Lions loss and all roads lead to Madrid

Josh and James with a quick recap of the Commanders fifth straight loss, a 44-22 battering by the Lions on Sunday night. They discuss Dan Quinn taking over defensive play-calling, big picture stuff for the rest of the season, and start to get excited about  Madrid.

@HailOnThreePod

Transcript

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 0:45

welcome to another edition of the Halo Free podcast. I'm Josh hosting today, our Detroit Lions Recap show. Joined by James, not by Lee, who is, as you'll hear later in the pod, already in Spain, the head of the Madrid game. Uh, just James for now. Uh, James, you heard in the intro. To this podcast or you will when this is edited together, Dan Quinn talking about taking over responsibility for defensive play calling, and uh, has he gone far enough? James leading question.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 1:18

I still wanted a head on a stick and I wanted him fired. But no, I think, I think it, I think it's actually, um, I'll commend him. It, I mean, it, it should have happened. Something should have been done weeks ago, I'll commend him because if this defense now doesn't improve. He's putting himself on the hot seat now. Right. Um, by taking over.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 1:41

Hmm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 1:42

um, it's a brave move, but it had to be done. something had to be done and, um, yeah, no, I'm intrigued to see from here.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 1:52

Yeah, it was inevitable after the shambles of a defensive performance on Sunday against the Lions. Um. Uh, Lee, you was, you'll hear later, he was very pleased with himself about his, uh, prediction, which was pretty close to the final score, which this game was 44 to 22 to the Lions. Um, there was a point. I think after the first, after the second touchdown that I thought this could be like 50 nothing and it could be genuine and, and at that point it just got funny, right? Obviously a fifth straight loss in a season where you're expecting to compete is never funny, but you start to get to a point where it's like, oh my God, I can't believe this. And I was genuinely very worried for the team at one point.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 2:35

Yeah, I thought, I thought it was gonna get to 70. I thought they were gonna, I just didn't think they were gonna let up and they didn't really, um, mostly off the back of the playoff game. Uh, my prediction was 44 18. Um, my score Army happen. I, it, I thought we would've been close. I think we missed a two point conversion maybe something. No. What did I need? No, I needed a safety.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 2:58

Yeah. Yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 2:58

for, for us to get a safety. Um, yeah, I mean, it's sad that we all thought that would happen. Um, but yeah, I early on in that game, like you, um. I thought that was gonna get even worse, like record kind of score or something. But, um. They could do what they want. Um, Dan Campbell took over play calling on offense and seemed like he was just trying things out. Um, I touched on, um, that I want to get Jameson Williams moving. Um, I think Dan Quinn's been frustrated. His OC hasn't been able to do that, so he decided to take that into his own hands and thought, well, what better game to try that out? And obviously worked, but they could do what they want. So it didn't really matter what they'd done. And if you recall. Obviously Jamir Gibbs done what he does, but if you recall the, the NC championship game, Jame Gibbs was running all over us back then, and it was bizarre when Ben Johnson, um, stopped running him. Um, so there was no surprises there either.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 3:52

No, you're absolutely right. They could do what they wanted. Um, there wasn't much. Coming out of this game, having watched it pack, which I did do, um, in terms of new things to talk about, which is what's most frustrating about this situation, um, in terms of the defense and how it played, the person along the field and what the other team was able to do to us, it was a bit of a carbon copy of, of how teams can beat us, which essentially is any way they want. As I said earlier this season. We can't play man to man coverage'cause our cornerbacks and our linebackers aren't good enough and can't run and we can't play zone'cause they're not clever enough or the scheme is a shambles. So we're in that InBetween point where teams can just do whatever they want. We can't set the edge and we're beat up. And now, because, uh, to run, Payne started to throw a punch at someone, we're even more. Uh, you know, you've got even fewer people on Sunday against the Dolphins, so we're at a point where I think we've hit a new low. Um, and I think you were messaging during the game saying it looks like they've, they've lost it a bit. They've lost the, the kind of, or Joe Whitt at least certainly had, had lost the, uh, dressing room in terms of some of the stuff, shit that was going on out there. Right. I just didn't look disciplined either.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 5:03

And, and the body language as well in between

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 5:05

Mm-hmm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 5:06

um, didn't look good at all. People not finishing tackles, I mean, I even saw one. Only'cause it popped up on tour I notes at the time. But, um, Louis went full steam ahead to bring down Gibbs or something. Then he came across Sewell and just completely backed off. I know he's a big guy, but I dunno, I, I just, I don't think their heart's really in it at the moment and it's sad to watch, as you say it is. New lows. Can it get lower? can it go on like this? It can, um, I dunno. Maybe it can get worse. Um, we're underdogs against Miami, which was, um, unthinkable, um, a few weeks

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 5:48

It is crazy.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 5:49

Um, yeah, and obviously the only highlight was Donald Trump's cameo

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 5:55

Oh,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 5:56

a bit of light

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 5:56

I mean, you know, there, there's no denying whatever you think of Donald Trump, that he's absolutely comedy gold. And, uh, I was debating whether to go to bed, um, early and I was desperate to stay up to watch Donald Trump in the booth, which was hilarious. Um, and we're gonna play a clip of him now'cause this is pure comedy.

6:15

This is a very big play. Don't you think? I, I think they have to get a touchdown. Let's put it differently. They just have to get a touchdown. There we go. Now you're doing my job. Because that's what I was gonna say. They have to get a touchdown. Just forget about the play. They have to get a touchdown. So you've done my job now. You've done his job right.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 6:31

He's, he's just, it's just his cadence, the way he talks, the way the things he comes out with. He can't, he can't.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 6:36

Yeah.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 6:37

just brilliant. Um, and yeah, that was the highlight of the game. I,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 6:43

Yeah. I was surprised how long he was in there. It was like 10

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 6:46

yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 6:46

And, um. They said he was coming on the third court. So I did wait till then I was gonna

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 6:51

Mm-hmm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 6:52

So far, let's just, let's see how this goes. Um, but yeah,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 6:59

Let's move nicely.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 7:00

that that's the only highlight.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 7:01

Yeah, let's move nicely from Donald Trump to, uh, Lee and Lee's voice clip, uh, from, uh, my very underrated Stanford airport.

7:12

Hey guys, Lee here for, I'd give you a quick voice note ahead of your podcast later today. I feel for you even having to talk about Sunday's game, but it's becoming a bit predictable now. Um, my biggest positive really was getting the game prediction somewhat correct, tight end for us in the end zone in garbage time, lions, to easily score 40. What did I say? 41 20. Not too far off, but obviously some need yesterday, which was fairly welcomed. Joe Whit Junior, being ated from defensive coordinators, so he's still on the staff, but Dan Quinn now having to call plays. It's got that bad, they could not even wait to the bi-week. It's. Historically bad, really looking at that, passing in defense, all, all facets of the defense. But that was, that was something else to watch, wasn't it on Sunday. And the question I posed to you guys, uh, what was it a week or two ago that would we be favored against the dolphins? Well, we have our answer. We are going into Madrid underdogs, just like we all scripted it. Hey, uh, but that's where we are and. Yeah, almost, almost lost a wave like Dan Quinn, I think. But end of the day, we're gonna have a great trip. We're gonna draw ourselves out there, so love seeing you at the weekend and I will look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Actually, about to board my flight now to, to Malaga from a rather quiet London Stanstead airport is Tuesday, November morning. Uh, so we're gonna have a few days in the sun, which will be welcomed and then. The festivity start when you guys get on deck Saturday, but who knows what the game will entail at this point and if we've even got any players to take out there. But, but we'll have fun. We'll see what happens and see you there.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 9:07

Alright, thanks Lee. Appreciate you taking the time on your travels today. Uh, I did just receive a, uh, photo from Lee of a very nice sunny cadel soul. Uh.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 9:18

Okay.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 9:18

View, I'll send it on. He's, he's living it up in spite of the team, not doing their end of the bargain this season. Uh, so good for him and we're very much looking forward to, to joining him on Saturday, as he says. And yes, he was very close with his prediction as well. And, and like he mentioned there, the dolphins being favorites, um, is insane. Um, we are three and seven now. 10 and seven is the, uh, best case scenario the rest of the season, which is winning seven straight games. Um, obviously that's not happening, and even if it did, we wouldn't be guaranteed a playoff spot. So the season is over. Um, I'm gonna jump ahead a bit, James. If Jaden Daniels gets healthy or is healthy after the buy, would you even play him at this point?

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 10:01

That's a really tricky one. Um, does this team have it in them after everything they've said and done to, that would be them. We know the season's over, but that'd be them quitting on the season. Um. he's healthy, they're not pitting him out there. So they'll have a big decision to make. I wouldn't wanna make that call. Um, don't know what the right answer is. I think as, as just a fan who likes to watch their team try and win games, I would wanna see him back out there and maybe try and ruin Philly season or beat Dallas on Christmas day, you know? Um, but obviously the head says, what's the point? Let's. Try and get a higher draft pick. But,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 10:42

I think,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 10:43

and just for his own

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 10:44

yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 10:45

besides all that, because this team, you know, he has to do everything himself. you look at like Lamar Jackson, you've got running back like Derrick Henry, and all the weapons he's got in their offensive line. He's, you know, he got injured, but I think that was a hamstring. Right. So Daniels has taken a ton of hits because he has to do himself and, you know. Is there much point. Chucking him out there and he might get an even worse injury. Um, so yeah, it's, it's a tough

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 11:14

It's a really tough one and I don't envy them it being in that position'cause it's hard to decide whether you want to protect him longer term. Um, but obviously they wanna win games and they wanna save their own jobs and all this stuff, so there's a lot that goes into it. Um, I, some of the fan base are saying just, you know, tank now, the rest of this season, um, we are not in for a quarterback and that's the only scenario in which you tank in the NFL ultimately. And we've got our quarterback, albeit he's hurt, um. A difference between a few draft picks isn't as big when it isn't a quarterback you're after. And we've seen how, um, how many excellent players can be picked up, not by us usually, but by other teams, uh, in the tens and twenties and in later rounds. So I'm not gonna say that we need to tank, I would rather we are competitive and for my own enjoyment, like you said, like I don't wanna be rooting against this team. Like I want'em to win in Miami. Of course I do. So yeah, enough of that please, guys.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:09

yeah, yeah. With you. Um, a nice win in Spain would certainly go a long way to lift into the spirits of everyone, um, whoever's going and whoever's watching at home, that Christmas day one as well.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:21

Yeah,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:22

I did ask earlier if that could be flexed out. I don't think it

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:24

no, it's not part of that. Thank, thank, well, thankfully for us for, what time is it? Is it six o'clock UK time?

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:31

Yeah. I don't know. I'd, I'd have to check that. Um,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:34

a quick look.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:36

suitable amount of drinks by then, so should

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:38

Third or fourth wind at that point, I'm, I'd imagining on Christmas Day. Um, just have a really quick, quick look. Um, I, I don't wanna look at tickets. Yeah. Six o'clock UK time on Christmas Day.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:52

Okay.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:52

Interesting one.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:53

That's not a

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:53

No, that's all right.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 12:54

a bad

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 12:54

Um, you mentioned about, uh, those who are making the trip over to en enjoy it in Madrid. Um, there's quite a few players that aren't gonna be making the trip over, or at least won't be on the field. So we're gonna see an interesting offense and defense, some news that came outta the game that's frustrating. Um, is that Tre Amos is out. Did you, I can't remember if someone said that he's out for the season or if he's just out long term.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 13:19

it sounds like, it sounds like it could be out for the season with the

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 13:21

Okay.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 13:21

but it's fractured as fibular or something, or

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 13:23

Oh God. Okay. Doesn't sound good.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 13:26

I don't see him

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 13:26

No,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 13:27

especially with the way the season's going. So again, another one player to be excited about who we now don't have on the field. Um, even Reon Burkes, who, you know, looked like our best receiver, I mean, broke his finger. He is, had fin finger surgery yesterday, so he, it's

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 13:42

I was really,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 13:42

he's out

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 13:43

I know it's just trade on, but I was really guided by that because like I've, you know, it. Ever since Lee's Art Monk segment, I've been reminded about how much I like big receivers and how, how important it's just to have a big, big guy on the outside sometimes, which we just have not had for ages or a good one. And he is not anything wellbeing, but a couple of those catchers, he's a bright spot in the game, are offensively and he looked the part again and I thought, oh, finally someone that's a bit more of a target.'cause even Terry's stuff is all contested. Um, that I liked seeing him out there. So I was really guided actually'cause I thought he was gonna be someone to watch in Madrid. Real shame.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:16

Yeah, for me it was just something to kind of root for for the rest of the season. Um, you know, can this guy be what he was supposed to be and um, would've been something exciting to watch for. surely we see Jaco Brooks get elevated this week. Maybe that could be something to get excited about for Lee at the weekend.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:32

watch.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:32

Um, yeah, and obviously I haven't got pain there. Terry is on the flight.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:37

Mm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:38

Um, for some reason, maybe it's for some press or something, some commitments.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:43

Signing autographs for

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:44

but

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:45

you mate.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:45

he wa um, well, yeah, he wasn't on the sideline, he wasn't on the sideline for the game the other day, but he'll fly to Madrid. So

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:52

Mm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:52

a

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:52

Weird.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 14:54

Um, there was a couple more injuries, right? I'm sure there

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 14:57

Yeah, I, IC Chris Rodriguez left the game. What was Kit? Kit.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 15:02

because he started the game actually. And, um.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 15:05

Mm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 15:05

Merit only got some run after he went out the game

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 15:07

Which is an interesting one after the kind of crowning merit as offensive rookie of the year, earlier in the season. And maybe I even, I got a bit too excited about him. That charges game. But, um,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 15:17

said he could be offensive.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 15:18

yeah. Well, I mean, look, you know, way he looks, but he, he, we haven't been able to run the ball effectively. And, and some of that is, you know, not having Jaden obviously, it's just been a struggle. But shame for Rodriguez if he is hurt. Um, I think the big picture stuff now is what's, I mean, unless you've got anything specific on, on the game in the Lions game, after.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 15:38

Um, no, not really. I want to touch on like the fan takeover from the lines and. Washington fans walking out in the third quarter, is that the first time Josh has, Josh Harris would've sinned that under his

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 15:54

Yeah, I mean certainly that way I'm sure

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 15:56

particularly, particularly in this kind of proper new era. So he's invested a lot of money. He's not gonna stand for that, um, in the long term.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 16:04

no.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 16:05

I think Dan Quinn gonna have to kind of re-earn some trust, especially taking over these defensive play calling duties. And I think. This is unthinkable to speak of, but I think he's starting to put himself on the hot seat with what's happening just because it's not just losing, it's the way you are losing and looking like you've lost the dressing room and four games on the bounce. All blow blowouts. I know they're against tough opposition, but I mean, if you go according to this, the past four games we've lost by a combined number of 111 points. You

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 16:38

Wow.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 16:39

I'm sorry. And that's the first team to lose four games in a row by 21 plus points since the 2002 Cardinals. So this is a all time bad defense and quite frankly, bad

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 16:54

Yes,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 16:56

Um, not many survive that. So let's see how the season ends. But, um, I think he's got himself in a bit of trouble

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 17:03

I think so. And he's not gonna be able to talk to, um. I think, you know, the fact that he hired Joe Witt himself and he's his guy, he, he heard that a bit at the start of him saying how well Joe Wit's taken the news and this, well, yeah, he is probably delighted he's not been fired, but he, he's not gonna be in the firing line anymore. So it's like, well, yeah. Okay. Um,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 17:24

Yeah.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 17:25

which I could get demoted and still get paid. Um, so I, you know, I think.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 17:30

Less work, same

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 17:31

Yeah. And, and, and look, he and Dan Quinn has talked about how they're all one organization with him in the front office and everything. So he's not even able to do the kind of Jake Rudin, Ron Rivera style. I didn't bring these guys in. Um, it was something, you know, him and Adam Peter are supposedly so tight. So he is, he's in a hot seat because of of, of the way things have gone and how south they've gone. And we're becoming a bit of a, I suppose we're becoming a bit of a league-wide joke at the moment because we, we, we are that team that made. NFC championship game that is now three and seven and genuinely in like laughable moments every week. Like there's something that happens every week that's like funny to everyone else and is memeable, and it's like, oh no, here we go again.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 18:13

yeah. It's a, it's a colossal fuck up of lost momentum from season to the next season. I, I can't remember the last time I've seen like anything like this for any other team. Um.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 18:25

Good point.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 18:25

They'll need to review everything. Every approach they took in off season, um, has led to this. Ultimately, it's not just injuries. Look at the 49 ERs. They barely got any players, um, and they're still playing hard

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 18:38

Mm

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 18:40

Um, the jets traded away to their best defensive players and

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 18:44

mm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 18:45

Um, I've only thrown the ball 11 times. I know they're playing the Browns, but I mean, that's a good defense as well. So, um. I'm not just, I'm just not having that as the excuse to be honest. It is, it is a reason, but it can't explain just the downing of tools and the blowouts for

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 19:05

No,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 19:06

Others might think differently, but

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 19:07

I'm in.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 19:08

that's a bit harsh. Maybe it's not.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 19:09

I'm in agreement with you. And I think one of the things that, when. When this goes wrong, this sort of approach is that when you have guys on short term deals and older vets and things are going wrong, they're not as bought in necessarily, right? Like, it's a bit like, well probably wag as a professional and a good guy and everything like that, right? But he's coming to the end of his career and ER's are the same. How much time and energy they really gonna put into it when they see it's going wrong like this. I mean, they're, they're gonna be out, right? They be outta the league soon in a booth somewhere or something.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 19:38

And I, I certainly wanna see all due respect to those guys and they're amazing for us last year. I wanna see less of them for the rest of the season, um, to see what young talent we've got, um, out there.'cause you know, if you can't get'em on the field now, when are you gonna, when are you gonna get'em on the field? Let's, let's feature Ben Sin. Let's, let's let Zacker, let's take a break for a bit,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 19:58

Yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 19:59

for example,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 19:59

He's not the future and we're not in Win Now mode anymore. So I totally agree with you. And you might find a hidden gem. You might find a, someone that wasn't supposed to contribute and ends up being half decent, like a Jeremy Reeves. You might find someone. So I I, in total agreement, um, on Quinn and the defense, just'cause I forgot to mention. Um, I am expecting a bounce back against the dolphins. I'm expecting a better defense. Now, maybe I'm an idiot. Like I said, that this lions game is gonna be close, but I think there could be something in it. I think that there's, there's, there's often that sort of thing when, um, a head coach takes over and, and is respected and, and they, you know, they obviously did not want to play for Joe Witt anymore, right? So I think maybe they'll be a little bit better.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 20:44

Yeah, I mean, yeah, you'd, you'd expect it to be a bit of a bump. I guess it depends on the talent we've, we've got on the field this weekend. We have no idea who's, who's really gonna be out there. We'll see what the injury report looks like, um, but perhaps a change of scenery and a, a different play caller, just a different voice for them you're getting blown out every week. and you are on that unit and you are hearing the same voice every week, and it's, it's not working. Um, maybe some fresh ideas will, will certainly help them, but, um, I. We'll see. Yeah, I like the positivity because we're all, we all wanna win this weekend and we would like to see a good performance. And obviously the dolphins are coming off a very strong performance, but they've had a couple of random games where they have performed well and then lost against someone poor the following week. So, um, and it is to us, so, you never know.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 21:39

I have you have, have you seen The Dolphins in an International Series game? Do you, have you, have you seen Tour or The Dolphins? I can't. I saw the Dolphins in the first ever one. Right. But I've,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 21:49

I feel like they've been at London a

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 21:51

yeah. Well, I just can't remember seeing him play live.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 21:53

games.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 21:55

Yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 21:56

No, I don't think I've seen. Hmm. Hmm.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 22:01

No, the over under on these, these international games is, is, is pretty low, right?'cause they've been, they've not been good. Um, the, the product, I think the NFL is, is struggling a little bit, um, to make these, these games be well liked at home because of how, uh, bad they are typically. Um, and this one was supposed to be a good one, so they'll be frustrated again.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 22:25

Yeah. Yeah, that'll be, they'll be disappointed of this one because. They thought they had a, a good matchup here and it sold you just far from that. But you never know. It might be one of those fun, weird games where it's high scoring. I mean, it'd be high scoring for the Miami. Um, uh, their defense hasn't been good all season apart from they've shown. They were good last week against the bills somehow.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 22:49

Hmm.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 22:51

but yeah, also just wanna say, Lee, enjoy the sunshine where you can in Malaga, because it's gonna be raining in Madrid from Friday onwards.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 22:58

Is it?

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 23:00

just to sum up thunderstorms possibly. Um, and a lot of rain. So that sums up the

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 23:07

Oh, no, that, I mean, that is a bit of stress.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 23:11

Not to put a damper on it, but you know,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 23:12

Well, literally, yeah. Fucking.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 23:13

I've got a few Redskins jackets I was hoping to take. So,

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 23:16

I do have one I've,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 23:17

every

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 23:18

that's good. I'm, I'm glad you have, I've got a, uh, one to debut, which will be, uh, fun for people. I am, I wanted to say one more thing about the Lions Game, just because I, um, one of you, I can't remember who sent it earlier. Um, one of those ESPN, um. App things. So the, this is our, our season in a nutshell. Uh, Jamir Gibbs right end for 13 yards. Touchdown Washington. Frankie Lvu was injured during the play. Washington Trey Amos was injured during the play permanently on Washington Durron pain disqualification. One yard in force between downs, two point conversion attempts, David Montgomery rushes up the middle attempt succeeds. That's one play that summarizes and uh, if anything is quite funny. But that is kind of our season in a nutshell. And, um, sorry to interrupt your weather talk, but I just remembered that and I was like, I need to get that in'cause it is quite funny.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 24:13

Yeah. No, that was, um, it does, if someone, even if someone that doesn't know the NFL that well, they go, well, how's your team getting on? Just send them that. I think even they'll understand that even if they don't know

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 24:24

Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Everything that can go wrong did go wrong. Uh, it won't for our trip in Madrid, though, I am, uh, extremely excited to be leaving on, uh, Saturday morning landing around, I think we're around midday or so, so we'll all be out and about our group, our mixed group of, uh, at one point I think we're gonna have. A a, a Dallas, sorry, not a Dallas. Uh, a Giants fan. And an Eagles fan in the vicinity. But don't worry, there'll be plenty of, uh, Washington fans with us and I'd like to, uh, extend the invite for a bit or whatever that weird cider is that they do over there, that's like part of Madrid culture, uh, to anyone that wants to come and meet us. So please do get in touch via Twitter if you wanna meet us in Madrid, right?'cause we'll definitely be able to respond. And obviously Lee's already in Spain, so if you're already out there, give him a shout on Twitter as well. Sure. He'd love that.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 25:16

yeah, there's a lot of talk about the James Joyce Irish Pub as well, so I'm sure we'll try and get down there, whether that's Saturday evening or Sunday morning pre-game. Um, but we'll be, we'll be out and about everywhere, so yeah, it'd be good to see, see some people, which I'm sure we

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 25:29

absolutely. And after the game on Sunday, we're all gonna hopefully get back together again. And timing wise, it should work out all right to watch, uh, watch the rest of the weekend, slate and uh, if we're still standing at that point anyway.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 25:41

Yeah, hopefully you'll get word on some good spots to watch the rest of the games. I'm sure the word will spread quickly on

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 25:47

Yeah, exactly.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 25:48

um, yeah, that would be good. Um, but yeah, I think we're, we're getting a preview show in right as well, so we can build up some more

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 25:56

We should, we should do, we should, we should be able to get a previous show. I'm not sure who's gonna be doing it. Me, me and you. Me and Lee. You. And I'm not sure what's gonna work out, but we're gonna do it. And we're busy. Busy. Are you? Is a little, um, callback to a hot take. James, are you stressed this week? Is your trip coming up or is this one low pressure enough?

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:14

No, this, this is, this is low

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:15

Yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:16

This is low pressure.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:17

The wife's not coming. Basically.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:21

essentially, No, no. Um, me and Pete have actually now booked into Premier the night before. I think you're

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:28

Yeah, we all are I think now. Yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:30

yeah.'cause of the Elizabeth line issues. So, we're kicking off on Friday night with hopefully a beer or two.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:37

Nice.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:38

now I'm feeling pretty relaxed about it. Just gonna chuck a load of Washington hoodies in the bag and off

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:42

Yeah, this is it, right? It's only 2, 2, 2 nights and, and

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:45

Not getting dressed up for

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:46

no, uh, so just your comfy then on the plane and, and in Madrid. Neck pillow at the game? Uh,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:54

I'm not, don't go

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:55

no. No.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 26:55

Don't go that

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 26:56

How is it? Two hours, the flight. Two and a bit. Yeah. Nice. Cool. All right. Thanks for jumping on and talking about an.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 27:04

but quickly, the, the weekend wasn't all too bad. Now was it Josh? Because I did smash you in fantasy in our matchup.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 27:10

I just cut that out. I was just about to say, I was just about to leave the podcast and you, you did smash me. I, I made some high risk trades before the game that basically didn't make any difference at all.'cause you absolutely battered me. Um, and I was hoping that on my birthday weekend I would see a victory. I did not. Uh, but you did come out for a beer on Friday, which was appreciated as well. So it was good to see you. Um, but yeah, my fantasy season like Washington season has taken an absolute dive after last year, whatever deal with the devil I did to win my fantasy league last year in Washington to get to the C championship game has clearly run out. Um, so yeah, and um,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 27:44

uh. My offensive of rookie of the air out, Trayvon Henderson led the way

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 27:49

he sort of touchdown did he?

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 27:50

was just, I wasn't wrong. I was just early.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 27:52

Just,

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 27:52

I only took 10 weeks.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 27:54

okay. Alright. I like that. Nice. Um, I, I was gonna say, actually I did, when I was looking at some life, Adam, in the other day on Google Sheets, I did see our, um, preseason predictions spreadsheet with everyone's predictions on there. Had a quick.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 28:08

feel like you made a good Daniel Jones call

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 28:10

Yeah. Yeah. Well, I think yes, uh, on there and on our fantasy one with Matt, I said he'd be, so that was, and I traded him away actually. Um, but um, yeah, it's, it's not good reading and I think people were generous to us'cause they like us. Um, some people with, in terms of our, our record and stuff. But, um, yeah, some interesting calls on there. And so we'll go through that at some point. Maybe the bi week will, will, will revisit it. When we do a bi-week episode, um, bi-week can't come quick enough, but not before Madrid. Um, thanks for coming on, mate. Um, and yeah, as I said, we'll get an episode out, but everyone gets in touch with us on Twitter or whatever beforehand. Then please do. Um, and we can leave the last five games in a row, five losses in a rob, clearly in the rear view mirror as we head to Madrid, uh, and enjoy ourselves.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 28:58

just finally do, still have a spare ticket.

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 29:00

Oh yeah.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 29:00

mailbag. Matt's ticket. So, uh, sorry Matt, we haven't recouped your money

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 29:04

Nine.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 29:04

Um, but um, we do still have one spare, so get in touch. Or if not, maybe we'll be able to find someone on the

joshua_1_11-11-2025_163756 29:11

I I is, it is someone, it's just, it's a ticket on its own, isn't it? It's not with, with us. Yeah. So I suppose that might be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the listener's view. Um, but I, I hope we don't find someone and we have to give it to a random Spaniard that we kind of pick up in the street or at a bar. I think that'd be quite funny. We turn them into a Washington fan. Um, just lie to and tell him we're going to Super Bowl anyway. Yeah, do get in touch though if, if you want a ticket or know of anyone who needs one, but yes, uh, I'll see you. Maybe Friday night, maybe Saturday morning, bright and early, James. Until then, hail.

james_1_11-11-2025_163755 29:43

How.

29:45

We're in our thirties now. Well, I'm only just 30. Are you? You must 39. No, both in our thirties is the fact Alright. Yeah.