The Mmqb: 10 Things

It's that time of year: A deeper look at how each of the divisions are shaping up in the first of our eight division previews. It’s a look at the AFC North.Who was the best veteran addition in the division? The most intriguing rookie? Which coach—head or assistant—are we keeping an eye on in 2021?The Ravens’ work solidifying their roster, the Steelers offensive question marks, the never-overwhelming expectations of the Bengals, and the bona fide (according to one host) Super Bowl aspirations of the Cleveland Browns. Plus, an unveiling of our absolutely unassailable collective projection for the order of finish in the AFC North.But the true highlight of this episode is AFC North mad libs, a wonderful idea from Conor that went swimmingly once Conor understood how Mad Libs work.Have a question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/pri

Jenny, Conor and Gary—again, and surely not for the last time—revisit Aaron Rodgers in light of his holdout from OTAs. A discussion of the possible outcomes if the GM isn't going anywhere, and what the Packers need to do to get this resolved.Then, the new game show that's basically on the verge of sweeping the nation: Four blind items about NFL quarterbacks when they were young, and what people wrote about them. It's Jenny vs. Conor, winner takes all. (All of what? We're not sure yet.)And, finally but most importantly, a discussion on the state of vaccinations around the league, and why it's so disheartening.Have a question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jenny, Conor and Gary start things off with every conceivable take on the Julio Jones trade: The positives for the Titans, trying to figure out the Falcons' plan, one coach who is simultaneously thrilled and maybe a little terrified, and much, much more.And before we get into more serious topics, a conversation about the week's two silliest headlines, starting with Tua and the playbook. What does it mean when a second-year quarterback says on a Zoom call that he has a better grasp of the playbook? And how would opening locker rooms to (vaccinated) journalists be a step toward avoiding such silly controversies in the future?Then, the goings-on in Chicago, where apparently a promise made in March to Andy Dalton is being treated as an unbreakable contract in June. Why the Bears will absolutely not be starting Dalton when the season begins if he doesn't outplay Justin Fields this summer.Plus, a deeper look into the mess the league has made for itself when it comes to Toradol usage and race-norming in

With summer getting underway, and the "NFL preview" calendar about to kick into gear, Jenny, Conor and Gary take one last chance to have some fun. Some *real* fun. We're going to rescue football before it falls into the kind of rut we see in other sports. We’ll discuss doink points and the Rammstein-soundtracked narrow uprights, make-it-take-it two-point conversions and endless games, the coaches' nightmare that is spot-and-choose, a chance for trolling, and a very Greg Schiano tale of defending victory formation. Then, be there podcasting history as, for the first time ever, the Orracle comes to the Monday Morning Podcast. We discuss where Julio Jones should land and where he will land. (Julio Jones, our phone lines remain open to you.) Plus, the upcoming weekend of board games and why Sorry will forever tear families apart everywhere. Have a question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: h

The first half of this episode is not suitable for younger listeners.Jenny and Gary discuss the investigative piece—months in the making—that we unveiled on Friday, including the trove of new information about the Deshaun Watson cases. Misconceptions around the cases and the story itself, why it's important to gather information from someone aside from the lawyers involved, and why a better grasp of consent is most important to understanding how Watson and 22 women arrived at this point. Plus, putting an end to some of the ridiculous conspiracy theories surrounding the timing of cases and the Texans organization. In the second half of the show, Conor joins Jenny and Gary to discuss the Falcons' strange insistence on trading Julio Jones—specifically, why they’d probably be better off keeping their legendary receiver. Plus, the "seldom punt" coach is getting his shot in Division I, and Conor couldn't be more excited. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAd

We have a 2021 NFL schedule in place, it's 17 games per team, and Jenny, Conor and Gary don't know what to do about it. A discussion on the optimism around more football, mourning the beautiful symmetry of 16 games, and whether or not Week 18 will bring unrivaled drama or bring a slate of games that look like the Sudfeld-fueled Eagles-WFT regular-season finale.Plus, a probably-too-long discussion of Tim Tebow: 90th Man. Does it matter that he's going to spend the summer on the Jaguars roster? Is there a benefit to it? Is there a downside? And a mind-blowing Tebow poll result from the youth of America in 2013.Finally, a conversation about Ja'Wuan James and the consequences of the Broncos' decision to cut ties with the veteran offensive tackle after he was injured during a workout away from the facility. And what’s the future of these minicamp gatherings anyway? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy

The dust has settled and the smoke has cleared on the 2021 NFL offseason; Jenny, Conor and Gary convene to talk about the teams and storylines that flew a little too under the radar.The Vikings drafted a quarterback in the third round and reportedly had interest in Justin Fields. Are they getting a little more serious about moving on from Kirk Cousins—and, if they are, should they be?Another look at the Rams, who did make a move at quarterback, and the Titans, who have revamped their defense but need to find a way to keep the magic going on offense.The NFC East maybe, kind of, sort of is back... perhaps? And did the Panthers passing on Justin Fields mean they weren't enamored with the prospect, or that they have their eye on some possible big QB names in the trade market?Plus, Conor reveals a Power Rankings Poll scandal—and it's not that the Bucs were knocked from the top spot. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsP

The 2021 NFL Draft is in the books, and Jenny, Conor and Gary talk all things draft weekend, starting with—for a second straight year—Aaron Rodgers's unhappiness with the Packers. Is this the end? Is this another Rodgers power play? And who will he be playing for Week 1 of next season?As far as the draft goes: Why Trey Lance was always the right move for the 49ers—and why he's the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan—whether the Justin Fields trade up buys Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace more time in Chicago, the Jets' aggressive rebuild around Zach Wilson, and why there's a lot to like about the Patriots' draft.Plus, Eagles awkwardness with Zach Ertz and otherwise, Dave Gettleman is cool, whether the JOK slide was a pushback on positionless football, a moderately needed Nickelodeon feed and a much-needed Adult Swim feed. And that covers literally everything about draft weekend. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPri

The Quadrilogy is complete, as Jenny rejoins Conor and Gary for the thrilling finale of the Mock Draft Series, running down the final eight picks of the first round as well as selections for the four teams that don't have picks in Round 1.The suddenly rock-solid Browns shop the defensive options. Will the Ravens go offense twice after trading Orlando Brown Jr. or look to add an edge player? How do the stalled Antonio Brown negotiations affect the Bucs' draft-day strategy? Is there a tight end who fits in Buffalo or is it time to take a chance on a dynamic edge rusher? And do the Packers go receiver to appease Aaron Rodgers, or stick it to him by drafting a third-string quarterback?Plus, what are the Chiefs looking at for receiver options in the late-second round, can the Rams find their answer at the pivot in Round 2, and will the Texans fix all their problems at Pick 67? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy

The epic Draft Series Quadrilogy reaches the 75% point, as Conor and Gary work through team needs and identify prospects for picks 17 through 25.It begins with the Raiders, who have found few answers on defense despite trying, but who also tore down their offensive line this offseason. Do they take another swing at the defensive side of the ball, or are they looking to take advantage of an unusually strong O-line class?Then, the Dolphins get their second crack at Round 1 and a chance to either get a Brian Flores building block or more help for Tua, the Football Team stares down a chance to make Dave Gettleman *really* jealous, the Bears get to address one of their many, many, many roster holes, and the Colts will take a left tackle... or will they?And would the Steelers really take a running back in Round 1? Conor says he will do something unspecific but definitely gross if they do. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPriv

The sequel to Part I of the 2021 Mock Draft Extravaganza begins with a flashback. Last week, Jenny and Gary had the Panthers selecting Justin Fields with the eighth overall pick. Now that they've traded for Sam Darnold, would a first-round QB still make sense for Carolina? Conor joins Jenny and Gary to discuss.Then, the next eight teams are up, from the Broncos picking ninth to the Cardinals with the 16th selection.Among those picks: Finding a home for Mac Jones—how high can the fifth quarterback go? A conversation on whether the Cowboys should go for more offense or address a rebuilding D, and the Eagles' never-ending search for pass-catching weapons continues into the 2021 draft. Also, the pros and cons of the Patriots making a move for a quarterback, how Danielle Hunter’s contract situation factors into the Vikings’ pick, and why the Cardinals might need a receiver in this draft after all. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcir

The 2021 Mock Draft Extravaganza kicks off with the draft's first eight selections, starting with how the Jaguars will fit Trevor Lawrence, and why Zach Wilson is the guy for the Jets.After that, things get interesting. Is Mac Jones really the pick for the 49ers at 3, or is Kyle Shanahan looking for a more expansive skillset from his next QB. And will the Falcons go ahead and grab their next quarterback, or do they continue to build around Matt Ryan for the final years of his prime.The Bengals have a decision to make between offensive line and receiver as they look to get Joe Burrow some help, the Dolphins have a chance to reunite Tua Tagovailoa with an Alabama receiver but should they take it? The Lions need help at every position you can think of, and the Panthers have to go offense, and might finally end their desperate search for their next quarterback. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: htt

Albert Breer makes a very special appearance on a very special Tuesday Edition of the Monday Morning NFL Podcast, as he and Gary take a look at the draft's Big Five quarterbacks, and the teams that are most likely to take them.*It seems most years there's a quarterback who comes out of nowhere, and this year that quarterback is Zach Wilson. Has he moved into the driver's seat to go No. 2?*While the offensive talent Justin Fields had at Ohio State was elite, the offense's more advanced, pro-style elements might have meant fewer layups. With that in mind plus his physical traits, should he be a top-three target?*A look at Trey Lance, and the difference between being a "loose" athlete and being an "explosive" athlete at quarterback, and why Lance might be very Josh Allen-ish.*A discussion on Mac Jones, and how the idea of a "high floor" QB prospect has been turned on its head a bit.*Also, we have a pretty good sense that quarterbacks are going with the top three picks, but

The first week of free agency is in the books, and Conor and Gary are ready to overreact to all of it:*A look at the quarterback signings: why Bears fans are rightfully bummed about Andy Dalton, why Washington is doing just fine with Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins get a steal in Jacoby Brissett, and Mitchell Trubisky finds a good home in Buffalo.*As Gary has been saying since the beginning of time, free agency was a bummer for many good young receivers this offseason. But Kenny Golladay gives the Giants exactly what they need for Daniel Jones as their QB enters Year 3.*Plus, the Jon Gruden era for the Raiders takes another strange turn, the Titans remake their defense, the Chiefs find reinforcements for the offensive line, the Patriots spend big on some nice fits, and the Jets are the undisputed champions of free agency. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

With tampering happening very legally, Conor and Gary take a trip around the league as the news simply piles up. Drew Brees makes his retirement official, and that means a quarterback controversy in New Orleans. Looking at the pros and cons of billion-dollar man Taysom Hill and potential free-agent retainee Jameis Winston.Plus, Cam Newton gets another shot in Foxboro, while the Bears and Football Team are still looking for a seat in a very not-fun game of quarterback musical chairs. The Chiefs, after losing a Super Bowl due to a lack of offensive tackles, let go of their two starting veteran offensive tackles. The Ravens prove they are as shrewd as ever with the Kevin Zeitler signing, the Texans prove they know how to dial phones and make trades after all, and Kenny Golladay is an early winner of the offseason for avoiding the franchise tag. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/p

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers figured out a way to make it work financially, but can they make it work on the field? Conor and Gary take a look at how the Steelers got to this point, and the reasons to be optimistic—or pessimistic—as to whether it can work out for Pittsburgh in 2021, as they try to squeeze out another season of Super Bowl contention with an elite defense. We also take a look at the sad QB situation in Chicago, where the Bears don't have the ammo to do much of anything in the trade market. With Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy entering a must-win season, what's the solution going to be? Plus, the shrinking middle class in the NFL, the addition of J.J. Watt in Arizona, Conor absolutely berates Gary regarding Sports Illustrated’s upcoming Top-200 Free Agents list, and all the Baltimore Orioles talk you could possibly want from your favorite NFL podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & O

It's the "No QBs" edition of the Monday Morning Podcast, as Conor and Gary take a trip through the other 21 positions to see how the market might play out in an unusual offseason.Wide receivers might feel the cap crunch more than any other position, as a lot of big names are available but plenty of teams will instead be eyeing a highly regarded draft class and those oh-so-cheap rookie contracts. Can guys like Godwin, Golladay or Allen Robinson land big deals anyway? The offensive line group, meanwhile, presents a lot of steady options, which is all anyone is looking for up front anyway.On the defensive side of the ball, will Shaq Barrett finally break the bank? Will the Giants let Leonard Williams get away? Plus a look at a deep cornerback market, and why safeties might be out of luck again. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This past week brought an end to the long-running saga of the Carson Wentz trade, as the Eagles finally agreed to send him to what might have been the only suitor: Indianapolis. Jenny and Gary discuss whether the Wentz-Frank Reich marriage will work in Indy, and more than that, why the Colts ultimately had to act with urgency to get the QB.Right now, the QB market is thinning out for teams who don't have a top-10 pick, as the Colts got their guy but the Patriots, Football Team and Bears, among others, are still looking for answers that might not be there. How a thin veteran market, and a projected weak group of QBs for 2022, is putting some teams in a bind. And why it makes it even more obvious that the Texans will have to give in to Deshaun Watson's trade demand sooner rather than later.Plus, Michael Fabiano stops by for the weekly SI Fantasy segment.ReplyForward Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & O

The NFL offseason is off to a fast start, as future Hall of Fame pass rusher and franchise icon J.J. Watt was released by the Texans, freeing him up to choose his next team. Jenny and Gary discuss Watt's potential landing spots, but also examine what he might have left in the tank and why it was a bit of a head-scratcher that the Texans didn't trade him and try to get something in return.Also, the Carson Wentz trade saga drags on in Philly, where the Eagles thought they were in line for a Stafford-type return then realized they were in more of a Goff situation with their QB. It's too late to turn back now, and if the Colts indeed offered two second-round picks (as reported), should Philly do the deal?Finally, a look at Russell Wilson perhaps flexing some more QB muscle, and the Seahawks' very odd reaction to it. Could this have to do with the play-calling, the failure to sign Antonio Brown, neither, or both? A look at what's next in the Russ-Seattle marriage. Learn more about your ad-choi

A whole lot of narratives got turned sideways on Super Bowl Sunday, as the Bucs outclassed the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.Conor and Gary, being the pessimists they are, start with what went wrong. Andy Reid had two weeks to prepare and knew he'd be doing so without his starting tackles. Yet, K.C. did nothing to help their O-line out against a dominant Bucs pass rush, leaving Patrick Mahomes to get absolutely battered.Give a ton of credit to Todd Bowles, who had a formula that worked. Tampa's front four took over the game, and the back end more than held its own against K.C.'s game-breaking receiving options.We also look ahead to the offseasons for both teams. The Bucs have to make decisions on a number of free agents, most notably Chris Godwin and Shaq Barrett. Barrett is in line to set the market for pass rushers, while Godwin could end up the odd man out among Tampa's receivers.As for the Chiefs, how worried should they be about an ugly performance in Super Bowl LV?Plus, Michael Fabiano stops b