Are the Dallas Cowboys on a collision course with playoff glory, or will the San Francisco 49ers play spoiler to their ambitions? Strap in for a wild ride with Vito and Wilmer as we dissect the high stakes of NFL playoff matchups. We're not just talking about win-loss columns; we're exploring the gritty details, from Jared Goff's chance at redemption against his former team to the Cowboys' synergy that's capturing fans' imaginations. Alongside, we ponder the impact of battered warriors like Jalen Hurts and Laporta, whose injuries could turn the tide for their respective franchises.
The playoffs are a crucible, and this episode doesn't shy away from the heat. Witness the unravelling of the Philadelphia Eagles' once tight-knit defense, and the beacon of hope Baker Mayfield shines for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Our roundtable doesn't just predict outcomes; it peels back the layers of strategy and heart that define postseason football. We're weighing in on game-changing elements, like the overlooked importance of a concrete running game, and considering the Browns' surprising rise under the veteran guidance of Joe Flacco.
Finally, our conversation veers into the whirlwind of NFL's coaching carousel. The shockwaves of Black Monday still reverberate as we question the titanic upsets, like Mike Vrabel's exit from the Titans, against the backdrop of Matt Eberflus clinging onto his coaching role. Plus, we're casting our gaze towards the horizon, prognosticating the potential narratives and surprise contenders on the road to the NFL Championship. For an unmissable forecast of playoff drama and the unpredictable dance of football fate, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.
Are the Dallas Cowboys on a collision course with playoff glory, or will the San Francisco 49ers play spoiler to their ambitions? Strap in for a wild ride with Vito and Wilmer as we dissect the high stakes of NFL playoff matchups. We're not just talking about win-loss columns; we're exploring the gritty details, from Jared Goff's chance at redemption against his former team to the Cowboys' synergy that's capturing fans' imaginations. Alongside, we ponder the impact of battered warriors like Jalen Hurts and Laporta, whose injuries could turn the tide for their respective franchises.
The playoffs are a crucible, and this episode doesn't shy away from the heat. Witness the unravelling of the Philadelphia Eagles' once tight-knit defense, and the beacon of hope Baker Mayfield shines for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Our roundtable doesn't just predict outcomes; it peels back the layers of strategy and heart that define postseason football. We're weighing in on game-changing elements, like the overlooked importance of a concrete running game, and considering the Browns' surprising rise under the veteran guidance of Joe Flacco.
Finally, our conversation veers into the whirlwind of NFL's coaching carousel. The shockwaves of Black Monday still reverberate as we question the titanic upsets, like Mike Vrabel's exit from the Titans, against the backdrop of Matt Eberflus clinging onto his coaching role. Plus, we're casting our gaze towards the horizon, prognosticating the potential narratives and surprise contenders on the road to the NFL Championship. For an unmissable forecast of playoff drama and the unpredictable dance of football fate, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.
Welcome to Lacey's lineup. Thanks for tuning in and, guys, we are at that part of the year. It is playoff season. I can't believe we're here. It's kind of bittersweet. It's fun because we have a lot of good football left to watch. It's sad because football season is almost over. But because it is playoff season, I decided to do something special today and not only have one guest, but I've brought in two guests to talk about the playoffs this weekend. So I would like to welcome Vito, who was on my show in week two. If you guys remember, he's a Jets fan. He's a little upset because his Jets are sitting at home, but he decided he would come on the show. I'm hoping to turn him by a Cowboys fan by the end of this, but we'll see. But welcome to the show, vito.
Speaker 2:Thank you very much. Glad to be back.
Speaker 1:And we got a first time on the show. Good friend of mine, Wilmer, he is a Texans fan so he is excited about his team making the playoffs. Welcome to the show.
Speaker 3:Wilmer. Thank you, lacey, appreciate it. Happy to be here.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so I'm excited. We got three people here ready to talk about the playoffs. We're going to have a lot of good discussion, so let's just not wait any longer. Let's just start breaking it down. So, guys, with this weekend wild card weekend we got a lot of good football. But if you had to pick who do you think the biggest matchup this weekend is?
Speaker 2:We'll start with you, vito I mean, how do you not pick the Cowboys Packers? I think, being in this area now for three years, I can't believe it's been three years since I moved here from New Jersey. Just the enthusiasm and the excitement that goes along with being a Cowboys fan. It's really exciting to see him happy for you guys, congratulations for making it this far and I think that that's going to be the game of the week.
Speaker 1:Question, though did Des catch it?
Speaker 2:He did Thank you. So we're getting our revenge this week.
Speaker 1:Des caught it Wilmer. Who do you think the biggest matchup is?
Speaker 3:Man, I got to disagree, Vito, I really do. I think the most interesting matchup to me is going to be the Rams in Detroit. Goff, what a story. You know he was written off by LA. That trade, yeah, LA went all in bringing in Stafford. But long term I think you can't go against Detroit. They've got the best promise moving forward. Goff has a chance to silence all the doubters. I'm personally excited to see that matchup. I really am.
Speaker 1:That's funny. I'm just like that too. I mean Cowboys, packers. I'm a diehard Cowboys fan. We match up with the Packers a lot of times. The last time was Des caught it. You had Aaron Rodgers, we got a new, but an up and coming I mean Jordan Love has been impressive in these last couple of weeks. So definitely, Cowboys, do not overlook this game we're all talking about. Is this our Super Bowl run? But we take one game at a time. But I'm going to have to agree with Wilmer Lions Rams is the biggest matchup. You got Stafford going back to Detroit. But I am going to disagree with Wilmer when I think the Rams are the hot team. You got a Puka Nukua I mean Stafford playing at a really high level. He's going back home. I think Rams are going to upset the Lions.
Speaker 2:So, no doubt you, one of the reasons why I love the NFL is the storylines. Right, it's almost like a soap opera and you've got plenty to choose from I think almost every game. You could probably pick out a couple of players and some history behind those players and teams. Talk about sort of the background story. Lions Rams is old. It's three years ago that Stafford left and he won a Super Bowl with the Rams. Like what's the excitement there's? I get it, there's a storyline, there's history. But, come on, the Lions got this one in the bag, I think.
Speaker 3:Lions have it as well, but I think the storyline is the Lions, just Detroit Lions as a whole.
Speaker 2:Okay, right, agree with you.
Speaker 3:So to see how far they've come to me is just. It writes itself. Now, I agree with you. I don't think Stafford and the Rams are in. They're hot, I hear you, lacey. They are peaking at the right time. But Stafford doesn't have anything to prove in my opinion. I think it's on golf. I think he's got a chip on his shoulder. Detroit coming off, that heartbreaking loss to your Cowboys which was not controversy.
Speaker 1:It was not controversial, you know, but Laporta's hurt.
Speaker 3:He is Laporta's knee and that certainly will be a big, big loss to that offense.
Speaker 2:Rams are banged up too.
Speaker 1:Rams are, but I'm going to go back to what you said, though You're like Rams have won the Super Bowl. They won it with everybody that is not there, except for Stafford now.
Speaker 2:Agreed, agreed, but it's the storyline that Wilmer alluded to. You know, stafford going back to Detroit, he's got nothing to prove there. He's proven everything already. Yeah, it's a great story, but I don't see the Rams pulling this one off. I just don't.
Speaker 1:Well, I'm going to prove them wrong and the Rams are going to win because Cowboys don't want to face the Lions.
Speaker 3:They really don't. But you know it's something. Enough about storylines as Sooners here, because you're sitting with two Sooners veto, sorry. Talk about that matchup between Tampa and Philly. Right, you got Shakin' Bake Baker and you got Jalen Hertz. That's true, I mean quarterbacks that were iconic in college at OU, right yeah.
Speaker 1:Facing off. But is Jalen even playing Broken finger On his throwing finger?
Speaker 2:I think he came back after the injury and finished the game.
Speaker 1:Did you see his finger? I saw it.
Speaker 2:I saw it. It wasn't pretty to look at, but this is the playoffs, you come on.
Speaker 1:I'm with the player. I get that. But a middle finger on your throwing hand, how do you grip the ball? It's not like you can wrap it up and be a club hand for that game.
Speaker 2:I don't know how they do it, but these players find a way to play. I mean that's why Herbert?
Speaker 1:and eventually went out because he couldn't grip the ball. So I think it's going to be a big factor. He might try.
Speaker 2:I don't think he lost the whole game, I think the bigger storyline with the Eagles is what happened to the Eagles their last five, six games. They've looked miserable, Free fall.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Miserable. I mean five out of six, I think. They lost, and the win to the Giants on Christmas Day wasn't really pretty so what are they going to do? I don't, I don't know if they're even in a show up for this game. I honestly, I just think that they're falling apart and it's obvious.
Speaker 1:Yeah, which takes me to a question I want to ask you guys I'm going to name off some teams and you guys tell me one and done, or a Super Bowl run. Did you like how I rhymed that for?
Speaker 3:you guys.
Speaker 1:All right, so let's start with the Eagles. Are they one and done or Super Bowl run?
Speaker 2:Yeah, for me. For me, the Eagles just don't look sharp, they don't look crisp, they don't look ready to start this new playoff season. I think they're. They're one and done that's it.
Speaker 3:I agree. I think Cereani's feeling the pressure. They didn't look good against the Giants. They're done. They're not going to get past the first round.
Speaker 1:I do. If you look at their hype, though they're trying, they're like, hey, it's zero, zero. Now, like you know, we are ready to prove all these haters wrong, and I mean it is giving them a little bit of fuel. I mean, aj Brown is hurt, you know, devonte Smith was already hurt. Now you have Jalen, and I just think they've now there's like a cancer on that team. They're they just stopped with their camaraderie and I don't think they're playing. They're playing as individuals right now, yeah, instead of a team.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they're deep and especially the defense right. The defense started off really strong, they looked unstoppable and I know that the loss to the Jets was probably a fluke and that was their first loss. But they went a few more games and then they go on this streak of just loss after loss and their defense is really the part that just kind of to me. When their defense isn't playing right, then the whole team just doesn't do well.
Speaker 1:Yeah, but I agree with you, I think they're one and done. I think Baker is deserving. I think what he's done in Tampa is a cool story. He's banged up as well, but I've seen him play through worse. I mean, that's, that's OU, right, we're going to play through everything, nothing's going to stop us. But I do think playing in Tampa is going to be a big factor and to me, I don't even really call it an upset. I think Buccaneers are going to win this game and win it easily.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm curious to see what the spread is on that game, being that it is in Tampa. It's the last game they still gave it to Eagles.
Speaker 1:Really, I think it's three. Yeah, I haven't looked at the spread Three and a half or something like that Wow. So, I think they're just trying to give Eagles the benefit of the doubt, interesting All right Cowboys. One and done, see you go run.
Speaker 2:Cowboys All right, I think that they. This is our year. I think that they go on. They go on a decent run. I think that you know they've been stuck. They haven't gotten past the second round right In recent years.
Speaker 1:Thanks for bringing it up. Sorry, appreciate that.
Speaker 2:But I do think that they get at least past the second round. They get into the NFC championship, probably against the 49ers, and then we'll see. I can't predict the future that far ahead, but I think they beat the Packers and I don't even think it's close. I think that Dallas is just too strong of a team. On both sides it's a home game, dax playing really well, cd Lambs on fire. The defense is Wow. I mean, what can you say about the defense?
Speaker 1:And I think the Cowboys are hungry because they have that chip on their shoulder. They've been to that point. I mean, packers are young, they're inexperienced, they haven't felt that pressure, so I think they are. If we can get to them early, especially unleash the lion, micah Parsons, I think they're not going to be able to handle that pressure and we should be able to capitalize on that game. Still makes me nervous, still very nervous. We'll always be nervous. What do you think?
Speaker 3:I think you're right and you hit the nail on the head with Jordan Love. He's got a lot of talent, a lot of promise left in him to be able to fulfill, and they've got young receivers. They will be fine, but this is not their year. I'm with Vito on this Both sides of the ball.
Speaker 2:Yeah, too young, too inexperienced, that's right, that matters.
Speaker 3:It's playoff time and the playoffs experience matters. Are you seeing Super Bowl for the Cowboys? I'm not quite there, sorry.
Speaker 1:Lacey.
Speaker 3:I don't hate the Cowboys. I'm not a typical Houstonian in that matter that hates the Cowboys. You know we were always a you're married to a Cowboy fan.
Speaker 1:Yeah, married to a Cowboys fan.
Speaker 3:Houston was always AFC, cowboys were NFC. No reason to hate them. But I do think the Cowboys on paper for sure looks strong. I think Vito was very correct in saying CD is unstoppable right now, boomer sooner, by the way. Yes, he is peeking and you know Dak is getting him the ball. You can tell Dak is intentionally making plays to feature lamb and he's smart to do that. I think the biggest question mark in my mind for the Cowboys is the run game. I do believe in old school football you gotta run the ball and I just don't know that the Cowboys are running the ball at the level needed to truly make it a Super Bowl year. Hopefully they proved me wrong right.
Speaker 1:I agree with that, daven Cook being released, not saying he's the end-all, but he would have helped a weakness.
Speaker 3:Certainly.
Speaker 1:And guess who did? A team that's going all in on a Super Bowl run, which is the Ravens. I just don't get it. Jerry Jones claims he's all in and he wants it before he leaves this earth, and I just feel like we're to that point. But I do think it's funny, because I said one and done or a Super Bowl run. I'm leaning like two and done, two and done. If we play a healthy 49ers in San Francisco, that's just going to be a very big task. But anybody's beat, we play them good in the playoffs. We have Bonhead Dallas on the road though.
Speaker 3:Dallas on the road.
Speaker 1:We've done that, but we only lost by like seven, not in regular season. We're not thinking about that, but I'm talking about Because we played them the past two years and it's not been a blowout game. Right, it hasn't been a blowout game. First game was at home.
Speaker 2:Agreed, agreed, but it's still a loss. I mean, these are the games that if you don't get up for these games, then when are you going to get up for?
Speaker 1:them, you know.
Speaker 2:So I don't know. The Niners just look, they look almost perfect. Where's the flaw? I can't find any.
Speaker 3:The real flaw is Purdy just from an experienced standpoint, right.
Speaker 1:You think about it when he lost his weapons. They went on a losing streak.
Speaker 3:But I'm with you. They are as close to perfect that I've seen in a long time. I'm with you on that, purdy's the weak spot, do you?
Speaker 1:think Purdy is playing better than Dak Prescott, right?
Speaker 3:now no, but he doesn't have to.
Speaker 2:He does not. That's correct. They've got Christian McCaffrey, they've got weapons, devo he really he doesn't have to make the big play all the time. The pressure is not on Purdy anymore. He's a game manager, and he's a pretty good game manager at that.
Speaker 3:But I do want to circle back real quick on Dallas. Seriously, because you said it earlier I think it was you, lacey, I don't know that you guys want to play Detroit again. That scares me. That matchup scares me if it in fact becomes Dallas.
Speaker 1:Detroit. I like that. It's still at home. If the matchup happens, agree, I guess you can look at it either way. Yes, I think they're going to come for our heads because in their mind they won that game Absolutely. But if you listen, they did not win that game. First of all, if the tripping call would have been called before that, detroit never gets the ball back. So that ghost tripping call that cost us there. So you can't say they were one-sided. There was a lot of missed calls. But even with the controversy called, they lined up in a legal formation so that foul is called. Now it would have been a dead ball foul, but still that coach is too emotional and I think that's what gets that team in trouble.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, absolutely, Absolutely. I agree 100%. Dan Campbell is just a hothead and he will make decisions that sometimes don't seem like the right decision.
Speaker 3:Well, you're right. I mean, Dan went for it on almost every fourth down, for example. In that game he takes the points. You're never in that position. They probably win the game Exactly. But does he do that in the playoffs? Does he does?
Speaker 1:I think he does. Does he adapt? I don't think he does. I think he still is. He will be a risk taker the entire time.
Speaker 2:Yeah, hey, it's worked so far right it has. It has. I don't think he changes his colors either.
Speaker 3:I just don't, I just think it's just, I think it's scary for Dallas.
Speaker 2:Can I say something about, because that that game, that was a featured game, I believe, on a Saturday night and I watched that game intently. I had a lot of fantasy stakes in there. I don't think Dallas was scared of Detroit, right, they came into the building, they took them very lightly and Detroit put up a hell of a fight and I think the one possession that proved it was the last one. Detroit kind of went right down the field and I'm like where's the defense? We played soft, yeah, very, very soft. I think if they play them again they take them a little bit more seriously. And it's not even close.
Speaker 3:Against Detroit. You just got to stop the run, right, I mean?
Speaker 1:they got. Do you think Detroit wins?
Speaker 3:No Dallas wins. If Dallas takes them more seriously. That's what he said, yeah.
Speaker 2:Dallas takes them more seriously, Then I think they really get up for the game. I mean, Detroit's defense is really nothing. You saw it that night. I mean, yeah, really, if you stop the run you can stop Montgomery and Gibbs right.
Speaker 1:I mean they got two legit number ones in the backfield yeah because, I will tell you, la Porta didn't even touch the ball very much.
Speaker 3:St Brown is. St Brown did St Brown is a little firecracker.
Speaker 1:I mean he can get yards after the catch and he can get hot quick. So he is someone. But if you only have to focus on one as a secondary and then the line takes care of the run game, I mean it just makes it for a while. When they were I mean you guys play fantasy when you played against La Porta, gibbs and St Brown you weren't winning Right and La Porta was like on a waiver in the third round. But I just think you take away that. I think that plagues it. But I don't mind. I'm not scared as a fan to play them again because I kind of want to prove. I think they're trying to take that away from the Cowboys.
Speaker 3:Man, but beating the same team twice in one season. Sports has an interesting way of that's hard to do, cowboys, it's our year.
Speaker 1:We're doing whatever it takes.
Speaker 3:Every year is our year.
Speaker 1:But this year it really is All right. Well, we can talk about the Cowboys all day. I love it. But let's move to Chiefs. The most surprising we got my homes but no one can catch the ball. Yeah, One and done, or Super Bowl run. I'm going to say one and done here.
Speaker 2:And here's the thing. I think it's a little ironic and, again, one of the things that I love about the NFL every year there's parity. You see new teams in the playoffs. You see a new Super Bowl winner almost every year. Who wants to see the Chiefs in the Eagles again? I don't think that we want to see a repeat and I think that those teams are playing down. They're playing so poorly that we don't even have to worry about them getting really that far in the playoffs. I think the Chiefs are almost a mirror image of the Eagles in the AFC, in that they're just not playing well and they're going to lose, I think.
Speaker 1:I think they're going to win this game. I don't think they go far. I think they win one and they're done. But I think, because they get home filled down and it's going to be below zero there and it's the Dauphins who are extremely banged up and they hate the cold weather, I think Mahomes finds a way to win this game.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I don't think it's a given for me, because the weather, I think the weather will neutralize Mahomes to some degree. And what else do they have outside of Pat?
Speaker 1:Well, they have Pacheco. Is there only because you don't have to catch the ball there and he's their only spark, if he can run. If you can only run in the weather.
Speaker 3:Correct, but I think you're right. Miami doesn't like the cold, so any other opponent maybe?
Speaker 1:I mean, if it would have been the Bills Chiefs Would you be surprised if Miami wins the game? I'm not no, because they are a hot offense if they hit, but it's too cold.
Speaker 2:And just think about it. Think about it. Everybody is thinking that Miami is the hot weather team going into a cold weather game. The NFL is just funny that way. Right, whatever you think, you could put a million dollars on this one that the Chiefs will win, and I wouldn't be shocked if the Dolphins come out.
Speaker 3:I don't think it's a given. I really don't. I think the weather is going to be impactful on both sides.
Speaker 1:I just think, if you look at the AFC, whoever is in the AFC right now, this is your year, because I think this is the last year the Chiefs are vulnerable. I think Andy Reid is going to go get weapons from Mahomes next year. So this is your year. You've got to win it now. You don't agree with that?
Speaker 2:Every year is different. Right, I can't predict the future, because every year just looks different, and I don't want to see the Chiefs, or any other team for that matter, become a powerhouse. I've been Like the Patriots. Yeah, exactly I've been subject to that for 20 years.
Speaker 1:What does Tyree go off on his old team?
Speaker 3:Not with the weather, not with the weather, not with the weather. You get him involved with some jet sweeps, right, things like that, and I can certainly see him ripping off some big plays.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, that's the thing with Tyree, right, right. His specialty is catch the short pass, make something with it after the catch and turn it into something really big. So I wouldn't be shocked if my Andy wins this one.
Speaker 1:I disagree. Alright, last one on this. I'm going to go with the Browns Flacco off the couch in the playoffs Is he going to lead them to a Super Bowl, or is he going to be one and done?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so no Super Bowl for Flacco. I think again, it's a great story. I think that defense is tremendous. Did they shut us out? No, I don't remember anymore. It's all a blur. Yeah, the Jets played them a couple of Thursdays.
Speaker 1:I was like it's not an us, we're not an us, Sorry, sorry.
Speaker 2:The team is just surprisingly good, despite losing their running back in week one. Nick Chubb goes out to an injury right away.
Speaker 1:Can you imagine if they had him?
Speaker 2:Oh, sean Watson, you know another one of their star players goes out, although he wasn't playing, really, you know, like a star. But Flacco comes in, you know, off the couch, and really is just looking special. Does it last? I don't think it lasts. They may win this weekend. I'm sorry.
Speaker 3:No, I hear you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, Houston's like a green bag.
Speaker 3:Houston is like a very young, very inexperienced.
Speaker 2:So I could see them. I wouldn't be surprised if Houston loses and Cleveland moves on. But Cleveland doesn't get far.
Speaker 3:Amari looking like a stud. Right Another one. Another one that left the Cowboys and just killing it. So I'm with Vito in this. I think it's Cleveland. As a Texans fan, it pains me to say it, but I'm excited. Right, texans are young. I think you said it earlier mirror image, afc NFC. You're right, they're the mirror of the Packers Young stud at quarterback. I think if the Texans were fully healthy, if they had all the weapons disposable to them, especially Tank Dell, I kind of give the edge to Texans in that regard.
Speaker 1:Where's it playing? At Browns, or it's Houston? Houston is hosting. Oh, because they won the.
Speaker 3:Matter of fact, there was some kind of rodeo event at the NRG stadium and they had to kick them out for this game.
Speaker 1:No one expected Houston, so the rodeo didn't think that. No, the rodeo thing is not going to pan out this weekend, but you know Houston went from.
Speaker 3:are they even going to make the playoffs to division winners?
Speaker 1:Well, they kind of went up. Then they had their injuries.
Speaker 3:The two weeks out of for CJ Hurtus and losing Tank, and then Nico and Noah. Right, so again.
Speaker 1:I think I'm going to speak to you.
Speaker 3:I think that you know, I think if you have all those weapons, Houston's got a legit chance.
Speaker 2:Sure, sure. And their defense isn't bad. No, they did a great job against Indy to win the division right. I think that their defense is good enough. They just got to put it all together. Like the Stars really need to align for Houston to really do something.
Speaker 1:Let me say Browns defense has been a Super Bowl caliber defense all season. I mean, miles Garrett has really what has carried them to even win the games that they did, even win the games that they did before Flacco came. But you bring in a Flacco off the couch. But what is he? He's a Super Bowl champion. Who did he win it with the Ravens. I think Browns give the Ravens the biggest challenge.
Speaker 2:If they would meet. That's another storyline, right? That's another soap opera storyline that.
Speaker 1:And NFL loves that. They love it. So Brad Allen is going to officiate that gift yeah.
Speaker 2:I would love to see it. I think it would be a great. I mean, they are in the same division. I don't know what they did. Did they split? Did they sweep?
Speaker 1:Did anybody Browns beat them in Baltimore the first time.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So I don't think they Did they may well, I don't know what the second one. I know they beat him the first time so I don't know the second, so it'll be interesting right best out of three.
Speaker 2:Yeah, great storyline. I'd like to. I'd like that.
Speaker 1:I think it'll be interesting. I think Browns make a deeper play than what we think.
Speaker 3:I think so. I think. I think the flacco story is Must watch TV, right? It almost reminds me the way he's playing right now, especially if you look at his stats. Reminds me of Brett farf, right exactly, just a gunslinger, yeah he's out there Just saying what do I have to lose? What do I have to prove right? I've already exceeded expectations and he's slinging it guys. That's a great analogy, right.
Speaker 1:He's not trying to get an extended contract right, like he's just playing in the now so, and his kids are old enough, so now he's being a dad trying to perform for his kids. All right, well, let's shift now to not teams, but let's just talk. Who do you think has the most pressure in the playoffs?
Speaker 2:You're gonna start with me and it could be defense offense.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean you can name who do you think has the most pressure to perform because they've underperformed in the playoffs.
Speaker 2:Well, I think when you, when you say pressure, I think that again, just living in this area, you can't escape the pressure that Dak is feeling, especially with his historical performance in the playoffs in the past. The fans, everybody on that team, jerry Jones, they're just waiting for him to take the next step. So I see the most pressure on that.
Speaker 1:Always, even when he's good I mean, I'm a cowboy fan and that's they don't give this guy a break. Like he can throw for a million yards and they still think he can do better. And it's like one slip up. If he loses against the Packers he won't be able to show us face. Like it's crazy how quick we turn on him when he, you know, has leads the NFL right now. What do you think?
Speaker 3:I do think it's Dak short answer. However, if I had it, bring somebody else to the table just for conversational purposes. I think it might be Pat Mahomes. Right, for, in my opinion, for the longest and I and I'm guilty of it myself I've put Pat Mahomes as the guy the best quarterback in the league this year has proven. Though take the weapons away from him. He's not looking so sharp guys. So I think if he doesn't win, you start to wonder is he really the best quarterback in the league? But I never thought I'd say that. But he's got two rings.
Speaker 2:I hear you.
Speaker 3:I hear you, but all of a sudden you start to wonder is it a system? I Don't know. Again, I'm guilty of it. I always put him number one. Now I'm starting to wonder Is he really the best quarterback in the league? I?
Speaker 2:Have a better option in the AFC. I don't think Mahomes feels the pressure. I think he has two rings under his belt. He's been to three Super Bowls already in his short career. If he misses this this year, he's got a bright future right and and Andy Reed will fix the problems and the GM and that whole organization rises to competition.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I'm not a competitor, yeah.
Speaker 2:I think that the person on the AFC side that feels the most pressure is Lamar. He's won an MVP, he really hasn't done anything in the playoffs, and they're the number one seed right now. So all expectations is that they really go. You know, they take it to the, to the end at least, at least to the Super Bowl, and see if they can win something.
Speaker 1:I'm gonna go AFC, I'm gonna, you know, I'm gonna agree with you guys with that press cut. He has pressure if he goes to the grocery store right, like we watch him under a microscope.
Speaker 1:But I think the biggest pressure is Josh Allen. Josh Allen choke I mean, he's known as the choker. He is Over competitive, he has been up and down, he is injured not injury problem but turnover prone and he tries way too hard which ends up hurting his team. On paper. Bills should be the biggest challenge for the Ravens, but the bills right now, and it's led by Josh Allen who, I think, tries to do too much, and you can't win games when you're turning the ball over three to four times a game.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I don't think anybody can really win too many games when you're turning the ball over. But but is Josh Allen really feeling pressure? I mean, let's look at this recent history. Right, they, the bills have had success. This is a fourth division title in in a row. They went to the AFC championship a couple years ago. Last year they lose in the second round, I believe it. They're sort of declining and he's now has a reputation of Choking in the playoffs. So I don't know if he feels that much pressure because everyone's expecting him to fail a little bit.
Speaker 1:So now they don't think him himself feels pressure to not choke. I think he, because he's been label.
Speaker 2:No, I think he wants to perform well, just like any athlete. Right, you want to do your best and you want to put out a good performance, right and help the team win. I just don't think that he feels pressure to do so. I think he's just gonna go out and give you 110% every week, like he always does. Just that sometimes he makes too many mistakes.
Speaker 1:I'm still going with Josh Allen, all right. So now, moving kind of back on, because it's clear that the 49ers and the Ravens are the top seeds, they get a buy. I do before we get into their biggest challenges. I do have one quick question, because do you think it's beneficial to have a buy? If you look at the 49ers, they rested their players in week 18. Now they're on a buy. They're not gonna play for three weeks. I know they can get healthy, but is it hurt to go and Not be competing for three weeks?
Speaker 3:I Think it certainly does. That's just my opinion. I love the health aspect of it. You're right, you get healthy man. Momentum is in sports is, it's the, it's the factory you can't measure. You may not see it as much in football, but look at baseball, right, the wild card. It's the team that never stops playing that makes a surprising run in the playoffs.
Speaker 1:I still better about that.
Speaker 3:I think it just hurts. I really do, especially three weeks. You can maybe make the argument for one week potentially, but man momentum is everything.
Speaker 1:Think about when they come back from buys. I mean most the time those teams lose. I just think I don't know, I'd rather play it depends.
Speaker 2:It depends, I think, that each team Handles it differently and I think the coach has a lot to do with it. I know Andy Reed has like a superb record after the bye week and and that shows right. I think that's a well coach team. He's a good coach and he prepares them well. I I agree with Wilmer. I mean the momentum is certainly a factor. I don't like to see Players get rested, especially for three weeks. Right, I think that's too long. But I think that the 49ers, their players, will sort of get back into the groove. I don't think they they they miss a beat there. I think that the rest probably is better for them.
Speaker 1:I think the rest is only important is, if you have a major key injury, like a quarterback or your star Right receiver, that it gives them time to play. But I don't think I think it gets you out of that groove. I really do so it'll be interesting to see. I mean, I'll take whatever can get the 49ers out of the group. Which leads me and I touched on it a little bit but who in the NFC do you think will be the biggest challenge for the 49ers?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think I still feel like Dallas is the the most All-around, best you know team. I think they're. They're really built well on offense, defense and special teams. They've got a really great kicker as well, which can be be the difference in a game.
Speaker 1:You got jinxed last night.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah but you know what, get it out of your system. You know now, right, so you don't want to wait for that to happen in the playoffs. So I still think that that in the NFC it's gonna be a true one seed versus two seed in the NFC championship. I.
Speaker 1:Like that, I like that. I can't disagree with that one bit.
Speaker 3:Like I said, I think I mentioned it earlier, even Dallas on paper Phenomenal squad built awesomely correctly that defense, right defense wins championships. That defense is Defense has struggled.
Speaker 1:They've struggled the past couple weeks. They'll be fine, I don't know. I mean, I think the Cowboys are, if you're looking at how we're performing, but why? Because we've played them the past two years. Why is it always a bad matchup with the cow? Is it Shanahan and his mastermind that creates these issues?
Speaker 2:I think it has a lot to do with it. Right, your game plan, your play calling? Yeah, shanahan's a great coach, right? I mean it's no fluke that he's had success in San Francisco. I think he, you know, had the, the team in the playoffs. Every year he coached I'm not sure if that's right or not, but Almost every year. So I don't think that's a fluke. I think that coaching and play calling have a lot to do with it. And I mean, why does Dallas play down to their level, or play down when they, when they go against the, the knives? That's a great question.
Speaker 3:I'm not sure I Think it's just the amount of weapons great defense on Dallas side but when you look at the weapons that San Francisco has, there's just too much to cover. What do you do to take away the run? Now? You got Debo and Brandon and I eat right, yeah, and don't forget Kittle who went off on us, right?
Speaker 1:We should everybody down. You focus on the past.
Speaker 3:Guess what CMC he's gonna eat you alive. There's just too many weapons.
Speaker 1:So the secret is like what happened last year Just everybody get hurt and not even have anyone playing when they played the Eagles, right.
Speaker 3:Let's face it Dak against elite defenses, struggles, he struggles.
Speaker 1:I was most interceptions and that's the thing.
Speaker 3:San Francisco's defense, you think veto said it earlier. Right, they're as close to a perfect team as you can get. So you put an elite defense.
Speaker 1:Dak Just doesn't seem to rise to the occasion and I think this is their year or two, because I don't think they can pay everybody next year.
Speaker 2:San Francisco Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:There's no way. I mean he'll find a way because he stills people. I mean how he got Chase young, and I mean Christian McCaffrey for pennies on the dollar. I know they thought he was injury prone. Well, obviously they're kicking themselves, yeah. Well, let's move to the AFC side. Now Raven's biggest challenge.
Speaker 3:I'll take it if you want, but I don't see a clear contender. Yeah, I think it's wide open.
Speaker 2:I was gonna say I see it as wide Open yeah, I think the AFC is up for grabs. Honestly, I think you know the Ravens right now present themselves there. They're the number one seat for a reason. They've really played well against some good competition. They play. They blew Miami stores off, they played everybody else really really strong. Who's gonna challenge them? That's, it could be anybody. Could be Cleveland, could be Buffalo, could be Kansas City, maybe.
Speaker 1:So you think it's wide open?
Speaker 2:I think it's pretty more wide open than the NFC. Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. I think you could probably scratch the Steelers off, because they're just, they're banged up there. No, tj Watt, their quarterback isn't that good. I think you there that are still are.
Speaker 1:Super Bowl was making it to the playoffs right, yeah, absolutely they'll be done, but I do, like I was saying before, the bills on paper have probably more weapons than the Ravens if you look at it, especially with cook coming along, which is so crazy. If we just to reiterate real quick, when they destroyed the Cowboys and cook went off like went off the very next game they start Leonard for net the like. What is this a coaching issue or is this a player issue?
Speaker 2:I think that the bills made a coaching change. I think that they change offensive coordinator.
Speaker 2:That's right and that made a really big difference. And James cook I paid attention to a lot and they weren't utilizing him correctly and all of a sudden, when the new OC came in and started to really feature cook, that's what made huge difference, because it took a lot of pressure off Josh Allen as well. Right now, all of a sudden, josh Allen doesn't have to make the big play, doesn't have to go out, which is really big for him exactly.
Speaker 1:I mean he had, I think, a little over a hundred yards when they destroyed the Cowboys. I mean that's, that's a great feeling, huge, huge yep. So if Cowboys want to pick up, cook next year and be fine with that, we need a run game. Bills on paper, browns defense. I think could get to Lamar. I still don't trust Lamar's throw. He's gotten way better, but I think if you pressure him quickly it becomes very inaccurate.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, I think he's got a little bit of pressure on his shoulders as well. Again, I think that the expectations going into the season with this contract dispute right. They franchised him and Lamar. I was a little shocked that no one tried to make a play to get him right. I know that right now the Jets I think we're in the in the running and I almost kind of with the old guy yeah, with the old guy instead.
Speaker 2:But no one wanted to give up to first rounders to get him and then deal in some sort of contract dispute where he was looking for guaranteed money like the Sean's. He never got it. So now I think he's got a little pressure to say, hey, you know what everybody passed up on me. I'm gonna show you why you shouldn't have and yeah, that's what. What's what gets him into hot water in games. He makes bad decisions, a little bit like Josh Allen makes a bad throw all of a sudden. You got a couple turnovers and Could be the end of them.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean I don't. I still I think forty nineers are a stronger contender in NFC than I do the Ravens in the AFC, like I don't think there is. Ravens are hot and they're well rounded. They lost Mitchell, though, which I know. They just gained Dalvin cook, but Not saying he's not gonna be explosive like Mitchell was, so that's gonna suffer If Lamar just runs, I mean now you're at risk of injury and you're putting a huge workload on him to he's got to trust Zay flowers. I think Zay flowers is the answer for their Super Bowl run.
Speaker 3:Well, he's really. Zay flowers is the first real weapon he's had. You know, everybody thought Hollywood Brown was gonna be that guy and that sooner fans. We thought so yeah certainly that he was gonna be the answer and he never panned out Right. So you're right, zay, flowers is key, but let's face it, lamar has never been an elite thrower, not even in college. That was his. That was his you know, that's his weakness.
Speaker 3:So If they get to a situation where the game script dictates the throw, I don't think they come back. But as long as they can manage the game and rely on the run game, I do think that no one in the AFC at least as we spoke earlier about it being wide open there's not another clear team that's stronger than them. I think they can. I think they can pull off wins. I really do, and I think veto is right. Lamar has something to prove.
Speaker 1:I do, and I think a lot of people are kicking themselves to for sure. I don't think Odell Beckham is the answer, though I don't. I don't believe that. I think he draws a little bit of Defense coverage which opens up Zay flowers and that's his biggest thing. But Odell Beckham, he had a lot of hype in his little journey thing and that, to me, was overhyped. I think people passed, and we're fine with that. Alright, so let's switch gears now. We talked about the players, we talked about the teams. Now, at the end of the season, we all know what comes, and that's coaches firings some we knew, some we expected. Some happened before the end of the season, but there was a couple of surprising fires that I did not see coming out. Of the ones that came out, what surprised you the most?
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, first off, the amount of coaches that were let go midseason raiders were one. I know that there's a couple and I'm struggling to think of, to think of who else was let go midseason.
Speaker 1:I think it was just coordinators was it was a San Diego.
Speaker 3:San Diego, sorry I know, but it was the chargers, chargers about Colts?
Speaker 2:did they let I don't Frank right go midseason, or is that?
Speaker 1:I can't remember that was last year, because that's when what's this?
Speaker 2:the old player stepped in and coached, so that was last year so I was a little surprised that you know about that. But then you get to black Monday, right? I think it's tradition called black Monday, and the one that surprised me the most was Mike Riebel in Tennessee. I think he's an outstanding coach. I think he's gonna land on his feet very, very soon. Someone's gonna give him an opportunity to coach their team and Tennessee's gonna kick themselves in the S.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and I'm not mistaken for able, had a winning record that he not overall mean he's close to five hundred at least overall, I'm not sure I don't.
Speaker 2:I'm with you. I think it's very well he had success with with the Titans, right he To an A? Absolutely, he did he took him to the playoffs. I know that, listen, the quarterback situation with Tannehill wasn't the best. Tannehill was more of a game manager and I think they they got lucky at times.
Speaker 1:He was six and eleven overall that sounds like this year.
Speaker 3:Yeah, that's one season.
Speaker 1:Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I meant I'm at the whole tenure.
Speaker 3:Oh, I apologize. I do math that you know very well, very well, gave him an identity. Let's face it. Who were the Titans before variable I mean?
Speaker 1:you have to go back to.
Speaker 3:I can't draw link on his name. He coached with the Oilers. I should know that because I'm always must ask, yeah, must ask exactly, but he gave him an identity.
Speaker 3:So I'm with you. You know, just for argument sake, you talk about Carol as well, but Carol got I don't know if he got fired right, I mean he's still staying with the organization, I think. Variables, the surprise, yeah, I think if you look at coaching surprises, let's not just talk about firing. So Matt, I don't know how you say his last name ever plus ever flus, the Chicago guy how does he? Keep his job right, I agree.
Speaker 1:That's what doesn't match up. I mean, variable is my biggest surprise to use a dude's dude. The guys love him. He's created a culture.
Speaker 2:In the last game they beat Jacksonville they want to keep.
Speaker 1:Jacksonville, you know, from winning the division, his players show up and play for him every single game, and that's what I'm with Wilmer on this. When you look at a coach like that and he loses his job, but you don't what? I know each organization is different, but still, how can you lose that guy, which I do believe he will be a head coach in the league next year? I definitely think someone's gonna pick him up, but, like you said, bears, what's the other one? Where did Brian go?
Speaker 3:Carolina, carolina. Yes, what's his owner is a total yes but you have a legit excuse in Carolina you got a rookie, yeah, you got a rookie quarterback.
Speaker 2:you, just you know so many of the Texans agreed, but they gave away a lot of draft picks, they traded McCaffrey, they got a new coach. I mean there was. It was really just set up to For failure from the start, and so I really am not surprised there.
Speaker 1:Bryce, young lined up in the wrong spot do you guys remember this.
Speaker 2:I mean, I would not have taken first over.
Speaker 1:I mean, they're kicking themselves because it was between him and CJ. It was and I'm happy for CJ Straub, though, like because you know you're like, oh, you take the Alabama guy. Well, not always, and for the record, oh, you has the most NFL producing.
Speaker 3:Quarters, I mean all.
Speaker 1:I mean, who's the best defensive on our offensive line on 49ers? Trent Williams. Where did he come from?
Speaker 3:oh, you, that's right For able 5445, by the way yeah, regular season record I mean, that's plus nine you know? I just know how to Google but again. That's surprising. I don't think there's even an argument there.
Speaker 2:I agree the most surprising one for crazy but you're all about the least surprising All of them. I mean, we know that Falcons coach Falcons be John Robinson yeah, he had.
Speaker 1:I mean, whoever takes that job is set. You just need a rookie quarterback. You need a new set yeah, they had no quarterback.
Speaker 2:how do you not rely on what you have and sort of scheme around that player so that you can feature the guy? I mean, he didn't do it Very much the season and it's show yeah, I think the one that.
Speaker 1:I mean I knew Staley was gone. I mean you have Justin Herbert and you can't win. I know they lost him early. But what Staley was? He was a question mark when he was hired to me. I never saw any good production. He's probably a nice guy, just not a good coach. But I do think that Ron Rivera was obvious and we knew that coming in.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I love him. Love the guy, I love him.
Speaker 1:And it was like I actually had a tear in my eye because, you know, obviously they finished with the cowboys part of the 85 bears team.
Speaker 2:I remember, I thought, I remember something the year I was born.
Speaker 3:I don't remember good guy.
Speaker 1:I knew it was coming but, surprisingly, why have we not heard anything from Villa check? There was so much going around. I mean, do you think he stays with the Patriots?
Speaker 2:I wouldn't be shocked if he stays for another year. I also wouldn't be shocked if he takes on maybe a higher role in the front office, and I wouldn't be surprised if he retires. So your guess is as good as.
Speaker 1:I don't know. I mean, I know it's been frustrating there and if you start seeing things come out, it's the players are all time because they're saying his worst move and I think the fans is letting Tom Brady leave because I think if he would have asked him to stay, he would have. He wanted to prove that he could do it without Tom Brady. That has not been the case and now you have people coming out saying we worked for Villa, check, we played for Tom and that's like two different things and it's showing I don't think his he's an amazing coach. He's obviously one of the most successful coaches, if not the most successful coach. His time is done in the Patriots. I don't think he can prove it there, but you don't fire a coach like Bella.
Speaker 1:Check you just treat him, you get something, and no, no.
Speaker 2:I mean, I mean you kind of have to let him make his own decision and leave on his own terms. I think the owner of a craft no-transcript. My opinion.
Speaker 1:Maybe he'll just be the new owner of the Patriots. Nah, that'll happen. Well as he's already I thought they were going to take away his general manager.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no, that's possible. Right, that's possible. Maybe they put him in the GM spot solely and get a new coach. Maybe they keep him as coach and get a new GM. You know, anything is possible. The one thing that would surprise me if they came out and to say that Belichick's fired. That would be the only surprise.
Speaker 1:That would be a surprise. All right, Before we leave the coaches, though, because it's been talked about, I think it's a little crazy, but do you think McCarthy for the Cowboys, or Sirianni it's a hard name to say will lose their job if they go one and done?
Speaker 3:Hmm.
Speaker 2:I'm going to say no for both, and I think that McCarthy is heading in the right direction. I think that year after year, he puts out a good team. He gets his players to play well. They make the playoffs. I get it, they're not going far into the playoffs. But who else are you going to choose? Right, who else is out there that Belichick? Well, technically not yet, but I guess.
Speaker 1:I guess it, I guess it yeah.
Speaker 2:No, I just don't. I don't think Jerry Jones is willing to play with fire in that sense, right, Because you never know what you got until it's gone and then you wish you had it back, right. So I think McCarthy is doing a good enough job to keep him around, and Sirianni I mean he went to the Super Bowl last year. Who gets fired a year after going to the Super Bowl? I can't think of any coach that they would really turn and do a 180 on that quickly, right?
Speaker 3:I agree, and what I was going to say was, if those are the two we're considering in this question, of the two, I would give it to McCarthy as far as more danger for that reason. Sirianni's young. He went to the Super Bowl. Yeah, they're tanking or going downhill at the wrong time. It's just not going to be there a year. I don't see him being on the hot seat.
Speaker 1:I agree with that. I mean, I agree with both. They both I mean McCarthy's gone 12 and 5 the last two seasons. He won his first round of playoffs last year, so he made it to the divisional round I don't know what and I and with Sirianni he was at the Super Bowl last year I think it was by default.
Speaker 1:Still, though, I don't think they win against a healthy 49ers team. I just truly don't. But do I think that they deserve to lose their jobs? No, they are constantly. I mean, the NFC East right has not had the same division winner I think they counted it 19 consecutive seasons. That's amazing, isn't that crazy? That's amazing. So I had to look back. I was like man, I really thought we had back to back, but even the well they used to, they were the Redskins when they won the last time, but they won it. So I don't think they're at risk for it. I do think they need to figure it out. I think there is going to be a lot of changes to his staff, and I even think the Cowboys can, because I don't think McCarthy his time management is my biggest concern. So I think they need somebody in their strong. But my question is okay, you keep the head coach. Is this the year Dan Quinn leaves us?
Speaker 1:I mean with so many vacancies out there, right, I know I was like can you guys stop yeah?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think that you know there's a good chance that he takes a head coaching job someplace. He's a great coach. I mean, he did a decent job in Atlanta, I thought, and I thought they unjustly fired him from.
Speaker 1:Atlanta.
Speaker 2:So there's a good chance he gets a job somewhere, I don't know where.
Speaker 1:So who do you bring in as the defensive coordinator for Cowboys?
Speaker 2:Mike Rabel.
Speaker 3:You laugh, but that would be a great, great, great addition.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:I don't know. I like I see this is why it's our year Cause I do think there's way too many vacancies. He stayed with us two years. I think third time's the charm for him to go somewhere, just servingly so. And I don't think we can afford to match anything this year, especially with having to pay CD and Micah Parsons and all that coming up. We can't take our salary cap to hold on to a coordinator, as much as we don't want to lose them. I know I was like when they keep coming up, I'm like, oh my gosh, there's no way. There's no way he turns down. I know he already. I don't like that. They request interviews while we're in the playoffs though.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a recent rule change, I believe. I remember a team couldn't interview until they were completely out.
Speaker 1:I still think they can't interview, but they can request to interview you like they want you. But I don't even think they should mess with you Right now. Focus, focus on what you need to do. So I don't like that. All right, before I let you guys go, we are going to like just switch it up because it's playoffs. I'm just so excited for good football. I mean, we're here in Texas, could be ice this weekend, snowed in. As long as we don't lose electricity, it could be a really good weekend, right? But I just want to know your picks for the AFC championship.
Speaker 3:I think Baltimore certainly. I don't know how you can't pick them to be in there. The hard part is going to be like we talked about earlier it's wide open. If I'm going to just pick somebody today, I'm going to go Baltimore, cleveland. I think Cleveland will surprise some folks. I think Flacco rides the high he's on now, the gunslinger attitude I alluded to earlier and he somehow gets them to the championship.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's not pick. Yeah, I was actually going to pick the same. I think that Cleveland is going to probably be there. There's always one surprise team, right, the one Cinderella team.
Speaker 1:Wait, we're at the beginning. You guys were not on board with the Browns, I was on.
Speaker 2:I was on board. I said they'd be my.
Speaker 1:Texans. I thought you would be one and done. I said they'd be my Texans. You said one and done.
Speaker 2:With the Browns.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:No, I disagree.
Speaker 1:I need to rewind. I think they get past you guys thought Flacco wasn't going to do it. You know what?
Speaker 3:I think you're right.
Speaker 2:I am right, yes.
Speaker 3:I'm still picking them. I'm not sold on Buffalo. I think that was probably where we were going with it that Buffalo Polly has the most likelihood. I just don't think it's going to happen.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So if Buffalo, how about this? If Buffalo is not there in the championship, then it's going to be Cleveland.
Speaker 1:We can't have a reserve. It's your top two, I'll go with.
Speaker 3:You want to know what's funny. None of us have mentioned Pat mhomes.
Speaker 1:No, I don't. I really think they're too vulnerable this year, I know, but you ever Pass and catch.
Speaker 3:did you ever think that would actually occur where you wouldn't say Well, chelsea his weapon is in love.
Speaker 1:That's what I was gonna say. Is it the the Swiftie effect? It is the swiftie I think. I think at first they wanted to ride the high with that and hopes, but you can tell he is very distracted. I think he is okay with losing first round so he can join her in Australia for her tour. I truly do. Did you see the golden globes? Not to get a subject, but where they made that joke to Taylor Swift?
Speaker 2:I heard about this.
Speaker 1:It said that she showed more in the NFL than at the golden, but it's crazy. That's all they talk about. I'm happy for them. They do look like they're happy with each other, and I'm happy in those regards, but they should be smart enough to know that if things aren't going well which they're not for the chiefs she should not be at every single game, just to allude that she could be the reason. Why didn't Tony?
Speaker 2:Robo have a girlfriend. Oh my god.
Speaker 1:Her name is Jessica Simpson, yeah.
Speaker 2:I don't know if I buy answer too much, right? I think that, yeah, that it's possible that she's a distraction To Travis Kelsey and maybe the team, who knows? But they're just not playing well. I think that, yeah, they're just not gonna. They're not gonna repeat of what happened last year and make it to the, to the big dance.
Speaker 1:And I see that. I see Ravens. I would be a very big shock if someone unseeds them and sends them home before the AFC championship, like something would have to terribly go wrong. But bills I keep giving them so much. When they destroyed the Cowboys I was like this is it? Their backs are against the wall. This is where they start there, and then they almost lose to a charger scene that had nobody and they continue, even the dolphins who are depleted. I thought that was gonna be a controlled game and that's where you have to limit your turnovers. With Josh Allen, he was still throwing and creating short fields and with anybody like that, anybody can win. So Browns, for the sake of defense, wins championships. They have a Super Bowl caliber team and if, if, you can stop Lamar's offense, then I think that you can in Miles Garrett right.
Speaker 3:Yes, I mean, he's Dominic, he's the bossa right.
Speaker 1:And take over by himself. That's what I mean. That's the type of player he is the bossa right.
Speaker 3:We talked about mirror images, I mean, that's why I can't give it to me.
Speaker 2:He's more like Micah Parsons in my opinion. Right is that one man wrecking crew that could just completely disorient if he's not being held.
Speaker 1:I'm here for you, micah. I see it no way that you can't get a holding call in 12 games. Sorry, just saying, but keep going yeah, no, I agree, agree, it's.
Speaker 2:It's defense, defense, defense, right Alright, nfc, nfc. I'm gonna stick to my guns and say Niners Cowboys.
Speaker 3:And I know you're gonna kill me, lacey, but I'm gonna say Niners and Lions. I just for the same point I brought up earlier beating the same team twice is so, so hard to do, especially the way it was done. Now I will agree with the viewpoint that you have that They'd have to do it in Dallas again. Dallas doesn't lose at home, right not in 19 games.
Speaker 3:So agree, that's. That's the only reason I would caution my statement. But I just still believe Detroit finds a way to pull it out, and so I'm gonna call Detroit San Francisco see it's funny, because I don't think Detroit gets past the Rams.
Speaker 1:I truly don't think so. This is the best road the Cowboys have ever had. The chances are, I think, rams will go to the 49ers, which To divisional, because if the Eagles get past, or if we play the Buccaneers, you, I think the Rams won't make it easy on the 49ers and I think, coming off of a three week by, in a way, right because they didn't play, I think they can catch them off guard or at least keep it close to where they're worried going into the Championship game. So I figured it all out, guys, like I got this figured out. So, cowboys, this is their shot, based on what they have on their team. It would, I wouldn't say, not be surprising because they've done it before, but it would. It would definitely be a waste of an opportunity for the Cowboys.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 1:No, I was just gonna say run game again.
Speaker 3:I go back to that. I haven't seen.
Speaker 1:That's the only and the run defense you gotta run the ball yeah, that's the only piece that really worries me again.
Speaker 2:I think this was Pollard's first year without Zeke right, and I think maybe some of the pressure got to him as well, but he really just did not play up to his expectations.
Speaker 1:I don't think they utilized him right, though he is not your go through the middle type guy, he was the explosive around the edge they should have got created with him. If they didn't, they let go a Zeke and they didn't pick up. I mean they should. I think they should have got loop key involved more.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I mean Dowl. Dowl is not a bad second option, that's not bad, but he's similar to me.
Speaker 1:We needed a physical. We needed someone to pass protect. We don't have anyone that can do that. So that's what hurts us against the 49ers when they're sending a huge blitz, we can't pick up extra coverage. I mean, pollard, if you watch him, he just gets not. He has to take him below and make him fly over him, but that's. You don't realize, zeke, what he did not touching the ball and we didn't. We didn't replace anyone like that. Now Zeke is Done. He said he's gonna be in Dallas for the game. Is he playing or is he watching?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think he's got good seeds for that game. I know right, yeah.
Speaker 1:Alright, so last one, because we're only five weeks away, like it's. It's kind of tearful, like I'm not ready for the season to end, like what do we do with ourselves after this? But Super Bowl predictions are we going off of the theory of the colors of the sign? Is it the 49ers and the Ravens?
Speaker 3:I think it's a conspiracy. I hate to say it. I think it's chalk, I think it's 49er, I think it is yeah.
Speaker 2:I do, I think it's Baltimore, san Francisco. Yeah, that's the safe pick and I'll go with the safe pick as well.
Speaker 1:I don't want to go with y'all, so I'm gonna go opposite. I'm gonna say Cowboys bills. Wow, you heard it right here Cowboys bills for the third time in Super Bowl history and we were a vengeance yeah we were a vengeance. We stopped the run game. We bring in somebody off the couch to run us Cowboys bills yeah, that wouldn't be a bad Super Bowl.
Speaker 2:I don't think so.
Speaker 3:I think if it does turn out to be Cowboys bills, I think it's Cowboys yeah, again for what you said earlier.
Speaker 2:Right bills won the first matchup. I think Cowboys take their revenge on them and win if that's the case, but I don't see.
Speaker 3:That's awesome who you would love to see, who you pick and veto if it's Baltimore, san Francisco, I'm gonna go Niners. I agree, I do. I think veto summarized it perfectly. I've said it once. To repeat him, and this will be the second time there is close to perfect Of a team that you can get. In my opinion, I can't find a flaw.
Speaker 1:There's no such thing as perfect.
Speaker 2:The closest thing to a perfect team.
Speaker 3:You know, and I said earlier, pretty to me is the flaw. But then you look at what Tampa team was, that in the early 2000s that had a Can't remember the quarterback now, but again they didn't have that stud quarterback. Brad Johnson was a Brad Johnson and they won the Super Bowl. So yes, quarterbacks, an important position and, again, party to me is that weak point. But it's been proven that you can win having a game manager and party is certainly that and he does a damn good job at I do.
Speaker 1:I think it's their year. I just can't put them there because they have to go through the Cowboys to get there. So I'm gonna stick. I bleed blue and silver, so I'm gonna. But reality, this is their year. I don't think they can keep the same type of team next year and I think the Ravens realize the only way they play each other is in the NFC championship right. That's what I say. Yeah, but they have to go to the Super Bowl. They have to play each other. I know it's in San Francisco.
Speaker 1:Before the NFC Well, this will be Vito's last time on the show.
Speaker 3:But you know, lacey, let me ask you this if Dallas, somehow it's our year, they come up short. Do you find a replacement for deck?
Speaker 1:I don't think. I don't think the organization does I. It drives me nuts, though. Even though caliber of way that he's playing right now, I still don't think that he should go after the highest paid quarterback position one. It puts even more pressure on him to. Why was Tom Brady so successful? He took less money to get weapons around him. And it's smart. They're gonna be rich forever. They're in. He's the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His money comes from endorsements. Why go take salary cap and have to let go of weapons? That's gonna cause more issues for you. So that drives me crazy, that. No, I think he's deserving of another year. I think actually this year has been different for him because he's always had good regular seasons. He is crazy to want to demand the highest paid quarterback.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I don't understand that either. I agree with you. I've seen it happen too many times in my division, where Tom Brady takes a pay cut, they get weapons around him and you know, lo and behold, they're back in the Super Bowl again. Right, does Dak have anything else to prove other than he can win the big game? I don't see why he would go after the money either, because with the Super Bowl wins comes the endorsements and all the other money. So Doesn't make sense to me.
Speaker 1:I mean you're kind of already there, you're set. Why take all of that when the last thing really on a resume for a guy like him is a Super Bowl run?
Speaker 2:when, yeah, especially when you're judged by how many rings you have right. But this would be, this would be the year to really cash in on the quarterback position, because look at all the injuries that have happened at that position. I mean, teams are like just starving for some good talent and they'll, they'll pretty much pay a ransom for you know.
Speaker 1:It's just crazy, though, every time someone gets paid outside. I guess Lamar Jackson is the exception this year, but every time they get paid they just become a different player. So that's why I love to college sports until it went. You know the UIL and all that. I mean I deserve, they deserve some. I don't think they should be millionaires in college, but it's just changing Money is creating less competition In the sport in my eyes, but that's for another day. I appreciate you guys coming on. Hopefully you had a good time, excited about the playoffs.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, absolutely. Thanks for having me. I had fun the first time and this was no different, so anytime you need a guest, let me know.
Speaker 1:I appreciate, wilmer. Thanks for coming on the first time.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it was fun. I thought Vito and I might get into a little bit more, but I'm a little disappointed.
Speaker 1:Maybe that's for another. You agreed with him a lot.
Speaker 3:I did Well, you know again, there's just Vito is I think.
Speaker 1:I think it's just the way it's shaped up this year.
Speaker 3:Yeah, the way the teams played out and how kind of all the matchups played out, there wasn't a lot of room for, in my opinion, for for disagreement, so, but have fun.
Speaker 1:But I am excited because, like you get we said the entire time it's kind of anybody's Super Bowl this year. Not a crazy front runner. Yes, there's favorites, but I think it's going to make for a fun time.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you're going to see some surprises. I'm sure there's always.
Speaker 1:Just not Sunday at three thirty. All right, any last words, are you guys?
Speaker 2:No, I enjoy the playoffs. Good luck to both of your teams. I'm a little jealous. Hopefully we'll see you guys next year. But good luck.
Speaker 1:Thanks, cowboys, this is your year. Thanks, guys. Thanks for tuning in to this special edition for playoffs Lacey's lineup. We look forward to a great week of football and can't wait to discuss everything that happens in this wildcard weekend. Until then, your girl is signing off.