The Mmqb: 10 Things

The second episode of Conor and Gary’s team-by-team season preview countdown has arrived, and this one is chock full of underserved optimism. And ties! Once again, we will not reveal who the teams are in this episode description, but we will provide these clues from our conversations: Team 27: Just send them over to the B Field for now—they’ll be ready for you to watch them in 2023. Also Team 27: It’s time for professional football coaches and professional football players to assemble and form a professional football team. Team 26: Babies. So many babies. Team 25: Two favorites from the Conor Cinematic Universe and a team that should have honest-to-God playoff aspirations right this very minute. Come back every Monday for the next four teams in the countdown of a series that needs a better title. 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

It’s that time of year, when Conor and Gary ignore the beautiful summer weather, retreat to their respective basements, and take on the Herculean task of previewing the 32 teams, podcast-style, four at a time. But this year, it comes with a twist! Rather than simply going division by division, it’s a power ranking, unveiled from the 32nd best team to the best, all over the course of eight Monday shows. Thus, the first episode in this installment? The four worst teams heading into the 2022 season. We will not reveal who the teams are in this episode description, but we will provide these clues from our conversations: Team 32: Your spouse leaves you after you dive into an open septic tank Team 31: Not ever trying in some respects Team 30: The inefficiencies of what happens when the inefficiencies you identified are no longer inefficiencies Team 29: Maybe not the right path, but a path. That's something. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling

It was an unexpectedly rocky year for last season’s crop of rookie QBs. Now, it’s time to examine: Are better days ahead in 2022? To help answer that question, Conor and Gary welcome Charles McDonald of Underdog Fantasy. What does Doug Pederson do for Trevor Lawrence? What was behind Zach Wilson’s absolutely erratic play out of structure last season? Is this Trey Lance thing going to work out in San Francisco? Some appreciation for the cursed early career of Justin Fields, the lack of speed around Mac Jones in a unique Patriots approach, and the awkward path to consistency for Davis Mills as part of the strangest rebuild the NFL has going. Then, delving into the sad state of the Atlanta Falcons, the future of Matt Ryan in Indianapolis, and Charles takes on More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! 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

It was centuries ago that the Baker Mayfield trade talks first started up, and last week we finally reached the end of the road with he would-be-Cleveland-Browns franchise QB mercifully shipped off to Carolina for a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick. Conor and Gary discuss a deal that left pretty much everyone unsatisfied, whether it be the draft compensation, the split of his salary, the paycut, or the domino effect on the Panthers’ QB depth chart. What does it mean for Mayfield, for Ben McAdoo, for Sam Darnold, for Christian McCaffrey, for Kevin Stefanski, and for the Browns’ front office? And what are the chances this works out for Mayfield and the Panthers in the short- or long-term? Then, in a very special segment, Conor breaks out his new treasure trove of mid-90s football cards, the inspiration for a Remember Some Guys-style guessing game. 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

Some not terribly sharp people might dismiss the Ravens for a lack of Super Bowl championships over the past four seasons, but on this show, Conor and Gary cover just how Baltimore is positioning itself for consistent championship contention by exploiting roster-building inefficiencies. The wide receivers grabbed the headlines this offseason, but what does it mean to collect quality tight ends in a league with so few? Plus, why offensive linemen who aren’t tackles can anchor a front five, the importance of flexibility in the defensive backfield, and the advantage of zigging when other people zag regarding organizational philosophy. And, more than anything on this Independence Day in the U.S., the importance of being your own, weird self rather than trying to copycat everyone else. Also, Conor and Gary play Daniel Tiger playing the hits, just for you! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle

The Golden State Warriors won the NBA title, the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl, and each team was accused of “buying” their championship. With that in mind, Conor and Gary welcome SI NBA writer Rohan Nadkarni back to the show to discuss just what it means to “buy” a championship, why it’s an absurd accusation, and why more teams should be doing precisely what those champions did. Then, the trio fires off a number of takes, ranging from Tua to Russell Wilson to Nathaniel Hackett to all kinds of NBA stuff, at which point Rohan describes how the current NBA works and why basketball teams are not on the verge of turning to lineups full of Eddy Currys and Bryant Reeveses to counter the league’s influx of “Spaghetti Men.” Plus, Rohan tries his hand at More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! 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/

In honor of the release of Conor’s annual underrated players list (one player for each of the 32 teams!), Conor and Gary take a trip down the list to review its most interesting names. On this episode, a look at a slot receiver who deserves more of an opportunity, a veteran left tackle who’s getting a little more of his due, a productive young pass rusher emerging in the strangest of places, a first-round defensive back who reinvented himself with a new team, and a defensive tackle who enables a star teammate by making as many offensive linemen try to block him as possible. Plus, a confusing discussion about the Garth Brooks alter ego Chris Gaines, and some kind of school dance radio station album giveaway(?). And here is Conor’s full “Underrated” List for the AFC: https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/23/every-afc-team-most-underrated-player And the NFC: https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/24/nfc-underrated-players-2022 Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGram

It’s been a surprisingly busy week in the NFL, with developments in the Deshaun Watson cases, an off-the-rails congressional hearing concerning Daniel Snyder, and the retirement (we think) of an all-time great. So Conor and Gary welcome in SI NFL Insider Albert Breer to break it all down. First, now that all but four of the civil complaints against Deshaun Watson have been settled, what is the NFL timeline regarding league discipline going to be like? And why is this process going to be much different than past personal conduct cases the NFL has handled? Then, the news that Daniel Snyder will be subpoenaed by the congressional oversight committee, and whether Snyder will ever be forced out by fellow owners. Plus, Rob Gronkowski retires again—maybe for real, maybe not. A look back at his career and his unique value as a player. Also, Albert takes on More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions. Andy Benoit’s magazine feature on Rob Gronkowski, from 2016, referenced during the show: https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/0

Conor and Gary have—rightfully—spent quite a bit of time discussing Deshaun Watson over the past few weeks. Now, with reports surfacing on Friday that the NFL plans to argue for a “significant” suspension of Watson, it’s a good time for everyone to turn their attention toward Baker Mayfield. If Watson is suspended for the season would Mayfield play out the final year of his rookie contract in Cleveland, knowing he’d be leading a playoff-caliber roster? Or would he try to start establishing himself elsewhere, with another franchise (specifically, one in Carolina)? Then, a discussion of Tyreek Hill’s scorching Patrick Mahomes takes on his latest podcast, sparking a specific discussion of the pressure it puts on Tua Tagovailoa and a meandering discussion of two-hit wonders for reasons you’ll understand if you listen to the show. Plus, coaches fined for OTA violations and Jets receivers talk. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrA

With Conor recording from a secret location somewhere in these great United States, he and Gary link up via satellite phone to talk about three big contracts and one bad tweet. First a look at Aaron Donald’s deal, and what Donald wanted on and off the field (beyond a large sum of money) to return to the Super Bowl champs. Then, the importance of Cooper Kupp in a world that’s gone mad for wide receivers. Then, a discussion of the Hunter Renfrow deal, and what it means that a complementary weapon can get paid like Renfrow did. Is this the new normal, or will the Renfrow deal eventually look like an outlier? Also, a reluctant discussion of Jack Del Rio’s now-non-existent Twitter account, good and bad Simpsons references, and 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

Deshaun Watson continues to be the biggest NFL story in recent memory, and thanks to the continued, exceedingly thorough reporting of Jenny Vrentas, it is not going to go away anytime soon.With that in mind, Conor and Gary welcome Jenny back to the show! A discussion of her latest investigative piece for the New York Times, which covers Watson and the expanding number of women not among the civil complainants who are sharing accounts of his problematic behavior during massage therapy sessions.Jenny also covers the Houston Texans’ role in this mess—what did the team know, what should they have known, and why did their security personnel provide Watson with a non-disclosure agreement to give massage therapists?—as well as more insight into the secretive grand-jury proceedings from last March.Jenny’s latest story: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/07/sports/football/deshaun-watson.htmlHave a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertisin

While Conor and Gary eagerly await word on their applications to Tight End University, they take a broader look at the market while addressing the question: Why don’t tight ends get paid more than they do? Breaking down the guys at the top of the market, the lack of depth at the position across the NFL, the tight end’s role in the NFL’s trendiest offense, and who could break through and get that monster contract. Then, a look at the Lamar Jackson contract situation, what the quarterback should be asking for and why the Ravens shouldn’t be hesitating if it’s a four-year commitment. Finally, the latest on the Deshaun Watson cases, as two more civil complaints are filed and Watson’s defense team takes their very aggressive media campaign from behind the scenes to the forefront. 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 a very special episode, Peter King returns to his old stomping grounds as the godfather (or something) of The MMQB helps Conor and Gary make sense of what you might call “the hot topics” going on around the NFL. It seems that Colin Kaepernick won’t be signing with the Raiders in the short-term, so what do we make of his workout with the team? Who is going to buy the Denver Broncos, and how much money will it cost? How will Roger Goodell handle the potential Deshaun Watson suspension? Is Mike Trout the worst commissioner in fantasy sports? And was there a time when we didn’t have to put out NFL content in June? Plus, Peter takes his shot at America’s least-favorite quiz show, More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! 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

On Tuesday night, two massage therapists alleging sexual misconduct against Deshaun Watson appeared on HBO to put faces and voices behind their accounts, while Watson’s legal team continued to fight back publicly, both on and off the show. Conor and Gary discuss the potential effects of that “Real Sports” segment, the arguments Watson’s lawyers are making on his behalf, and the stubborn misconceptions about the Watson cases that just won’t go away. Then SI senior writer Stephanie Apstein joins the show to talk Trevor Bauer and the similarities and differences between the Bauer and Watson cases, especially in light of Bauer’s suspension (two years, currently under appeal) as a decision from the NFL nears. Plus, Conor and Gary make Steph talk more Orioles baseball than anyone could possibly want, and Steph tries her hand at a baseball-themed round of More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @Conor

It was just a few short years ago when it seemed that, across the NFL, every team was more or less satisfied with their quarterback situation. But with the 2022 season just a couple months away, somewhere in the neighborhood of one-third of the teams in the NFL are looking at some degree of—officially speaking—a “mess” at the QB spot. With that in mind, Conor and Gary are breaking down the specific degree of “quarterback mess” for 13 teams across the league. That means a discussion of Daniel Jones in the near- and medium-term future, the Browns’ mess with Baker Mayfield and continued mess with Deshaun Watson, whether Ben McAdoo can get anything out of Sam Darnold, the chances of Drew Lock (or Geno Smith) giving Seattle a capable starter, whether Trey Lance is running out of time in San Francisco, Zach Wilson’s erratic play but sky-high ceiling, 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://

In a very special episode of The MMQB NFL Podcast, Conor and Gary welcome Jenny Vrentas back to the show to cover a number of topics, starting with the investigation into the Raiders by Jenny and the team at the New York Times. Why is that franchise seemingly run like a disorganized mom-and-pop store rather than a billion-dollar enterprise? Why has there been so much turnover among their front-office leadership? And what would you do if Jon Gruden burst into your office to tell you you're doing a great job via football metaphors? Then, a discussion of tanking in the NFL in light of Conor and Gary’s recent piece into the NFL’s investigation into the Browns and their—to put it kindly—unique approach to the 2016 and ’17 seasons. Plus, Jenny takes on the hit sensation, More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions… is she up to the task? (Of course she is.) Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redc

Conor and Gary have had a couple of days to chew on the NFL schedule after the league’s overwrought, (seemingly) months-long trickle of a release. Here’s what they settled on: First, the curious case of the Cleveland Browns’ utter lack of primetime appearances. How Deshaun Watson (very likely) affected that beyond just a potential suspension, and who it helps and who it hurts in Cleveland. Then, a look at five teams who got—maybe, perhaps, just a little bit—hosed by the schedule-makers, whether it be impossible stretches of games, lengthy travel or, most importantly, a lack of rest. And how those tough schedules could ultimately affect a couple of teams looking at some difficult transitions. Plus, a discussion of what will surely be a frustrating foray into streaming TV for many fans as Amazon Prime takes over the Thursday Night Football package, and identifying our favorite games of the 2022 season. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI o

Conor and Gary start off the show with a discussion of just what kind of broadcaster Tom Brady will be one day. (If he ever is a broadcaster, that is.) Then, Richard Johnson, resident college football and Jacksonville Jaguars expert, joins the show for a discussion on a number of topics. Why was the 2022 NFL draft not very good? Will the 2023 QB draft class be a little better or a lot better than this year's? What do we make of the Travon Walker pick, and can an NFL coaching staff really unlock something in him? How do we feel about Trevor Lawrence entering Year 2? What’s the deal with all that NIL stuff and could it affect the NFL draft? And much more. Plus, Richard is the first competitor for “More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions.” Is he up to the task? 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

One thing to keep in mind as we move into the month of May: Just because the draft is over doesn’t mean we’re done with player movement in the NFL. So Conor and Gary took a trip through the best remaining free agents to see what kind of teams we could build. Welcome to the first annual (or, perhaps, last ever) Remaining Free Agents Draft. The exercise isn’t completely meaningless; there are plenty of useful players still out on the market, and they should start moving soon now that the compensatory pick formula is no longer a factor. We found ourselves a quarterback, a couple of usable offensive linemen, some potential game-wreckers up front, and some receivers who would make an offensive coordinator happy. Who would win this battle of the titans? Drink in each team, and then you decide. Plus, the horrible side effects of draft fever. 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/brandsPriva

After a couple days to decompress and really let the 2022 NFL Draft sink in, Conor and Gary are ready to talk about draft grades. Specifically, Conor’s draft grades. A look back at the draft classes that earned the highest marks, the draft classes that earned the lowest marks, and why each team falls into its respective category. Then, a look at the continued limbo of Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo and the roles their current teams played in them landing here. Plus, Tyrann Mathieu joins the might-as-well-win-now Saints. 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