October 23, 2025 • 17 mins
The Washington Commanders are back on primetime for a battle with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night! Senior Writer Zach Selby chats with Jake Rohm from DC News Now and George Wallace from WTOP about the Commanders can pull off the upset against the Super Bowl contender.
Host: Zach Selby
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:13):
What is up? What's going on, y'all?
Speaker 2 (00:14):
This is another episode of the Beatdown Podcast, Week eight addition,
I'm your host senior writer for the Commanders, Zach Selby,
And let's just go ahead and rip the band aid off, right.
Commander's lost to the Dallas Cowboys forty four to twenty two.
Not a great showing defensively, offensively, tough. Look there, they
had a five point deficit there, look like they could
possibly come back there. But then the Cowboys go off
(00:38):
and they score that touchdout the end of the first
half and they have to pick six and the Jaden
fumble with Jaden getting a hamstring injury that maybe we'll
keep him out against the Chiefs. We'll see, but yeah,
it's it was definitely not a good showing. And as
dan Quinton put it in his presser, there, of course,
and they need to get back to this, to the
winning ways after losing two straight, and they will be
(01:01):
trying to do that by going up against the Kansas
City Chiefs on money no football, who are starting to
look like themselves. And the Chiefs don't need introduction in
at this point, right, They're the Chiefs. It's Patrick Mahomes
I mean with me, it would mean a lot just
even if they weren't, you know, losing back to back,
it would meet a lot for them to pull out
a statement winning against the Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
And how are they going to do that?
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Well, that is what we will be disgusting today.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
We have two new hosts.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
We have George Wallace from the from WTOP. He's the
sports director there. George, how you doing, man?
Speaker 1 (01:33):
I'm good, Zach, thanks for having me absolutely.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
And we also have Jake BROHMP I hate the sports
reporter anchor from DCUs.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Now, how you doing, Jake?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Zach for having me?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
All right? Everywhere? He knows the spiel. Another deal here.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
We'll be asking questions, be giving out points to to
these guys. I'll be announcing a winner at the end
of all of this because that is what I do
as the host.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
But you guys, to.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
People more focused on what these two guys have to
say about their opinions on the team, about the game
and about the matchup. They're gonna provide the insight here.
And with all that, let's go ahead and jump into it.
We're gonna go with a rapid fire style here. And
the question I think everyone has to ask the start
off with is regarding Doran Tomstrong, who suffered a season
in the injury during the Cowboys game, left early and
(02:19):
Bank Cuiday is gonna knock him out for the rest
of the year.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
Really tough, really tough loss for the.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Commander's defense considering the thought that he is leading their
team to the team in sex he's lead. I think
he's still among the top defensive ends and pressures. Uh
So they're gonna have to find a way to put
pressure on Patrick Mahomes without him and Jake We'll start
off with you here in simple question, how do they
put pressure on Patrick Mahomes without Dorrin's Armstrong in their
(02:44):
mix up for the rest of the year.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yes, Zach, I mean they're gonna have to get creative.
Speaker 4 (02:48):
I think they're down a lot of guys on that
defensive front. You know Dee trich Wise is out for
the season already, then you lose Dorn.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Armstrong as well.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
Like you mentioned, they're gonna have to get a little
bit creative of how they're going to rush the passer.
And I think when you're going up against the Chiefs
team and Patrick Mahomes, you're gonna have to get pressure
up the gut and they kind of still have those
guys around with Deron Pain and Javon kim Law and
on rotation with Eddie Goldman and you know, Johnny Newt,
and so I think what's gonna have to happen is
they're going to get creative on the outside with the
(03:16):
guys they have, Meaning a veteran like von Miller is
gonna have to play a little bit longer in more
snaps as they're gonna have to try to generate pressure
on the outside.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
But I think if they can generate pressure from with.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Ben get Mahomes on the move, which he is dangerous,
I think they could still kind of make things happen
on the outside with a veteran like von Miller that
knows what he needs to do against veteran quarterbacks and
experienced quarterbacks and Mahomes.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
You know, it's really frustrating to see Mahomes play sometimes
because it looks like you have him, then all of
a sudden, he does that Mahomes magic and just pulls
out like a twenty yard run because he's able.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
To get past that rush.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
So yeah, I do think that still have some options
available to them. But George Mulo on over to you
and we'll ask you the same question here. How do
they put pressure on on homes with it now three
defensive defense of bands with Detrich Wise, with de Bodie,
Jean Baptiste and now Armstrong out for really the foreseeable future.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Yeah, it's tough. And Dan Quinn yesterday said that was
definitely a big blow for them, obviously losing the guy
that's leading in sacks. So here's what's gonna have to happen.
You got Preston Smith, you just brought it in. You
got Jacob Martin who was in on that sack. The
safety the other day also ripped off Dak Prescott's helmet,
So those guys are gonna have to step up as well.
And as Jake mentioned, you know up front with kinlawng Payne,
who Payne had a great game the other day, I
(04:32):
thought as well, I mean, those guys are gonna have
to be They're gonna have to to start it. And
just as you know Bobby Wagner was saying earlier in
Near and everything starts up front with those guys. So
as long as those two are kind of still setting
the tone, you're gonna need the contributions now from Preston Smith.
You're gonna need Jacob Martin Moore and you're gonna need
Von Miller as well. Uh, to keep an eye on
(04:53):
Mahomes because it's a lot easier said than done now
Mahomes And as you mentioned earlier, Zach, they're kind of
kind of getting going to where the chiefs are becoming
the chiefs. So it's not a great time to lose
your guyp front with Dorrian's Armstrong is now the third guy,
so the other guys are gonna have to step up.
And that's why you brought Preston Smith back right to
put him in these kinds of situations, so see what
he can do.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Yeah, and you know both of you guys have mentioned
the interior.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Davon Kila is playing great, drawn Penny's playing out of
his mind. Had three pass breakups during the Cowboys game.
And I think the best way obviously to pressures guys
like the Homes and historically even in the past, like
brading the other guys like that, get in their face.
And you have two good pass rushers in kin Law
and Pain to do that. Now, both of you guys mentioned,
you know, having to make things work on the outside here,
(05:36):
And I'm curious to know what you guys think about
Frankie Luvu who is to use more of the pass
rusher sometimes and has the athleticism on the outside. So
and it seems like they're trying to find ways to
get him to be more effective because for whatever reason,
it's the teams with their teams playing him differently or
what have you, it's it hasn't really been as effective
(05:58):
as it was last year. So we'll stay with you
and we'll answer answer this question. What do you think
about Frankie Luver's role as a pass rusher and how
that can affect mahomes.
Speaker 5 (06:06):
Yeah, and that's the thing. It's funny because we're talking
about that just kind of on and off about how
we haven't called Frankielulho's name much this year, right, I
mean is last year he had a heck of a
year and kind of sparked a lot of that pass
rush on the outside. And you know, they finding a
way trying to find ways to get him more involved
because he has not had as a productive year. So
that's a guy also, that is key if you can
(06:27):
get him going and find ways if Joe wit j
you can find ways to get him loose, get to
the quarterback and trying to get that get Mahomes, that
would be a big, big plus because I think the
offenses are keying on him a little more because of
the year he had last year, so they're trying to
take him away. So that is something that they're going
to have to kind of figure out if he can
get free and get loose. I think that is also
a that's a great point, a key on this defense
(06:50):
right now that has not started to play up to
the level that he was a year ago.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
He definitely is the emotional leader on this defense in
a lot of ways. Those postgames breakdown that he had
were so just high. Maybe you want to run through
a brick wall. But Jake, before we move on, I
want to you brought up von Miller, and he's been
in a more of a.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
Limited role because he's obviously older.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Still has that been that pass rushability, But you mentioned
him that probably having to play a little bit more.
Do you think he's able to be more of a
starter in a still in this league? And like, how
do you think he's gonna fare with a more expanded
role considering his age and other faches like that, Zach.
Speaker 4 (07:25):
I just remember preseason wise von Miller talking about he
might not be able to do what he used to do,
which is, you know, play a majority of the snaps.
But he said when he gets in it's it's like
shooting a three pointer to him, he knows in his
sleep he can get.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Out of bed and rush the passer.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
And your question about him being able to do it
with more snaps and more involvement, I think it's at
the point where we might have to see it happen
and see if he can handle those types of moments,
because right now the commanders are playing a where's waldo at?
Who is going to get pressure, who's going to get
sad to replace guys like Dorn's Armstron like you said
(08:03):
that led the team in sacks to this point. So
I think at this point, if von Miller thinks he's
good with it, I think you go with them. But
then you also mentioned in Frankie Louver and George kind
of talked a little bit about him. This might be
the time where you see Frankie Louver who maybe move
more into a pass rush setting compared to being a
little bit of both.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
And then maybe bring a guy.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
In like Jordan McGee to kind of take his role
at the linebacker position, because what Frankie Louver did last year,
if you can get the production again in the pass rush,
especially in a game with Mahomes where maybe he could
be a spy per se, I think you could get
some good production out of Frankie Louver, and it might
take a little bit of a pressure off of a
guy like von Miller where he might have to still
play more snaps, but not to the point where it was, like,
(08:46):
you know, ten years ago when he was, you know,
super empty.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
I think I think it's very clear at this point
that DQ even mentioned it, like someone's got to change
for this defense, right lispe going forward like their off course,
they've got to find something to inject some juice into
this group. And we'll see what I do on Monday.
I think that would definitely possibly be an option there
in my opinion, but we shall see.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
We'll move on.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
But I'll give you guys both points for this, both
good points there may on the pass rusher there with
von Miller and Frankie, but we shall move on over
to the offense here, and we got we got to
go with these slow starts from this offense because they
have started a game with a punt or turnover in
the last the six to last seven games, and it
had it is. It's not a formula for success, of course,
(09:28):
and it's very different from the from the unit that
we saw last year. So Jay, we'll start with you
this time, and I want to know what do you
think they can do to start to get off to
a faster start against the Chiefs, who, as we all know,
they have one of the best offenses in the league.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
They have one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
They're there.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
They are going to get off to a fastart no
matter what.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
So how do they how do you alleviate that some
of that problem?
Speaker 4 (09:51):
It comes down to time of possession and and punching
in these drives with not field goals but touchdowns. And
and this team last year, remember the Commanders like one
of the best teams, if not the best team on
fourth down.
Speaker 5 (10:04):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
It kind of reminds you of what you know, Dan
Campbell's doing with the Lions, where they're you know, they're
living and dying by these fourth and shorts and going
for it. And I just don't think they've been as
productive with those to where the drive ends up leading
to touchdowns like it was a season ago. I think
it's gonna come down to maybe running the football the
Chiefs when it. When you look at the defense, they're
good in multiple multiple facets, but they're definitely not as
(10:28):
good at defending the run.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
As they are the past.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
The season so far, I think their top five and
pass yards allowed this season so far as a defense.
So I think if you're gonna get the job done,
it's time of possession. It's keeping Mahomes off the field.
It's almost like playing defense with your offense. And if
they can do that and run the ball a little bit,
maybe not just with Bill and Jaden if Jayden is
to play or Mariota for this game a Monday night,
(10:51):
but maybe bring in some of the bruising guys like
a Chris Rodriguez and a Jerryman McNichols. McNichols I thought
had some good production this past weekend against Dallas. Maybe
getting back to that rotation kind of thing at the
running back position, keep everybody a little bit, you know,
eighty ninety one hundred percent to where they can come
in and produce and you know, keep the time of possession,
keep homes off the field.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Like the point about Rodriguez, like the point about Jerry
maybe and Nicholas I thought, like you said, both those
guys had to get you know, a good moment at
times there against the Cowboys. George will go over to
you same question. How do they get off to a
faster star when you know Jakie mentioned running the ball,
but also like when you have you know, your your
optionsive receiver.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Are not as verbose as you would like it to be.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
So the defenses are are basically going to tee off
against the thing you're really really good at anyway, So
how do they get off to a faster star even
with the defense knowing that you're you're going to have
to run the ball at some point with the receivers
that they have.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
Yeah, and they're stacking the box for suret And it's
funny you hear Dan Quinn talk about, you know, as
a coach, that trives them crazy. And you look at
everything from you know, practice during the week, how much
you're doing here, what you're doing here, pregame, warm up, timing,
things like that. Maybe it's a mental thing for me.
How about it as simple as I'd like to see
them take the football to start the game more. You know,
(12:06):
you see everybody now deferring. Take the football ones, keep
the you know, keep dear, keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.
And I know that means you have to sustain a
long drive and get points, at least get some points. Now,
against the Bears, they went down, they were down the field,
then they turned the ball over. Okay, that wasn't great.
But in the other games it's just not you know,
three and out, three and out to start games, that's
not great. And then your defense comes on the field,
(12:27):
you get a short field and the other opposition scoring.
So for me, it's you know, you get those first
fifteen scripted plays, make sure they're your best this week,
and if you win the toss, take the football, keep
Mahomes off the field as long as possible. Mix it up.
Cliff Kingsbury, Now, I mean, look, this is this is
what he lives for, right, you try to mix things up,
you go in your bag of tricks. We've seen it.
(12:49):
And he has to put guys in good positions, especially
to succeed. Are good in position to succeed, especially with
the guys that he has now because you look around
and it's different each week. That's what we're getting at.
But for me, it's you know, the time of possession
is key. As Jake mentioned, keep your Patrick Mahomes off
the field. If you win the toss, take the football.
It could be as simple as that.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Yeah, you know, I mean look to the point.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
To your point, the Falcons started the game with the
ball in that week, and they came out to make
a point where offense is going to be better than
it was.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
We onrely got shut up by the Carolina.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Panthers, and it definitely was obviously. So for that, I
think I will give you the point, George, and we'll
move on to the last round here. And it's pretty binary,
pretty simple, right Like, obviously Patrick Mahomes is the guy
you want to stop for the Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
But other than that, George, why did you go first
on this time?
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Who's one player you would like this the s defense
to count for on Monday?
Speaker 5 (13:40):
Well, seeing as how you know, we've talked about the
injury situation and up front, you could go with both,
you know, you could go with the running back or
a sire, but I'll go with Hollywood Brown. He's got
four tds so far this year for the UH for
the Chiefs, and you know, he's forty eight targets, three
hundred and sixteen yards. He's Mahomes' guy, and this secondary
(14:02):
has struggled. So I think for me that's going to
be a key. Whoever is going to be lining up
on Hollywood Brown, you have to be able to shut
him down. Yeah, We've talked about up front, because if
you look at you know, Kareem Hunter, Pacheco, whatever, that
one two punch is up front, you figure out, oh
you hope that Deron Pain and those guys up fron Kakenan.
But for me, the way the secondar has been playing
guys and we saw it last week in Dallas, You've
(14:22):
got to be able to shut down the receivers. So
I'll start with Hollywood Brown.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Good option there. I like the option for Hollywood Brown there. Jake,
same question, Who's one player on this Chiefs offense that
you absolutely need the defense to stop?
Speaker 4 (14:35):
Again? I was going to probably say Rashid Rice just
because of how many targets he got in his return
from this six game suspension, as well as his injury
that he suffered last year where he was out for
the majority of the season.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
But I'm going to go Exavier Worthy.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
And the reason I'm going to do that is because
of the amount of big plays that this Commander's defense
has given up. I think the Chiefs have gotten into
this habit of their having the short pass. Kind of
reminds me of the New England Pay Dynasty. Short passes
here and there kind of lully you asleep and then
they take their shots over the top. And if the
Commander's defense falls asleep on Monday night, you could see
(15:09):
the same thing for she Rice Quick, for she Rice
Quick Hollywood Brown. Like George mentioned, quick passes let them
kind of make things happen. If you fall asleep and
you let the fastest guy in the league and Xavier
Worth you get behind you, all of a sudden, a
ten or a twelve play drive turns into a two
or three play drive because they're gonna you know, he's
gonna run right by you. I like kind of the
point that George mentioned about the running game. I think
(15:31):
if I'm the Commanders, I think I go in with
the mindset of if the Chiefs beat us because they
ran for over one hundred and fifty yards, then I'll
take I'll take my licks and I'll take the take
the l on that and that sort of speak, but
you just cannot give up these short, drive long big
plays that have been killing the Commanders, especially last week
against Dallas.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Totally agree with that, Totally agree. So man got to
decide on the last one the winner here for that,
and I think I think I gotta go with the
two point answer here from Jake on Xavier Worthy that
I'm gonna award the win for because look, I think
of that that play by Ceedee Lamb that they had
the Cowboys had last last weekend, and it just it
(16:12):
just it's so symbolic of how this team has struggled
to keep it because it plays off the field and
all this other stuff. And Xavier Worthy one of the
fastest players in the NFL. He's going to be a problem.
They're gonna have to account for him. So Jake, you
take the win. Congratulations Man, first time on the show.
How you feel about taking the victory?
Speaker 3 (16:32):
It was we fun.
Speaker 4 (16:33):
I'll say that with Georgia because it's really good.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
I feel like we're kind of on the similar path.
I'm feeling great. I'm on cloud nine, Zach.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
I mean it's a big dub for me starting this
week obviously, you know, like you mentioned commanders practicing Thursday,
and you know, we'll see what we get from them,
and we'll see what.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Happens with this team moving forward.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
But I'm feeling good going this week knowing that it's
like a victory Tuesday for me.
Speaker 3 (16:56):
Now, I guess there you go.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
Congrats Jake, and hopefully we're all riding on Clyde now.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
I hope we can get the bad taste out of
our mouth as we head into this another prime time matchup.
And look, yes, I know it's things are not Grade
three and four all that other stuff, but look, if
we were to win against the Chiefs, a lot of
that's gonna go away because you beat the Chiefs, you
make a statement, and all of a sudden, you feel
a lot better going against the Seahawks and the Lions
(17:23):
and then the Dolphins imagery and they got the bye
week and then you can make the rush of the
playoffs hopefully fingers crossed. But George, Jake, thank you so
much for coming on. I really appreciate you.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Guys.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Like Jake said, really hard fought battle here, And for
everyone listening, be sure to read your subscriber wherever you
get your podcasts, and this has been the beat
What is up? What's going on, y'all?
Speaker 2 (00:14):
This is another episode of the Beatdown Podcast, Week eight addition,
I'm your host senior writer for the Commanders, Zach Selby,
And let's just go ahead and rip the band aid off, right.
Commander's lost to the Dallas Cowboys forty four to twenty two.
Not a great showing defensively, offensively, tough. Look there, they
had a five point deficit there, look like they could
possibly come back there. But then the Cowboys go off
(00:38):
and they score that touchdout the end of the first
half and they have to pick six and the Jaden
fumble with Jaden getting a hamstring injury that maybe we'll
keep him out against the Chiefs. We'll see, but yeah,
it's it was definitely not a good showing. And as
dan Quinton put it in his presser, there, of course,
and they need to get back to this, to the
winning ways after losing two straight, and they will be
(01:01):
trying to do that by going up against the Kansas
City Chiefs on money no football, who are starting to
look like themselves. And the Chiefs don't need introduction in
at this point, right, They're the Chiefs. It's Patrick Mahomes
I mean with me, it would mean a lot just
even if they weren't, you know, losing back to back,
it would meet a lot for them to pull out
a statement winning against the Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
And how are they going to do that?
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Well, that is what we will be disgusting today.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
We have two new hosts.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
We have George Wallace from the from WTOP. He's the
sports director there. George, how you doing, man?
Speaker 1 (01:33):
I'm good, Zach, thanks for having me absolutely.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
And we also have Jake BROHMP I hate the sports
reporter anchor from DCUs.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Now, how you doing, Jake?
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Zach for having me?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
All right? Everywhere? He knows the spiel. Another deal here.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
We'll be asking questions, be giving out points to to
these guys. I'll be announcing a winner at the end
of all of this because that is what I do
as the host.
Speaker 1 (01:54):
But you guys, to.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
People more focused on what these two guys have to
say about their opinions on the team, about the game
and about the matchup. They're gonna provide the insight here.
And with all that, let's go ahead and jump into it.
We're gonna go with a rapid fire style here. And
the question I think everyone has to ask the start
off with is regarding Doran Tomstrong, who suffered a season
in the injury during the Cowboys game, left early and
(02:19):
Bank Cuiday is gonna knock him out for the rest
of the year.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
Really tough, really tough loss for the.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Commander's defense considering the thought that he is leading their
team to the team in sex he's lead. I think
he's still among the top defensive ends and pressures. Uh
So they're gonna have to find a way to put
pressure on Patrick Mahomes without him and Jake We'll start
off with you here in simple question, how do they
put pressure on Patrick Mahomes without Dorrin's Armstrong in their
(02:44):
mix up for the rest of the year.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Yes, Zach, I mean they're gonna have to get creative.
Speaker 4 (02:48):
I think they're down a lot of guys on that
defensive front. You know Dee trich Wise is out for
the season already, then you lose Dorn.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Armstrong as well.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
Like you mentioned, they're gonna have to get a little
bit creative of how they're going to rush the passer.
And I think when you're going up against the Chiefs
team and Patrick Mahomes, you're gonna have to get pressure
up the gut and they kind of still have those
guys around with Deron Pain and Javon kim Law and
on rotation with Eddie Goldman and you know, Johnny Newt,
and so I think what's gonna have to happen is
they're going to get creative on the outside with the
(03:16):
guys they have, Meaning a veteran like von Miller is
gonna have to play a little bit longer in more
snaps as they're gonna have to try to generate pressure
on the outside.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
But I think if they can generate pressure from with.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Ben get Mahomes on the move, which he is dangerous,
I think they could still kind of make things happen
on the outside with a veteran like von Miller that
knows what he needs to do against veteran quarterbacks and
experienced quarterbacks and Mahomes.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
You know, it's really frustrating to see Mahomes play sometimes
because it looks like you have him, then all of
a sudden, he does that Mahomes magic and just pulls
out like a twenty yard run because he's able.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
To get past that rush.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
So yeah, I do think that still have some options
available to them. But George Mulo on over to you
and we'll ask you the same question here. How do
they put pressure on on homes with it now three
defensive defense of bands with Detrich Wise, with de Bodie,
Jean Baptiste and now Armstrong out for really the foreseeable future.
Speaker 5 (04:11):
Yeah, it's tough. And Dan Quinn yesterday said that was
definitely a big blow for them, obviously losing the guy
that's leading in sacks. So here's what's gonna have to happen.
You got Preston Smith, you just brought it in. You
got Jacob Martin who was in on that sack. The
safety the other day also ripped off Dak Prescott's helmet,
So those guys are gonna have to step up as well.
And as Jake mentioned, you know up front with kinlawng Payne,
who Payne had a great game the other day, I
(04:32):
thought as well, I mean, those guys are gonna have
to be They're gonna have to to start it. And
just as you know Bobby Wagner was saying earlier in
Near and everything starts up front with those guys. So
as long as those two are kind of still setting
the tone, you're gonna need the contributions now from Preston Smith.
You're gonna need Jacob Martin Moore and you're gonna need
Von Miller as well. Uh, to keep an eye on
(04:53):
Mahomes because it's a lot easier said than done now
Mahomes And as you mentioned earlier, Zach, they're kind of
kind of getting going to where the chiefs are becoming
the chiefs. So it's not a great time to lose
your guyp front with Dorrian's Armstrong is now the third guy,
so the other guys are gonna have to step up.
And that's why you brought Preston Smith back right to
put him in these kinds of situations, so see what
he can do.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Yeah, and you know both of you guys have mentioned
the interior.
Speaker 2 (05:14):
Davon Kila is playing great, drawn Penny's playing out of
his mind. Had three pass breakups during the Cowboys game.
And I think the best way obviously to pressures guys
like the Homes and historically even in the past, like
brading the other guys like that, get in their face.
And you have two good pass rushers in kin Law
and Pain to do that. Now, both of you guys mentioned,
you know, having to make things work on the outside here,
(05:36):
And I'm curious to know what you guys think about
Frankie Luvu who is to use more of the pass
rusher sometimes and has the athleticism on the outside. So
and it seems like they're trying to find ways to
get him to be more effective because for whatever reason,
it's the teams with their teams playing him differently or
what have you, it's it hasn't really been as effective
(05:58):
as it was last year. So we'll stay with you
and we'll answer answer this question. What do you think
about Frankie Luver's role as a pass rusher and how
that can affect mahomes.
Speaker 5 (06:06):
Yeah, and that's the thing. It's funny because we're talking
about that just kind of on and off about how
we haven't called Frankielulho's name much this year, right, I
mean is last year he had a heck of a
year and kind of sparked a lot of that pass
rush on the outside. And you know, they finding a
way trying to find ways to get him more involved
because he has not had as a productive year. So
that's a guy also, that is key if you can
(06:27):
get him going and find ways if Joe wit j
you can find ways to get him loose, get to
the quarterback and trying to get that get Mahomes, that
would be a big, big plus because I think the
offenses are keying on him a little more because of
the year he had last year, so they're trying to
take him away. So that is something that they're going
to have to kind of figure out if he can
get free and get loose. I think that is also
a that's a great point, a key on this defense
(06:50):
right now that has not started to play up to
the level that he was a year ago.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
He definitely is the emotional leader on this defense in
a lot of ways. Those postgames breakdown that he had
were so just high. Maybe you want to run through
a brick wall. But Jake, before we move on, I
want to you brought up von Miller, and he's been
in a more of a.
Speaker 1 (07:08):
Limited role because he's obviously older.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Still has that been that pass rushability, But you mentioned
him that probably having to play a little bit more.
Do you think he's able to be more of a
starter in a still in this league? And like, how
do you think he's gonna fare with a more expanded
role considering his age and other faches like that, Zach.
Speaker 4 (07:25):
I just remember preseason wise von Miller talking about he
might not be able to do what he used to do,
which is, you know, play a majority of the snaps.
But he said when he gets in it's it's like
shooting a three pointer to him, he knows in his
sleep he can get.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Out of bed and rush the passer.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
And your question about him being able to do it
with more snaps and more involvement, I think it's at
the point where we might have to see it happen
and see if he can handle those types of moments,
because right now the commanders are playing a where's waldo at?
Who is going to get pressure, who's going to get
sad to replace guys like Dorn's Armstron like you said
(08:03):
that led the team in sacks to this point. So
I think at this point, if von Miller thinks he's
good with it, I think you go with them. But
then you also mentioned in Frankie Louver and George kind
of talked a little bit about him. This might be
the time where you see Frankie Louver who maybe move
more into a pass rush setting compared to being a
little bit of both.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
And then maybe bring a guy.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
In like Jordan McGee to kind of take his role
at the linebacker position, because what Frankie Louver did last year,
if you can get the production again in the pass rush,
especially in a game with Mahomes where maybe he could
be a spy per se, I think you could get
some good production out of Frankie Louver, and it might
take a little bit of a pressure off of a
guy like von Miller where he might have to still
play more snaps, but not to the point where it was, like,
(08:46):
you know, ten years ago when he was, you know,
super empty.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
I think I think it's very clear at this point
that DQ even mentioned it, like someone's got to change
for this defense, right lispe going forward like their off course,
they've got to find something to inject some juice into
this group. And we'll see what I do on Monday.
I think that would definitely possibly be an option there
in my opinion, but we shall see.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
We'll move on.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
But I'll give you guys both points for this, both
good points there may on the pass rusher there with
von Miller and Frankie, but we shall move on over
to the offense here, and we got we got to
go with these slow starts from this offense because they
have started a game with a punt or turnover in
the last the six to last seven games, and it
had it is. It's not a formula for success, of course,
(09:28):
and it's very different from the from the unit that
we saw last year. So Jay, we'll start with you
this time, and I want to know what do you
think they can do to start to get off to
a faster start against the Chiefs, who, as we all know,
they have one of the best offenses in the league.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
They have one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
They're there.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
They are going to get off to a fastart no
matter what.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
So how do they how do you alleviate that some
of that problem?
Speaker 4 (09:51):
It comes down to time of possession and and punching
in these drives with not field goals but touchdowns. And
and this team last year, remember the Commanders like one
of the best teams, if not the best team on
fourth down.
Speaker 5 (10:04):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
It kind of reminds you of what you know, Dan
Campbell's doing with the Lions, where they're you know, they're
living and dying by these fourth and shorts and going
for it. And I just don't think they've been as
productive with those to where the drive ends up leading
to touchdowns like it was a season ago. I think
it's gonna come down to maybe running the football the
Chiefs when it. When you look at the defense, they're
good in multiple multiple facets, but they're definitely not as
(10:28):
good at defending the run.
Speaker 3 (10:29):
As they are the past.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
The season so far, I think their top five and
pass yards allowed this season so far as a defense.
So I think if you're gonna get the job done,
it's time of possession. It's keeping Mahomes off the field.
It's almost like playing defense with your offense. And if
they can do that and run the ball a little bit,
maybe not just with Bill and Jaden if Jayden is
to play or Mariota for this game a Monday night,
(10:51):
but maybe bring in some of the bruising guys like
a Chris Rodriguez and a Jerryman McNichols. McNichols I thought
had some good production this past weekend against Dallas. Maybe
getting back to that rotation kind of thing at the
running back position, keep everybody a little bit, you know,
eighty ninety one hundred percent to where they can come
in and produce and you know, keep the time of possession,
keep homes off the field.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Like the point about Rodriguez, like the point about Jerry
maybe and Nicholas I thought, like you said, both those
guys had to get you know, a good moment at
times there against the Cowboys. George will go over to
you same question. How do they get off to a
faster star when you know Jakie mentioned running the ball,
but also like when you have you know, your your
optionsive receiver.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Are not as verbose as you would like it to be.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
So the defenses are are basically going to tee off
against the thing you're really really good at anyway, So
how do they get off to a faster star even
with the defense knowing that you're you're going to have
to run the ball at some point with the receivers
that they have.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
Yeah, and they're stacking the box for suret And it's
funny you hear Dan Quinn talk about, you know, as
a coach, that trives them crazy. And you look at
everything from you know, practice during the week, how much
you're doing here, what you're doing here, pregame, warm up, timing,
things like that. Maybe it's a mental thing for me.
How about it as simple as I'd like to see
them take the football to start the game more. You know,
(12:06):
you see everybody now deferring. Take the football ones, keep
the you know, keep dear, keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.
And I know that means you have to sustain a
long drive and get points, at least get some points. Now,
against the Bears, they went down, they were down the field,
then they turned the ball over. Okay, that wasn't great.
But in the other games it's just not you know,
three and out, three and out to start games, that's
not great. And then your defense comes on the field,
(12:27):
you get a short field and the other opposition scoring.
So for me, it's you know, you get those first
fifteen scripted plays, make sure they're your best this week,
and if you win the toss, take the football, keep
Mahomes off the field as long as possible. Mix it up.
Cliff Kingsbury, Now, I mean, look, this is this is
what he lives for, right, you try to mix things up,
you go in your bag of tricks. We've seen it.
(12:49):
And he has to put guys in good positions, especially
to succeed. Are good in position to succeed, especially with
the guys that he has now because you look around
and it's different each week. That's what we're getting at.
But for me, it's you know, the time of possession
is key. As Jake mentioned, keep your Patrick Mahomes off
the field. If you win the toss, take the football.
It could be as simple as that.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
Yeah, you know, I mean look to the point.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
To your point, the Falcons started the game with the
ball in that week, and they came out to make
a point where offense is going to be better than
it was.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
We onrely got shut up by the Carolina.
Speaker 2 (13:19):
Panthers, and it definitely was obviously. So for that, I
think I will give you the point, George, and we'll
move on to the last round here. And it's pretty binary,
pretty simple, right Like, obviously Patrick Mahomes is the guy
you want to stop for the Chiefs.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
But other than that, George, why did you go first
on this time?
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Who's one player you would like this the s defense
to count for on Monday?
Speaker 5 (13:40):
Well, seeing as how you know, we've talked about the
injury situation and up front, you could go with both,
you know, you could go with the running back or
a sire, but I'll go with Hollywood Brown. He's got
four tds so far this year for the UH for
the Chiefs, and you know, he's forty eight targets, three
hundred and sixteen yards. He's Mahomes' guy, and this secondary
(14:02):
has struggled. So I think for me that's going to
be a key. Whoever is going to be lining up
on Hollywood Brown, you have to be able to shut
him down. Yeah, We've talked about up front, because if
you look at you know, Kareem Hunter, Pacheco, whatever, that
one two punch is up front, you figure out, oh
you hope that Deron Pain and those guys up fron Kakenan.
But for me, the way the secondar has been playing
guys and we saw it last week in Dallas, You've
(14:22):
got to be able to shut down the receivers. So
I'll start with Hollywood Brown.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Good option there. I like the option for Hollywood Brown there. Jake,
same question, Who's one player on this Chiefs offense that
you absolutely need the defense to stop?
Speaker 4 (14:35):
Again? I was going to probably say Rashid Rice just
because of how many targets he got in his return
from this six game suspension, as well as his injury
that he suffered last year where he was out for
the majority of the season.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
But I'm going to go Exavier Worthy.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
And the reason I'm going to do that is because
of the amount of big plays that this Commander's defense
has given up. I think the Chiefs have gotten into
this habit of their having the short pass. Kind of
reminds me of the New England Pay Dynasty. Short passes
here and there kind of lully you asleep and then
they take their shots over the top. And if the
Commander's defense falls asleep on Monday night, you could see
(15:09):
the same thing for she Rice Quick, for she Rice
Quick Hollywood Brown. Like George mentioned, quick passes let them
kind of make things happen. If you fall asleep and
you let the fastest guy in the league and Xavier
Worth you get behind you, all of a sudden, a
ten or a twelve play drive turns into a two
or three play drive because they're gonna you know, he's
gonna run right by you. I like kind of the
point that George mentioned about the running game. I think
(15:31):
if I'm the Commanders, I think I go in with
the mindset of if the Chiefs beat us because they
ran for over one hundred and fifty yards, then I'll
take I'll take my licks and I'll take the take
the l on that and that sort of speak, but
you just cannot give up these short, drive long big
plays that have been killing the Commanders, especially last week
against Dallas.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Totally agree with that, Totally agree. So man got to
decide on the last one the winner here for that,
and I think I think I gotta go with the
two point answer here from Jake on Xavier Worthy that
I'm gonna award the win for because look, I think
of that that play by Ceedee Lamb that they had
the Cowboys had last last weekend, and it just it
(16:12):
just it's so symbolic of how this team has struggled
to keep it because it plays off the field and
all this other stuff. And Xavier Worthy one of the
fastest players in the NFL. He's going to be a problem.
They're gonna have to account for him. So Jake, you
take the win. Congratulations Man, first time on the show.
How you feel about taking the victory?
Speaker 3 (16:32):
It was we fun.
Speaker 4 (16:33):
I'll say that with Georgia because it's really good.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
I feel like we're kind of on the similar path.
I'm feeling great. I'm on cloud nine, Zach.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
I mean it's a big dub for me starting this
week obviously, you know, like you mentioned commanders practicing Thursday,
and you know, we'll see what we get from them,
and we'll see what.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Happens with this team moving forward.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
But I'm feeling good going this week knowing that it's
like a victory Tuesday for me.
Speaker 3 (16:56):
Now, I guess there you go.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
Congrats Jake, and hopefully we're all riding on Clyde now.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
I hope we can get the bad taste out of
our mouth as we head into this another prime time matchup.
And look, yes, I know it's things are not Grade
three and four all that other stuff, but look, if
we were to win against the Chiefs, a lot of
that's gonna go away because you beat the Chiefs, you
make a statement, and all of a sudden, you feel
a lot better going against the Seahawks and the Lions
(17:23):
and then the Dolphins imagery and they got the bye
week and then you can make the rush of the
playoffs hopefully fingers crossed. But George, Jake, thank you so
much for coming on. I really appreciate you.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
Guys.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Like Jake said, really hard fought battle here, And for
everyone listening, be sure to read your subscriber wherever you
get your podcasts, and this has been the beat
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