comes that they have
to run the football, they've got the horses to do
that too. So and New England's kind of the same thing.
They get young quarterback and are they really what they are?
(18:13):
I don't know. I'd probably trust Philly because they've been
there and done that before.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Fair Hey, JP, can we can I mix in little
college with you because I know you obviously have some
experience in the college game as well, some.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Knowledge that sure.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Okay, but I've done some games, college football playoffs. I
would like the outside observation. Okay, college football playoff? In
your mind, truly, all things given equal in big moments,
the best team in college football is who?
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Oh? I think the best team this year is it's Indiana.
I mean, they've proven it. They went and won the
Big Ten. They're probably gonna beat Alabama in my opinion,
and then you just keep on rolling. I mean, they've got
the quarterback, they've got everything you want for now. Is
it sustainable for the long run? That's another argument all together,
considering the portal and the changes and the people leaving
(19:04):
and all that after this year. But we're not there yet.
They haven't even won a title yet, so I'd probably
say I would have said Ohio State until they played
head to head, and then there you go. I don't
trust Alabama at all? Right now?
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Yeah, So, because Indiana and Indiana fans are curious about Alabama.
We know the pedigree, we know the name recognition, we
know Calyn de Boor because he was at Indiana. But
what do you what about Alabama gives you pause when
it came And maybe you're saying that more about Alabama
than you are confidence in Indiana.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
But what is it about Alabama that is susceptible? Their
run game stinks. They cannot run the football. They've tried
all year, different running backs, whatever, and it's like the
worst rushing attack since I was in school there, like
twenty years ago. I mean, that's just terrible. So they
can't consistently do that. So if you can affect the
(19:54):
quarterback with them, if you get in his face or
disguise things on the back end, he hasn't consistently proven
ty Simpson that he can overcome that. So that's a
problem I think for Alabama because they're gonna have the
big guys up front, they've got the beef, they can
do that. On defense, they're you know, that's fine, and
they're still kind of that same big enough team defensively
(20:16):
to kind of hang. They should have lost Auburn. I mean,
they had the big, long, sustained drive at the end
to win that game, but they didn't put on a
show at Jordan Air. Tough place to play no matter
what Auburn team walks out there. So I had that
game and I just I've got some concerns because if
you can't run the ball when it matters, you get
(20:36):
to lean on a quarterback that is inconsistent at times.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
So what we know is this, the Alabama rushing attack
is very similar to that of the mingling ability with
the Ladies of India by JP Shadwick. Precedent's there. History's there,
but not not president right now?
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Right?
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Is that what we're getting at.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
It's kind of what it is. Yeah, I mean it
was there in the past, but that there in the president.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
But that's not to say that there aren't recruiting efforts
taking place to resurrect it for the future.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
Right, what a couple of trophies before but not right now?
All right?
Speaker 1 (21:11):
Fair enough? Well, well we'll let everybody know to make
alternate plans for the weekend.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
Right, Good luck with that. I you know, unfortunately you
might just have to be a little bit later, all.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Right, JP, I appreciate the time as always, man, Happy
holidays to you, all right, always enjoy.
Speaker 2 (21:27):
It man, Merry Christmas, Happy holidays, and enjoy the game.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
This Sunday appreciated JP Shadwick joining us on the Java
House Peel and poor guest line. He is not on
his way to the next whiskey bar, but rather to Pasadena.
Nick Kelly joining us. Nick, I'll bet every time you
do a radio hit somewhere they play Leonard Skinner to
Sweet Home Alabama.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Right.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
It definitely is a common one, no doubt.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
I mean, you can't go many places in this stay
without hearing it, especially around brand Any Stadium on game days.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
So were you impressed by the fact we played the
Alabama soung by the doors instead of Sweet Home Alabama?
Speaker 2 (22:03):
See?
Speaker 5 (22:03):
I like creativity, so like I like when when I'm
presented with that, So I respect that. I appreciate it,
and uh, well done, gold stars all around.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
There we go. That's what. Okay, Well thanks for joining us, Nick,
Happy holidays too. No, I'm just kidding. Okay, let's get
to this. This matchup is fascinating because you have, you know,
Calen de Boor, who obviously at one time was on
staff in Indiana. You've got Kurt Signetti, who was at
one time on staff at Alabama. How much is that
from the Signetti factor? I am curious what is the
(22:35):
Alabama fan or you know, media perception of Kurt Signetti
and recollection or feeling of connection to him to Alabama.
Speaker 5 (22:47):
Yeah, I think there's definitely some I think that it's
fascinating where I think some people forget just how I
guess significant that he was or how long he was
here for. I think people forget that because it was
a while ago. But he was here for four seasons,
right from seven to twenty ten. So he was an
integral part of really getting this thing off the ground
for the Saban dynasty and then not only getting off
(23:08):
the ground but winning and a fascinating dynamic too. Was
so he was the guy on the sideline that was
essentially the conduit for the OC and the press box
and the guys on the field. So you'd have when
it was Jim McElwain when he was there for a
couple of seasons, he was communicating with Signette. He was
on the sideline, and then Signette would be the one
(23:29):
communicating signals. He'd be the one talking to players, you know,
getting them coached up.
Speaker 4 (23:34):
He'd be the one that.
Speaker 5 (23:35):
If Nick Faban was upset about someone with the offense,
if he wanted to talk to someone on the sideline,
he'd be the guy for that. So he really had
a big role, and he had a big role in
recruiting guys like mark Ingram and just you know coaching
up guys like Julio Jones. So I think people obviously
they when they think of the early days, they think
of Nick Saban, they think of the coordinators, But really
(23:55):
Kurt Signetty was an integral part of that staff, and
I think that folks here are of what he's done
since he was here.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
This is kind of this is going to sound weird
to ask it this way, because it's one would assume,
But Alabama's different. It's just different than other places. Did
debor cement himself by getting that win against Oklahoma? Or
was that not even necessary and needed? How stable is
he as the head coach at Alabama?
Speaker 5 (24:24):
I think it was a massive win, and to your point,
I do think that it went a long way toward Okay,
this guy's legitimate. This guy can do some big things here,
because he'd want some big games in the regular season,
but in Alabama, fair or not, the expectations championships. So
when you're doing some great things in the regular season,
(24:45):
that's one thing, But when you're winning big games on
the road, I mean, that was a tough game to
win when you're down seventeen to a good defensive team
like that at Oklahoma, at their place. I mean, I
think most of us, if we're being on wrote off Alabama,
kalend Bor kept his guys steady, and he got him
(25:05):
to a place where they could go win that game
and not just win it, but I mean they were
quite dominant in the second half of that game. So yeah,
I think that that really earned him some of the
people who are still doubting him, earned that respect for him,
got them more on board.
Speaker 4 (25:20):
And I think that no matter what.
Speaker 5 (25:21):
Happens from here on out, I think it's a launching
point for year three of Kalen de Boor.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Okay, Kalen de Boor. At night, he is staring at
the ceiling and he is worried about what aspect of
his football team that still has not been as consistent
as he'd like.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
That's a good question, I would say. I would say
the running game just I mean, and that's kind of
easy answer because it hasn't really been there. And even
when as I give you that answer, I'm still kind
of like, well, it hasn't been there all years. So like,
I don't think they're at a point where they're expecting
it to be great. But I think that them getting
that running game to a respectable or disserviceable point is
(26:06):
something that they need to I won't say be stressed about,
but definitely be focusing on because at this point, no,
the running game is not going to win them the
game against Indiana or anyone, but they need some effective
running to happen just to keep defenses honest against the past.
Speaker 4 (26:21):
But no doubt they're going to win the game on
in their passing game.
Speaker 5 (26:24):
But I guess the other answer I can give you
is the offensive line for them, because it has been inconsistent,
hasn't always been there. They had a pretty good game
against Oklahoma as the game went on, they had some
good plays and they played well. But I think that
if I'm going to give you maybe a more nuanced answer,
I'll give you offensive line.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
When you look at this matchup, okay, and you you know,
Alabama's Alabama, right, And I'm not gonna lie to you, Nick,
Even in Indiana, to me, it still seems almost surreal.
And that's so unfair because they have not one, but
two of the best wins in the season. Does Indiana.
(27:03):
Indiana has the best resume. Indiana has literally not made mistakes,
and when they have, they've been able to immediately overcome them. Okay,
what is the perception, what is the vibe you feel
from within Alabama about Indiana and this team.
Speaker 5 (27:21):
Yeah, that's interesting because I think last season it was well,
you know who they play or who they're really beaten, right,
So I think that there was some people who are
maybe not buying into the Indiana hype. I think just
when you talk to people around here, there are definitely
more people who realize this team's legit now this year,
I mean, this is a real contender and obviously they're
(27:42):
the number one seed, but they have good wins too.
I will say though, just because I think it takes
so much time to get people to change their opinions
of just a brand when they're so far away from
it is, I do think there are still some people
here who doubt whether Indiana how legitimate their success is.
(28:03):
And I'm not one of those people, to be clear,
I really do think this is a great Indiana team,
and I'm believer in Kurt Signetti. But I do think
that some people are still slow to the idea of
Indiana being a dominant power in college football. And I
think that's especially the case when you're as far removed
as some people are here in the South. And I
just think in general that most people in the South
(28:24):
are going to tell you that SEC football, in their minds,
is better than the Big Ten football. So I think
that that you have to fight that bias as well.
So I think that a lot of people are thinking that,
you know, they're maybe not giving Indiana the credit they deserve.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
But I'm not one of those people.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Just for the record, you know, Nick, it's funny. Nick
Kelly's my guest, by the way, al dot com. He
is the beat writer for the University of Alabama football program.
And it's funny, Nick, because when the whole nil thing happened,
the thought was, and especially for people that are fans
of Indiana right who'd been just a doormat, Oh, this
(29:02):
is just going to make the rich get richer. Ohio State, Alabama,
and Clemson are just going to dominate college football now
because everything's just going to funnel towards that. And yet
it is Indiana, it is Texas Tech and their oil money,
it is you know, Arizona State a year ago, whatever
it might be. It's those programs that really have been
able to utilize this to lift themselves. Do you think
(29:26):
this is sustainable for Indiana or for whatever program? Or
are we going to see a carousel of teams have
a three year window and then boom, somebody else becomes
the hot, big thing because you can't keep dipping into
the same financial well, et cetera.
Speaker 5 (29:44):
Yeah, I don't mean to give you a fence straveling
answer here, but I think it's kind of we'll see.
I do think it depends on what you define as sustainable.
Does it mean that you were going to have the
same success every year? Probably not, because there's just so
much parody now. Like the parody that is going on
in college football is fun. I mean, I think it
(30:05):
really is fun if you're a fan of the sport,
because you're seeing everyone's got more of a chance than
ever before. I think that maybe the best way to
have this discussion, too is look at Vanderbilt. No, they're
not in the playoff, but they were darn near in
the playoff, and they just had an amazing season and
a guy who finished as the runner up right to
Fernando Mendez in the Heisman quarterback. So, like I think
(30:25):
a lot of fans here, you know, set aside the
Midwest or the SEC you know discussion or the Big
Ten and all that stuff. Like a lot of the
people here are still wrapping their heads around the fact
that Vanderbilt's a legitimate team now. But what happens when
Diego Povey is not there? What do they look like then?
So I think that it's kind of wait and see mode.
But I do think that if you have a good
(30:46):
system in place, and if you have a coach who
knows how to build a program, like Indiana does in
Kurt Signetti and like Vanderbilt has in Clark Lee, I mean,
I think that is sustainable. And that doesn't mean you're
going to go thirteen to zero head you know, at
a first run, buying the playoffs every year. I don't
know about that, but I think they're always going to
be competitive in this era of college football.
Speaker 4 (31:05):
That's all you can ask.
Speaker 1 (31:06):
For, you know. The all I know about this is
when without Diego pavia at Vanderbilt, fewer techno parties, right,
don't we know that? Isn't that a given?
Speaker 5 (31:18):
Well, it's probably gonna be less of a villainous kind.
Speaker 6 (31:22):
Of vander no doubt, right, Heck of a player, no
doubt about that Don Diego's great, like he made my
Husrom ballot, but he yeah, he definitely you get some
opinions about Diego Pavia, no doubt.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
What is it about Alabama? Nick Kelly my guest on
the Java House Peel and poor guest line. What about Alabama?
Nick has when they have had their their games where
they just i'll say flat for lack of better term,
you see them much more closely than do Why right,
but you talk about branding. I still think of Alabama
in that Nick Saban, the Bryce Young era, just like
(31:57):
running back after running back, that era of whole different
level football. They didn't have off games seemingly, then what
is it about this particular group when they do have
the games that are off other teams are doing what
to get them off rhythm?
Speaker 5 (32:15):
I would say pressuring Ty Simpson. I think that's the
biggest thing that if a team wants to succeed, it's
much harder for him to run the offense and be
the very cerebral, precise quarterback he can be when he's
under pressure. So that's if I'm Indiana finally to do that.
Now he can still make you pay. It's not that
he just oh you pressure him and he's done. It's
(32:37):
just I think that's the way to succeed. And I
think that's especially the case when you factor in the
offensive lines and consistent, but also like a lot of
times when the offense doesn't work, it's been a case
of the receivers dropping passes, the just running backs not
making plays, not reading the hole as well. But I
think you can't control those things that your defense as
(32:58):
much as you can just pressure nick.
Speaker 1 (33:02):
This Ty Simpson, who you know at the beginning of
the year, I think he was a lot of people
had him right there in the forefront for the Heisman.
Obviously that goes now to Indiana with Brenanda Mendoza. But
give me kind of a scouting report on him in
terms of areas that make him uncomfortable or areas where
he is where you can exploit him a little bit.
Speaker 4 (33:26):
That's a good question.
Speaker 5 (33:28):
I would say that he's at his best when he's
sitting back and he can just kind of see the field.
I mean, he's really smart, like he really is. And
he's the son of a coach. His dad, Jason Simpson,
is the coach of University of Tennessee at Martin That
is an FCS program that he's had a ton of
success there, So he grew up basically learning in a
(33:48):
college full program. So Ty's very smart and he processes
things well and he sees things well. So the intermediate
routes he's actually very good at, and the short stuff
he's pretty good as well. But again, when he's pressured
and he can't see the field as well, or he
has guys in his face, like Oklahoma in the first game,
when he turned the ball over a few times, it
(34:09):
was because of pressure. He threw his pick six because
the guy was a free rusher coming at him. So sometimes, yeah,
when teams get pressure and they get in his face,
that obviously makes it typical. I think it makes it
difficult for most folks. But he definitely isn't as sharp then,
and there are times where he might, I don't know,
if you bring an exotic look or have some kind
(34:30):
of pressure that the line can't pick up and there's
a free rusher. Sometimes he's not as good at seeing
that and realizing he has to get hear the ball
quick So that sometimes is an area that isn't as strong.
The deep ball has been inconsistent too, but he did
make some plays in that playoff game where he hit
guys on deep passes. So yeah, to me, the biggest
(34:50):
strength of ty has he sees the field really well.
It's hard to bait him into things like he's just
very smart, but he also just I mean, he can
make most of the throws. He can he can find
guys in the intermediate routes. So I think that was
one thing that he's really brought to this offense this
year is that he can find guys in tight windows.
Speaker 1 (35:11):
Defensively, you would anticipate that Alabama tries to do what
against Indiana, and where's an area that can kind of
flex their will if you will.
Speaker 4 (35:22):
Oh gosh, well Indiana, it's gonna bring a lot of problems.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
So I think that's I don't know what kan Walok,
the defensive coordinator's plan is going to be, but you know,
good luck to him is kind of my thought. To me,
you have to somehow get to Fernando Mendoza because in
a similar deal. And I don't mean to keep giving
you the same answer, but correct me if I'm wrong,
but just to me, Ferrando Mendoza, if he gets to
sit back there and just pass it will and just
(35:48):
be comfortable he's going to pick this defensive part. So
you have to somehow get pressure on him, give him,
give him just too much in his face at times,
to where he's going to have to get the ball out.
And so I think that's their only path to me,
I mean, just because they have so many different ways
that they can beat you on offense for Indiana, so
the guys up front in that front seven would be
(36:09):
really important for Alabama. But one thing I will say,
this Salabama defense has been strength in the second half
of the season. It didn't look like it in the
first quarter a quarter and a half against Oklahoma, and
they may have some struggles at first, but this album
defense is really good at making adjustments and it has
any strength for this group and has been much more
consistent than the offense in the second half.
Speaker 4 (36:30):
Of the year.
Speaker 1 (36:31):
I find Birmingham to be one of, if not the
most underrated cities in the United States, in particular the
east side of Birmingham as you head towards Leeds. In
terms of like all local restaurants, very cool, vibe, feels
like a J Crew catalog, Mountain Brook, beautiful area. Your thoughts, Oh.
Speaker 4 (36:54):
It's great.
Speaker 5 (36:54):
I live in Birmingham, and so I'm actually from Minnesota,
so I'm a Midwest ten person at heart. So I've
lived down here about five years now. But the food
scene in Birmingham is underrated. It's very good.
Speaker 4 (37:08):
I've lived here several.
Speaker 5 (37:09):
Years now and I still haven't made my way to
all the good food spots. So yeah, people ever in Birmingham,
check out the food.
Speaker 4 (37:15):
It's really good.
Speaker 1 (37:16):
I'm telling you. It's a cool city for sure. Now
what part of Minneapolis or Minnesota? Did you grew up
in Minneapolis?
Speaker 2 (37:22):
I get it.
Speaker 4 (37:23):
I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis.
Speaker 1 (37:24):
So so you're the first poster on your wall when
you were a kid. Are you too young for Kirby
Pucket or was it Kevin Garnett.
Speaker 5 (37:33):
I'm too young for Kirby Potter, but he was a
big one. He I think his rookie season was the
year I was born, I believe.
Speaker 2 (37:41):
So okay, fair enough.
Speaker 5 (37:44):
Adrian Peterson, Yeah, I mean he was in his prime
when I was coming up in school, so he was
definitely doing well. I didn't actually grow up a Vikings fandom.
My dad's family's from western Pennsylvania, so I picked dad's
ton over Mom's team.
Speaker 1 (37:59):
All right, fair enough, So your first poster on the
wall was what Ben Roethlisberger.
Speaker 4 (38:04):
Troy Paul Malu. He was my favorite player growing up.
Speaker 1 (38:07):
Fair enough, and I listen. Unpopular to say here, Nick,
but it was an interception against Peyton Manning in the playoffs,
but they overturned it. But nonetheless, all right, Nick, I
appreciate the time.
Speaker 2 (38:17):
Man.
Speaker 1 (38:17):
We may try to grab you again, maybe either just
before or just after. I know you're going to be busy,
but certainly Merry Christmas to you, and appreciate the time
and the insights about Alabama today.
Speaker 5 (38:28):
Yeah, great chat. I want to you Merry Christmas. I'm
a good rush your weekend.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Appreciate it, Nick, Kelly joining us from ail dot com.
I'm telling you Birmingham's cool. Casey Evalier is the director
of radio. I think he's the director of radio placement
for the Colts. We'll find out his exact title in
a second. Going to join us, but pre and postgame host,
pregame host, an in game host, I mean for the
Colts radio network. Going to join us just a minute.
(38:54):
I wanted to read this right now. Text message Hey
Jake the Forest Buckner being out and needing next surgery
means what I've said all along, it was a bad trade.
You don't trade the thirteenth pick in the draft for
a D lineman when you needed a quarterback, a D
lineman who will never play a playoff game at Lucas
Soil Stadium. That from Paul Callahan. Paul Callahan point that out.
(39:15):
And Buckner's been a fabulous player. He's been everything you
would want as a teammate. He's been everything you want
as a contributor. But the next issue now and Shane
Stike and announcing earlier today that he will not return
this season, Casey joins us. Now, Casey, before we get
into the specifics, because I know that you're a man
(39:37):
that wears many hats. Now, you don't wear any hats
that are as big as eddies, but you wear many hats.
Your actual title with the Colts, if you will, is
what I'm going to write this down so I get
it right.
Speaker 3 (39:47):
I am the coordinator of radio production.
Speaker 1 (39:50):
Okay, coordinator of radio production.
Speaker 2 (39:52):
Now.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
The other thing is this, I've heard this and I
try to. Ed Shornson taught me this, He said, Bud,
and he had his arm around me. Buddy. When you
talk to somebody and you hear different ways our last
name is pronounced, ask them how they introduced themselves at parties.
So your last name casey, because I've heard it two
different ways on the Colts Radio broadcast of which you
(40:14):
are the coordinator of production. Your last name production when
you introduce it at parties Valier Valier val Ye, so
not Valier Valier Valier.
Speaker 3 (40:26):
Now I have gone by numerous different ways, and I
am not picky about it because I know that we're
all Indiana, We're all Hoosiers at heart, and we say
things up strange. And I have family down in Southern
Indiana who have never been able to say my name right.
So I don't care how it is said.
Speaker 1 (40:43):
But the Valier, how do how do your family in
southern Indiana?
Speaker 2 (40:47):
How do they say it?
Speaker 4 (40:48):
Well?
Speaker 3 (40:48):
Value is is a common that's a common pronunciation.
Speaker 2 (40:53):
All your kid with all your kid, you know.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Let's begin with this in term of the news today,
from Shanestikeen on to Forrest Buckner, did he elaborate Shane
Steikeen on when this setback may have taken place and furthermore,
what it might mean long term for DeForest.
Speaker 3 (41:14):
Buckner, So he didn't elaborate on when it's essentially, you know,
after the game, he was you know, he was kind
of going through you know, maybe the recap of how
he played and talking with some of the docs and
that's when they were kind of.
Speaker 2 (41:28):
You know, discovering.
Speaker 3 (41:29):
So I don't know if there was a specific play
or not, but maybe it was just you know, the
culmination of after the game the way he felt it
didn't it didn't feel.
Speaker 2 (41:38):
Right for him.
Speaker 3 (41:40):
And as far as long term goes, there's really no
you know, there's nothing has been said at that point
right now. The anticipation is is that he has surgery
next week or procedure done next week, and that ultimately
he should be ready to go by by the time
the season starts next year. That was, you know, the
very early in the stages of all that. So we
(42:01):
don't have a whole bunch of you know, concrete information,
but that is kind of the way they're approaching this
as of right now, is that they'll have a procedure
done next week and then he should be ready to
go for next year.
Speaker 1 (42:12):
Casey, in terms of this Sunday if and I know
it's a big if, and maybe it's a dangerous thing
to talk in ifs and you're an employee. I mean,
I don't want to be in a bad spot here.
But if we're if we're discussing this as two fans, okay,
or educated fans, if Houston is to win tomorrow, and
(42:35):
that means going into the game, that the Colts are
aware that it is a game that has no playoff
implication for them, Right, Philip rivers still start?
Speaker 3 (42:44):
Yes, So that has been discussed, you know, this week,
And mainly the reason is because you know, you would
do a game plan, you prepare, you practice all week
with Philip being the guy, and they don't think that
would be you know enough. It would be a disservice
to Riley Leonard if they were to tell him, because
(43:04):
the game I think kicks off tomorrow at four point thirty,
so around eight o'clock locally would be when that game
is probably over tomorrow night. So to then all of
a sudden kind of change what you've done all week
your game plan, to say Riley Leonard is going to
start on Sunday, I think that's a disservice to Riley
and it would put him in a really tough you
know situation. So right now it sounds like, regardless of
(43:27):
winter loss with Houston, it will be Philip Rivers on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (43:30):
And then I guess we will you know, we'll wait
another week to figure out after that. Let me let
me here's what I said earlier, Casey, and I want
you to tell me if you think I'm literally the
only man in Indianapolis that feels this way, right, I
mean it might be me and my bloodstained volleyball that
I'm talking to with this, okay, because I'm alone on
an island. I have started to think more about this
(43:54):
and thought about the fact, and to be fair to
Anthony Richardson, I will say, from a health standpoint, if Richardson,
but when I really look at next year, I believe
their best option at quarterback next year is going to
be to re sign on probably a two year deal
Daniel Jones, partially because that's going to be less expensive
(44:17):
than it was if Jones right now was having continuing
a Sam Darnold type renaissance that he was on his
way towards. But if you bring back Daniel Jones next year,
you're going to need potentially a cushion for him for
the first couple of games until you can just in case,
in case that Achilles is not ready to go. I
(44:40):
would not rule out the possibility because I saw Philip
Rivers saying after the game on the field, how good
he felt, how much he enjoyed it, that they bring
him back for one year simply to start the car
and keep it warm on the parade and pace slap
before Daniel Jones then's hot then hops in it. I
want you to tell me, if I'm alone on an island,
(45:01):
what's that thought moving forward?
Speaker 2 (45:04):
You know, I don't think you're alone. I think as
of right now, I.
Speaker 3 (45:10):
Think everybody is taking this pretty day by day. But
I think there is something to the fact that Philip
looked completely different last week than he did in that
first week again Seattle. I know they said it's game
plan specific and all of that, but I think everybody
would agree that he looked a little bit more like
the Philip Rivers we had got accustomed to towards the
(45:31):
end of his career. And if Philip Rivers is on,
you know, is he if he's making statements about how
well he feels, I don't know necessarily that you can
completely rule that out. I do think that the idea
of bringing Daniel Jones back prior to the even the
you know, the fractured fibula that was reported and then
(45:51):
you talk about the Achilles injury, I think you know,
all around the building that was kind of the thought
that Daniel Jones was looking like the guy that you
would bring back. And I still think you would definitely
entertain that because of everything that you know you're going
to be seeing. You don't have the first round picks,
You can't you know, necessarily go get your quarterback in
the draft that you know is typically taken as a
(46:13):
franchise guy. If you look at what the free agency
pool is, I don't really know what it looks like,
but I know it's not super robust as far as
starting quarterbacks go.
Speaker 2 (46:22):
So Daniel Jones might ultimately.
Speaker 3 (46:23):
Be the best option because you've got familiarity with him,
he's been in the building. Do you want to see
how that Achilles is going to you know, how long
it's going to take for him to get back to
at least a semblance of what the offense is going
to look like with him there. But I don't know
necessarily that you're all on an Island by yourself with
the Philip Rivers thing, just because of one the relationship
(46:44):
he has with Shane Steichen. He knows this offense because
he essentially created this offense when he.
Speaker 2 (46:49):
Was with the Chargers.
Speaker 3 (46:51):
So all of that, the learning curve, it's completely out
the window.
Speaker 2 (46:53):
You don't have to worry about any of that. Clearly
we're seeing that.
Speaker 3 (46:56):
I mean last week, I don't know necessarily if he
was making check to the line of scrimmage, but he
was sure active at the line of scrimmage, looking over
the defense and good putting guys in the situations. So
he has picked that up pretty quickly. So if the
body says he feels right, and it's kind of that
stop gap before Daniel Jones is fully able to get back,
I don't know necessarily, that's something you don't entertain.
Speaker 1 (47:18):
Casey Valier is my guest. Did I say Valier? Did
I say that correct?
Speaker 2 (47:22):
Now? Is the L?
Speaker 1 (47:23):
Do I really?
Speaker 2 (47:23):
Do?
Speaker 1 (47:24):
I really hit the L? Is it more Valier or Valier?
Speaker 2 (47:27):
Valie?
Speaker 3 (47:28):
Yeah, you hit that yell and then and then you
hit the ya.
Speaker 1 (47:31):
The ya, Casey Valier.
Speaker 2 (47:36):
You know, I mean, so I'm used to telling you
know some of the voice guys over there at Urban One.
Speaker 3 (47:42):
How to pronounce it, and it's you got to emphasize
the YA. So I mean, honestly, I've never even thought
about it. The first The first way is you know Vallier,
I don't mind that either.
Speaker 2 (47:51):
So what about this we're adding that to it?
Speaker 1 (47:52):
How about Casey, Casey Valley. How's that that's the better
version of the YA? Right?
Speaker 2 (48:00):
That would be the better version of the A. I
don't know if I like the better version of the
A there, Jake.
Speaker 1 (48:04):
Okay, fair enough? When obviously Colts and Jaggs coming up
on Sunday, it is the home finale, It is the
penultimate game of the regular season for the Colts. We'll
see if that extends beyond that. There are still mathematic
possibility of the playoffs that are there. The offensive line, Casey,
you know, now we know Tanner BORDERLINI out, We obviously
(48:25):
know that, Braden Smith, you know there have been a
number of injuries on the offensive line. I'm curious from
your standpoint, as you do pregame stuff, that means that
you've got to read off injury report for each and
every game, including the opposition. We focus here in Indianapolis
on the Colts from what you can tell the amount
of attrition that say, the Colts have within the depth
(48:46):
and or within the trenches and having to go into
their depth. Does that seem to be to you the
norm when you talk about it from other franchises and
the injury report list as you get a chance to
look at it from other teams, or is it of
concern to Indianapolis more so than you see elsewhere.
Speaker 3 (49:04):
Well, actually, I would say for the most part, outside
of the last couple of weeks, the Colts have been
relatively healthy on the offensive line, probably compared to other teams.
Speaker 2 (49:13):
Now, if you.
Speaker 3 (49:13):
Look at what Jacksonville is dealing with this week, they
have three offensive linemen who didn't practice this week as well,
so they're dealing with their own.
Speaker 2 (49:20):
Kind of thing.
Speaker 3 (49:20):
So I think, especially on you know, both sides of
the line, typically that's where you're going to see a
lot more of those injuries. I think, because I mean, Jake,
you've seen it. I mean, it's it's essentially it's a
car crash every time you snap the football between these guys,
I mean, here are going right.
Speaker 2 (49:36):
It's not.
Speaker 3 (49:38):
So when you when you think about it from those terms,
I think ultimately, you know, with with Bernard Reyman him
missing just one game with the elbow injury, we thought
it could be worse. So it looks like him getting
back that is a positive sign. You mentioned Braden Smith,
but outside of Brayden Smith, Mackenzalve has missed one game.
Tanner BORDERLINI this will be just his first game missed.
So they really haven't had a whole bunch of injuries
(50:01):
this year, which I think is actually different compared to
the norm, because I think you're used to seeing nine
to ten different offensive line starting combinations throughout a given year,
and the Colts aren't at that number this year, which
is different from years past.
Speaker 1 (50:16):
Casey. We will be listening for obviously the pregame show
as well, Colts Jaggs coming up on Sunday, Colts Happy,
How we're getting underway Friday at that's today obviously at
five thirty it feels like a Monday, but today at
five thirty and then Sunday one o'clock kick pregame ten am,
the road to kickoff getting underway at nine o'clock. So
all the coverage, Casey appreciated.
Speaker 2 (50:36):
All right always, Jake, Thanks man, Hi
Speaker 1 (50:39):
Casey Valier, joining us here on the Java House Peel
and Poor Guest line
Inadvertently when we were discussing with our friend JP Shadwick
Jown in Jacksonville before the Colts and Jags were playing
in Round number one down in Jacksonville, I simply asked
a question if he was a married fellow and he
said no, and then I believe later he said something
along the lines of like, let the ladies of Indie
know now most of the ladies in Indianapolis that are
single are probably out doing today returning gifts.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Right, Eddie and single ladies of Indianapolis, please reach out.
That's great.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Well again, that's our friend JP from the first go round.
Now here it is. The time has arrived and this
might be the biggest storyline of the weekend, at least
from the cold standpoint of things. But joining us now
in the Java House, Peel and poor gustline Java House
dot Com for by the way, Columbia amazingly smooth Columbian coffee.
(00:46):
Also the liquid Hydrate, Liquid Science, Hydration Energy Drink, Wrangler
Energy or excuse me, Hydration Drink and Wrangler Energy Drink
Jake twenty five the discount code JP. Joining us now
on the program, JP, first off Mery Christmas too, Ye yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Mary Christmas. That's that's quite a memory you guys have.
I didn't know ize that made such an impression on
everyone there.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
The dulcet tones of JP Shaddick, I mean, and we
we've been anticipating it. I mean, and I think, to
be honest with you, a lot of the single ladies
of Indianapolis have been waiting and circle this on the calendar. Well,
if you really want to know the truth.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Unfortunately, I'll be stuck in the studio in Jacksonville this week.
I'm not making the trip.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Ah Eddie, do you happen to have the breaking news
soundard by chance? Please if you come this just and
the reality show that was going to be JP's Loves
Select at Harry and I Isis has been canceled for
this weekend. H Well, JP, thanks for joining us. We'll
talk to you next year. All right, Hey, let's get
(01:46):
to this. This is clearly Look and you tell me
what has been the difference for this Jacks team, Because
this very quietly, JP, this might be right now the
hottest team in the NFL. And they seem to be
on a different level clearly than they have been. They're
playing their best ball at the best time. What has
been the difference?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Well, I mean the quarterback play is the difference. I mean,
he is playing out of his mind right now, or
is it? I mean that's the great question. Is it
out of his mind? Or is this the new level,
the next step for Trevor Lawrence? And I think he's
starting to prove that maybe he has taken a step.
Is it the ultimate final step that he wants to
be all the time? I don't know who's still room
(02:27):
for improvement, but that's been the number one thing because
they really haven't run the ball especially well over the
last month or so since we saw you guys, But
he has really been executing in the passing game at
a very high level and maybe not you know, statistically
big numbers games, but big throws in big moments without
(02:47):
hesitation and trusting everything in this offense right now. So
for me, that's that's the number one thing. When you
have everything else going well on defense especially, and then
all of a sudden you have the quarterback playing at
a high level, that's something you just haven't seen around
here in a long long time.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
The getting him playing at a high level, and we're
talking about Trevor Lawrence is that based on schematically, they
have changed things in more design things to get him
in comfort. Or is it simply a matter of, hey,
he's getting protected and his weapons are healthy and now
he feels in rhythm.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Yeah. I mean, I think it's a little bit of
a combination of that. I mean, I think it's more
just comfortability in the offense as the season has gone on.
That's one thing. The verbiage of it, it's long winded.
You know, they're getting to the line faster, and so
they have all the pre snap motions and reads that
they can do. Early in the season it was sober
both that they were late getting to the line and
(03:48):
it was hectic and he wasn't comfortable. So they eliminated
that snap process so he can think clearly when he's
at the line and has time to manage whatever he
needs to and then just letting it rip. I mean
they had a conversation about that, he and Liam Cohen
did about hey, man, don't worry about an interception. Don't
(04:09):
throw four in a game, but if you throw one,
it's worth it if you get three or four shots
down the field because of it. So that since that conversation,
it's been a really different feel for the quarterback. So
I think it's a combination of it. They might be
calling a few things, different guys are catching the ball.
I mean, that wasn't happening early in the season. I mean,
you laughed, but that was a problem really early. I
(04:31):
think this still lead the league in drops from all
the stuff early in the season. So reliability of the receivers,
confidence in the passing attack, and then comfortability in this offense.
It's all just kind of come together at the.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Right time when you look. And I'm curious if Trevor
Lawrence has discussed this at all, JP, because and I've
mentioned this before JP Shadwick, my guest Jaba House Peelaport
guest line from down in Jacksonville when Lawrence was in college.
And I think this is a challenge when assessing sometimes quarterbacks,
all the intangibles coming out right, but if you realistically look,
(05:03):
he's throwing the ball to t Higgins, He's throwing the
ball to Amari Rodgers, he's throwing the ball to Justin Ross.
He's throwing the guys that are at the collegiate level,
you know, a step and a half open on window
and timing doesn't have to be as precise. Has he
ever discussed whether or not that was an adjustment for him,
and maybe even adjustment that was continually delayed for him
(05:25):
in Jacksonville.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Well, I think there was so much other, so many
other things going on that that was probably the least
of his concerns when he first came in because of
everything going on in the coaching situation here at the time.
Remember it was urban Meyer, and it was all the
off the field stuff. And he had some early moments
in that season, like the game in Cincinnati, I think
(05:47):
week four before the whole urban Meyer thing, right that trip,
he actually played well and fought back in that game
and used his legs and figured out a way and
I'll say, this is a good step. But then it
all just kind of melted down around that. Yeah, and
and there is a little I think to what you're saying. Yeah,
you have to be you have to lead guys properly here,
(06:10):
you have to fit it and layer it into windows
down the field. But again, when there's not confidence in
the line or inconsistency in the receiver play, it was
I think probably a little hard for him just let
it loose. And you know, when he finally got to
the playoffs. You know, he took the four picks. Well,
then it's like, we have nothing to loose. Just let
(06:31):
it loose. And you saw I played in the second
half of that game. Just let it fly. And that's
the Trevor Lawrence you want without the four picks. Of course,
can you elaborate?
Speaker 1 (06:41):
And I know at this point, especially for you, it's
ancient history and it's a book that perhaps has been closed.
But JP Shatterck and I know you're with the the
you know, Jaguars dot Com, but we hear about the
Urban Meyer for those that are unfamiliar with it. You know,
the when they played Cincinnati, he stayed back in Ohio,
(07:02):
he didn't go back to Florida with the team. That
obviously created a lot of you know what in the world.
And then a photo came out of him at a
bar that created a second.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
What in the world? Was it?
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Was there even more to it than that per se
or was it just kind of the lack of presence,
if you will.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
I think there was a general lack of that. You
know that those were the big things obviously, as the
other moments there was problems with the kicker here apparently
allegedly kicked the kicker or whatever on the practice field
and some other things behind the scenes like that. So
there was a series I'm guessing of event. I mean,
that seems like it to me. It's not just one
(07:41):
thing that was the big one. And then then it
was pretty much all over from there and they just
had to kind of riote it as much as they could,
and then it became untenable towards the end of that season.
I think he got thirteen games in before they finally
made change. So you know that that was an other
lost opportunity, you know, and it just kind of extended
(08:05):
what Sead conn and the Jags ownership wanted to do.
And then they ended up getting Doug Peterson in here
actually had some success for a couple of years, two
nine win seasons under Peterson. Then unfortunately that didn't work
out either. So here we are with Liam Cohen and
in a really good spot eleven win seasons so far.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
You know, if you look at the Colts season JP
and yes, the Colts obviously had the quarterback injury situation,
but at the same time they got out to a
great start. You can look back now and say, Okay,
maybe they got and they did, they got fat off
some bad teams. Right, if you take out and you know,
(08:41):
beating the Chargers is impressive, Beating Denver's impressive. You take
that out twenty and fifty five the record of the
teams the Colts have beaten. How much of this stability
that Jacksonville has found could be potentially fools gold because
they also have been able to do it against the
lack of meat of their schedule Arizona Tennessee the Colts
(09:02):
for that matter, the Jets, although winning against Denver is impressive,
but is there any concern of that.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Well, they beat San Francisco at San Francisco and they
beat the Chargers.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Well, I mean, though, I mean the latest streak I'm saying,
I'm sorry, just you know, in terms of.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
I mean, you want to talk about the latest streak,
that's fine, I want to talk about the whole season.
I mean, they've they've done some things earlier when they
were a little inconsistent against some really good teams, and
then I think going to Denver proved that. Yeah, I'm
with you that some of those teams they were playing
as of late and having some issues with in close games,
(09:39):
Arizona one of those, Vegas one of those. They won
those games. They found a way. They didn't beat Houston
the second time because they gave up a nineteen point
leading the fourth quarter. But that changed the whole mindset
of this team that they're never going to let that
happen again. We've heard that here before over the years,
and they've let it happen again, but they haven't. And
(10:00):
the ultimate proof, I think right now at least, is
that they went out to Denver, the number one seed,
the number one defense in the league allegedly and put
up thirty eight points on them, I mean that and
dominated the game. So that's you can play what's on
the schedule, and they're beating everybody that's on the schedule
right now in a lot of different ways.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Is there another area that? And it does appear as
though you pointed out well, JP, and I appreciate it
that by and large, it's been consistent, right, I mean,
they've been consistently obviously competitive all year long, but this
isn't you know, You're right. You go back and you look,
and Kansas City was in there too. I think you
mentioned them.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Early when they went Today Night Football.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
Absolutely so when you look at that, are there other
areas aside from quarterback play that perhaps have been overshadowed
that were question marks going in that Jacksonville has addressed.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
You know, there were early in the season on defense, Okay,
how are they going to stop the run?
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Ups?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Totally new scheme on defense, some new faces in there.
Can they do that because they couldn't figure it out
last season? But especially against a team like the Colts.
For Jonathan Taylor, and I think as the season has
gone along, it was the same idea, right, Okay, you
haven't really played a great running team yet, Let's see
if you can go play a good, physical offensive line
(11:19):
and defensively hold up against them. And they've improved that
as the year has gone along, and that's been really
a key to everything else. If they can stop the
running game, then it sets up a little bit of
the pass rush. They don't have big sack numbers, but
they have some pressure numbers, which is not an official
stat I get it, but it causes things down the
field to happen. So that's where the takeaway numbers are
(11:40):
so high second in the NFL. Because the quarterbacks rushed
a bit. He's gotta let it fly tipball pick. You know.
So it all starts for me with the stopping of
the run game, and those guys up front have really
done a great job. Davon Hamilton is back to his
form before his back injury a couple of years ago,
and that's a great sign for the Steve moving ahead.
(12:00):
If it's consistent down the stretch and end of the postseason,
they got a shot to make.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
A run, you know they. Parker Washington is a guy
that was drafted. He was not a top pick. The
Jaguars have spent resources on the receiver position in the
last couple of years, but Washington and Thomas have very
similar seasons statistically. Is one the primary over the other?
(12:25):
JP or is one appear to be the who is
Trevor Lawrence's comfort player?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
If you will, It's a good one, and I'd probably
lean more towards If I'm picking between those two, I
would pick Parker Washington because he's the catch and run guy,
and you know he can catch it five yards and
then run for twenty after. Brian Thomas is the down
the field threat, vertical threat, and you knows he had
(12:51):
some drops early in the season and on the inbreaking
stuff was having trouble. They've kind of recrafted what he
is involved in this offense. And Denver last week actually
putana on him most of the game, followed him around
and kind of took him out. So Trevor Lawrence like,
we got three or four other guys we can throw
to here, and they did that. They spread the wealth
(13:11):
in the running back room has been big in the
passing game too, and checkdown game if they have to
go there. So it's a full hands on deck situation,
I think in the passing game. But between those two,
I mean, Parker Washington's playing the role of Christian Kirk
in the playoff team a couple of years ago, like
the go to guy slot receiver catch and run gets
your ten when you need third and eight. And he's
(13:35):
been really, really reliable so far for this team. And
he's he's got in the power return game too.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
Clearly, the again, JP, Shadwick is our guest joining us
from Jacksonville the real intriguing thing, and Jacksonville might be
in this mix, JP, I mean in terms of the
answer of what I'm about to ask you, this year
to me seems like almost more so than any of
recent ILK and this is the NF hell by design,
(14:01):
it is the hardest to answer this question, but I
want your thought, who's the best team in the NFL?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
The best team in the NFL? Uh kind of teams
are coming up and down. I was going I would
have said the Rams. I think, you know, they've got
the veteran quarterback, They've got a really good defense and
pass rushers, and they're really playing some good football right now.
(14:30):
You know, the running game of Buffalo is great and
he you know, they may not have the wins and
lost totals right that everybody's looking for right now, but
you don't want to see them in January. I got
news for you, because they've got some guys who can
bring it. But I think, yeah, I mean, it's it's
tough because the Rams have fallen off just a little bit.
They have blown it. They blew out the Daggs in London,
(14:51):
so that's kind of fresh in my mind right now.
So I guess I'm probably answering your question more is
like teams I don't want to see in the postseason.
But if you're seeing the Rams in the postseason, that
means in the Super Bowl, So that'd be fine too.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
Okay, I always ask this question. You ready, Yeah, And
it's a little late in the year for this, but
yet still this year it feels applicable. Give me the
team that JP Shattuck looks at and you see the
record and you are aware of the resume and everything
about it you are impressed by, but deep down and
you're like, but I still don't know if they're good,
and that's selling them short. But I'm still not. I
(15:28):
just don't know. I'm not convinced.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
I saw him last night Denver Broncos. Yes, I mean
the Jaguars went out there and put a number on them.
And then last night at Arrowhead, the Chiefs third string
quarterback had the football in his hands with two minutes
to go, and like, with a chance, and yeah, Boat
Knicks can do some things with his legs. And they've
(15:52):
done some fine things on offense this year, in their
second year with Sean Treeton. But boy, that that was
a deplete need a Chiefs team. They had so many
guys injured. Two starting corners were out, a bunch of
offensive players. They're on their fourth tackle I think this year.
I mean, so they they were really down to the
(16:12):
nitty gritty and Denver had them stay in the game
because they had an interception tip ball interception, short field
touchdown for Kansas City and then they flipped the field
in a pump return with the backup pump return, so
like that helped Kansas City stay in the game. Their
best drive of the night for the Chiefs was the
final drive that they couldn't finish. So I got some
(16:35):
questions about Denver right now, Okay, I don't know what
they are.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
I'm gonna get I totally agree with that. By the way,
I'm going to give you two teams. I want you
to tell me which one you would be more eager
to buy. You ready, Seattle Chicago.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
Seattle's really stout upfront on defense. But then Sam Donald
might Sam Donald again?
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Do you trust and nothing? And listen, he's a great
story and I'm I don't know him, but I'm happy
for the guy because he's But but do you trust
him late in a game, in a big moment?
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Would you trust him? Or Caleb Williams? You know, I
don't know. That's tough because they're both look, you know, unproven.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Williams against Green Bay had a pretty big moment. I mean,
he put it right where it needed to be. But
I'm with you.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
He's young though, right, young guy hasn't been in there yet.
You know, it's different when you get in the playoffs
for the first time. How do you handle that? And
you're right, that was a great throw at the game,
I'm unbelievable throw and ketch, So maybe that gives him
a little confidence. So I guess to answer your question,
I'm probably I'd probably lean towards Chicago.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
Okay, let me give you one other one. Tell me
which one of these one old guard the other?
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Johnny come lately? You more buy Philly or New England.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Philly's defense man there. I mean, they've got dudes, and
I think when whenever the time comes that they have
to run the football, they've got the horses to do
that too. So and New England's kind of the same thing.
They get young quarterback and are they really what they are?
(18:13):
I don't know. I'd probably trust Philly because they've been
there and done that before.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
Fair Hey, JP, can we can I mix in little
college with you because I know you obviously have some
experience in the college game as well, some.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Knowledge that sure.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Okay, but I've done some games, college football playoffs. I
would like the outside observation. Okay, college football playoff? In
your mind, truly, all things given equal in big moments,
the best team in college football is who?
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Oh? I think the best team this year is it's Indiana.
I mean, they've proven it. They went and won the
Big Ten. They're probably gonna beat Alabama in my opinion,
and then you just keep on rolling. I mean, they've got
the quarterback, they've got everything you want for now. Is
it sustainable for the long run? That's another argument all together,
considering the portal and the changes and the people leaving
(19:04):
and all that after this year. But we're not there yet.
They haven't even won a title yet, so I'd probably
say I would have said Ohio State until they played
head to head, and then there you go. I don't
trust Alabama at all? Right now?
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Yeah, So, because Indiana and Indiana fans are curious about Alabama.
We know the pedigree, we know the name recognition, we
know Calyn de Boor because he was at Indiana. But
what do you what about Alabama gives you pause when
it came And maybe you're saying that more about Alabama
than you are confidence in Indiana.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
But what is it about Alabama that is susceptible? Their
run game stinks. They cannot run the football. They've tried
all year, different running backs, whatever, and it's like the
worst rushing attack since I was in school there, like
twenty years ago. I mean, that's just terrible. So they
can't consistently do that. So if you can affect the
(19:54):
quarterback with them, if you get in his face or
disguise things on the back end, he hasn't consistently proven
ty Simpson that he can overcome that. So that's a
problem I think for Alabama because they're gonna have the
big guys up front, they've got the beef, they can
do that. On defense, they're you know, that's fine, and
they're still kind of that same big enough team defensively
(20:16):
to kind of hang. They should have lost Auburn. I mean,
they had the big, long, sustained drive at the end
to win that game, but they didn't put on a
show at Jordan Air. Tough place to play no matter
what Auburn team walks out there. So I had that
game and I just I've got some concerns because if
you can't run the ball when it matters, you get
(20:36):
to lean on a quarterback that is inconsistent at times.
Speaker 1 (20:39):
So what we know is this, the Alabama rushing attack
is very similar to that of the mingling ability with
the Ladies of India by JP Shadwick. Precedent's there. History's there,
but not not president right now?
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Right?
Speaker 1 (20:53):
Is that what we're getting at.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
It's kind of what it is. Yeah, I mean it
was there in the past, but that there in the president.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
But that's not to say that there aren't recruiting efforts
taking place to resurrect it for the future.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
Right, what a couple of trophies before but not right now?
All right?
Speaker 1 (21:11):
Fair enough? Well, well we'll let everybody know to make
alternate plans for the weekend.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
Right, Good luck with that. I you know, unfortunately you
might just have to be a little bit later, all.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Right, JP, I appreciate the time as always, man, Happy
holidays to you, all right, always enjoy.
Speaker 2 (21:27):
It man, Merry Christmas, Happy holidays, and enjoy the game.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
This Sunday appreciated JP Shadwick joining us on the Java
House Peel and poor guest line. He is not on
his way to the next whiskey bar, but rather to Pasadena.
Nick Kelly joining us. Nick, I'll bet every time you
do a radio hit somewhere they play Leonard Skinner to
Sweet Home Alabama.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Right.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
It definitely is a common one, no doubt.
Speaker 5 (21:51):
I mean, you can't go many places in this stay
without hearing it, especially around brand Any Stadium on game days.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
So were you impressed by the fact we played the
Alabama soung by the doors instead of Sweet Home Alabama?
Speaker 2 (22:03):
See?
Speaker 5 (22:03):
I like creativity, so like I like when when I'm
presented with that, So I respect that. I appreciate it,
and uh, well done, gold stars all around.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
There we go. That's what. Okay, Well thanks for joining us, Nick,
Happy holidays too. No, I'm just kidding. Okay, let's get
to this. This matchup is fascinating because you have, you know,
Calen de Boor, who obviously at one time was on
staff in Indiana. You've got Kurt Signetti, who was at
one time on staff at Alabama. How much is that
from the Signetti factor? I am curious what is the
(22:35):
Alabama fan or you know, media perception of Kurt Signetti
and recollection or feeling of connection to him to Alabama.
Speaker 5 (22:47):
Yeah, I think there's definitely some I think that it's
fascinating where I think some people forget just how I
guess significant that he was or how long he was
here for. I think people forget that because it was
a while ago. But he was here for four seasons,
right from seven to twenty ten. So he was an
integral part of really getting this thing off the ground
for the Saban dynasty and then not only getting off
(23:08):
the ground but winning and a fascinating dynamic too. Was
so he was the guy on the sideline that was
essentially the conduit for the OC and the press box
and the guys on the field. So you'd have when
it was Jim McElwain when he was there for a
couple of seasons, he was communicating with Signette. He was
on the sideline, and then Signette would be the one
(23:29):
communicating signals. He'd be the one talking to players, you know,
getting them coached up.
Speaker 4 (23:34):
He'd be the one that.
Speaker 5 (23:35):
If Nick Faban was upset about someone with the offense,
if he wanted to talk to someone on the sideline,
he'd be the guy for that. So he really had
a big role, and he had a big role in
recruiting guys like mark Ingram and just you know coaching
up guys like Julio Jones. So I think people obviously
they when they think of the early days, they think
of Nick Saban, they think of the coordinators, But really
(23:55):
Kurt Signetty was an integral part of that staff, and
I think that folks here are of what he's done
since he was here.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
This is kind of this is going to sound weird
to ask it this way, because it's one would assume,
But Alabama's different. It's just different than other places. Did
debor cement himself by getting that win against Oklahoma? Or
was that not even necessary and needed? How stable is
he as the head coach at Alabama?
Speaker 5 (24:24):
I think it was a massive win, and to your point,
I do think that it went a long way toward Okay,
this guy's legitimate. This guy can do some big things here,
because he'd want some big games in the regular season,
but in Alabama, fair or not, the expectations championships. So
when you're doing some great things in the regular season,
(24:45):
that's one thing, But when you're winning big games on
the road, I mean, that was a tough game to
win when you're down seventeen to a good defensive team
like that at Oklahoma, at their place. I mean, I
think most of us, if we're being on wrote off Alabama,
kalend Bor kept his guys steady, and he got him
(25:05):
to a place where they could go win that game
and not just win it, but I mean they were
quite dominant in the second half of that game. So yeah,
I think that that really earned him some of the
people who are still doubting him, earned that respect for him,
got them more on board.
Speaker 4 (25:20):
And I think that no matter what.
Speaker 5 (25:21):
Happens from here on out, I think it's a launching
point for year three of Kalen de Boor.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Okay, Kalen de Boor. At night, he is staring at
the ceiling and he is worried about what aspect of
his football team that still has not been as consistent
as he'd like.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
That's a good question, I would say. I would say
the running game just I mean, and that's kind of
easy answer because it hasn't really been there. And even
when as I give you that answer, I'm still kind
of like, well, it hasn't been there all years. So like,
I don't think they're at a point where they're expecting
it to be great. But I think that them getting
that running game to a respectable or disserviceable point is
(26:06):
something that they need to I won't say be stressed about,
but definitely be focusing on because at this point, no,
the running game is not going to win them the
game against Indiana or anyone, but they need some effective
running to happen just to keep defenses honest against the past.
Speaker 4 (26:21):
But no doubt they're going to win the game on
in their passing game.
Speaker 5 (26:24):
But I guess the other answer I can give you
is the offensive line for them, because it has been inconsistent,
hasn't always been there. They had a pretty good game
against Oklahoma as the game went on, they had some
good plays and they played well. But I think that
if I'm going to give you maybe a more nuanced answer,
I'll give you offensive line.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
When you look at this matchup, okay, and you you know,
Alabama's Alabama, right, And I'm not gonna lie to you, Nick,
Even in Indiana, to me, it still seems almost surreal.
And that's so unfair because they have not one, but
two of the best wins in the season. Does Indiana.
(27:03):
Indiana has the best resume. Indiana has literally not made mistakes,
and when they have, they've been able to immediately overcome them. Okay,
what is the perception, what is the vibe you feel
from within Alabama about Indiana and this team.
Speaker 5 (27:21):
Yeah, that's interesting because I think last season it was well,
you know who they play or who they're really beaten, right,
So I think that there was some people who are
maybe not buying into the Indiana hype. I think just
when you talk to people around here, there are definitely
more people who realize this team's legit now this year,
I mean, this is a real contender and obviously they're
(27:42):
the number one seed, but they have good wins too.
I will say though, just because I think it takes
so much time to get people to change their opinions
of just a brand when they're so far away from
it is, I do think there are still some people
here who doubt whether Indiana how legitimate their success is.
(28:03):
And I'm not one of those people, to be clear,
I really do think this is a great Indiana team,
and I'm believer in Kurt Signetti. But I do think
that some people are still slow to the idea of
Indiana being a dominant power in college football. And I
think that's especially the case when you're as far removed
as some people are here in the South. And I
just think in general that most people in the South
(28:24):
are going to tell you that SEC football, in their minds,
is better than the Big Ten football. So I think
that that you have to fight that bias as well.
So I think that a lot of people are thinking that,
you know, they're maybe not giving Indiana the credit they deserve.
Speaker 4 (28:38):
But I'm not one of those people.
Speaker 1 (28:39):
Just for the record, you know, Nick, it's funny. Nick
Kelly's my guest, by the way, al dot com. He
is the beat writer for the University of Alabama football program.
And it's funny, Nick, because when the whole nil thing happened,
the thought was, and especially for people that are fans
of Indiana right who'd been just a doormat, Oh, this
(29:02):
is just going to make the rich get richer. Ohio State, Alabama,
and Clemson are just going to dominate college football now
because everything's just going to funnel towards that. And yet
it is Indiana, it is Texas Tech and their oil money,
it is you know, Arizona State a year ago, whatever
it might be. It's those programs that really have been
able to utilize this to lift themselves. Do you think
(29:26):
this is sustainable for Indiana or for whatever program? Or
are we going to see a carousel of teams have
a three year window and then boom, somebody else becomes
the hot, big thing because you can't keep dipping into
the same financial well, et cetera.
Speaker 5 (29:44):
Yeah, I don't mean to give you a fence straveling
answer here, but I think it's kind of we'll see.
I do think it depends on what you define as sustainable.
Does it mean that you were going to have the
same success every year? Probably not, because there's just so
much parody now. Like the parody that is going on
in college football is fun. I mean, I think it
(30:05):
really is fun if you're a fan of the sport,
because you're seeing everyone's got more of a chance than
ever before. I think that maybe the best way to
have this discussion, too is look at Vanderbilt. No, they're
not in the playoff, but they were darn near in
the playoff, and they just had an amazing season and
a guy who finished as the runner up right to
Fernando Mendez in the Heisman quarterback. So, like I think
(30:25):
a lot of fans here, you know, set aside the
Midwest or the SEC you know discussion or the Big
Ten and all that stuff. Like a lot of the
people here are still wrapping their heads around the fact
that Vanderbilt's a legitimate team now. But what happens when
Diego Povey is not there? What do they look like then?
So I think that it's kind of wait and see mode.
But I do think that if you have a good
(30:46):
system in place, and if you have a coach who
knows how to build a program, like Indiana does in
Kurt Signetti and like Vanderbilt has in Clark Lee, I mean,
I think that is sustainable. And that doesn't mean you're
going to go thirteen to zero head you know, at
a first run, buying the playoffs every year. I don't
know about that, but I think they're always going to
be competitive in this era of college football.
Speaker 4 (31:05):
That's all you can ask.
Speaker 1 (31:06):
For, you know. The all I know about this is
when without Diego pavia at Vanderbilt, fewer techno parties, right,
don't we know that? Isn't that a given?
Speaker 5 (31:18):
Well, it's probably gonna be less of a villainous kind.
Speaker 6 (31:22):
Of vander no doubt, right, Heck of a player, no
doubt about that Don Diego's great, like he made my
Husrom ballot, but he yeah, he definitely you get some
opinions about Diego Pavia, no doubt.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
What is it about Alabama? Nick Kelly my guest on
the Java House Peel and poor guest line. What about Alabama?
Nick has when they have had their their games where
they just i'll say flat for lack of better term,
you see them much more closely than do Why right,
but you talk about branding. I still think of Alabama
in that Nick Saban, the Bryce Young era, just like
(31:57):
running back after running back, that era of whole different
level football. They didn't have off games seemingly, then what
is it about this particular group when they do have
the games that are off other teams are doing what
to get them off rhythm?
Speaker 5 (32:15):
I would say pressuring Ty Simpson. I think that's the
biggest thing that if a team wants to succeed, it's
much harder for him to run the offense and be
the very cerebral, precise quarterback he can be when he's
under pressure. So that's if I'm Indiana finally to do that.
Now he can still make you pay. It's not that
he just oh you pressure him and he's done. It's
(32:37):
just I think that's the way to succeed. And I
think that's especially the case when you factor in the
offensive lines and consistent, but also like a lot of
times when the offense doesn't work, it's been a case
of the receivers dropping passes, the just running backs not
making plays, not reading the hole as well. But I
think you can't control those things that your defense as
(32:58):
much as you can just pressure nick.
Speaker 1 (33:02):
This Ty Simpson, who you know at the beginning of
the year, I think he was a lot of people
had him right there in the forefront for the Heisman.
Obviously that goes now to Indiana with Brenanda Mendoza. But
give me kind of a scouting report on him in
terms of areas that make him uncomfortable or areas where
he is where you can exploit him a little bit.
Speaker 4 (33:26):
That's a good question.
Speaker 5 (33:28):
I would say that he's at his best when he's
sitting back and he can just kind of see the field.
I mean, he's really smart, like he really is. And
he's the son of a coach. His dad, Jason Simpson,
is the coach of University of Tennessee at Martin That
is an FCS program that he's had a ton of
success there, So he grew up basically learning in a
(33:48):
college full program. So Ty's very smart and he processes
things well and he sees things well. So the intermediate
routes he's actually very good at, and the short stuff
he's pretty good as well. But again, when he's pressured
and he can't see the field as well, or he
has guys in his face, like Oklahoma in the first game,
when he turned the ball over a few times, it
(34:09):
was because of pressure. He threw his pick six because
the guy was a free rusher coming at him. So sometimes, yeah,
when teams get pressure and they get in his face,
that obviously makes it typical. I think it makes it
difficult for most folks. But he definitely isn't as sharp then,
and there are times where he might, I don't know,
if you bring an exotic look or have some kind
(34:30):
of pressure that the line can't pick up and there's
a free rusher. Sometimes he's not as good at seeing
that and realizing he has to get hear the ball
quick So that sometimes is an area that isn't as strong.
The deep ball has been inconsistent too, but he did
make some plays in that playoff game where he hit
guys on deep passes. So yeah, to me, the biggest
(34:50):
strength of ty has he sees the field really well.
It's hard to bait him into things like he's just
very smart, but he also just I mean, he can
make most of the throws. He can he can find
guys in the intermediate routes. So I think that was
one thing that he's really brought to this offense this
year is that he can find guys in tight windows.
Speaker 1 (35:11):
Defensively, you would anticipate that Alabama tries to do what
against Indiana, and where's an area that can kind of
flex their will if you will.
Speaker 4 (35:22):
Oh gosh, well Indiana, it's gonna bring a lot of problems.
Speaker 5 (35:26):
So I think that's I don't know what kan Walok,
the defensive coordinator's plan is going to be, but you know,
good luck to him is kind of my thought. To me,
you have to somehow get to Fernando Mendoza because in
a similar deal. And I don't mean to keep giving
you the same answer, but correct me if I'm wrong,
but just to me, Ferrando Mendoza, if he gets to
sit back there and just pass it will and just
(35:48):
be comfortable he's going to pick this defensive part. So
you have to somehow get pressure on him, give him,
give him just too much in his face at times,
to where he's going to have to get the ball out.
And so I think that's their only path to me,
I mean, just because they have so many different ways
that they can beat you on offense for Indiana, so
the guys up front in that front seven would be
(36:09):
really important for Alabama. But one thing I will say,
this Salabama defense has been strength in the second half
of the season. It didn't look like it in the
first quarter a quarter and a half against Oklahoma, and
they may have some struggles at first, but this album
defense is really good at making adjustments and it has
any strength for this group and has been much more
consistent than the offense in the second half.
Speaker 4 (36:30):
Of the year.
Speaker 1 (36:31):
I find Birmingham to be one of, if not the
most underrated cities in the United States, in particular the
east side of Birmingham as you head towards Leeds. In
terms of like all local restaurants, very cool, vibe, feels
like a J Crew catalog, Mountain Brook, beautiful area. Your thoughts, Oh.
Speaker 4 (36:54):
It's great.
Speaker 5 (36:54):
I live in Birmingham, and so I'm actually from Minnesota,
so I'm a Midwest ten person at heart. So I've
lived down here about five years now. But the food
scene in Birmingham is underrated. It's very good.
Speaker 4 (37:08):
I've lived here several.
Speaker 5 (37:09):
Years now and I still haven't made my way to
all the good food spots. So yeah, people ever in Birmingham,
check out the food.
Speaker 4 (37:15):
It's really good.
Speaker 1 (37:16):
I'm telling you. It's a cool city for sure. Now
what part of Minneapolis or Minnesota? Did you grew up
in Minneapolis?
Speaker 2 (37:22):
I get it.
Speaker 4 (37:23):
I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis.
Speaker 1 (37:24):
So so you're the first poster on your wall when
you were a kid. Are you too young for Kirby
Pucket or was it Kevin Garnett.
Speaker 5 (37:33):
I'm too young for Kirby Potter, but he was a
big one. He I think his rookie season was the
year I was born, I believe.
Speaker 2 (37:41):
So okay, fair enough.
Speaker 5 (37:44):
Adrian Peterson, Yeah, I mean he was in his prime
when I was coming up in school, so he was
definitely doing well. I didn't actually grow up a Vikings fandom.
My dad's family's from western Pennsylvania, so I picked dad's
ton over Mom's team.
Speaker 1 (37:59):
All right, fair enough, So your first poster on the
wall was what Ben Roethlisberger.
Speaker 4 (38:04):
Troy Paul Malu. He was my favorite player growing up.
Speaker 1 (38:07):
Fair enough, and I listen. Unpopular to say here, Nick,
but it was an interception against Peyton Manning in the playoffs,
but they overturned it. But nonetheless, all right, Nick, I
appreciate the time.
Speaker 2 (38:17):
Man.
Speaker 1 (38:17):
We may try to grab you again, maybe either just
before or just after. I know you're going to be busy,
but certainly Merry Christmas to you, and appreciate the time
and the insights about Alabama today.
Speaker 5 (38:28):
Yeah, great chat. I want to you Merry Christmas. I'm
a good rush your weekend.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
Appreciate it, Nick, Kelly joining us from ail dot com.
I'm telling you Birmingham's cool. Casey Evalier is the director
of radio. I think he's the director of radio placement
for the Colts. We'll find out his exact title in
a second. Going to join us, but pre and postgame host,
pregame host, an in game host, I mean for the
Colts radio network. Going to join us just a minute.
(38:54):
I wanted to read this right now. Text message Hey
Jake the Forest Buckner being out and needing next surgery
means what I've said all along, it was a bad trade.
You don't trade the thirteenth pick in the draft for
a D lineman when you needed a quarterback, a D
lineman who will never play a playoff game at Lucas
Soil Stadium. That from Paul Callahan. Paul Callahan point that out.
(39:15):
And Buckner's been a fabulous player. He's been everything you
would want as a teammate. He's been everything you want
as a contributor. But the next issue now and Shane
Stike and announcing earlier today that he will not return
this season, Casey joins us. Now, Casey, before we get
into the specifics, because I know that you're a man
(39:37):
that wears many hats. Now, you don't wear any hats
that are as big as eddies, but you wear many hats.
Your actual title with the Colts, if you will, is
what I'm going to write this down so I get
it right.
Speaker 3 (39:47):
I am the coordinator of radio production.
Speaker 1 (39:50):
Okay, coordinator of radio production.
Speaker 2 (39:52):
Now.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
The other thing is this, I've heard this and I
try to. Ed Shornson taught me this, He said, Bud,
and he had his arm around me. Buddy. When you
talk to somebody and you hear different ways our last
name is pronounced, ask them how they introduced themselves at parties.
So your last name casey, because I've heard it two
different ways on the Colts Radio broadcast of which you
(40:14):
are the coordinator of production. Your last name production when
you introduce it at parties Valier Valier val Ye, so
not Valier Valier Valier.
Speaker 3 (40:26):
Now I have gone by numerous different ways, and I
am not picky about it because I know that we're
all Indiana, We're all Hoosiers at heart, and we say
things up strange. And I have family down in Southern
Indiana who have never been able to say my name right.
So I don't care how it is said.
Speaker 1 (40:43):
But the Valier, how do how do your family in
southern Indiana?
Speaker 2 (40:47):
How do they say it?
Speaker 4 (40:48):
Well?
Speaker 3 (40:48):
Value is is a common that's a common pronunciation.
Speaker 2 (40:53):
All your kid with all your kid, you know.
Speaker 1 (40:58):
Let's begin with this in term of the news today,
from Shanestikeen on to Forrest Buckner, did he elaborate Shane
Steikeen on when this setback may have taken place and furthermore,
what it might mean long term for DeForest.
Speaker 3 (41:14):
Buckner, So he didn't elaborate on when it's essentially, you know,
after the game, he was you know, he was kind
of going through you know, maybe the recap of how
he played and talking with some of the docs and
that's when they were kind of.
Speaker 2 (41:28):
You know, discovering.
Speaker 3 (41:29):
So I don't know if there was a specific play
or not, but maybe it was just you know, the
culmination of after the game the way he felt it
didn't it didn't feel.
Speaker 2 (41:38):
Right for him.
Speaker 3 (41:40):
And as far as long term goes, there's really no
you know, there's nothing has been said at that point
right now. The anticipation is is that he has surgery
next week or procedure done next week, and that ultimately
he should be ready to go by by the time
the season starts next year. That was, you know, the
very early in the stages of all that. So we
(42:01):
don't have a whole bunch of you know, concrete information,
but that is kind of the way they're approaching this
as of right now, is that they'll have a procedure
done next week and then he should be ready to
go for next year.
Speaker 1 (42:12):
Casey, in terms of this Sunday if and I know
it's a big if, and maybe it's a dangerous thing
to talk in ifs and you're an employee. I mean,
I don't want to be in a bad spot here.
But if we're if we're discussing this as two fans, okay,
or educated fans, if Houston is to win tomorrow, and
(42:35):
that means going into the game, that the Colts are
aware that it is a game that has no playoff
implication for them, Right, Philip rivers still start?
Speaker 3 (42:44):
Yes, So that has been discussed, you know, this week,
And mainly the reason is because you know, you would
do a game plan, you prepare, you practice all week
with Philip being the guy, and they don't think that
would be you know enough. It would be a disservice
to Riley Leonard if they were to tell him, because
(43:04):
the game I think kicks off tomorrow at four point thirty,
so around eight o'clock locally would be when that game
is probably over tomorrow night. So to then all of
a sudden kind of change what you've done all week
your game plan, to say Riley Leonard is going to
start on Sunday, I think that's a disservice to Riley
and it would put him in a really tough you
know situation. So right now it sounds like, regardless of
(43:27):
winter loss with Houston, it will be Philip Rivers on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (43:30):
And then I guess we will you know, we'll wait
another week to figure out after that. Let me let
me here's what I said earlier, Casey, and I want
you to tell me if you think I'm literally the
only man in Indianapolis that feels this way, right, I
mean it might be me and my bloodstained volleyball that
I'm talking to with this, okay, because I'm alone on
an island. I have started to think more about this
(43:54):
and thought about the fact, and to be fair to
Anthony Richardson, I will say, from a health standpoint, if Richardson,
but when I really look at next year, I believe
their best option at quarterback next year is going to
be to re sign on probably a two year deal
Daniel Jones, partially because that's going to be less expensive
(44:17):
than it was if Jones right now was having continuing
a Sam Darnold type renaissance that he was on his
way towards. But if you bring back Daniel Jones next year,
you're going to need potentially a cushion for him for
the first couple of games until you can just in case,
in case that Achilles is not ready to go. I
(44:40):
would not rule out the possibility because I saw Philip
Rivers saying after the game on the field, how good
he felt, how much he enjoyed it, that they bring
him back for one year simply to start the car
and keep it warm on the parade and pace slap
before Daniel Jones then's hot then hops in it. I
want you to tell me, if I'm alone on an island,
(45:01):
what's that thought moving forward?
Speaker 2 (45:04):
You know, I don't think you're alone. I think as
of right now, I.
Speaker 3 (45:10):
Think everybody is taking this pretty day by day. But
I think there is something to the fact that Philip
looked completely different last week than he did in that
first week again Seattle. I know they said it's game
plan specific and all of that, but I think everybody
would agree that he looked a little bit more like
the Philip Rivers we had got accustomed to towards the
(45:31):
end of his career. And if Philip Rivers is on,
you know, is he if he's making statements about how
well he feels, I don't know necessarily that you can
completely rule that out. I do think that the idea
of bringing Daniel Jones back prior to the even the
you know, the fractured fibula that was reported and then
(45:51):
you talk about the Achilles injury, I think you know,
all around the building that was kind of the thought
that Daniel Jones was looking like the guy that you
would bring back. And I still think you would definitely
entertain that because of everything that you know you're going
to be seeing. You don't have the first round picks,
You can't you know, necessarily go get your quarterback in
the draft that you know is typically taken as a
(46:13):
franchise guy. If you look at what the free agency
pool is, I don't really know what it looks like,
but I know it's not super robust as far as
starting quarterbacks go.
Speaker 2 (46:22):
So Daniel Jones might ultimately.
Speaker 3 (46:23):
Be the best option because you've got familiarity with him,
he's been in the building. Do you want to see
how that Achilles is going to you know, how long
it's going to take for him to get back to
at least a semblance of what the offense is going
to look like with him there. But I don't know
necessarily that you're all on an Island by yourself with
the Philip Rivers thing, just because of one the relationship
(46:44):
he has with Shane Steichen. He knows this offense because
he essentially created this offense when he.
Speaker 2 (46:49):
Was with the Chargers.
Speaker 3 (46:51):
So all of that, the learning curve, it's completely out
the window.
Speaker 2 (46:53):
You don't have to worry about any of that. Clearly
we're seeing that.
Speaker 3 (46:56):
I mean last week, I don't know necessarily if he
was making check to the line of scrimmage, but he
was sure active at the line of scrimmage, looking over
the defense and good putting guys in the situations. So
he has picked that up pretty quickly. So if the
body says he feels right, and it's kind of that
stop gap before Daniel Jones is fully able to get back,
I don't know necessarily, that's something you don't entertain.
Speaker 1 (47:18):
Casey Valier is my guest. Did I say Valier? Did
I say that correct?
Speaker 2 (47:22):
Now? Is the L?
Speaker 1 (47:23):
Do I really?
Speaker 2 (47:23):
Do?
Speaker 1 (47:24):
I really hit the L? Is it more Valier or Valier?
Speaker 2 (47:27):
Valie?
Speaker 3 (47:28):
Yeah, you hit that yell and then and then you
hit the ya.
Speaker 1 (47:31):
The ya, Casey Valier.
Speaker 2 (47:36):
You know, I mean, so I'm used to telling you
know some of the voice guys over there at Urban One.
Speaker 3 (47:42):
How to pronounce it, and it's you got to emphasize
the YA. So I mean, honestly, I've never even thought
about it. The first The first way is you know Vallier,
I don't mind that either.
Speaker 2 (47:51):
So what about this we're adding that to it?
Speaker 1 (47:52):
How about Casey, Casey Valley. How's that that's the better
version of the YA? Right?
Speaker 2 (48:00):
That would be the better version of the A. I
don't know if I like the better version of the
A there, Jake.
Speaker 1 (48:04):
Okay, fair enough? When obviously Colts and Jaggs coming up
on Sunday, it is the home finale, It is the
penultimate game of the regular season for the Colts. We'll
see if that extends beyond that. There are still mathematic
possibility of the playoffs that are there. The offensive line, Casey,
you know, now we know Tanner BORDERLINI out, We obviously
(48:25):
know that, Braden Smith, you know there have been a
number of injuries on the offensive line. I'm curious from
your standpoint, as you do pregame stuff, that means that
you've got to read off injury report for each and
every game, including the opposition. We focus here in Indianapolis
on the Colts from what you can tell the amount
of attrition that say, the Colts have within the depth
(48:46):
and or within the trenches and having to go into
their depth. Does that seem to be to you the
norm when you talk about it from other franchises and
the injury report list as you get a chance to
look at it from other teams, or is it of
concern to Indianapolis more so than you see elsewhere.
Speaker 3 (49:04):
Well, actually, I would say for the most part, outside
of the last couple of weeks, the Colts have been
relatively healthy on the offensive line, probably compared to other teams.
Speaker 2 (49:13):
Now, if you.
Speaker 3 (49:13):
Look at what Jacksonville is dealing with this week, they
have three offensive linemen who didn't practice this week as well,
so they're dealing with their own.
Speaker 2 (49:20):
Kind of thing.
Speaker 3 (49:20):
So I think, especially on you know, both sides of
the line, typically that's where you're going to see a
lot more of those injuries. I think, because I mean, Jake,
you've seen it. I mean, it's it's essentially it's a
car crash every time you snap the football between these guys,
I mean, here are going right.
Speaker 2 (49:36):
It's not.
Speaker 3 (49:38):
So when you when you think about it from those terms,
I think ultimately, you know, with with Bernard Reyman him
missing just one game with the elbow injury, we thought
it could be worse. So it looks like him getting
back that is a positive sign. You mentioned Braden Smith,
but outside of Brayden Smith, Mackenzalve has missed one game.
Tanner BORDERLINI this will be just his first game missed.
So they really haven't had a whole bunch of injuries
(50:01):
this year, which I think is actually different compared to
the norm, because I think you're used to seeing nine
to ten different offensive line starting combinations throughout a given year,
and the Colts aren't at that number this year, which
is different from years past.
Speaker 1 (50:16):
Casey. We will be listening for obviously the pregame show
as well, Colts Jaggs coming up on Sunday, Colts Happy,
How we're getting underway Friday at that's today obviously at
five thirty it feels like a Monday, but today at
five thirty and then Sunday one o'clock kick pregame ten am,
the road to kickoff getting underway at nine o'clock. So
all the coverage, Casey appreciated.
Speaker 2 (50:36):
All right always, Jake, Thanks man, Hi
Speaker 1 (50:39):
Casey Valier, joining us here on the Java House Peel
and Poor Guest line
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.