Key Takeaways
- NFL playoff highlights include Sean McDermott's firing and emerging sophomore talent.
- The podcast delves into quarterback empathy, play-calling strategies, and NFL officiating controversies.
- Guest Geoff Schwartz discusses religious preparation for football's violence and specific player performances.
- National Championship narratives, team playoff histories, and the harsh reality of playoff eliminations are explored.
Deep Dive
- Host Dave Dameshek introduces guest Geoff Schwartz, noting the significance of the number 44 in sports history.
- Schwartz discusses the emotional stakes of the National Championship game, comparing it to the Vegas Golden Knights' first season.
- The underdog status of the Indiana team is highlighted, with a simulated Hoosiers win of 27-19 against an opponent with established history.
- The conversation questions the perceived double standard in public sympathy between Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.
- Discussion then turns to the Denver Broncos' playoff chances and the potential for backup quarterback Jared Stidham to be the worst Super Bowl starter.
- Past Super Bowl quarterbacks like Rex Grossman, Trent Dilfer, and Nick Foles are referenced in the discussion of Stidham's potential performance.
- The host introduces the 'jerk list' concept to debate play-callers in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
- Both the host and guest agree that play callers, specifically Sean McVay and Sean Payton, had a poor divisional round.
- Matt Stafford's win record in cold weather games is noted, improving to 2 wins after a previous record of 1 win and 9 losses.
- Analysis focuses on a critical decision point in a game: whether to go for a two-point conversion or kick an extra point.
- The host argues that kicking the extra point is not always the 'safe' play due to potential issues with the kick in adverse weather and subsequent coin flip advantage.
- The guest suggests a missed two-point conversion play might have been previously used, or that the team should have prioritized an early field goal for a psychological boost.
- The conversation previews the upcoming game between the Rams and the winner of the 49ers-Seahawks playoff matchup.
- The Patriots and Broncos game, anticipated to be competitive despite an injury to Jared Stidham, is discussed.
- The Houston Texans' history of underperforming in the divisional round is highlighted, noting their 0-7 record in that specific round.
- The discussion draws a parallel between C.J. Stroud's Houston Texans and the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars, noting defensive strength but offensive struggles.
- Guest Geoff Schwartz opines that C.J. Stroud has not played well for two years and suggests changes such as altering the offensive coordinator or improving the offensive line are necessary.
- Stroud's perceived immobility and past criticisms about his running ability are discussed, alongside Tom Brady's advice on throwing in windy conditions.
- The discussion critiques officiating and replay reviews in football, questioning the consistency and subjectivity of calls, especially when officials disagree.
- Josh Allen's performance is highlighted, noting his 0-7 record in overtime games and questioning NFL rule changes that potentially favor him.
- Allen's nickname 'James Bond, 007' is used to emphasize his lack of Super Bowl appearances.
- The conversation addresses Sean McDermott's coaching issues with the Buffalo Bills, including his playoff record against Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
- The timing of coaching hires is humorously noted, with John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski potentially regretting recent moves to the Giants and Falcons, respectively.
- The harshness of playoff elimination is discussed, referencing Troy Aikman's view that losing immediately in the playoffs can be worse than not qualifying.