Hail on Three
Three fans, two continents, one team. Hail on Three brings together Josh Edwards, James Barker and Lee Edwards to talk Washington Commanders football—the good, the bad and the downright baffling. Expect game talk, guests, hot takes and plenty of side tangents. Whether we’re winning or rebuilding (again), we’re along for the ride.
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Hail on Three
Wildcard Weekend Recap + David Blough hired as OC
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James and Lee get together to discuss a wonderful wildcard weekend (especially the Eagles losing to the Niners!) as well as the Commanders hiring David Blough as OC.
@HailOnThreePod
Why is he even there? Why is he that close to the sideline with a headset?
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Fake job. Fake tough guy.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Brilliant weekend.
How would you describe the culture surrounding this football team? You know, the culture is actually damn good. Again, little tricker. Dr. Juwan, who's thrown it before going deep. He's got it. Touchdown 49 ERs.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Welcome to another episode of the Halo and Free podcast. My name is Lee to you for a bit of a quick hitter today after the news that dropped on Friday early evening, US time about the hiring. the Washington Offensive Coordinator, the internal promotion of David Blau, and as would luck have it our second recording of the week, some Major Washington News Break. And I'm with James. James Hayden.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah. Good. Thanks Lee. Um, twice last week we recorded. Just like two hours before big news break. So there we were talking out about the possibility of Mike McDaniel, um, and then News Break of David Blouses hiring, which I think a few, a few were in on it, such as Kim and people like that talking about it, but still a bit of a surprise.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I did at least mention the name of the
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717It did.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716so luckily for that, but yeah, it was a bit interesting timing. No one really expected it that
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716and that kind of
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717And Josh, Josh, Josh specifically said This would be a long process.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, exactly. And to be fair, if they were waiting for McDaniel, I'm sure it would've been. But we'll get in, we'll get into all that. Um, as we start the working week again in, in January, cold January. But there was some fantastic football to talk about. First, the preview show we'd done for the World Card Weekend, I think we mentioned that we loved a lot of the games and they did not disappoint well, at least not until the last couple of. Evening games here, but the schedule's worked out pretty well for that as well. So do you wanna rattle through some of these results,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yes.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716James, and give some insights because I think we very much enjoyed the weekend. Did, did we not?
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717No, we did very, very good weekend.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Uh, topped off with a certain Sunday, Sunday evening game, UK time. But yeah, I, I'm glad the, the two poorer games were actually, uh, not watchable, uh, for me over here anyway. So though, um. I I interestingly, I just wanna touch on that Chargers, Patriots game. I watched the quick highlights that they do on D Zone. I didn't wanna dedicate 40 minutes to it, I hadn't seen the score yet, but, um, so it was one of the sort of five, six minute highlights. And, um, I didn't see a, there was no charges offensive snap on the highlight until under one minute left in the second quarter. Um, it was mostly, um, Herbert on the floor, uh, in those highlights, which is quite interesting.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, I watched a little bit of that. I guess we'll go in a weird
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716you brought that one up. So I watched a little bit of that and now their been injured all season long. But what what was notable is New England had a very clear game plan, a successful one, and I thought Harvo was really poor, actually. Um, didn't react to it in any way. Didn't try any tempo, didn't really get any plays that were, you know, quick hit as available for her. But he was just under duress all night. terrible showing for the Chargers in the wildcard after they managed to couple together a double digit winning season with all them injuries, but um, booted out pretty early last year by the Texans, I believe as well, with a bit of a no show.
Play pass. Oh, pick up on Henley Twist. Tim Man's got it to touchdown New England against his old team in the playoffs.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716So probably if you're a Chargers fan who's very much liked what you see from Justin, her in a regular season, a worrying postseason for him so far.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, you'll be frustrated'cause you know, you've got a really good court back there, but there's always, you know, maybe it's just simply down to injuries, but I think their whole offense had gone way off course, um, in that second half of the season. Um, looking at some of the highlights, I mean. They, they, they were thrown to like, I think there's a quite a pivotal player. I can't remember what it was, but they're thrown to Keenan Allen against Christian Gonzalez. Um, Keenan Allen must be about 40 going against on the premier young cornerbacks in the league. So, yeah. Um, yeah. Let's get the crap ones out the way. I guess the, then you obviously had Steelers. Uh, Texans last night, so that's 30 to six.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716All right.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717That's no surprise. I know I was, uh, going down a narrative route on my, on my bracket on the previous episode. Would like to see the Steelers do something there, but I think all logic would suggest there was just no way they're gonna come at that game with a win, with the defense and them having an above average offense, uh, in itself.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, so I watched some of it last night. It was not too intriguing to be fair, so I was kind of like in and out of the game a bit. even at seven to six, which was the score for, for a long time, Texans were up by point. The game kind of fell over, if you know what I mean. Like just Pittsburgh. We're never gonna get anything going, um, against this Texans defense, which is, I, I guess if it was underrated. It certainly isn't after last night, but yeah, really good unit.
Here's an interception for good measure. It's picked off by Bullock and Rogers is in his way trying to make the tackle can't, and it's a touchdown Texans.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I would say that actually Stroud has dodged a bullet'cause he was really poor in the first half. Um, I think he had free turnovers overall, so he had two fumbles, which he hadn't had all in the regular season. He threw a terrible pick in the red zone as well. So Stroud would be an area of concern looking at that performance. But Houston of the real deal on defense. So that sets up a, uh, intriguing matchup Tomlin now. As much as he gets the speeders there every year. He hasn't won a game forever,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716going back 20 16, 17
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716So a long, long time for him. And also the, the exits have been pretty, um, you know, pretty comfortable in terms of the score. I think he's lost most of these by seven points or more. So there's gonna be a lot of talk, um, of maybe another
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716in the A FC
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, I mean, that'd be. It's one of those tricky ones, isn't it? That's a big decision for them to make because sometimes the grass isn't greener and you know, it's clear love. But maybe it's time for a fresh start for new ideas for both sides. I'm sure he'd get snapped up. Um, you know, he'd be second in line behind harbor. I should imagine on most people's list if he became a available. Um.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716What, what I'm noticing is a lot of these fan bases as we, as their play, as the, um, as their teams get dumped out early in the playoffs, even the ones who have really good coaches are they've been there a while and they haven't had the success in the
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Mm
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I guess there's just a different standard. Like we are very happy to make the playoffs for a team that doesn't do it too often. These teams that make the playoffs year in, year out but fail to do any damage. I'm thinking of Green Bay thinking of Pittsburgh. Um, even some whispers outta Philadelphia, like if, if, if they get knocked out there, they have very different ambitions. Like they think they should be competing and, but I get it for Green Bay. Um, for me, I think Lafa is an excellent offensive guy, so it's, it's kind of
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717mm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716to me. I think they'd be smart to, to extend him, but, um, yeah, a lot of these, a lot of these teams, um, you know, if you, if you regularly get put out in the wild card round, you're gonna have a different degree of pressure. And I think the Tomlin conversation might be real even for him as well. I mean, he's the longest tenured head coach in the league now. He is not that old as he.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716um,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716there. Should we go back
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, I'll, um, I'll, I'll rewind, I'll rewind. I just, um,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716then.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717just quickly, we've got a podcast coming later in the week where we'll preview the games, but New England v. Texans, um, that's looking like, that'd be the hardest one to predict. Just a quick glance, but let's move on. We'll get into that later in the week. Um, yeah. So hell of a game, uh, in Carolina Rams 34 Panthers. 31 in that one went down to the wire. I know, uh, myself and I comment, it was your Josh fought this might be close early on with the Rams getting away, but it's close the whole way. And Rams had to, um, have a a, a Go Home Elite. Matthew Stafford, MVP, like drive, uh, to win the game. Towards the end there. What did you think of that game, Lee?
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716We kind of reversed the the game script, didn't we? Because they actually got out to 14 to nothing lead and then. got back into it. It was super close in the second half, and that was the theme for these early weekend games. Amazing. Um, entertainment, a lot of. Fourth quarter lead changes. But I pre, I mean, I've got, obviously we've all got the same Super Bowl
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716despite very different brackets that are just about still alive, but I have the rounds winning it all, and I'm undecided now if they do have some issues potentially on defense or is that their scare and now they're gonna kind of come to their own bit. Because that, that wasn't the best player of performance in quite a few ways. Um, they let Carolina hang around. Carolina can move the ball pretty well. Um, you could see the confidence growing the crowd getting more into it. So I have a few concerns out over the rounds, but yeah, Stafford just showing what he can do and obviously there's just a difficult matchup maybe for them after they're lost in the
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm. I think you'd expect that from their defense, um, giving up 31 points to the Panthers, and the Rams have had a pretty good defense, uh, most of the year. Yeah. I, I think my gut is that's kind of their scare and that, and they'll. Look better. Um, but I mean, you know, not to look ahead, they go into the bears. That's gonna be, to me that's a coin toss. Um, just'cause the way the bears are at the moment. But yeah, the Rams can obviously beat anyone if their offense is humming.
Right there with Drake. May gonna be Stafford or may head to head for MVP going in zone, poking a coin just like that. Los Angeles is on the board. KU with his third catch of the drive. It's a 14 yard touchdown,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Um, I thought Devonte Adams looked a bit rusty, uh, coming off, uh, about a month out with a hamstring, but massively entertaining game. And, uh, a hell of a game for the rookie, uh, McMillan as well for the Panthers.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, they've got a bright feature, haven't they? I think their coaching set there. Is looking pretty good. So I think as gutting as it'll be to, to lose that close game at the end, they'll be very happy with their season. Where, even going 500 odds to win the division when you've got Tamra, there is, is an achievement. So really good showing for them. I think they've definitely. Confirmed they picked the right guy at, at head coach as well. So, let's go on then to,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716current hometown, uh, the Windy City. What I've seen, it was on Saturday evening. So from a personal perspective, I watched the Rams game out in the bar, but then decided to, to kind of go home as it was shoulder to shoulder. And I just, yeah, I, I thought I was, it was gonna get more crazy, so I decided, you
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717about it.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I'm gonna go. Yeah. I just didn't, I didn't fancy it. I didn't fancy it. I was, maybe I've got that jealous gene in me. Maybe it is
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I'd have been massively jealous.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716yeah, so it is. It is what it is. Especially after last year. I think if it wasn't last year's context, then maybe I'd have stayed out. But for me, I was like, Ugh. fair play. The city was obviously humming and they're up for this one. I. Thought the game was over at halftime, despite the Bears being what they are in 2025. 2020, into 26 now, but the 2025 season where they've found a way, they looked in a real trouble. It was 21 to three at halftime, there's no way the package should lose that game. The game script completely flipped second half and. Now this won't be remembered. And I dunno if you got a sense of this on the highlights or not, because I don't think he, he managed to stay out. But I didn't think Williams was having a very good game. He looked erratic. Um, he was missing, froze by quite some margin. This is into going into the third quarter. Um, Ben Johnson was being aggressive, but the fourth downs weren't coming off. It was all Green Bay in Chicago, so incredible turn of events and a credit, a good amount of it to the Chicago defense. They obviously made some adjustments at halftime and Green Bay could not. Get anything going, like literally one more. First down would've probably won the Packers that game. You know, it was that kind of game. They didn't even need to score really. They needed, they needed some clock, they needed anything and they could not get anything going. So I guess you got credit that a lot to
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716But going into the fourth quarter, Chicago Bears had six points, so it's still. something fairly miraculous. I guess I'll turn it over to you. How did it look for the fourth quarter for you On just an
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, so I.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716change in
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I watched the game in 40 in the morning, so you get, you get every play. Yeah. I think what I saw from Kelly Williams early on was what I've seen a lot from him early in games. Um, but you know, even going into that fourth quarter, I, I knew. How he, if he gets a bit of momentum going late in the game, he can just suddenly look ridiculous and make throws that you don't see anyone else make that just seem like they have a one 1% chance being made like the fourth and eight. Um, think it was to DJ Moore or Luther Burden. Um. So fair. You know, I don't really like the guy, but fair play. He, you know, as, as a young player, to come up big in a big playoff game against your main rival, uh, to deliver on that stage is really impressive. And the, but as you say that the, the pack has lost this game more than anything. I mean, as you say. They couldn't get anything. They just could not get anything going. They couldn't get Josh Jacobs going on the ground. Um, I think they had what, three or four straight? Three an ounce maybe to start, to start the half. Um, and the one,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Oh, it was terrible. Yeah, they didn't get, I don't even can't even remember
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716getting a first down, to be honest, until that they got the, they got the one drive that you thought might be enough,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716in the fourth court where they got the touchdown. But, um,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717But you know, how many, how many fourth downs the bears missed on, didn't convert were they still were able to come back'cause the offense couldn't get going. And then they finally got something going in Matthew Golden, really good, uh, touchdown from the rookie towards the end. Made a few players miss and you thought, you've kind of thought that was it there, right? But as you say, they needed just a bit more and the, the kicker came into it as well.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, McManus, who was the kick of the Washington, uh, picked up and then let go after some, some legal issues that have now been cleared up. But he's been pretty clutch in the regular season outside of the odd wobble, but terrible night for him. You know, the weather was a bit iffy in Chicago, dimmer David. It kind of cleared up actually though. Fight game time. So there was a bit of wind up there, but. To miss two field goals and an extra point. The extra point was crucial as
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm. Changes that whole,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716So
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716changed everything. And yeah, he, that's when you need the kicker to come through in these playoff games. And that was Paul. But yeah, in terms of Williams, I've gotta say for Caleb, like he didn't make some of the easier phrase, but some of the most ridiculous plays. You know, that's the box of his stuff that's gonna make the headlines in the crunch moment. That's what his tape was at college. Um, that's why he was the number one pick. So, you gotta give him credit. he, I mean, the fourth downplay will live in obviously Bear's History, especially recent history for a long time. So Bears pull it out.
They're in field goal range. They want to get seven. They can use the clock Williams throw it, and his car for the touchdown by DJ Moore. Forget about the clock. Just take the lead when you can.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Incredible scene at Chicago Field, um, soldier Field. Um. Yeah, there weren't a ton of Packers fans in there, which kind of, when you think of how many there are in the Midwest and and locally and how close that is, that was impressive to see from a market. So Chicago, the rounds aren't exactly the. Biggest, uh, fan base are they? So they're gonna really have home field on Sunday. Quick look ahead. The weather does look a very Chicago kind of day, minus 10 with some potential snow flurries. So the Rams, it got dumped out in Philadelphia last
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Oh
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716in snowy
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717no.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716are gonna have to come here and do again, but that, we'll save that for later in the week. Um, the Rams two open is a favorite, I believe. I haven't actually looked yet, but. We'll see what happens there. But that, that could be, uh, one of the games that is probably box office to look forward to. I think that should be good. Um, just for the scene, if nothing else. Um, on a
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I do like how we're building up to best to last here. It's worked out quite well. I.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716exact, exactly. Let's go to Florida then. Uh, Jacksonville. out for this one. James, take it. Take it away.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, another incredible game. Um, Bill's 27, Jags 24. Um, you know. Similar kind of game to Rams Panthers, just less points. The Jags defense looked really good, and I, I didn't think Josh, Adam was gonna make out the first quarter. Um, I think he got checked for a concussion. It looked like he may have hurt his hand or finger on a helmet when he th uh, threw. And then on that same drive, he then scrambled in, uh, to the end zone and pit to like twist his knee as well. So he was limping off and I was just like. I just thought he was gonna go out that game. We're gonna see Trubisky and the Jags are gonna win this, but he hung in there and Sim to Stafford came up big, uh, when it mattered. Even Brandon cooks rolling back the ears there as well with some, with some big players.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, great game. I thought about this and I was like, you know what? The Panthers, as much as that hurts, they're gonna hold their heads up high. I think this hurts more for the Jags because I think they could have gone on a real run here. They were like a true contender in the A
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I think if they got past this, I would've had them as favorite for the super from a FC if they got through.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Y Yeah, that was my kind of pick as well. I was like, if whoever wins this is gonna represent the A FC and the Super Bowl. So disappointing one for Jacksonville and Josh Allen may be the performance of the weekend, considering what he was up against and the opposition and on the road.
But you knew the ball was gonna stay in Josh's hands right there, no question. First in 10, takes a quick toss, goes down the field, Kincaid has it for the touchdown,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716He gets it done and now the narrative definitely shifts that Buffalo can do this thing, they can make their run finally, because everyone was a little bit, um, lukewarm on the bills this season. Just they haven't quite looked. The juggernaut they have in previous years have they say to get through that with your quarterback, playing at that level sets them up nicely um, as they go into Denver, um. No early spoilers. We'll save it for later in the week, but obviously they've got a good chance in mile
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, I think, I think the Jags will be disappointed, but at the same time, you know, they, they didn't play bad or anything like that. It was just a really good game between two good teams and in the end, having the better quarterback edged it. Um, but yeah, it doesn't make it any easier for them, but I don't think they, they disgrace themselves or anything like that.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I totally agree. All right. As we get through to our last, uh, game that we're gonna talk about, the Super Bowl champions, the defending champions of Philadelphia Eagles, Philly on Sunday, late afternoon, local time, uh, I think there were six point favorites, and then Trent Williams was in Lane, Johnson was out. So the line closed a little bit, but. easy to say now. I think most of the, most of the world was on Philadelphia here after the nine ERs performance in Seattle. And how beat, beat up they were and start the game, the nine ERs kind of their, put them on notice, didn't they? With that drive went right down the field, that long play, um, and then got in the end zone. Who was the receiver actually, who caught that ball? We had a hell of a day. He's kind of been around forever. Um, I forget his name now. It wasn't
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Uh, Jennings
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716be on the
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717DeMarcus Robinson.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Robinson. Robinson, yeah. So he is been, he was on the chief's good teams back in like pre COVID,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716been a journeyman career. So I just wanted to mention that because I think Kyle Shanahan has kind of almost put a
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716coach of the year performance up here with what he's had, what he got out of, um, the guy born earlier in the season that we tried to get. So all these players, the way he schemed up play is just incredible. So just. Kind of my, hunch on Shanahan. But yeah, that, that drive, put them on notice. Philly went right back down with a hell of an answer. Probably one of their best drives the second half of the season, but then the game kind of tightened up. And second half familiar script happened for the Eagles. Much to our, to our enjoyment, but I'll let you kind of jump in there,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, gladly. Um, yeah, so they're actually one of the worst teams in the second half all season. Um, they're 27th in points in the second half average. Um, they average nine points a game in the second half. Uh, rich is ridiculous. They seem to just. Uh, limit Jaylen Hertz and just try and hold onto a lead and try and grind it out and not have Hertz really do anything. Then you've got AJ Brown probably in his own head, getting pissed off, makes drops, costly drops. Um, Barkley looked really good in this one. Um, but yeah, I mean, it wasn't enough. I, I huge credit to Anne. When you look across the field on offense and on defense, there's backup guys stepping up. Looking like absolute studs, but it's Jennings Robinson on offense, on the defense, uh, was it maybe Kendricks or something like that was flying around? I can't remember. There's a few of them that I hadn't heard of as well. Um, and obviously there's that amazing, uh, trick play, uh, from Jennings to Christian McCaffery, the end zone. And they have connected before, but on a slightly different play. But Shanahan hasn't rolled out that play in six years. Um.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah. Amazing. And he, he
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717It makes you wonder what else he's got waiting to come out on.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, exactly. He wa. It to the perfect moment. He kind of set it up a couple of plays before as well. So two touchdowns in the fourth quarter on the road to the, probably one of the best defense, well, one of the best defenses in the league along with Seattle and Houston. So, you know, I fought the game after Purdy's two picks to Mitchell was probably gonna just tilt in Philly's favor, just through field goals or something. But yeah, those, those plays when it mattered. And credit to Purdy who hung in there after those picks as well. So I, you know, for someone who's picked the last pick of the draft back a few years back, um, gotta give him credit to, to kind of just stay in
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717It looked like it was just gonna be a close win for Philadelphia. They'd find a way. I think I said to Josh, I don't think it's happened, and Josh went to bed, I think. Yeah, huge credit to them. And you know, we don't have to see big dumb on the sidelines anymore. Um, with his headset.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716don't, we don't have to see him. We don't have to see Siri. We don't have to hear the Eagle's noise all over social media. I would say on that last drive I mean, something's off there, isn't it, in terms of their offense, as you just said, 27th and the second half. That's just nowhere near good enough when you look at the talent on the
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717No.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716So that, that does make me wonder, is there gonna be a bit of a power clash in Philadelphia? Because Syriani has all the credit in the bank, right? He's gone to the playoffs five years in a row, I believe. Um, been to two Super Bowls. one ring. But on the other hand, his offense has struggled recently in terms of who he is at least put in to, to call the plays. So I think he's elevated two guys now on the, on his staff as well that haven't really worked out. Um, you only have to listen to, to Eagles fans what they think about their current, uh, offensive coordinator, pat. so we'll see.
After going down in the wild card round, get some new people in there. Okay. Fans have some thoughts about what needs to happen for next year. Some org changes. Offensive coordinator
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716we'll see what happens. I'm sure that there might be some pressure now for, for him to, to make, to make a move and get, you know, an offensive guy in with more experience. That just takes over, over that side of the ball. But then if that happens, you think, well, what does Siri actually do if, if they kind of force a new offensive coordinator in with all that stuff? So that's kind of an interesting dynamic to keep, to keep an eye on. But yeah, the Eagles had a championship ready defense, but nowhere near a championship really
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, that defense insane. Uh, Mitchell two picks in this one. He's only ever had. Picks in the playoffs. He's had no record of season picks. He's had three post-season picks. Um, yeah, I'm surprised that offensive coordinator hasn't been sacked already. I'm surprised you haven't heard that. I think there was calls for him to be gone early season, but I mean, there's no excuse with the talent they've got and all pretty fully healthy in terms of what they had available. So there'll be some, um. Diving in from their end to figure that out. I hope they get the next offensive coordinator wrong. They have this habit of hiring a bad one, then getting the next one right. Um,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I, I was just saying I think that Siri might be forced to look outside his internal promotions there, but, we'll see what happens. I hope Siri is the coach, to be honest, next
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716um, from a Washington perspective, but we'll see. Um,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716so. That's the playoffs. The Eagles are out. So the hate watch I guess, is over.
Stop, Angelo. All right. What about Doug? I'm pissed off.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716We've got some good games come up next weekend. We'll dive into them later in the week. Um, even Dallas would sometimes get through a game and make us a bit nervous for the next weekend, but no NFC teams to worry about, thankfully for us now, um, talking of offensive coordinators though, so we were gonna do this show on blo just as a quick reaction to the news on Friday. Big risk this for Dan Quinn. Never called plays before as a kid, essentially is kind of that McVay age when McVay, well, McVay actually was a head coach, wasn't it? Ey, which is ridiculous, but I think he McVay took over the OC at 28. So, um, but Blau hasn't, doesn't have that level of coaching experience that McVay had.
How surprised are you that with his back against the wall and in some ways his career kind of on the line? Going into this season, Dan Quinn is turning to a 30-year-old who's never been a position coach. To be his new oc, build his own offense, and to be his play caller for the first time. I am very surprised, especially for a defensive head coach. It would be different if it was an offensive head coach. When I hired Sean that I was an offensive guy, did a lot of game planning, a lot of the preparation, play sheets, all that stuff. Sean was only 28, I think, at the time, uh, but we worked together. Uh, being a defensive head coach, he's not gonna have that, uh, somebody to lean on. He's gotta do it on his own. He's never made a game plan. He is never called a play. He's never handled blitz pickups. And, uh, third down shorty yarders, uh, you know, everything you have to do. Uh, so I, I am very surprised he went this route. Obviously Anthony Le will help out a lot in the running game, uh, if he's still there. But, uh, very shocking to me to hire a 30-year-old kid who's never called a play, especially when you have a quarterback like Jay Daniels.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716He was starting games for Detroit on Thanksgiving, um, only a few years ago, three years ago, I think. Um, he had a mini spell in there when Stafford was injured. What. Do you think of this one? I know he has been touted a little bit around the league, but just seems a risk play for Dan Quinn.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, massive high risk. Um, yeah, I mean for a defensive head coach, massively. Um, I think it's worked in other places where the head coach has been able to help call him plays and has an offensive background. This guy has never called plays. He's never. Come up with playbook, anything like that. So yeah, I, I think it's a massive, massive risk. His, the future of his head coaching career lies on this 30-year-old. Um, which I mean, yeah, it, it could be, it could work out brilliantly. You know, it's nice to have a exciting, young, offensive mind in the building. Um, but you got.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Can I just jump, can I just jump in there? I really hope you're right that it does actually, um, the future of him is down to his success. Because what I don't want is this to be some kind of internal hire where Dan Quinn gets to sit up there and say, oh, there's growth, there's growing pains, you know, for another few years. I can't have,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716have that after his other two coordinators are out after a couple of years.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I need, I need this to be a successful season. not to add the pressure on Lau, but it's gotta add the pressure on Quinn.'cause he's made that decision. Right? So, um, just on that and like a kind of macro, whatever, what it means for Quinn. I hope this doesn't give him a leash for like a two, three year
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Mm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716with this. So.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah. My other concern was, uh, you know, I dunno how these things play out, but was this a just a kind of reaction to Lau getting interest elsewhere and they just thought, oh, they better time down quickly. You know, you've not even had you. For example, Aniel in the building and a few others. So I hope this is something that's well thought out and not a knee jerk reaction to others maybe taking an interest in Lau. Um, but yeah, I mean, it's good continuity, uh, for, for Daniels. Um, he's clearly a, a smart guy. Um, so yeah, I mean this, who knows how this is gonna work out. Um, so it's hard to really, really comment, but it, it is a massive, it's a massive risk.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, that's what we can do is kind
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717We got nothing. We got nothing to look back on. We've got nothing to compare to. Right.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Exactly. And the closest thing you'd have to compare to is Cliff Kingsbury, because. He was the assistant quarterback coach under Kingsbury, but we've just let Kingsbury go'cause we didn't agree with his philosophy strategically. So it all looks a bit muddled to me. Um, not trying to be a Debbie down on the situation, but it just seems like, yeah, we don't really have, if he was on a, essentially the same staff, then what we gonna, what we gonna get outta this? So we'll see what happens. Um, I think obviously Blau has some experience, um, playing for and being in the building of. Other offensive minds. Um, I think he was on Minnesota a bit, um, as a free agent. Um, out, out of the draft. I don't think he got drafted and then he went to Detroit on like a late pick, swap trade or something. So he has spent time with Kevin O'Connell, with Ben Johnson, with Cliff Kingsbury. It's pretty clear to me that the people in the building want more run, running the ball. I think they want more play action, maybe some more under center. So we'll just see kind of like a, a hybrid of some of these bright minds. And, you know, maybe Lau is the next big thing. Um, obviously Detroit, we're gonna interview him for the AC job, I think. That is noteworthy, even though the people in Detroit know him. So we blocked him last
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I think for some,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Jets.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716lateral
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716So his name must be out there. It's not just Detroit. So that, you know, that does it intrigues me. I guess the hiring
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716and if he, if he is the next big thing after and what we've had, walk outta the building previously, which has nothing to do with this ownership group or this current regime, then. You know, hooray for us, because it's horrible
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716them Shanahan guys like leave. But having looked at Kyle on Sunday, you know, I kind of wanted McDaniel. I just thought that would be the one. Even if it was a
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Hmm.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716thing, I think that would just get the excitement and juice back and then
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I think
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716look at that tree again. But
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717I, I think,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Maybe.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717for me,
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716out.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Dan McDaniel ends up in OC somewhere, it would annoy me. Um, but, you know, I, I'm, I, I prefer what they've done here, rather than just taking kind of an older failed guy who's on his kind of. You know, back end of his career. Like a, I dunno, like a Dave, Dave
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Dan,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717a dang queen.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Dan Quinn, off Dan Quinn.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah. You know, you, you know what I mean? Just one of these guys that's always in the, the merry-go-round. Um, so I'd rather that, but.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716I agree. If we're gonna have like a CEO style head coach, as they say, um, then I want some young, bright minds trying to call the plays. So let's see what, what happens. Uh, it will be intriguing. It will be, it will be exciting. Um, he has a familiarity with Jayden. He obviously saw what he was very good at in 2024 maybe that his. Um, scheme, whatever he draws up here, we will, we'll see Jayden better. And Daniel's, I think done his Instagram repost on it, so he seems quite happy, um, if that's anything to go by. So yeah, we'll see. We'll see what happens. Um, yeah, we'll get Josh's thoughts later in the week quickly as well, but. Yeah, made their move and they've done it early. They did not want to miss out on an A stefanski and the McDaniel potentially getting head coach jobs and then blo getting poached in the meantime is kind of the feeling I I get. So it an exciting move. Um, yeah, I can't really say much outside it being a risk because we just don't know, we don't have any evidence or body of work to, to go from. real quick then, anything else on that, or should we just have a couple of minutes here on the defensive coordinate possibilities.
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717no, not really. Yeah, I think summed it up. Not much I can say. I think we'll remain cautiously optimistic on it, but yeah. Let's have a little chat on dcs.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, well, I'm excited for the announcement to come in a couple of hours after we get this podcast out. Um, yeah, some, some names around there, but one might be a little bit more drawn out. Um, so obviously with the Atlanta firing, that's the name that has, uh. Strong links to Quinn. There's some other, um, defensive coaches out there, um, that, I mean, Quinn does have a lot of links, doesn't he?'cause in that Seattle defense who's in Atlanta, et cetera. Uh, so yeah, Raheem Morris is one that, that might come to mind. Now looking at Chicago, I've mentioned this guy on, on a tweet before Al Harris Um, kind of intrigues me. That would be another risk.'cause his, that would be another first time DC So used to be a Packers, uh uh, was he a cornerback or was he a safety? I can't remember either way. He's had a very successful season as a defensive backs coach in Chicago. Any other names you've seen
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Uh, just Jonathan Gannon. Um, he's coming in for an interview on Thursday, I believe. That one intrigues me. Um. Obviously he hasn't really worked out for him as a head coach, but if you remember when he was, uh, defense coordinator of the Eagles, I think it was the year they went to Super Bowl and lost to the Chiefs. They had elite defense then. Um, so yeah, that, that one intrigues me out of kind of the experience names I've, I've heard out out there, uh, for me.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Yeah, and I, I agree with that'cause I don't think that you should look at someone who's maybe failed as a head coach but has been a good coordinator before. I think that means they can be good coordinator. Kind of send that with, um, Sal in San Francisco right after his stint and he was in New York. Jets need to be fair to him, but he's come back. Um, obviously he's had success, um, at times San Francisco. So yeah, Gannon in there. I'm pleased that, I'm actually pleased to see that Gannon interview because I'm. Nothing else. It means surely we're gonna be hiring somebody and not go in with
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716status quo of Dan Quinn calling plays next season. So, um, yeah. So that's exciting. We'll keep an eye on that. Um, I think we're gonna have to wrap up here as we, you get back to your working day and I get ready to commute and start mine, uh, any other business or we're just gonna catch up later in the week for the, uh,
james--him-_1_01-13-2026_131717Yeah, we'll catch up late, Rick, but in the meantime, bye Eagles. Bye. They gone. Good riddance. Enjoy the off season.
ledders_1_01-13-2026_071716Got a cocktail waiting for him in Cancun. Alright, thanks guys. We'll catch up probably on Friday for, um, a preview of the divisional round. Uh, look forward to that. Should be another great weekend of football. In the meantime, hail oh, God went a bit longer.