The Mmqb: 10 Things

Or, upon fact-check, two crazy nights (or days—but depending on time zone it was night somewhere). Conor and Gary discuss three truly unprecedented moments from the Saturday-Sunday slate of games. First, a confused discussion of the most stunning finish to a game… maybe ever? The reaction to Jakobi Meyers’s lateral to nowhere with no time left in a tie game, landing in Chandler Jones’s hands for a game-winning TD. What could have been going through Meyers’s head? Is Rhamondre Stevenson the one who started the fire? And is there any way to pin this back on the Patriots’ insistence on calling 47 screen plays every week? Second, the coolest interception goes for naught, but goes nonetheless in Titans-Chargers. And third, the fallout of the Vikings’ record-breaking comeback against the Colts. Plus, Trevor Lawrence’s ongoing ascension to the elite class, the Lions keep winning but the Jets keep proving they’re good, a couch investigation of the late-game officiating in Giants-Commanders, lots of reminders that you

It’s the small-market show on The MMQB NFL Podcast—or the small-to-mid market show—as Conor and Gary take a trip around the NFL to discuss three QB-centric storylines. First, a refresher course on Desmond Ridder in advance of his first career start, and what to expect in an Arthur Smith offense for the rookie. Also, a discussion of Mariota-gate after a strange couple of days during which he may or may not have left the team following his demotion. Then, trying to figure out what in the world the Cardinals were thinking in regards to their roster-building, Troy Aikman shade, and the disaster it spells if Kyler Murray is going to miss even some of 2023. Finally, it’s time to see how the Dolphins offense adjusts to the adjustments. And time to find out just what Tua Tagovailoa does when he’s taken out of his comfort zone. Fans of the Eric Carle classic Pancakes, Pancakes! know what we’re talking about. Or not. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramli

In Week 14 we learned that, if anything, it’s time to tighten our embrace on the Brock Purdy–led 49ers. Conor and Gary discuss how the seventh-round rookie was far from perfect in his first career start, but he’s looking like he’ll be more than enough for the 49ers to stay in the Super Bowl conversation. Also, Justin Herbert disproves the dumbest narratives while cracks show in the Dolphins’ offense, the Lions keep piling up the points in showing why they were legitimate favorites against the 10-win Vikings, the Jaguars beat the Titans like the Titans would beat opponents (if they had Trevor Lawrence), the Cowboys survive their off-week against Houston, and the Bills and Jets in an ultra-violent matchup in which everyone lost (except for the Bills, but especially Mike White’s rib cage). Plus, Deshaun Watson’s new kind of struggles in his second start, all the backup quarterbacks are called upon in Ravens-Steelers, Wilks-McAdoo 2023, and much more! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Ema

Baker Mayfield’s year-long freefall seemingly continued into December, as he asked for—and was granted—his release from Carolina, and went unclaimed by everyone but the Rams. Conor and Gary discuss the real story behind “only one team claimed him,” where he fits in L.A. for the near-term, and where he might fit elsewhere in the longterm. Then, a discussion of Titans GM Jon Robinson’s surprise firings, and the always underestimated world of office politics in an NFL building. Also, looking back on the trades that landed the Seahawks, Lions and Eagles at 3-4-5 (currently) in the draft order, the Saints’ well-intentioned but ultimately disastrous plan, and the madness of rethinking the Matthew Stafford deal. Finally, pitching America’s new favorite game show: Who wants to coach the Houston Texans? (Really, it’s more people than you’d think.) Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsP

There were some very intriguing matchups in Week 13, but all eyes were on the return of Deshaun Watson in Houston. Conor and Gary discuss why that was particularly unfortunate, as Watson struggled in his first game back, the broadcast team struggled desperately to articulate why Watson hadn’t played in a meaningful football game in 700 days, and everyone else was treated to one of the worst games in recent memory. Then, things take a turn for the better in discussions of the Bengals’ already-great-but-still-improving offense, and Brock Purdy outdueling Tua Tagovailoa and the overwhelmingly good 49ers defense. Plus, the Ravens without Lamar Jackson, the Eagles’ best game of the season, and Jeff Saturday wears a hat and may or may not have a future as the Colts’ head coach. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deshaun Watson is set to play in his first regular-season game in 700 days on Sunday, when he returns from his 11-game suspension for multiple violations of the personal conduct policy regarding many accounts of sexual assault and harassment from massage therapists Conor and Gary once again delve into why, as of Thursday morning, Watson’s public denials of wrongdoing in the face of overwhelming evidence have been hugely problematic, and what it means to earn a second chance. Then, they discuss what to expect on the field on Sunday, in an NFL that’s changed since Watson last played. Also, a discussion of the Dolphins’ high-flying offense and its challenge against the 49ers’ dominating defense, the Chiefs-Bengals AFC title game rematch and how Patrick Mahomes can change things against a Cincinnati defense that got the better of him last time they met. Plus, men without hats. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inqui

It was an entirely pleasant football Sunday in Week 12, with some close games, some stout defensive performances and some interesting developments. And nowhere were the developments more interesting than in Philadelphia, where Aaron Rodgers exited early and Jordan Love got a chance to show what he could do. Conor and Gary discuss Love’s impressive fourth-quarter showing against the Eagles, and what it means in light of another Packers loss and reports that Aaron Rodgers’s thumb is in bad shape. (They also get into the Eagles absolutely steam-rolling the Packers defense.) Then, Joe Burrow’s ordinary stat line doesn’t do justice to his extraordinary play as the Bengals beat the Titans again, Mike White Fever grips the greater New York area once again, and Trevor Lawrence delivers a superhuman performance as the Jaguars knock off the Ravens. Also, an act of cowardice in Cleveland’s win, another devastating injury for the Bucs, the unbearable play of the Texans, and we’re now just yelling at Russell Wilson. Have

Whether you’re listening to this episode on your drive to Thanksgiving dinner or at some point in the summer of 2024, it doesn’t matter. This show is simply timeless. At least Conor and Gary assume so. The Hodgepodge starts with a discussion of the Odell Beckham Jr. Sweepstakes. Are these sweepstakes exciting? Who should want to win these sweepstakes? And who should Odell want to win these sweepstakes? Then, a discussion of Brandon Staley’s increasing meekness on fourth downs. Is it the Chargers fan(s)? Does job security play into this? Or is something else at work? Plus, a look at the emergence of a maybe new Jimmy Garoppolo, the Zach Wilson problem for the Jets, and a run down of all the potentially available quarterbacks this offseason for QB-needy teams. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It had been months of frustration watching Justin Herbert and the meek offense the Chargers’ offensive coaches had him operating. But those who waited patiently were finally rewarded on Sunday night when Herbert’s Chargers and Patrick Mahomes’s Chiefs played a classic in L.A. Conor and Gary breakdown that AFC West showdown and much more from Sunday. That includes the weirdly almost-unbeatable Vikings getting very much beaten by the Cowboys, the Eagles making a narrow escape in Indy against the Jeff Saturday Colts, and the Bills digging out of the snow and back in the win column (despite getting torched by Jacoby Brissett). Also, what in the world is the deal with Russell Wilson, Kenny Pickett and Zach Wilson, all of whom continue to not play very well? Plus, the never-ending search for a Jonathan Allen nickname. (Grave Burner? Maybe? We’ll keep working on it.) Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https:/

As it has been since the beginning of time, the third Thursday in November must be a mailbag show on any podcast. Thus Conor and Gary answer your questions, to an extent that might or might not satisfy you. Among the hard-hitting questions taken on in this episode… From an analyst standpoint, are we happy or unhappy about games being played in heavy snow? Deshaun Watson reportedly chose the Browns because they were good—but aren’t the Browns not good? Is Carson Wentz ever going to get the starting job back from Taylor “The Taxpayer” Heinicke? And are the Packers heating up? Plus, loud agreements about the overall meaninglessness of November NFL games (remember the Bills last November!?!?!?!), and various madness about a trick-play-only offense that some coach should go with. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In light of the incredible, unfathomable final moments of the Vikings’ (make that the 8–1 Vikings’!) victory in Buffalo, it’s time to really understand what this all means. That’s why Conor and Gary call on the wise words of one Kirk Cousins before freaking out about the most bizarre finish of the NFL season so far. Then, the Packers finally catch a break, and maybe find a new element for their offense as they pull off an unlikely upset, the 49ers do their thing against a Chargers team light on humans, and the Bucs go to Germany and rediscover their offense. Plus, Jeff Saturday over Josh McDaniels in Vegas, a little bit of Kadarius Toney time for the Chiefs, the utter lack of offense in Broncos-Titans, lots of plugs for Fisher-Price products and much more! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode was supposed to be a good ol’ fashioned, straightforward midseason report show, but then things went a little wacky. There was Josh Allen’s elbow injury (what now, Buffalo?!?!?!), but mostly, there was the Colts—and, seemingly, owner Jim Irsay specifically—going absolutely rogue. Thus, Conor and Gary try to talk through what might be going on in Indianapolis, where Jeff Saturday is now the interim head coach, logic has been suspended and nothing is as it seems. Why might Marcus Brady, a rising young offensive coach, have been pushed out? What kind of challenge is Saturday facing in stepping in mid-season as a theoretical Steve Kerr–style outsider? And what does this mean for the players and staffers in Indy? Then, a discussion of the Josh Allen elbow injury, and five midseason takeaway-type things. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https:

It was a smaller slate in Week 9, but there were still a couple of monstrous underdog wins—not to mention a lifetime worth of frustration for two star quarterbacks.  Conor and Gary start things off in East Rutherford, home to lots of winning football in 2022, including the Jets’ victory over the Bills. An examination of just how good this team is, and just how they’re going to manage around an erratic young quarterback. Then, a new kind of frustration for Aaron Rodgers as the Packers let one slip away in Detroit, while Tom Brady pulls off an improbable comeback—even by his standards—after a ridiculous day of drops against the Rams. And the Titans nearly pull off the upset in Kansas City, behind a very physical defense and some classic Mike Vrabel ball. Plus, Jaguars stuff, a Van Ginkel touchdown, and so much more. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: htt

What was billed as a quiet trade deadline was anything but, as a record number of deadline-day deals went down in the NFL. After a little bit of time to reflect, Conor and Gary are ready to dispense the takes. Why there’s plenty of reason to like what the Bears did, the Dolphins are taking advantage of perhaps an open window, the Lions' forever rebuild carries on, the Bills add yet another dynamic to their already very good offense, the bizarre twists and turns of the Indianapolis Colts, and much more. Then, special guest Tyler Dunne of Go Long joins the show to discuss his new book, “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football,” and to absorb some random tight end names being lobbed at him for 20 minutes. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We had points, lots of them, (even in touchdown form!), on Sunday as offenses across the league kinda got back on track. Except for the one Aaron Rodgers oversees. Conor and Gary look at the things that went right, but also the things that continue to go wrong for the Packers offense, this time in Buffalo. Also, what Christian McCaffrey did to the Rams and what the Rams did in one half, but not the second half, against the 49ers; the Summer of Geno Smith continues in Seattle; the absurd ending and archaic rule that played into it as the Panthers-Falcons game went berserk; and the Broncos finally score some touchdowns as they try to figure out how to make late-stage Russell Wilson into a useable starting quarterback. Then, why the Raiders continue to flop, the Zach Wilson Experience gets too weird again, and it’s always April 15 when Taylor “The Taxpayer” Heinicke gets to the fourth quarter. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOr

It’s late October, and Conor and Gary find themselves assessing two very unlikely starting (or, one starting and one potential starting) quarterbacks: Sam Ehlinger in Indy and Bailey Zappe in New England. First, what does Ehlinger create for the Colts’ offense that Matt Ryan can not? What kind of effect does his mobility have on the run game? Is it worth the trade off for what will likely make life more difficult for a play-caller? And what are the behind-the-scenes, front-office politics factors that go into a move like this? Then, the stunning (and possibly brief) emergence of Zappe in Foxboro. Can the Patriots really justify playing him over Mac Jones? And speaking of Jones, why has he taken such a step back in his second season? Plus, Conor recaps the dreams he’s been having about various potential trades. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https:/

Week 7 Sunday unfolded as the trade deadline looms, though the first big move has already happened, with the 49ers acquiring Christian McCaffrey. Conor and Gary fire off all takes regarding the new-look Niners (who, O.K., aren’t really the new-look Niners yet) and some of the issues that still very much face this team. A look at the return of Dak Prescott for Dallas and why it was kinda inconsequential (for now) for the Cowboys, Kenny Pickett’s long night and Tua Tagovailoa’s uncomfortable return in Miami, the sadness continues for Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, the Brett Rypien Broncos are the same thing as the Russell Wilson Broncos, Bengals get back on track, Jets get on track for the first time in forever, Brian Daboll separating himself from the Coach of the Year crowd, and much more! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s time for Conor and Gary to dig into the mailbag and answer the most pressing questions that the NFL public has. First, a look at the 5–1 Vikings. Is this sustainable? How much does strength of schedule matter? Are they this year’s Arizona Cardinals? Is there really that much of a difference between this year’s Vikings and last year’s Vikings? Then, gauging potential return for the Panthers’ trade pieces (Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore and Brian Burns) as the deadline nears. The reasons to be bullish on the Jaguars and, specifically, Trevor Lawrence. Why Jim Irsay’s comments about Dan Snyder are significant. And the one question that every single member of our audience wants answered. It’s about Andy Benoit. And what Andy Benoit is doing. And whether Andy Benoit is happy. And whether Andy Benoit will come back on the podcast. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy &am

It was an upside down slate of games in the NFL, though the two headlining games more than made up for it all. Conor and Gary break down everything that went down on Sunday (including, sadly for our listeners, some baseball playoffs). It starts in Kansas City, where the Bills didn’t really exorcise anything, but they did prove they can overcome some execution issues, on the road, against an elite opponent. Throw in a rapidly improving defense and you have a team that is just much, much better than the rest of the NFL. The Eagles and Cowboys punched and counter-punched in Philly in a very good Sunday nighter that reminded us to never count out Cooper Rush and also the real meaning of Christmas. How the absurdity of the Trubisky-led Steelers routing the Bucs came to be, the Falcons continue to melt our icy hearts, New York is only for winners, Bailey Zappe yes but mostly the Patriots defense is doing it’s thing again, and unconfirmed rumors that the Vikings are 5–1. Have a comment, critique or question for a fu

The biggest surprise of the season thus far isn’t that Russell Wilson is merely struggling to adjust to a new team and new scheme. It’s that, over his first five games as the Broncos’ quarterback, he’s been one of the absolute worst quarterbacks in the NFL. Conor and Gary set out to find out just how bad it’s been, why it’s been precisely that bad, and what—if anything—can be done to fix it. A deep dive into Wilson’s unique set of strengths, undeniable set of weaknesses, and baffling alteration of his stylistic approach to the game. Plus, the natural politics that come into play with an NFL’s team’s front office, the quarterback they invested in and the coaching staff charged with finding answers, and why the Broncos will undoubtedly improve offensively as the year goes on, even if Wilson does not. Then, a discussion of the Bills defense’s next round against the now Tyreek Hill–less Chiefs, and the new-look Eagles vs. the new-look Cowboys, for the first time. Have a comment, critique or question for a future