It's Football - NFL Week 7 on the Pat Imig Sports Network

🏈 It's Football — Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the Show
Pat Imig opens the episode, introduces It’s Football on the Padmig Sports Network, and previews the discussion.

00:25 – Steelers’ Path to the AFC North Title
Pat breaks down the AFC North standings after Week 6 — Steelers’ 4–1 start, other teams’ struggles, and playoff math favoring Pittsburgh.

01:15 – Aaron Rodgers’ Redemption Season
Pat defends Aaron Rodgers’ performance with the Steelers, citing stats, leadership, and media criticism around his personality and vaccination stance.

02:20 – Why Pittsburgh Can Clinch Early
Discussion of the Steelers’ schedule, key matchups, and a possible early AFC North clinch scenario with Rodgers and DK Metcalf finding rhythm.

03:20 – Enter Russell Baxter: State of the League
Russell joins to discuss surprise teams like the Patriots, Jaguars, Colts, and Buccaneers — and early-season overachievers.

04:00 – Steelers’ Defense and AFC North Woes
Russell analyzes the AFC North losing streaks and Pittsburgh’s defense leading the charge with 17 sacks in three games.

06:00 – Building the Steelers Offense
Pat and Russell break down Pittsburgh’s offensive line improvement, running game development, and Rodgers’ accuracy and decision-making.

08:00 – Seattle Seahawks and Sam Darnold’s Rise
Pat and Russell discuss Seattle’s unexpected dominance under Mike Macdonald, Darnold’s turnaround, and how turnovers define their losses.

10:50 – Patriots and Drake Maye Emerging
Conversation shifts to New England — how rookie QB Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs have sparked life into the Patriots and challenged Buffalo.

12:00 – NFC Predictions and Playoff Picks
Pat names his NFC division winners and wild cards (Eagles, Lions, Packers, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Seattle, Rams) — with Russell’s takes and injury updates.

14:00 – Panthers’ Defensive Turnaround
Russell highlights Carolina’s dramatic defensive improvement and surprising home dominance after years of poor run defense.

15:45 – AFC Predictions and Contenders
Pat picks division winners (Patriots, Steelers, Colts, Chiefs) and wild cards — Russell adds perspective on the Texans’ resurgence.

17:30 – The Parity Era in Football
Pat and Russell discuss how NFL games resemble college football in competitiveness — citing tight finishes, last-play field goals, and parity across the league.

20:30 – Quick Turnarounds and Consistency
They explore how quickly teams like the Colts and Patriots can rebound — and the challenge of sustaining success like the Chiefs or past Patriots.

21:20 – Lions vs. Tampa Bay and NFC North Check-In
Pat revisits Detroit’s inconsistency, Russell analyzes their defensive flaws, and both evaluate the Packers and Bears’ progress.

24:40 – Around the League Wrap-Up
Discussion of NFC North balance, upcoming Monday doubleheader, and Russell’s work with ONSI and team features.

25:40 – Russell’s “Five Things” Format Origins
Russell shares how his “Five Things” column started during his Mike & Mike days — and how it evolved into his current coverage.

26:30 – Closing Thoughts: Jets, Rodgers, and Looking Ahead
Final reflections on Aaron Rodgers’ leadership legacy, the Jets’ dysfunction, and a preview of next week’s It’s Football episode.