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REAL TALK! with Doc and Marlon
The AFC West Breakdown w/ Raider Est and Chad in Ca
Four old friends reunite to break down the AFC West and share passionate takes on their favorite teams heading into the 2024 season.
• Discussing the Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star selections, including surprising performances and notable snubs
• Breaking down each MLB team's current status at the All-Star break, with particular focus on the Braves, Dodgers, and Red Sox
• Analyzing the AFC West quarterback situations with predictions for Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, and Geno Smith's statistics
• Debating whether any team can challenge the Chiefs for divisional supremacy this season
• Naming the three greatest players in Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers franchise history
• Arguing about which elite safeties from AFC West history were the most impactful
• Weighing in on LeBron James' future with the Lakers and whether the team should trade him
Join us next week as we analyze the AFC North featuring Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow.
and welcome everybody to another episode of Real Talk. Doc, you doing all right today.
Speaker 2:Yes, I am man. I'm elated to have two of our better callers. Two of our best friends went to Vegas with us several times on SOS representing Chano Sports. You do the intro, brother. This is really great.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's great man. This is the first time we're going to have two guests on at the same time, so in golf terms, a foursome, if you will. S is back with us and Chad, in California, is back. How are you guys doing today? Start with you, chad.
Speaker 3:How are you doing today, man? I'm doing great man. This is also a Pornhub term.
Speaker 2:Also a foursome, it's crazy.
Speaker 4:How are you doing? You doing all right Est. Yeah, I don't know what Pornhub is. You guys will have to fill me in later.
Speaker 2:That's a Pornhub term also.
Speaker 1:Absolutely All right, so we'll get right into it real quick. So we are starting our series, as we did last year, where we break down each division each week. So this week is going to be the AFC West. As you can see, chad Broncos fan as Raiders fan, so we will dive into that. But first we do have the Home Run Derby going on right now. So, doc, I'll go ahead and start with you. What are your thoughts so far on the Home Run Derby as it stands now?
Speaker 2:Well, it's thoroughly disappointing from a local standpoint with Matt Olsen man. He got eliminated in the first round in his home park His part for the course with the brave season man. I expect more out of Matt Olsen, our major slugger. Also. Kyle Rowley just barely made it, man, but I expect big things. O'neal Cruz shocked everybody. A 513-foot homer man, the guy for the Pirates. The Pirates are not doing anything significant, but they do have young talent, o'neal Cruz man. So I'm looking forward to see who wins this thing and take it from there. Kyle Riley, o'neal Cruz, I think you got Wood in there, and I forget the other cat. So let's go, man, let's go. Just leading up to the All-Star game tomorrow Baseball Okay, Chad early thoughts.
Speaker 3:I mean, first off, I love the Home Run Derby, me and you, marlon, are not old as Doc and S, so we were kids watching. You know Chris Berman saying back back back with you know Bonds and McGuire and Sosa and Griffey and Tomey and like, unlike the Duck Contest, it's kind of went to shit and it's hard to even watch. Now you can always sit here and watch two just smash baseballs. I like the format. They fixed it from a few years ago. As far as tonight goes, I mean Matt Olsen, doc, his swing is just, you know it's too slow for this format. A lot of it has to do with the pitching. I mean it's so much determined on the pitcher.
Speaker 3:And even like guys like Cal Raleigh. I mean the dude has what? 38 home runs at the all-star break, but that doesn't translate to a home run, derby. It's a different feel. And a guy like O'Neal Cruz is built for this. He's built for this. He's 6'7", 240. He hits missiles. When you have a lot of hang time on him it kind of slows you down a little bit. Those kind of line drives, the scud missiles that Cruz hits, I think kind of favors him. I think he's going to pull it off.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, he probably will. That's a very good point. It is a different swing, it's timing, it's speed, whereas Olsen is more of a long stride or a long hitter. So that's a very good observation on swinging the baseball bat, good job.
Speaker 1:Yeah, Est thoughts on a home run derby so far.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I mean I'm enjoying it. The home runs are down from previous years, though. Right now we're only at a total of 145 home runs. My prediction of this contest was at a 252 home runs, so I don't think they're going to quite make that for the total of this, but yeah, I mean it's enjoyable. I'm on with Chad. This is like the only all-star event that I still watch. That includes the games themselves. I hate all-star games in all four major sports. I hate all the events in all four major sports, but the Home Run Derby is the one thing that I still will watch.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and then which leads into the all-star game, as Doc alluded to, tomorrow Est, I'll go ahead and kick it back with you. Any snubs, any noticeable snubs or anything for the all-star game tomorrow.
Speaker 4:Yeah, of course. My guy, Andy Paya, is an outfielder for the LA Dodgers. That guy definitely deserved to be on the All-Star team, maybe even starting for this team. This guy's been an absolute stud all year, not only with his bat but with his defensive plays. These days, when you have an outfielder that players second guess whether or not they should run on, then you have someone special. I mean, I've always loved those outfielders that have great arms, someone like a Ken Griffey Jr, these five-tole athletes, I mean guys that players are afraid to run on that lead leagues in assists.
Speaker 1:It's something that is just underrated when it comes to baseball. Is defense, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3:Chad. Any snubs on your end? Yeah, first off, though, if you guys didn't catch that, s was definitely just showing how much of a degenerate he is, because he just told you that he had the over on total home runs tonight and he's not going to get that bet. That's what he was basically trying to explain. But the biggest snub is take your pick, it's one of two Phillies pitchers. Is it Ranger Suarez or is it Christopher Sanchez? If you look, christopher Sanchez is 8-2 with 122 Ks, a 250 ERA. Ranger Suarez is like 7-3 with a 1-point-something ERA, and baseball decided to give this kid out of Milwaukee.
Speaker 3:Jacob Miznorowski, the all-star nod after what? Starting four or five games in the big leagues, and I understand what they're trying to do. We've been talking about this across all platforms, across all podcasts for the last 10 years. How do you market this game, the game that we all love, the game that I think has the most superstars it's ever had?
Speaker 3:But yet I mean, when I was a kid, marlon, I don't know if you remember Pizza had the styrofoam bats, and it was either the Griffey bat, the Piazza bat, I think Yvonne Rodriguez had one, and baseball was everywhere across your TV. You turn on PBS, it was the Braves every day, so you got to learn about Maddox and Schmoes and Glavin. And now it's like we got so many superstars in this game and we don't know how to market them. So I think they're trying to push this Mizorowski kid to be Skeens Part 2. And he might be that, but to start five games or go to an all-star game over two pitchers who have sub two, four eras on the first place phillies, is crazy to me that's a disgrace and that's a very good point chad suarez should do, should be here as well as the other cat man uh, this cat misarovsky, whatever his name is.
Speaker 2:He started in mid-june, you know, and then at least at least skiing started in in may. You know, man, we had a flap. At least skiing started in in in May, you know, and we had a flap about that. But you saw the talent at LSU, you know. But in May is different from June and it's a disgrace. So, yeah, you can market it a different way. It's not fair. You got to give the guys that have been performing and the guys, the guys from Phillies that have been performing, very good point, jack. And as far as radioiders, you made some great points too, man. It's just different. Now, you know, skins is going to pitch an inning, scuba's going to pitch an inning. It's not when we grew up, man, guys would pitch three or four innings. Nolan, ryan, strawberry, all those cats, I'm not Strawberry. Doc Gooden, it's really ridiculous. As far as the four major sports in the All-Star Games, man, I want to see Skates do two innings. Yeah, go ahead, marlon.
Speaker 1:All right, and then kicking it back to you, doc. We'll do this before we get into the football. Any thoughts on your Braves thus far Through the break? I mean you're 12 and a half games back. I mean it's not looking too hot for you. But thoughts right now on your Braves where it stands for now.
Speaker 2:Well, it's a disgrace in the National League East man. The Mets have been floundering, the Phillies have been floundering. We haven't capitalized. I think we need to blow it up, respectfully relieve Brian Snicker of his duties. Our roster is too talented to be floundering around like this man. I know we started 0-7 and Acuna's been out, but everybody has injuries Raider S and Chad. There's no excuse there. We still can't get swept at home by the Orioles and some other teams. We lost too badly, you know, at the crib. So it's one of those things where you just start over. Snicker gave us a ring four years ago. God bless them. Being an organization, you need a new voice. A guy that's fired A lot of fire on these cats man, including Olsen and Austin Riley Now losing. Chris Sale is a killer. Special Stride has been there to line up with his major injuries. It's a swollen back, but there's still no excuse. Man, we're getting swept and that's not good.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and S the Padres are a few games back, but you know, unfortunately the Dodgers are the Dodgers, so we know what they're going to do when it matters the most in the playoffs. So what are your thoughts thus far with the Dodgers and how they're looking?
Speaker 4:A few games back. Since when is five and a half a few games? I mean, the Dodgers had their worst week of the season last week. They lost seven games in a row and yet they finished at the All-Star break. So five and a half over San Diego, six games over San Francisco. So yeah, I'm not worried about this at all. The team, like Doc said, has been suffering through injuries. They've got what? 15 different starting pitchers this season already going for them. So it is what it is. But yeah, they're still in first place and I'm not worried whatsoever. And we'll talk in October.
Speaker 1:All right, all right, that's right. Brother and Chad, we've won 10 straight. You guys are red hot right now.
Speaker 3:How are you feeling about your Red Sox? I'm intrigued to see what we're going to do. But just to piggyback real quick. I'm with Doc as far as the Braves go, it's hard to say it. I mean you've got Acuna. I don't think anyone else is untouchable. I would move Albies, I would move Harris, I would move whoever, even Olsen, I mean. I know he's a hometown kid, came back home for Freddie Freeman.
Speaker 3:But at this point you got to hit the reset button and then ask the Dodgers real quick. I mean I think this is the first time that we've seen kind of an NBA approach to an MLB season where you get teams like the Warriors with Katie and and in Durant or Katie and Steph, and you get, you know, lebron and even like Kawhi and the Clippers where the regular season doesn't. They just got to make it to the postseason. That's kind of what the Dodgers are doing. I mean, does it really matter as long as they get into the postseason? Otani's only going to get more and more durable and more and more innings as the season goes on. Blacksnow's going to come back, snell's going to come back. The Dodgers are freaking loaded. They just healthy. When the playoffs start, no other team stands a chance.
Speaker 3:And as far as my red sox go, I mean last time I talked to you guys I was freaking out over rafael debbers, who has already started to cause a little bit of trouble in san francisco, missing the first base meeting with will clark. So looks like the red sox were right about that and I said that that if it is an attitude thing, as much as it hurts you have to get rid of them. But now let's see what we do, because we still are reluctant to spend money. A lot of rumors about trading Duran to the Padres. If we do that, what are we getting back?
Speaker 3:I don't think it's a prospect that doesn't help us any. We're fighting for a wild card. I would want a pitching back. You know something like maybe Dylan Seas comes back in the deal Since Darvish just came off the IL. Maybe you guys have a picture to trade King's going to be coming back for the Padres. But overall, if the Red Sox go out and make a move this week and show me that they are actually trying to compete, then I'll believe in them, because right now we have a bunch of guys that are going to be here for a long time. But let's try to go win a couple games now in the second half of the season.
Speaker 2:Okay, all right, doc Chad. Real quick, marlon Chad. You guys are impressive man. I love the manager. You guys are playing really well after the major trade that you made with San Francisco. This is shocking man, and the Yankees have been floundering around. I know Big Ant might be, I think you can win the division. Call me crazy, but you know baseball man is tricky. You know you're red hot right now. I know you hate the all-star break, but if you come out the break and win 7 of 10, you're 2 1⁄2 out because the Yankees haven't been doing all that good. Toronto you know I just don't feel Toronto's sustainable in that division. The AL East Chad. But yeah, good job on your Boston Red Sox, brother. You know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3:Yeah, you nailed it, doc. To me it's all coaching. I think if Cora's not our manager, we're not even close to being in this situation. I've said it for years he's far and away the best manager of baseball.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:All right, absolutely.
Speaker 1:So now on to the AFC West baby, the reason why we're all here. I'll start with you on this one. I know you are the betting guy in the chat. You can go ahead and follow.
Speaker 4:Do you have any early over and unders, maybe just for our division, or any prop bets or touchdowns, whatever, any win total, any type of bet you have? Yeah, I don't have anything quite yet. I'm still kind of looking at stuff. I usually don't really place anything like that until after the um, the second uh preseason game, just barring injuries, um, training camp injuries and any uh unforeseen cuts. But some of the ways I'm leaning right now is I I know everyone is up on this division thinking that every single team is going to improve and it's so hard to argue that I mean, the chiefs are the chiefs? Um, they're, they're the standard for uh, for the three of our three teams to chase after, which just absolutely sucks. But, um, I think, uh, I think the chargers, I think the chargers might be the one team and I'm not just saying this to talk shit either, marlon but they're the one team that might have a letdown of the four teams. I just I don't really like your running back team, your running back core right now, especially after Najee gets injured. I mean JK, you just don't know what you're going to get out of that guy. You might get, like Chad said, 1,200 yards, or you might get 200 yards and he's on the injured list the rest of the season. I'm just, I don't know Something about the Chargers. I think they'll probably still win per 10 games. Will they reach 12? Will they reach 14? I seriously doubt that, but I still see them battling with the Chiefs for that top position.
Speaker 4:The Broncos I think they're going to be a team that's over 500 as well, whether that's 9-8 or 10-7. I mean, I think all bets are on for them. I think they're the ones that are most likely to likely to finish over the uh, the win total for their uh over under. And then my raiders I mean I'll be happy if they finish night nine and eight um their schedule. It's not the easiest of schedules. They also I mean they have some tough road games. They have to. They're playing, as you guys know, we're playing against the nsc east this year.
Speaker 4:So the Raiders are going to DC, they're going to Philadelphia to play those teams out there on the road. The Cowboys at home. I think the Cowboys are going to be a much improved team this year. But I mean the Giants are the Giants, so that doesn't matter. But I mean then in division, those games are always tough in division. I mean, you guys know this, following the AFC West, in division games are always tough and they're always coin flip games. It really doesn't matter how good teams are, something crazy always happens in Raider Charger games and Raider Bronco games and Raider Chief games. Something weird always happens on those games. So lots of times you see a split amongst these teams. But yeah, I mean it's going to be a fun season. I'll say that it's going to be a really fun season. But as far as any prop bets goes on the season, yeah, I'll have to get back to you guys more towards the end of July, early August.
Speaker 1:Okay, Chad, any early win, total prop bets or anything for you?
Speaker 3:Oh well, that's prop bets or anything for you. Oh, that's just the gambler. Huh, Like I didn't just bet Wimbledon and WNBA on Sunday.
Speaker 1:Well, hold on. You bet, you bet Wimbledon. Oh, you bet Wimbledon, who'd you bet?
Speaker 3:The loser.
Speaker 2:Ah, okay.
Speaker 4:See ticket early on in this tournament. So I was feeling happy, nice, but I did lose on the women's side. I thought, sabalenka, I was going to take it.
Speaker 1:Say that name again. Say that name again. Okay, hey Doc, who's that receiver on the Lions, their best receiver? What's his name?
Speaker 2:Amar'e St Brown. Doc who's that receiver on the Lions, their best receiver. What's his name? Amar'e St Brown. Yeah, that's right.
Speaker 3:Back to these win totals. Let's start at the top. The Chiefs, I think, are 11-and-a-half right now. This is the year they fall back. Man, I really believe it. I think the Eagles just laid out the blueprint to how to beat them and they kind of showed that if you kind of bully them around, they don't really have much fight when they're the ones getting pushed around, and they didn't really do a whole lot to improve. Um denver and the chargers. I think they're both sitting right where they should be at nine and a half, like s said. I mean, one of those teams is gonna go win 11 games and one of them's probably gonna underachieve a little bit and finish around 8 or 9.
Speaker 3:As a Broncos fan, I like what we're doing. I like that we're moving forward. I did believe in us last year. I think that total last year was way too low. I do trust Sean Payton, I trust Bo Nix. I can see us sitting around 9 or 10 games again. I wouldn't bet that one. Can we get to 11, maybe? I think the Chargers are going to clear it. I think the Chargers are going to win 12 games this year and then the Raiders are at 6.5, which is a really tricky number because I feel like Vegas wants you to bet the over. I mean, you're thinking about Ascension, you're getting all this Pete Carroll, there's all this new momentum in Vegas right now and I think they want you to kind of just throw that money out there and think they can't win seven games. Oh, I'll put a thousand on it. I think they finished with six.
Speaker 2:I think they need one more year. Wow, Well, outside, looking in, fellas and that's some good intel relative to your respective teams I think you're the best division in football. All of them have established quarterbacks. You know, maybe the NFC East relative to all three or four teams, or the AFC North, but the AFC West has four teams that have no quarterback issues.
Speaker 2:And Raiders this kid, Omar Hampton for the Chargers he's no joke man. He might be a starter from day one. Forget Najee Harris, you know. I just think that the Raiders can win nine games. The Broncos can win 10 or 11. And, of course, the Chiefs. You know, are they just a name? They drafted a sore point and tackle that they needed and they got the kid out of Ohio State. Raider S and Chad and Martin. This AFC West is tricky, you know, and that's not even to mention, you know, Kansas City, Not Kansas City, I think. The Raiders, with the running back he's my offensive rookie of the year. On the outside, looking in to me, this is the best division in football. You know you guys are going to kill each other, but I see, down the stretch you're all going to be in it, all four of you. You know that's real talk, Marlon, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, i's, it's definitely going to be a dog fight. Um, chad, and as I know you said you're talking about jk douglas earlier he's actually on the broncos, so that's I don't want to say it's chad's problem now, because I think he's actually going to be pretty decent. Um, but yeah, whenever we go to denver, sometimes we always split. I think this year, with the raiders, it's all of us going to to, to going to Oakland, I mean, or Oakland, uh, vegas. You just always underestimate them and sometimes too they can mess around and have that one game. I think it was last year, the year before, where they just about beat the chiefs. Um, I think that may have been on Christmas night, if I'm not mistaken. But, um, but yeah, man, it's with this team, all of us we're going to fight.
Speaker 1:Will Herbert get over the hump? You know how's Geno Smith going to be? Will Mahomes and the Chiefs be average and then somehow figure it out down the road? We'll never know. But Chad on to your Broncos. How are you feeling in general about the team and do you think you guys will make it far in the playoffs?
Speaker 3:I got a high take. Before I go on the Broncos, I think Hampton has a better year than Jenty.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:I like it, wow, I like it. Wow. Chad Explain Bring it, come strong.
Speaker 3:I think they're going to load the box against Vegas and I think they're going to key in on Jenty. He's the high-priced running back, the star of the draft. Everyone knew about him, watched him in college. I think he's going to struggle to find those same lanes and I think Hampton is slept on man. I watched him a lot in North Carolina. I wanted him to. You know me and Marlon talked about it during the draft, before the draft. That's why I wanted the Broncos to draft Kid's shifty. I think he fits in Harbaugh's system. I think the kid's going to have a breakout year, especially because the other running back's going to have an eye patch on.
Speaker 2:Wow, rc West man, but go ahead. I'll do the rebuttal after you're finished. Jack, go ahead For the Broncos.
Speaker 3:Look, it's two scenarios for me, and I guess it is boom or bust. I mean Bo Nix either takes another leap, we win 12 games or we've seen a lot of quarterbacks struggle that second year in the NFL. I mean including some big names, I mean that second year it's so much harder to be an NFL quarterback. All the teams have been watching film on you all season long, all offseason. They're studying for you. They're going to bring it in and we're talking about the AFC West.
Speaker 3:Not one of us has mentioned the coaches yet. Bonas is going against Andy Reid, pete Carroll and Harbaugh right and hardball right. So these guys are going to come correct. They're going to have the defenses ready for a young quarterback like nicks and he can either come out hot or he's going to be horrible. And if the broncos are horrible, let's say we win four or five games. Now that puts us in a tricky spot. Because if nicks is that bad and I'm not saying I'm giving up on him, but next year's draft class at the quarterback position is probably the best we've seen in years Like I'm talking like a lot of years you got Manning, you got Klubnik, you got Aller, you got Nussmeyer. There's a lot of quarterbacks in that draft.
Speaker 2:If.
Speaker 3:Klubnik gets to bed next year, will Sean Payton be aggressive and move on? I mean, do you pass on a guy like Arch Manning? Or maybe, like I said, maybe the good thing.
Speaker 2:Good point. Ready to ask? You're up Go.
Speaker 4:First of all, I want to make a $100 bet with Chad that JT will finish with more rushing yards than Amari and Hampton will.
Speaker 2:Okay, you're on record. I'm totally in agreement. I'll talk later, but go ahead ready to ask Explain.
Speaker 3:Go ahead, you're on record brother.
Speaker 1:Took that bet for you, thank you for accepting that bet.
Speaker 4:I'm going to. I took that bet for you. Thank you for accepting that bet. Yeah, no, but Chad's absolutely right.
Speaker 4:When it comes to the coaching, I think when you look at the coaching in the AFC West, you've got some of the best coaches in NFL history coaching in the NFC West right now and it's going to be just fantastic to watch them play this chess game with all of them. I mean you know these teams are going to be coming prepared for one another. Their players are going to be prepared. They're especially watching to see what teams are able to do for second-half adjustments. That's going to be a lot of fun to watch. But just seeing which team I mean we already said with the Chiefs they are who they are, but with the other teams, how well they all mesh together, because I mean all of them have a lot of brand new parts to them, a lot of new players that you've just got to see how they all mesh. New coaching staff with the Raiders, see how they all do. But it's nice that Gino's there and knows Carroll's system, so it should be a fairly easy transition. It's going to come down to the receivers and them being able to get on the same page with Gino and Carroll.
Speaker 4:But just looking at the Raiders' schedule though, I mean just glancing at it right now I see, outside of the division, the Raiders are able to have five wins, outside of the divisional games. I'm looking at the Patriots, the first game, which is going to be a tough one. I think that's going to set the tone, whether or not this team is able to get their over on their win total. They're going to have Tennessee at home, that should be a win. They're going to have Jacksonville at home, that should be a win. They're gonna have jacksonville at home, that should be a win. They're gonna have the browns at home that should be a win. And then, uh, the new york giants at home, that should be a win.
Speaker 4:So if they're able to beat the patriots, then that'll be uh, five wins. But they'll also be on the road at, uh, indianapolis, which I think, which I think could be a win as well. But but then you look at the rest of the schedule and I see losses. But then the division, though I cannot see this team not winning at least one divisional game, whether it be against the Broncos, the Chargers or, hell, even the Chiefs Divisional games are always, just like I said earlier, just a crapshoot. They're a lot of fun and crazy things happen. So I think right now I mean this team will probably be seven or eight wins for the season.
Speaker 2:Well, ray, I kind of beg to differ, not because my wife is a Raider either, fellas, it's just one of those things where remember, ray, before the holidays you could have beat the Chiefs on the road If that offensive line or the center didn't make a dumb mistake, you would have beat them with questionable quarterback play. I just feel like with Geno Smith who threw for 4,300 yards last year. It's one of those things where you know you got the all-pro tight end and Brock Dary, the hours going in second year. I just don't see a drop off there. You got Crosby on defense, you got some other cats on defense. I give you nine wins. Ten is a possible if you play for your spade player, chad, in reference to your, I don't see the Broncos fall off. You got ten wins. It even probably go to 11.
Speaker 2:The rookie class gentlemen, you know I love the rookies and Marlon I want you to take too. The AFC West, the Chiefs they got Josh Simmons arguably off of the Ohio State's best offensive lineman, actually, because the other cat was injured. The Broncos you know they drafted Jadari Barron out of Texas to go with Patrick Sertain. Of course, the Chargers was Amari Hampton and the Raiders were Ashton, jette Chad. Well, just on the rookie class alone, this division is intriguing.
Speaker 2:You know, not everybody gets into the rookie class like me, but I'm just saying these are impact players. They want starters, you know, for each respective team, especially the tackle for the Chiefs. I'm just saying that, you know, I think this division is going to play out interesting, if nothing else, and I just think that going down the stretch you guys going to it's going to be an interesting race, to say the least. You know, and and and the quarterback play in and of itself, you got four quarterbacks that can make major plays, man, you know. And then, of course, brock Bauer is going to help out Geno Smith tremendously. But Bo Nix, man, I expect him to be a pro bowler this year. And Chad, your guy, justin Herbert, you know, your boy Karen Harrington doesn't like him at all, you know, but it goes noted. This guy's physical skills, even though he hasn't won a postseason game, is otherworldly, and we already know what number 15 with the Chiefs is.
Speaker 3:Just your take on the quarterback and skill players, fellas, you brought up a good point with Brock Bowers and Geno, and I think that's what Evan Ingram is going to bring to Bo Nix. I think that was a huge signing. We needed that, that's right.
Speaker 2:We needed that, that's right. That's right, go ahead.
Speaker 3:Obviously, on the outside, big-time possession guy Marvin Mims is a flash in the pan. There's some games he'll be a big-time player. Other games he'll disappear. So we needed kind of that safety blanket for Bo Nix and I think Evan Ingram is going to be that guy and going to be that guy. And you mentioned the rookie class and I think I told you guys this last time the kid harris out of out of old miss, the receiver for the chargers. If you guys think that mike williams was a good talent and I think he even went back as well, I'm not too sure but if you think mike williams was an effective receiver for the chargers, this harris kid is faster than him with the same size I think. I think he's holding out right now.
Speaker 3:But I mean it's still early, he's gonna get his deal done. This kid is gonna put up huge numbers for the charges this year wow, that's.
Speaker 1:That's a good point, man, yeah I was getting ready to say, well, hold on one second, I'll let you go in a second. But yeah, chad, I was getting ready to say that, oh, he's holding out, which you know it's early, so we'll figure it out. Definitely would love to see him out there in the preseason. We do play the Hall of Fame game, so we do have four preseason games. We'd love to see him out there catching some dimes from Trey Lance. But yeah, with our receivers, that was our biggest weakness, in my opinion. Last year we had Ladd McConkie, we have some other guys. Johnson is still there, but we definitely needed some help. So Mike Williams he's on the pup list now. So I'm not sure what's going on with that, but hopefully we can get Trey Harris figured out and we'll be pretty solid. We did get Tyler Conkle I believe his name is, or whatever from the Jets. We got him as well. So we definitely got a lot of help. We just got to piece it all together. Keenan Allen is still floating out there. I don't know if we're maybe waiting to see what's going to happen with this mike williams situation. I don't know, but he's still out there. I don't know if the money's not right or if we just want to just move on, because he's a little bit older, um, and an injury prone. Not sure what's going to happen with that, but um.
Speaker 1:But looking at our schedule really quick, it doesn't matter. For one, we have a gauntlet in the division week one. Obviously it's going to be in brazil, then we're at the raiders and then we play Denver. So out of the gate, right out of the gate, we got three division games. So we have to start off hot, but not even worried about all the other games in the middle. Just we have a late by week 12, by which I'm happy about that, because we had a week five by last last year. So it doesn't matter what happens in the middle. In week 13 we play the Raiders and then we have the Eagles Monday night at home. So the Eagles have a home game, then we're at Kansas City, then we're at Dallas, we play Houston at home and then at Denver. So those last six games potentially could be it may not matter what position we're in to play catch-up. We can't afford to lose some of those games which in those games we may go 3-3, depending on how hot we're in to play catch up. We can't afford to lose some of those games, which in those games we may go three and three, depending on how hot we're we're playing at that point. But yeah, with with this Chargers team, we have to be hot.
Speaker 1:And you know, with with Herbert doc, you were kind of alluding to Herbert and how he's he's not a high on some people's list. He his window to be great and now his, his system is changing. Because now we're, you know, harbaugh, kind of wants to run. He'll still air it out, but he preferred to run. So now he's not going to get the numbers that he wants had. But if he gets wins, instead of putting up those crazy stats, maybe people will look and say, okay, well, at least he's winning now and he's able to win a playoff games. So we'll see what happens. But you know I'll always pick Herbert over most of these cats in the league. So, raider S Well, oh, go ahead, doc.
Speaker 2:No, I'm just saying that's a good point there, marlon, and he's a quiet guy to begin with, but all four of your teams, with the Chiefs notwithstanding, your offensive line is better than average. You know the Raiders with Colton Miller left tackle. You know the Chargers have Big Joe Alt. You know second year out of Notre Dame, and then I've always loved the Broncos O-line man and you know it's one of those things where that's where it begins, man physicality. I'm not privy to your running game, chad JK Dobbins. I'm sorry privy to your running game, chad JK Dobbins.
Speaker 1:I'm sorry JK.
Speaker 4:Dobbins.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah that's right.
Speaker 2:JK Dobbins, jk Dobbins. So he's going to be a beneficiary of that. But the coaching fellas on the outside looking in someone had mentioned it earlier this is some of the best coachings in the history of the game, you know, and I think that is worth two wins throughout the 17 game season. And you know, is there one game, each of you, one game that sticks out for me is Buffalo. On a Monday night, I took that day off at the crib. One game that you say well damn, we have to have this. I'm looking forward to this. Well, it could be in the division or out of division. You know, your call all three of you One.
Speaker 1:Ash, you can go ahead and start with that one.
Speaker 4:Yeah, for me. You know what I'll probably have to say the Raider-Cowboy game, yeah.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 4:You could tell Big Marlin this. I mean, this is a Monday night game out there in Vegas and I think the Cowboys are going to surprise some people this year.
Speaker 4:I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys end up winning that division this year. If the Eagles are on a bit of a hangover from last year and the Cowboys are able to sneak in, I think it's going to be very improved. I think by this point it's going to be mid-November. The Raiders should, the team should gel and should be at a point where either it's going to be the turning point of the season. Either they go on a run or they just shit the bed and then the rest of the season just goes, false, by the wayside. I think that's going to be the game, and then the rest of the season just goes, falls, by the wayside. I think that's going to be the game that tells me which way the direction of the season is going to go.
Speaker 2:Two massive fan bases Raiders, cowboy fans, raider fans. That's going to be interesting, man, so that's a good one there, chad, you're up.
Speaker 3:One game, raiders Cowboys. When's the date on that one again, ed Raiders Cowboys. When's the date on that one again, ed? November 17th, monday night, who I'll know when, to call Ice, because I'm laughing, laughing, laughing you're crazy.
Speaker 3:I knew something was coming to me it's Broncos Packers and it's just being a kid watching LA and Favre go at it. We're at the crib, you know, playing at home against the Packers. It'd be nice to see us in Lambeau. You know we do play at home against the Cowboys, so we've got kind of these. You know historic franchises in Denver, so I'm going. Yeah, broncos Packers, I think that'll be a big-time game, week 15, december 14th. I think both teams will be fighting for a playoff spot at that point. Yeah, raider S, like I said, it's December 14th, if you want to call someone to attack all the white people, because I'm sure Packers and Broncos are going to be full of white people on the field here.
Speaker 2:Oh, my goodness, you're crazy. Lambeau Field, baby Lambeau Field. Marlon, you're up, baby, one game.
Speaker 4:Just real quick to respond. Chad, I wouldn't do that to you because white people have had it hard enough in this country for I wouldn't do that to you.
Speaker 2:That's right. Oh my God, y'all crazy. Go ahead, marlon, me personally.
Speaker 1:I would say the Cowboys game, because I'm out here, living out here, so I'll be going to the game. But if I had to pick another game, it's probably going to be which is maybe our biggest test Monday Night Football at home against the Eagles, when the Eagles come to town. So I think that's going to be one I will try to make and fly back home to. So it'll be a big game for us. Of course, Eagles fans travel. They're going to want to get out of the cold and come to the West Coast.
Speaker 1:You know it's and, as I said, we don't know what type of Eagles we have. Will they have a slump or will they just continue to stay on top of that division and just dominate as they were most of last year? So we'll see. But there's a lot of good games on there. I mean, of course you have to look at the Chiefs, you have to look at you know we played Minnesota, this year Pittsburgh, so there's a lot of great games. We got a tough schedule. So I'm hoping by that bye in week 12, we're at least in decent shape, because it's going to be a dogfight for all of us towards the end.
Speaker 2:Well, give me some numbers, fellas. Give me some numbers for your respect for quarterbacks. I got pennix in atlanta throwing for four grand and maybe 25 touchdowns. Yeah, what about you? You're your beau. Nicks, um, uh, ready ass. Gino smith he threw for 4300 last year and, of course, justin herbert. I won't give me some numbers, man, some stats. I'm in the stats quarterbacks.
Speaker 1:I'll go ahead first, I think, with with Hampton and Najee Najee's just on a one-year deal. I think he's going to. He'll be okay by the time the season starts, but we're going to run him to the ground for sure and we got a great rookie in Hampton, so I think we're going to definitely run the ball a lot more. So I could see Herbert probably getting maybe 3,500 yards and I'll say yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll say 27 touchdowns.
Speaker 2:Two picks.
Speaker 3:Okay.
Speaker 1:Two picks. That's it, just two picks, okay.
Speaker 2:Whatever with that. Go ahead, richard. Hold on hold, on hold on.
Speaker 1:Herbert throws all of his picks in the playoffs, so that's that.
Speaker 2:That's a very good point there. Yeah, you can't argue that.
Speaker 1:That's the bond.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I mean, yeah, I can't see Geno Smith throwing for 4,300 yards with this Raider receiving core. I mean I think Bauer's going to have a huge year. I think he's going to rely a lot on the running game. So I mean, if I'm able to see Geno throw like about, let's say, 35 to 3,800 yards, maybe let's see 25 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, I think that would be a good year for him.
Speaker 2:That's fair. That's fair. That's some good numbers. Yeah, all right, chad, you're up, baby. This is a good numbers.
Speaker 3:Yeah, All right, Chad, you're up, baby. Five thousand. Those are numbers on Bo Nix Five thousand yards. Mark is 33, 33, 3,400 yards, 20, 22,. You know touchdowns. If he throws for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, we're winning the division. Aggressive Sean Payton is. He has a potential to do it. Let's just see if it happens.
Speaker 2:Yeah, okay.
Speaker 1:Alright. And then Doc did have a question. I believe and correct me if I don't say it. Correct, doc. So three players from your franchise? You had to pick three players. Who would it be? Is that about accurate, doc?
Speaker 2:Yeah, for your respective franchises. For Raider S, there's three in the history of the franchise, and for you, chad, you know three in your franchise. And then for you, marlon, I'll start it off with the Raiders man, I think Stabler, jack Tatum and Marcus Adams were my three, just on the outside, looking in, you know. And then for the Chargers, I would say Dan Fowles, keller, winslow, ladainian, thomason, and for the Broncos, obviously, john Elway. You know I might throw a curve at you. I used to like Al Smith, a linebacker from Tennessee, and then Terrell Davis, terrell Davis. Those are my three for the Broncos, but go ahead, gentlemen.
Speaker 1:Go ahead. All right, Chad, you can go ahead and kick it off all right.
Speaker 3:So this one, I mean man, such rich tradition, such rich history in denver, um, you start with john elway. I mean obviously the man's out here on toyota's in southern california, man, he's a legend. So john elway, first and foremost to me, my favorite quarterback of all time, to be a top three quarterback of all time. You can put him up with anybody. I'd say John Elway, anytime, any day, just won't ride in a golf cart with him. Number two Terrell Davis.
Speaker 3:My childhood, you know just my favorite player as a child growing up, terrell Davis, you know, obviously, career cut short by injuries, we don't know what could have been. We could have been talking about one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game. Obviously Shanahan helped him with the system, obviously the offensive line Elway, all that played a part. But you don't take away something from a guy and for him to come in and dominate like he did so quick in the league and just make it look so easy at a time where there were so many good running backs, so easy at a time where there were so many good running backs. And then three is hard, man, I mean, do I go with Uncle Shannon? Do I go with Rob Smith, one of the best you know, underrated receivers of all time. Or do I go? I think I got to go defense. And looking at the defenders in Broncos, history I mean Von Miller won us the Super Bowl. He's a legend, one of three, he said three.
Speaker 4:God See, right now we're left.
Speaker 3:The third guy is the greatest corner to ever play the game, and that's Champ Bailey. 12-time Pro Bowler, 7-time All-Pro. Champ Bailey, the greatest corner ever is my third Bronco.
Speaker 2:That's right. Good job on that, champ. Get out of Georgia, man champ, get out of Georgia, you're up Raider-ass.
Speaker 4:Go, of course. I mean number one is the greatest cornerback ever to play the game, and that's Charles Woodson. I mean you've got to love a guy like Charles Woodson. I mean this is a guy who did it all.
Speaker 3:The Heisman Greatest corner ever yeah.
Speaker 4:Defensive back ever. How about that? Because he's so versatile, he could play all over the place.
Speaker 4:He could return punts, he could return kicks he could do everything he could play wide receiver when he had to. This guy was an absolute stud. And then, for me, this is actually my favorite raider player of all time and again, he's also a guy that what could have been. And that's bo jackson. I mean bo jack Jackson, on the field, was just an absolute stud. In Tecmo Bowl he was unstoppable, but freaking Bo Jackson. You watch his highlights, you watch his ESPN 30 for 30. You just sit there and go oh my gosh, what could have been with this guy? Absolute stud of a player, just an athlete, an absolute athlete. And the guy's still doing it. He does archery now.
Speaker 2:Yeah, archery.
Speaker 4:So that's number two for me, and for me the third guy. Again, it was a toss-up, but I have to go with my guy Ray, guy the punter Wow.
Speaker 2:What Wow.
Speaker 4:Ray Guy. He absolutely changed the game of a punter and what was expected of punters. He was a guy who absolutely no Marquette King, oh okay, no, marquette King was a stud also. So was Leckler. So I love I mean honestly I love Adam True too. I'm going to start naming a bunch of guys.
Speaker 3:Well, you know your team's called when you have a rich history of punters.
Speaker 4:Oh, I love our punters. Are you kidding?
Speaker 3:me.
Speaker 4:We'll see you next, baby. It's all about flipping the field, all right. It's all about flipping the field. It allows Tomlinson to get all those record-breaking stats because he has to go from the start at the five-yard line. But yeah, so for me it's got to be Ray Guy Doc.
Speaker 2:Why don't brother?
Speaker 3:If you're going to go special teams.
Speaker 2:Special teams wow.
Speaker 4:There's players that were born after 1985 that I can go with all right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, that's good. I like that list. I'm writing it down. Marlon, you're up baby. Three charges Okay, I'm going to go with.
Speaker 1:Darren Sproles, melvin Gordon no, I'm just playing, I'm just playing. And Joey Bosa no, I'm just playing. Man, of course. Junior Seau you have to start with him. Lad him, uh. Ladadian tomlinson his name speaks for itself. Now, the last one. I'm gonna pull a chat in a little bit and just do some honorable mentions. Uh, of course, kellen winzo, jesus christ, lorenzo nil, that's my guy right there. Kenan allen love him too, uh, but. And of course, philip rivers, that's my quarterback, but I gotta go with gates, that that's it's. It's with what he was able to do and and basically just bring his basketball skills to the field. I got to go with him, like I can, and, honestly, natron Means is one. That was one of the first running backs that I've just remember, seeing that my dad, you know, took me to, so to a game Number 20.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, so yeah.
Speaker 3:Yeah that's right. Dr, Nassau on his list. That's mind-blowing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I know, I know man.
Speaker 1:I thought I was going crazy, Doc, we got to talk about that.
Speaker 2:Doc, it was so mean. I love Kellen Winslow man, I love Fouts. And then LaDana Thomas can speak for herself. Fouts was ahead of his time. But, marlon and Raider, I got to direct this to you for your respective teams Marlon, for you, does your boy, if Rivers, get in the Hall of Fame, and for you, raider S, jim Plunkett talk to me. Is he a Hall of Famer? You've got two rings. I've been arguing this for a while. Your call Raider S, does Jim Plunkett get in the Hall of Fame? And Marlon, does Phillip Rivers get in your call?
Speaker 4:I don't care who goes first, go ahead. S yeah, I mean, if Puckett's not in now, he's never going to make it in. Does he deserve it? You know, I would say no. Yes, he won the two rings for the Raiders and I think he's the only quarterback who has won two rings.
Speaker 4:That is not in the Hall of Fame right now. Right yeah, but you look at his numbers prior to joining the Raiders rings. That is not in the Hall of Fame right now, but you look at his numbers prior to joining the Raiders. They were pedestrian when he was with the Patriots. He never did shit with them, so it really wasn't until he got with the Raiders, had those great few years. And when I look at Hall of Famers, I look at guys that did it from beginning to end, and that's a Hall of Famers. I look at guys that did it from beginning to end, and that's a Hall of Famer. I think sometimes you get a little too loose with what a Hall of Famer is. I think there's other guys that are more deserving, that should be in there rather than plunk it, so I'm not upset with it now.
Speaker 2:Right, okay.
Speaker 1:Rivers. He better make it for one, I think I believe next year he is eligible, uh, for it, but um, sixth in all time, if I'm not mistaken, six for passing and six for passing touchdowns, for yards and touchdowns. So, with what he was able to do, I mean it was unfortunate we've had some crappy coaches along the way. Uh, with san diego, of course, there was no home field advantage, so we had a lot of stuff that we had to deal with, but we still were able to put up numbers. Every game was an away game. We got used to it, pumping in crowd noise at practice for a game away at home, as adam would always say.
Speaker 1:So, uh, I mean we were able to do it. Just it just couldn't get over the hump. I mean, his best year, arguably, he had a torn ACL and I think we got to the AFC Championship game, if I'm not mistaken. But, yeah, with a career like that, with the numbers that he put up, I mean how can you not put a guy in? I don't know about first ballot, but how can you not get in.
Speaker 1:Marlon.
Speaker 3:Rivers or Big Ben.
Speaker 1:Well, I mean, ben got the rings, so obviously I'm not Rivers.
Speaker 3:If you say, eli, I'm going to say Eli got the rings Go ahead.
Speaker 1:Who's the next person?
Speaker 3:Rivers or Stafford.
Speaker 2:Oh, my God.
Speaker 1:If I take out rings, then I'm taking Rivers'm taking rivers, but of course stafford got one. So I mean, if you get one, you could be the most you can be eli manning and obviously get two of them. Didn't do nothing, your defense carried you the whole way, but obviously that elevates you above some of these other quarterbacks.
Speaker 3:That I would still take rivers. I think rivers can win a ring on that giant but, but that's the thing.
Speaker 1:Trust me, I would take Rivers, but as far as what? The media and everybody else? Of course, that's what they look at.
Speaker 3:I mean, I'm just asking. Obviously you're going to lean Rivers on everybody, but I'm just saying Rivers as far as just career, I mean, rivers is over Eli. That's why I didn't even mention him. Big Ben is a tough one, not even with other rings out the window. They're both, I mean, hell of quarterbacks in that era. But for me, I mean, stafford is an easy one for me, ben had a lot of solid receivers.
Speaker 1:If Rivers would have had some of those receivers, the story would have been a little different.
Speaker 2:When you talk about but he had the running game, though, man, you were 14-2 and you lost to the Jets in San Diego.
Speaker 3:They blanked it with Gates too. It's a trade-off right there. Big Ben did have the outside help, but is Antonio Helms really that great? A lot of that was Big Ben too. Hines Ward was laying the smackdown too. He was one of the best blocking receivers we've ever seen. I got one Hines.
Speaker 4:Ward, obviously, but Hines, ward was laying the smackdown too. He was one of the best blocking receivers we've ever seen. I like Rivers man. I got one. What about Rivers versus Bruce Control?
Speaker 2:Yeah, he got like 10 kids yeah.
Speaker 3:Rivers versus Cromartie.
Speaker 2:Oh my God, oh no, you didn't. You're talking down to San Diego man. Oh my God, cromartie, don't remember his name. He did. Oh my God, guys, this is great.
Speaker 4:This is great. The difference is, though, that Rivers did it with one woman. Cromartie had what eight kids from? All different moms.
Speaker 2:That's right. Oh, that is sick. That is sick, you know, just like Sean Kemp. Hey guys, this is great man AFC West. But it begs the question all three of your franchises have some of the most hard-hitting safeties in the history of the sport. Denver has Steve Atwater, Raiders have Jack Tatum and, of course, the Chargers have Harrison. You know who gets in the Hall of Fame, who's the hardest hitter ever as far as safety, or you know, just speaking, I think it's Tatum. But you guys can make a point that you respect the safeties.
Speaker 4:Doc, all I've got to say about Tatum is the ball hit the fucking ground on the immaculate reception. Yeah, tatum got that hit Tatum, got that hit on him and the ball hit the ground and fucking Frank O'Hara picked it up and ran as if it didn't touch the ground. So I'm just that's all I got to say.
Speaker 2:I hear you, brother, I hear you. And then he paralyzed Dallas Stringley, which put him in the Hall of Fame and didn't really apologize. But all of Harrison and a little Steve Atwood you know my thing on Steve Atwood. Chad your take on that.
Speaker 3:As far as safeties for the position, Matt Water is one of the best man. He's one of the best, for sure. Like you said, laid the wood was kind of under the radar, not super, super big-time name like that, but just overall great safety. One of my favorites right up there was Sean Taylor. Rest in peace to Sean Taylor.
Speaker 2:Marlon Harrison baby.
Speaker 1:Yeah, no, no, I loved him. I definitely hated to see him go to um to the Patriots, but I mean I'm happy for him that he got a ring, so I was definitely watching the Patriots, uh, whenever he went. But uh, yeah, he was one of my favorites. That was one of the other honorable mentions that I wanted to uh add to that too as well, but he's, he's one of the best ones uh out there, and I think honestly, all, all three of those safeties would not be able to play in today's NFL.
Speaker 1:Oh, no, not at all.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 4:Their games would translate into today's NFL.
Speaker 1:I got two more for you, S Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins. Their careers wouldn't be where they were if it was in today's game.
Speaker 3:Yeah, that's fair.
Speaker 2:fair, I mean Derwin James well, ed Reed wasn't really a hitter like that. He put trouble he was getting.
Speaker 3:He wasn't really a hitter though, marlon like that yeah, paul Amali was laying the wood more than Ed Reed was.
Speaker 1:Ed Reed was Sean Taylor.
Speaker 3:Sean Taylor was the one that kind of.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 3:He would have went into this era, so it would have been interesting to see how that worked out, because we all see when he hit the punter in the Pro Bowl, that's right, it was kind of like no more Pro Bowl. He kind of changed the game honestly because after that it basically became flag football, because you can't tell a guy like Sean Taylor to take it easy. If he has pads on, he's going for it.
Speaker 3:So I think, Derwin is probably the closest thing we have in the NFL at safety to being like one of those old school guys, and I forgot who it was. Someone just came out and said that Derwin James is the hardest hitter in the NFL. I can't remember. I don't know, marlon, if you've seen that.
Speaker 1:Maybe you can help me out you helped me out.
Speaker 1:I don't remember florida state, it could have been you, you know. Anyways, uh, no, I didn't see that, but but uh, no, I do love that, and which is why he's always getting flagged and penalized. Uh, so now it's like, even if you leave with the shoulder, but if your head slightly touches, you know it's a flag. But, um, but yeah, I've watched. Obviously you know almost every charger game, pretty much every charging one, so I've seen all of his hits and some of them are. He can get away with some hits, but he's a very, very physical player and I just hope and pray he stays healthy.
Speaker 4:Josh Allen was the one who said it. Okay, Josh Allen, that's right.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay, yeah, Well, leading to that fellas, I know it's the AFC West, great AFC. We had a thing going on the past year. Who has more pressure on them this year? Is it Josh Allen, lamar Jackson, joe Barrow, or is it Phillip Rivers? You know it's hard to say Bo Nix is under pressure or Geno Smith, but who's? I think it's Lamar man, hang on, he's asked, I think it's.
Speaker 3:Phillip.
Speaker 1:Rivers.
Speaker 2:Yeah, Rivers.
Speaker 4:Rivers, you're not Herbert. Doc, you're not Herbert. Yeah, I'm not Herbert. It's hard not to say either Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. I think, with the teams that they put around them, the expectations that they have, I think right now these are two guys that are probably at their peak level and I can't see them going up any further. I think the next few years it's going to be more downswings for those two teams. So I think right now this is their make-or-break season for both of those franchises to see what they're able to do.
Speaker 4:I mean you look at the AFC East. I mean it's there for Buffalo to take. Again, I think Miami sucks. I think the Patriots are going to surprise a few people this year and be a little bit better. And then you look at the AFC North. I mean, yeah, it's going to be a tough division with Cincinnati, with Baltimore, pittsburgh. I mean they're always tough. I don't think they'll be over 500 this year. But then you have Cleveland, which always sucks, but yeah. So I think these are two teams that are destined to make it into the playoffs, but then it's going to come down to what they're able to do in that playoffs oh man, that's brutal, real, real quick, doc.
Speaker 1:I want to get, before we get them out of here. I want to get a little nba talking real quick s I'll kick it to you and then we'll go to chat really quick. There's been some rumbles about lebron possibly being traded, uh, here and there. So what would you prefer as a Lakers fan, with this whole LeBron and maybe, maybe not getting traded?
Speaker 4:Yeah, I wanted LeBron off this team four years ago, so get him the fuck out of here.
Speaker 3:I'm ready for this team.
Speaker 4:I'm just so tired of this shit and them trying to build around LeBron, trying to get him one more ring outside of the bubble, and you know what? Here's the thing. You know how much I love Kobe. I still felt the Lakers kept Kobe two years too long. I did love what happened with the way it ended, especially that 60-point game on his final night. I loved the way it all ended. However, as a Lakers fan and not a Kobe fan, I wanted him off the team two years prior to his actual retirement. Lebron, I wanted him off the team after 2021. After the antics that he pulled in the playoffs, this guy, he's just Like I said, I'm just tired of his antics and this team needs to start looking elsewhere on where to build.
Speaker 1:Chadwick your thoughts outside, looking in your thoughts on it.
Speaker 3:So, first off, that's my favorite answer I've ever heard. People don't understand. No, here's why the national media and all these people in New York and all these big cities on the East coast they don't listen to us when we talk, and what I mean by that is Lakers fans never wanted LeBron, and no one understands that LeBron is not a Laker Like. Lebron was the opposite of Kobe. Everything that Kobe was LeBron's not, and I said it when he came to the Lakers. I said it when he won a ring. I said it when he came to the Lakers. I said it when he won a ring. I said it all the time the Lakers is Kobe's town. It's not LeBron's X. Just said it perfectly. Get him the fuck out of here.
Speaker 3:And he said it with Kobe. Kobe earned the right to stay two years too long. You know what I mean. Like you weren't going to tell Kobe go play for Memphis your last. That would have looked weird, man. Like it wouldn't have looked. That's like Jerry Rice in Seattle. It just don't look right. Kobe earned that and what did he do? He gave Est and Marlon and the rest of the Lakers fans one final game.
Speaker 3:Man, and I hated Kobe to death. Like I freaking hated Kobe. I was an Irishman guy. That last game, when he dropped that 60 against the Jazz bro, I was in tears Like this is it. I don't get to hate on him no more. Like I enjoyed hating him but I didn't get to appreciate his greatness all that much and I realized, damn man, like it's over. No more Kobe.
Speaker 3:When I watch LeBron, I don't get that LeBron. He's just flopping around crying and look at him. Now he's pissed off because Luka's the face of the franchise AD was Robin. Luke is Batman and LeBron doesn't know how to act when that shit happens. There's a reason he got Bosh and Wade to go in with him. Because Wade is passive man. I mean he doesn't want to be the face. He handed it to LeBron and Bosh is irrelevant. Now no one even remembers Chris Bosh. So when LeBron gets Luka next to him and everyone knows Luka and he's the face of the franchise, the face of the league lebron don't know how to act.
Speaker 3:Now he's like a little kid again and he's 40 years old and I'm with s get him out of here, trade him. I wouldn't even give. I mean, he has the right. He's gonna veto or rich paul's gonna choose where he goes and they're gonna put him in a spot. Maybe it's golden state for jimmy butler, new flash. The lakers will probably be better with butler and luca than they are with lebron and luca. Like, let lebrron go die off somewhere, not literally, but let his career end somewhere and just let him rot. Bro Go, send him to Utah for all I care. Get him out of here because he continues to act like a petulant child after 20 years in the league and that's why people act surprised when you don't like him or when you don't root for him. It just doesn't make sense. But I'm just glad that Est played that clip man, make that the highlight of the show. Like lakers fans, don't fuck with lebron. They never have, they never will that's right.
Speaker 2:That's a good point, doc I'll let you go.
Speaker 1:Uh, let me, let me say this really quick. So to your point, when you said, uh, oh yeah, my irison fan, it was always a uh, kobe and and kobe versus lebron. That's just what it was. If you like kobe, you didn't like the brine. If you like the brine, you didn't like kobe. That's just what it was. So when I found out that we got him, I wasn't the happiest but I'm like, okay, well, I guess we got him.
Speaker 1:He is this, he is that. You know, he's. He's won championships. It's it's obviously after the second stint in in cleveland. So he's not the lebron that he was of old, but he's still. He was still a decent lebron and we're able to win that bubble and even now people still shit on it because it was a bubble championship. But you know whatever.
Speaker 1:But I think as this gets older and older and older, now he's opting in them to 40, 50 million dollar contracts. It's just like man, like why I? I don't understand why at this point in your career, when you definitely want to compete with the Kobe's and the Jordans, take a little bit less, see if we can get more people, because now obviously two max players. We were dealing with the same thing Now that we have with we had with ad, where now we have to try to get guys average guys to take less money so they can come and play with us. So it's it's a point where I'm ready to move on.
Speaker 1:I'm ready to start this new chapter because, at the end of the day, luca can can still leave if he wants. There's no obligations for him to stay. So I'm hoping that we've done enough in inviting Luka to that meeting. Let them know that the ownership is changing. I'm hoping that now, at this point, we've shown where our cards are. So if we do want to trade, we can maybe get something decent for him. But it's almost time to rebuild and because we're not winning with this team next year with DeAndre Ayton as our big, we're not winning with that team, but especially how stacked the West is, it's tough. But I'm just kind of ready for a full reset. And Luca is still young, he's only 26 years old. So I'm ready to start this thing over, build around him and let's see what we can make out of this. Go ahead, doc.
Speaker 3:Well it has to Quick question, real quick, doc. I'm sorry if it's for Eston and Marlon because the guy from. Lincoln LeBron came. When LeBron came to the Lakers, the other name that was getting kicked around was Kawhi. Kawhi's, an LA kid doesn't have that, kobe. You hate Kobe. You love LeBron. Or would you have rather went the Kawhi route?
Speaker 2:Wow.
Speaker 1:Wow, I probably would have, because I would have always wondered what if? With Kawhi and with the injuries and all of that stuff? I would have always wondered, well, what happens if we would have got, at that point in time, one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player in the game? So I'm OK with with where it's at and I'm OK with having it. You know we've had our chapters of about, you know, four or five years, but I'm just ready for that to be over.
Speaker 4:Yes, I'll give a definitive answer, since Marlon's such a pussy.
Speaker 3:Yes, I'll give a definitive answer, since Marlon's such a pussy.
Speaker 4:I'm fine with LeBron over Kawhi, just because with Kawhi, just never know what you're going to get as far as minutes go, what he's going to put out there on the court. With LeBron, I mean, you could count on him to be out there for almost every game. You could count on his effort out there on the court With LeBron. You could count on him to be out there for almost every game. You could count on his effort out there on the court. Sometimes you see that Kawhi gets disinterested in a game if he's not involved. I have no problem sticking with LeBron over Kawhi.
Speaker 3:On the flip side, kawhi sounds like fourth. He wouldn't have been fourth to draft him, wow.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's right. No, and outside, looking in, this is the lakers man I live out here and they're pissed and they echo what raider is saying. There's a kobe town, lebron's not even in los angeles, at alagino. But here's the thing, man, given. That is, this is like, as marlin and radius, you know, it's one of those things where they got to do something. The pressure's on Palenka, you know. And with new ownership, do you move? What do you move LeBron when? You know? That's the big question out here. Does he go to Houston? Does he go to Detroit? Does he go back to Cleveland, charlotte? If you want to really mess his mind up, where does he go and what do you get back?
Speaker 1:as far as LeBron before the season, I don't even know if he's going anywhere. That's the thing. Like, I think he's going to stay and he's going to ride his time because your family is there. So, as Chad said earlier, lebron will find a way to make sure that trade doesn't go through. You know he will find a way, but your life is out there Now. He will find a way, but your life is out there Now. If he has his life all set up and everything, I think the perfect situation is for him to just do a sign and trade, to go back home to Cleveland, maybe win one more with that team, because the team is essentially ready to go, or maybe go and stay.
Speaker 1:I don't know. I don't know If I'm the other team too as well. I'm not giving up the house for a player that's going to retire in a year. I don't even think it'll be two years a year. So at that point I have all the the, the advantage on my side, like it's. So it's like look, you're going to take this, you know, draft pick, not even a first rounder, but a draft pick, and I don't know 20, 32 or whatever for somebody like LeBron, because dude doesn't have much value anymore.
Speaker 2:I don't think.
Speaker 3:Cleveland is opening the door again. That's like you can't just keep coming home whenever you feel like coming home, bro, like you had to make that decision. I think it's going to stay. I think Curry and Lebron they kind of have that little you know relationship now. Yeah, butler makes sense. He's an older player. I mean cleveland's not going to give up any of these young guys for him, like you said, marlin. So I think it's golden state. You flip butler for lebron and let curry and lebron do their thing. I think the lakers get better if they had Butler over LeBron at this stage in his career.
Speaker 2:Yeah, oh man, this is great.
Speaker 4:All the listeners out there Think of this. Think if, hypothetically, let's say, lebron ends up in Dallas, back out there with AD, with Cooper Flagg. That would be interesting to see.
Speaker 3:Yeah, because he wouldn't have to play major minutes, so they'll give up Kyrie Like how do, you do that yes, because he would love to play Kyrie.
Speaker 4:No, I'd just say cut his fucking ass. Get him off my team. I don't want him on the team, cut him.
Speaker 2:I hear you.
Speaker 3:What's the D-League name? Are they the Lakers team?
Speaker 4:Sit him down here, yeah, put him in a dress and put him on the sparks brutal brother.
Speaker 2:All right guys, y'all crazy yes very all right guys.
Speaker 1:last question for you um the NHL season. I believe it comes out on Wednesday, but looking at your teams and looking at who won last year and all that and Doc is a huge hockey guy now we talk hockey every episode. So this is just in case you guys didn't know. But looking at it, it's way too early I know. But who is your prediction to win the Stanley Cup in 2026? Est, you're up first.
Speaker 4:It's way too early, but that's what I said you know.
Speaker 1:There's a triple header on. October 7th.
Speaker 4:Look at that. There's a triple header on october 7th. Look at that. And chad's gonna love this colorado. To be honest with you, I I think, I think, uh, colorado, just they, they had, they were, they understand, they underachieved this season. I I thought they could have gone, they could have had a good run of the playoffs, but I like the way their team is built.
Speaker 4:I think the the abs are gonna have a good run of the playoffs. But I like the way their team is built. I think the Avs are going to have a good team next year. I think my way-too-early prediction. I'm going to say Colorado right now.
Speaker 1:Okay, chadwick.
Speaker 3:All the small things, let's go S I agree. I think the Avalanche are going to trade for Sidney Crosby. I think they're going to put Sidney Crosby on that line with McKinnon and I think they're going to do some damage. We have the best defensemen in hockey in Kale McCarr. Goal tending can use a little bit of work, but I just think the Avalanche are a threat as well. And, by the way, just to update everyone, because sports is a game of inches, cal Raleigh has won the Home Run Derby. He advanced in the first round by less than a foot and then he went crazy. Like that's how crazy it is. The favorite to win the Home Run Derby barely got through the first round by less than a foot of home run distance and he just went off after that. That's wild. So shout out to all the gamblers that he advanced with the metric yeah, 0.6.
Speaker 3:If you don't think Vegas is rigged, say it's rigged, that shit.
Speaker 2:Who's out there?
Speaker 3:measuring 0.6 of an inch in the stands.
Speaker 2:That's right.
Speaker 4:And Chad's happy because there was a white boy that won.
Speaker 2:That's right, chadwick. But to answer your question, maul, I'm going with Conor McDavid, yeah that's right, I'm going to go with Conor McDavid and Edmonton. I ain't got nothing else. It's way too early. I feel like it's going to be his time next year.
Speaker 3:What about the Thrasher's? What about the Thrasher's? The thrashers?
Speaker 2:Oh, the thrashers Chad. We get crazy. I miss those cats. Willie Platt, yeah, all that. This has been great, fellas Great.
Speaker 1:Destin Chad. It's been great. We might, we'll probably do this, maybe every I don't know couple months or something. Get both you guys on talk about you know, talk shit, talk all that stuff. So this was great oh yeah, oh yeah, so we'll probably doc.
Speaker 2:I'll tell you so much.
Speaker 1:We'll do this before the season starts. How about that? We do this again with them too.
Speaker 3:Yeah, thanks for having me.
Speaker 4:I do want to thank Chad for allowing the rest of us to speak.
Speaker 3:Oh, no, no, no, next time get us on with Mike in the OC oh, no, no oh man, I love all of y'all.
Speaker 1:Good job, chad my notifications don't stop, because he's in there just going on and on and on about pointless stuff. It's just he's been quiet lately.
Speaker 4:I know what's wrong with him, but he's's been quiet lately. I don't know what's wrong with him, but he's been pretty quiet lately.
Speaker 2:Well, the angels and all that you know, Whatever.
Speaker 1:Alright, chad Wicken. Appreciate you guys for joining man.
Speaker 2:Thank you, thank you, fellas Love both of you.
Speaker 1:God bless Raiders.
Speaker 4:Alright S he was going to say something else.
Speaker 1:Alright, it was Love, both of you. God bless Raiders. All right, s I mean S he was going to say something else. All right, it was great having them on. We'll definitely get them on again. It was a blast. All right, doc. So on to this WNBA. Man, I know you and your daughter were watching the game last night. So, thoughts on the Liberty and the Dream what are your thoughts going on in the WNBA?
Speaker 2:Well, it's becoming interesting, man, that the Liberty pulled out a great win at home against my Atlanta Dream that we saw they was up 17. So it goes to note that Liberty has some gumption in them. Man, you know the Dream we might make the playoffs but we're not going to go far. The Seattle Storm, you Storm. I loved watching them over the weekend. Of course, my girl, angel Reese she got like eight or nine straight 15 rebounds, over 10 rebounds a game, plus double-double. And then, of course, caden Clark speaks for himself. I think that guard, the other guard, she's nice man for the fever. I'm all into it, brother. But the headline of this weekend was the dream giving it up, man, you know, yeah, they had it. You know they needed that, but yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I think playoffs should be starting soon, in about maybe a month and some change, I believe, so we will be locked into that. But other than that, it was a great episode this week getting into the AFC West. What division you want to do next week, doc?
Speaker 2:Well, let's do something interesting. We'll keep it in the AFC. A lot of storylines in the AFC North Okay, relative to Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson's pressure. And then Joe Barrow Can he not go 0-2 and 0-4 and start strong? So let's do the AFC North next week.
Speaker 1:Okay, cool, alright, I will do my research and figure out what guests we can get on for that Other than that. That's all I've got for you guys. Appreciate you guys for joining and listening with us. We will catch you guys next week. Peace, peace.