Hi, this is Jill Schlesinger, CBS News business analyst, certified financial planner, and the host of the Jill on Money podcast. This is the show where your money is not scary. It's a show that's all about you. It's your questions that make it possible for me to provide unconventional and entertaining insights on your money and more importantly, on your life. Listen and follow Jill on Money on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Botox Cosmetic, Autobotulinum Toxin A, FDA approved for over 20 years.
So, talk to your specialist to see if Botox Cosmetic is right for you. For full prescribing information, including boxed warning, visit Botoxcosmetic.com or call 877-351-0300. Remember to ask for Botox Cosmetic by name. To see for yourself and learn more, visit Botoxcosmetic.com. That's BotoxCosmetic.com.
What's up everybody? You are listening to the JR Sport Friend. This is David Shepard, aka The Good Shepherd on the Infinity Sports Network, filling in for my guy. JR Sport Brief, however and wherever. you may be listening from.
You could be in your car. You could be in your truck. You could be at work like Ryan Botcher and I. You could be listening for free. On the Odyssey app.
You can be getting us on SiriusXM channel 375. You can be checking us out on your local affiliate or Potentially a smart speaker device, all you have to say is is hay. Play Infiniti Sports Network. Always a pleasure to be filling in for my guy, JR Sport Brief. The phone number to join us: 888-710-4ISN.
That is 888-710-4476. And if you tweet me, For the time being, I won't be able to respond. to Cheponaire.
So for now... Bacher, they can tweet us. At Infinity's force network. Yes, at INF SportsNet. INF SportsNet.
And we will do our due diligence the entire time. To get back to people, if they want to be in communication with us, Through Twitter, X, whatever you want to call it, because right now I am dealing with a hacking situation. I hope, Brian Botcher, you have never had to deal with a hacking situation on social media because it is nightmarish. And I'm not talking about the kind of nightmare the Yankees are facing when, once again, they are prematurely eliminated from the MLP postseason. I hope Ryan Bacher and none of you have to go through what I have been through the last 24 hours.
But with that being said, Bacher, how you been, brother? Always good to work with you, my friend. I'm doing good. I haven't been hacked.
So I guess that's a plus. But yeah, happy the Yankees lost. Oh, cut come, you gotta go there right away? Yes. Geez.
Because that's that's great news. This is like the second celebration. Hey, we won three playoff games. Yeah. Zero rings.
It's Christmas. 16 years and counting. It's Christmas, Payday, Yankee lose day. That's the top three.
Well, listen, you know you're successful when guys are as classy as Ryan Botcher. And still go after the common denominator, and that is the evil empire, the New York Yankees. We will certainly talk the Yankees' perspective of losing to Toronto 3-1, what this means for that team moving forward, what this means for Aaron Judge's legacy. We will get into everything. Thursday night football between the Giants, another New York team that is going to be losing this week, to the Philadelphia Eagles, despite the fact that they are playing in New Jersey.
We will certainly discuss in great detail what is going on with Shador Sanders and what the heck Kevin Stefanski means when he says he's unsure who he wants to go with as the backup quarterback between Shador and Bailey Zafi. We will talk in great detail about the other pending ALDS and NLDS playoff divisional round matchups.
So there is so much to get into. And at 6:40 p.m. Eastern Time, we will have CBS Sports.com NFL writer Brian Diardo joining us. And then at 7:40 p.m. Eastern Time, we will have SiriusXM NBA radio host Gerald Brown joining us to talk about the NBA kicking off.
And I'm sure y'all saw the latest. On LeBron James, he is going to miss The season opener. He will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. No, that was not part of his fandom decision round two dealing with an injury. The Scotchia, he is sidelined because of that.
So we will certainly get into all the details about the NBA, the NFL, and certainly discuss what is going on with the MLB playoffs. But of course, we got to start with the team that was victorious right from jump. And we got to give them their flowers. We got to give them their due. And that, of course, is the Toronto Blue Jays.
What an impressive series for them against their American League East rival New York Yankees. They advanced to their first ALCS since 2016 when Ryan Botcher was in elementary school. I'm kidding about that. He was a little older than elementary school, but it was a long time ago. And It was very impressive in how they went about it.
First of all, routing New York in Toronto 23-8 to take the first two games of this series really set the tone. And then I thought game three was an incredible bounce back from New York. They were down five runs. But even with that momentum, even with that kind of seismic shift. In a series, we still saw the Blue Jays not bat a single eyelash.
All they did was bat with their guys at the plate, and they end up taking game four five to two against the Yankees in New York. And you got to credit the Reliables who have been there all regular season. George Springer with a key RBI in game number four. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., stop me if you've heard this before. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
completely torching the Yankees in the postseason in 2025. And you got to give their pitching a lot of credit as well because game four was not so much about having a Gossman out there. or someone like a Shane Beaver. It was about having relief pitching, and the Blue Jays certainly did that by having eight different pitchers on the mount for them in game four. And ultimately, a staff of eight deep is able to hold the New York big bad evil umpire to just two runs in an elimination game.
And the reason why that's so impressive in 2025 is because prior to game four, the New York Yankees were 3-0. In elimination games in the postseason, but not after Wednesday. And this is how that final call sounded on the Blue Jays radio network. The 1-2. Swing and a mid-strike three.
Scream and flex from Hoffman. The Blue Jays are back in the ALCS for the first time since 2016. They down the Yankees in their own yard, and they're the first team in baseball's Final Four. You know, there were a lot of people not questioning the final four, but questioning the contract that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed earlier this season: $500 million in a timeframe of 14 years.
I don't think anybody has any gripes with that at this point north of the border. The only gripes people have with that contract are the New York Yankees because he ends up in the same division. And as a result of the tiebreaker, despite the fact that the Yankees tie for the best record in the American League, have to then face Toronto courtesy of being the first wildcard. What an unbelievable signature series for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Now, he's had. His share of struggles before in the postseason, in three different postseasons prior. to 2025. He had not hit a single home run and batted less than 140. In this series, he homered in every single game but one, and the one game he did not homer in.
Was game number four, where he still got to base twice. And he still set the tone in game number four, getting the first RBI of this particular contest. Same could be said for Vladi in game number one, same could be said for Vladi in game number three. The only time Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did not have the Blue Jays out in front and set the table in that number three spot.
Was in game number two when he just happened to have a grand slam, something that had never been done. in the history of the Blue Jays in terms of postseason play, and that's even more impressive when you consider, along with the Yankees, this is the only other franchise in the last fifty years. to go back to back as World Series champions and not Roberto Alomar, not Carlos Delgado, not Vernon Wells, not Joe Touchamall Carter. The only Grand Slam in Toronto Blue Jays postseason history is courtesy. Of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
You talk about living up to that contract. He certainly was able to do that and then some. And he wasn't just living up to the contract on the field. How about off the field? Trolling the Yankees, channeling his inner Ryan Botcher, going back and forth with David Ortiz on Fox, not exactly.
Living up to the hearts of Yankees fans, take a listen to this troll job by Vladimir Garruro Jr. on Fox with David Ortiz of all people. Dale, Dale, daughter Yankee lose. Chicken canoes. Let's go, baby.
Let's go. Hey, let's do it again. Jack is lonesome. Hey, to quote the great Robert Sala: if you don't have haters, you ain't popping. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
What does it mean specifically to beat the New York Yankees in the postseason? I mean, I feel feel amazing, you know, uh especially Especially we're winning here in the Yankee Stadium, you know, uh... As a kid, you dream with this and that happened that you gotta believe in God and thank God for that. Listen, this wasn't just about the brilliance and the greatness and the dominance and the potency and the fruitfulness. of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Others contributed To this postseason run for Toronto. We understand that Nathan Lukes, Addison Varger, Dalton Varsho, all of them hit at least 333 in this particular playoff round versus the New York Yankees. I don't think Ernie. has still Committed an entire out for this series. That guy was unbelievable, hitting 643 against New York.
He was unreal. But there is no question. Who set the tone? Who was the muscle? Who was the engine?
Who was the straw that stirred the drink? Shout out to Reggie Jackson, Mr. October, for coming up with that particular phrase in the first place. And a guy who was every cent. Worth of half a billion dollars, lived up to every penny of it during this particular series.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had not homered. In his previous 21 games prior, To the postseason, he hit three home runs in four games, nine RBIs in total in this four-game series. He hadn't had nine RBIs in his previous 21 games, and he turned the American League Division Series into Ken Griffey Jr. video game on a masterclass. That's the kind of numbers and productivity he was able to engender in this series.
And he becomes the first player in postseason history with nine hits and nine RBIs in the first four games. Of a postseason. And here's what makes this even sweeter. And Toronto sports fans can speak to this. The Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
has been there for every single series. The three previous series they have been a part of in the playoffs, not only have they not won those series, they haven't won a game. They've been swept every single time.
So, for the Blue Jays to not just win again in the playoffs, but win in dominant fashion against the New York Yankees, this is really, really. really sweet. And you talk about Toronto, they simply own New York. 11-6 against their ALE foes, if you include the postseason. And when you consider the Yankees were coming in with all this momentum, they hadn't beaten the Red Sox in the playoffs since 2003.
And the Blue Jays snatched any momentum that the Yankees had and said they don't care about what New York was able to pull off against Boston. In the previous series, we're the better team. We're going to come out swinging literally and figuratively. And they outscored them 23-8 in Toronto, and they never looked back. and what you like about Toronto moving forward?
is they can get it done by committee, but they could also get it done With dominant starting pitching, we saw this with Kevin Gossman. We saw this with Trey Yusavich, how dominant both of them looked on the mound in this series. And Shane Bieber, I don't think he was particularly terrible, but in game three, he wasn't at his best. And also, it didn't help that there were errors left and right that cost the Blue Jays in game number three. But what you also have to be excited about if you are Toronto.
Are your chances to play in your first World Series since the early 90s? Not only Do they have the best record in the American League this year? And as a result of that, they're going to have home field advantage the rest of the way until they get to the World Series. They were an MLB best at home. 56 and 27, including the playoffs.
So that is going to bode well, whoever they face, whether it be Cal Rowley's Seattle Mariners, whether it be the Detroit Tigers. And when you Really focused on what they were able to do against both respective teams. The Blue Jays went 4-2 against Seattle, outscoring them 31-24. And they had a winning record against Detroit and outscored them 35-26.
So if you're Toronto, not only should you be feeling good and riding Cloud 9 because of what you were able to just put on display against the AL East rivalry in the New York Yankees, but moving forward, You gotta like your chances of moving on to your first World Series in 32 years. And Vladimir Guerrero Jr. You know, he spoke. about the emotions heading. Into the ALCS, and you know, he's feeling pretty good about his Blue Jays right about now.
I mean, I I feel good, you know, uh, especially Especially when when when you believe in and and everybody in here in uh To me, I just. I just trying to do my best every time. I just try to one piece at a time and To me, I feel so good, so happy right now that I can explain how I feel right now. I mean, ah, like I say. To me, it's like one piece at a time I learned that for you guys.
Ah. one pitch at a time, one girl at a time, and uh When you believe in your teammate, you believe in God, everything happens. I put this here in God and got him and and thank God we we win in this series. Gotta respect God always. Gotta respect Dan Wilson, who is a catching legend in Seattle, currently their manager.
I would put my money on John Schneider winning the American League Manager of the Year award with the job he did with Toronto. This team was under five hundred in late May. and was able to just catapult their way up to the number one spot in the American League and never looked. back. John Schneider, he's also looking forward to playing in the ALCS, whoever they face.
Take a listen. I love it man. These guys, they never, ever, ever Give up. It's so tough to come in here and play and win. Kind of fitting today, Volpende.
Lukey Miles, I mean I'm just really proud and we got a lot more work left to do. You know they have a lot more work left to do, and you know it is work they are seething. Going against because this is a team that is playing with all the confidence in the world, and there were a lot of people. That thought the Yankees were the better team than Toronto, given the fact that they had a significant margin of run differential compared to the Blue Jays, given the fact that they were able to finish the season on an eight-game winning streak, given the fact that Aaron Judge had a season that we've never seen before in MLB history. They certainly had a guy that was considered behind Tarek Schuville, the AL Cy Young frontrunner in Max Freed.
And then you talk about Carlos Rodon, and you just really look at the Yankees from top to bottom, even with Garrett Cole not on the mount for them this year, and you felt like they were going to have the edge.
Well, it was Toronto that completely outplayed them. And even when Aaron Judge had the game of his life in game number three, the Blue Jays did not blink. They come right back in game number four. and scorch the Yankees and end their season. Number to join us is 888-710-4ISN.
That is 888-710-4476. I know you got to feel really good about the Toronto Blue Jays and the way they just performed against the New York Yankees, but how do you like their chances of getting to the World Series. We will certainly take your calls on the other side and we will give you an update on the other playoff series that are taking place. And we got one going on live right now. We will give you the latest on that on the other side.
We will take everything Toronto Blue Jay's calls as well. Again, number to join us is 888-710-4ISN. That is 888-710-4476. You can always reach me on Twitter at SHEP on Air. We are coming right back.
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Hi, this is Jill Schlesinger, CBS News business analyst, certified financial planner, and the host of the Jill on Money podcast. This is the show where your money is not scary. It's a show that's all about you. It's your questions that make it possible for me to provide unconventional and entertaining insights on your money, and more importantly, on your life. Listen and follow Jill on Money on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
From unsolved mysteries to unexplained phenomena. From comedy goal to relationship fails, Amazon Music's got the most ad-free top podcasts, included with Prime. Download the Amazon Music App today. You're listening to the JR Sport Brief. Here's David Shepard.
Welcome back, everybody. This is the Good Shepherd in for the Great JR Sport Brief on the Infinity Sports Network. In less than 20 minutes from now, we have CBS Sports.com NFL writer Brian Diardo joining us. I'm going to get to your calls momentarily. It seemed like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
We're putting on a clinic against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. as they began the postseason 4-0 and it had sweep written all over it. And the Phillies head back to Los Angeles, but Kyle Schwarber had other plans. And the 2016 World Series champion, you talk about coming back to life in game number three: a multi-home run game, his first time hitting a home run in nearly two weeks, and he hits two of them to essentially save the Phillies season. That's the guy that looked like the Kyle Schwarber of old, at least in the regular season, when he belted 56 home runs and came up just too shy of the Phillies' all-time home run franchise single mark set by Ryan Howard of 58.
So when Tommy Edmund had that solo blast, you're thinking, okay, it's inevitable that the Phillies are gonna get swept. But then they would go on to score the next eight runs, including five in the eighth inning, putting the game out of reach. It doesn't help that Kershaw looked like the Kershaw, not of the regular season, but of the postseason when he's got double the ERA compared to his regular season Hall of Fame caliber numbers. And that really put the game out of reach. And Shoheio, Tanya, you were incredible in game one versus Cincinnati Reds when you had a multi-home run game.
But ever since, you've batted less than 110, including getting out in the bottom of the first inning. And we stand 0-0 after 1. We've got to make sure we give the people the latest updates on what's going on, Ryan Botcher, in the world of the postseason. With that being said, let's get to Mark in Nova Scotia. Mark, I know you are pretty pumped up about the Blue Jays moving on over the New York Yankees, headed to their first ALCS in nearly a decade.
How you feeling, man? And what are the chances of your Blue Jays in the World Series?
Well, first, thanks for taking my call, Shep. And yeah, it's good to hear you on the air. I know you're on the air every now and then. I usually don't get to hear you. It's good to hear you filling in for JR today.
We'll take tomorrow. You're very welcome.
Okay, so yes, I am very, very pumped, but Always cautious optimism for me and for a lot of Blue Jays fans. Last night was amazing. I mean, it's in I I've been a fan since Well, since the 80s, this would be at least in the top 10. moments uh you know in and from my life, obviously the two World Series. Are one and two.
Sure. What about 2019 with the one-year rental that is Kawhi Leonard? Yeah. Oh, fair enough for Toronto. Yes, I am also a Raptors fan.
I was thinking specifically for Blue Jays. Yes. Well, yeah, that's a huge. That's very far up there, too, with Kauai for sure.
Now, I am thankfully not a Leafs fan.
So, yeah, I don't have that. But yeah, it's just great. It was wonderful. And you know, in your preamble there, you know, it's Yeah, I mean the Yankees are a better team, like on paper. And this is a big upset.
And that was a huge moment, and it's a huge series. But there's still two more series to go.
Well it's hard to be objective. Yeah, I think the Blue Jays can win the World Series, but I've been saying for a long time, and I hope I'm wrong, that I think it's going to be a national league team. I I just I just think it's going to be. either the Dodgers or the Brewers. But I mean, I think the Blue Jays can compete with anybody, and they've proven it.
Absolutely. And, Mark, to your point, Look, we know the Dodgers are the big market team, but they've won two World Series in the last five years, right? It could be potentially three of five. What we also know is the Blue Jays haven't won in 32. And the Brewers have never won a World Series, and they haven't been to a World Series in 30 and 43 years.
Even though from an international standpoint, we know the big draw is going to be the Dodgers because of Shohei Otani. What we also know Is there's magic to to brewers. And of course, blue jays. I think that would be the most captivating. You can make an equal argument.
That if Seattle were to get there, being the only MLB franchise to never even play in a World Series, and that seems preposterous with all the talent they've had in the form of Griffey Jr. and Agrod and Edgar and Tino and the big unit and Ichiro. It's insane that that franchise hasn't played in a World Series.
So there's a lot of great storylines. I think if this were the Cubs 10 years ago, this would be equally as fascinating, but we know they've recently won a World Series in 2016. Yeah, yeah, for sure. And and you know, I think Whatever, like, and not whatever. Like, I'm trying to be as respectful as possible as I can, I guess, because I'm a Canadian.
But what I will say is, no matter what happens. with any of these teams. I don't think the place will be about, you know, half empty in the ninth inning like it was last night in New York. Nope. Nope.
I think that personally, I got a little bit of a joy out of it. But I think that was terrible. And I know that they're done with Aaron Boone. And I don't know what your thoughts are on Aaron Boone and Cashman, but I can't. I still don't understand how both of them have kept their jobs so long.
I don't know if you want to talk about that.
Well, I trust. I'll get to the Yankees. Don't you worry about that, Mark. But I wanted to make sure that the focus from the jump was on the team that was more deserving of the conversation. That was the winning team.
But, Mark, great call as usual. Thank you for the kind words. We'll talk down the road. I appreciate it. My pleasure, man.
And good luck to your Blue Jays in the ALCS. Don't you worry. I'm going to get to Aaron Boone. I'm going to get to the other Aaron, that being judged.
Now, listen, I will say this: we have a potential. We don't have a potential. We now have a game five between the Mariners and the Tigers. And you can't ask for a better situation if you are Detroit, you know, Tarek Schubel going to Team Oval and just pitching an all-or-nothing win-or-go-home scenario. And this is the best pitcher in baseball the last couple of years.
We have seen him in the postseason, not one. But twice already in 2025, go at least seven innings in each appearance and have a 1.84 ERA. And oh, yeah, the guy is averaging 12 strikeouts per contest. And then what we're going to see later on tonight after Dodgers Phillies, we, of course, are going to see the Cubbies and the Brewers, the Brewers hoping to repeat what the Blue Jays were able to do, winning and closing out the series in four. You credit the Cubs for edging the Brewers in game number three.
Now, Jake Bowers, man, he made it close. You know, he hit that clutch, you know, home run along with that RBI single in the fourth, and that made it 4-3. But to the Cubs' credit, they were able to have strong relief pitching in the eighth and ninth and giving up no one runs, and they were able to hold on to game number three.
So there is so much to get to in terms of baseball. As the night progresses, we are going to give you the latest on everything we have coming up next. Brian Diardo of CBSSports.com, NFL Ryder, AC. I know you're very proud of me because we are throwing to the update on time, man. How about that?
There you go. Very nicely done. How are you doing, Ad? You know, but it's like one of those things that your parents would say you want a reward for getting good grades. No.
No, I'm with you because then we reward mediocrity, and we don't want to do that on the Infinity Sports Network because you should always meet the bar and exceed expectation and not get a pat on the back for doing so. By the way. Before we get to the update, predictions for these two matchups: Phillies, Dodgers, and of course, Cubby's Brewers. Who do you have? I like the Brewers.
Um You know, Philly's Dodgers is really a toss-up. We'll see what happens today because, you know, look, Christopher Sanchez is great. Tyler Glasnow had an injury-filled season. Sure. I think that's very much a toss-up, but I still go with the Brewers in the other series.
Yeah, no, I'm with you. I mean, it's just their time. And what a series and story that would ultimately be if they're able to get to their first World Series in 43 years. Number to join us is 888-710-4ISN, 888-710-4476. This is the Good Shepherd, of course, filling in for the great JR Sport Brief right here on the Infinity Sports Network.
We come back with NFL writer on CBSSports.com, Brian Diardo, giving you all the latest NFL headlines, including what the heck the Browns are doing with Shador Sanders. But before we get to Brian, let's get to our latest sports flash with the aforementioned Rich Ackerman. Botox Cosmetic, Autobotulinum Toxin A, FDA approved for over 20 years.
So, talk to your specialist to see if Botox Cosmetic is right for you. For full prescribing information, including boxed warning, visit BotoxCosmetic.com or call 877-351-0300. Remember to ask for Botox Cosmetic by name. To see for yourself and learn more, visit BotoxCosmetic.com. That's BotoxCosmetic.com.
Hi, this is Jill Schlesinger, CBS News business analyst, certified financial planner, and the host of the Jill on Money podcast. This is the show where your money is not scary. It's a show that's all about you. It's your questions that make it possible for me to provide unconventional and entertaining insights on your money and more importantly, on your life. Listen and follow Jill on Money on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.
You're listening to the JR Sport Brief. Here's David Shepard. Welcome back, everybody. You are listening to the Infinity Sports Network. Shep filling in for the great JR right here.
Also to be heard on SiriusXM Channel 375. Just want to remind everybody: this portion of the show is sponsored by the all-new Hyundai Palisad Hybrid. Learn how it's so much more than just another SUV. At hyundaiusa.com. We are privileged to be joined by longtime NFL writer for CBS Sports.com, Brian Diardo.
Brian, I know you are a busy writer. You're an even busier parent.
So thanks for making a few minutes for us tonight on the Infinity Sports Network, man. How you been? My pleasure. I think Miss Rachel's going to do the trick. I think my daughter's into that right now.
But no, it's always good to be on with you, and I'm excited to talk some NFL. Likewise, Brian.
Well, pleasure to have you as always, man. Listen, we know the story coming into Thursday night football is going to be Eagles Giants, but a more micro lens to this is the frustration of A.J. Brown. This is not a novel situation with A.J. Brown.
This has been going on for some time now, but this is not the first superstar wideout to have an issue with the amount of balls that he's receiving from his star quarterback. Is this much to do about nothing, or could this potentially be something that impedes the Eagles from going back-to-back as Super Bowl champions? That's a great question. And I I hate saying this because it's such an elementary response, but I do just think that this is the byproduct of this generation. I'm a mal I'm a I'm a Geriatric millennial, I think, is what I am.
But so I'm not of this generation, but. I do think that A.J. Brown, I mean, this is just his and a lot of people in his generation. This is how they. kind of show their frustration.
They they post something passive aggressively on social media. We all react to it. Uh and then this kind of creates the the circus. But I will say, I think if there's one team that that has shown over the years. uh well at least the last year plus and it's very very good at dealing with this off-field distractions, it's been the Eagles.
You know, it is interesting, though, two years ago, their season fell apart. I mean, they were having a really strong season fresh off the Super Bowl. They fell apart. Kelsey retired, and I started to think that this team might be trending backwards. But then they have the Super Bowl run.
Instead of fading last year, they seemed to get stronger as the season progressed into the playoffs. But no, I mean, I I I I I will say, I mean, I think It's still early in the season, you know. Like with the calendar, I think just turned to October.
So I do think that the Eagles are going to figure this out. I mean, the insane thing is: no, A.J. Brown isn't. Producing 19 catches so far, which is very pedestrian. Their offense is really yet to get going, and Saquon Barkley as well.
Here's the insane part. Top offense in the league in the red zone. And a lot of that's because of the tush push. But no, I. I do think they're going to figure it out, but I think it's going to start with getting that running game going.
Once that running game gets going, defenses have to start playing less cover two, then that should open things up downfield. Again, we are joined by Brian Diardo of CBSSports.com, NFL Ryder. You can follow him at BrianDiardo on Twitter or X for the most up-to-date details on everything NFL related. Brian, I don't want to overlook Thursday night football. But the truth of the matter is, this is a 4-1 team that should be 5-0 in Philadelphia.
They squandered an absolute golden opportunity to be 5-0 when they allowed 18 unanswered points to the Denver Broncos in Philadelphia. The Giants are 1-4. They have a rookie quarterback. The only reason that rookie quarterback is playing is because Russell Wilson is on job number five and can't seem to hold a quarterback position if his life depended on it. I don't see this being competitive despite this being a division rivalry.
What say you? No, I don't think it will be either, but I will say that anytime you play a team with a new quarterback or a new coach in this situation, a new quarterback. That does create a dynamic that's challenging, right? And so for the Eagles defense. This is a great challenge for them because Dart can do a little bit of everything.
He's mobile. He's got that moxie, kind of that old school gunslinger moxie that I do like in any quarterback, let alone a young one. He has to take care of the football. And that's why I think the Eagles are like all of us, I think, are going to win this game. But if the Giants want to make this interesting, they can't throw the ball over.
I mean, Garrett played really well. uh for a rookie uh in in his first start, which was a win. Uh, but then last week he kind of regressed against the Saints, had three turnovers that were costly in their 12-point loss.
So, uh, but honestly, I. I think for me. What I'm interested in seeing, obviously what you just alluded to with A.J. Brown, are they going to start getting him more involved? And I think they are going to make a conscious effort to do that tonight.
Try to get them some quick passes and then a tempo and a rhythm early. But I also am curious. About Saquon Barkley. You know, this is his former team. He had a huge game against them last year, the one time he played them.
He was on the injury report earlier this week. He said that people were overreacting. You know, probably a lot of fantasy owners that have him and said, Hey, I'm just sore. But I do, I am curious to see how he plays. And also, Nicoby Dean.
They're really promising linebacker who's having a huge year last year before he got hurt in the wild card round. He was just activated earlier today. He's going to play tonight. Why that's so important is when he is on the field at the same time with Jahad Campbell, who's been replacing him, they, I think, want to have Campbell come off the edge. And then they obviously have Zach Bond as well.
So that's another thing I'm excited about is to see Dean tonight since he hasn't played and now he meshes with Campbell and Bond and the rest of that defense. But no, I don't think this will be a close game. But if the Giants want to make this thing close, They're going to have to avoid turning the ball over. No, that's listen. That is the key to winning on all levels when it comes to football.
We are joined by Brian Diardo, CVSSports.com, NFL Ryder. We understand there was a rookie quarterback that at one point. we thought was going to get serious consideration and serious burn. And that is Shador Sanders. And I'm not going to disrespect Kevin Stefanski.
We all know this is a former NFL coach of the year. The fact that he made the playoffs with a guy getting off his couch in Joe Flacco, it's soon to be 39 years old, and they were able to go on that 4-0 run to close out the regular season, he's an unbelievable coach.
So I'm not going to doubt his football knowledge. What I doubt is the Cleveland Browns as an organization. Brian, I'm not the first person to say this, and I'm sure you've heard this many times. If you get rid of Joe Flacco, or if you bump him, and not make him the starter anymore. That is a clear signal you're moving on.
So, in essence, you would just not only move up Dillian Gabriel to the starting quarterback spot, but you would move up Shador Sanders. The Browns don't do that.
So, they end up trading Flacco to the Bengals. And then you get Bailey Zappi. And Bailey Zappi is going nowhere in the NFL. It doesn't mean he can't be a serviceable backup, but we all know in three years' time, we've seen this guy in the field. He's not the answer.
And yet, they're still mum. On Shador Sanders as the backup quarterback. What is going on with the Cleveland Browns and Shador Sanders? Why are they making this so difficult?
Now, I will say, I got a lot of family from Pittsburgh. Right.
So, you know, I Bailey Zappy beat them a few years ago.
So, you know, hey, if Gabriel gets hurt on Sunday and Zappy comes in, you never know. That's all well and good, but you and I both know they didn't have film on him at the time, and we know what this cat has done the last two years. I'm not disputing what you're saying, but once they get film on you, and we're seeing that with Jake Browning. Sure. Well, I will say one thing.
You asked about Shadur. I think. The issue with him, I think obviously there's growth there. I think he was raw. I mean, he didn't fall, in my opinion, to the fifth round because of anything off the field or who his father is.
I think he fell. Because he's raw. I mean, you saw last year, you know, he would kind of crumble a lot of times when the pocket collapse. He goes far. When the pocket does collapse, he tends to fade further, further back into the backfield, which leads to catastrophic losses.
And I felt bad for him in the preseason game that he struggled in his second preseason game. because he was out there with the third stringers, but still he struggled a lot in that game. He did play well in the first one, but in the second one, he showed a lot of the same issues that he dealt with in college. And this isn't necessarily a surprise or a reporter, I should say, but the big knock on him with his meeting with the Giants was Brian Dayball, who he's known to do this, challenged him with, hey, if this defense does this, what do you do? Or hey, diagram this play for me.
Sanders allegedly, you know, kind of flunked that test, right?
So his football IQ isn't necessarily elite. He is a very, he's got a good arm. He can throw an accurate ball. And I really do like his personality. I think that he gets a knock sometimes for that.
I do like him. I think he's a good young kid. But there's just a lot of rawness there. And if he has any chance to succeed in the league, he has to have a team around him that's good. And that's not the Browns.
So I think if they were to play him, they'd be setting him up for failure. And I think that would be bad for him and bad for the team.
So, you know, that's the thing with Zappy. I agree with you. He is not a franchise quarterback. But if they can get this. Point, he's a better option than Sanders because Sanders is not ready to play in the NFL just yet.
Well, Brian Diardo of CBS Sports.com never sets up the Infinity Sports Network for failure. You can, of course, follow him at Brian Diardo on Twitter. Brian, just a couple more quickly for you. Um We understand the Cleveland Browns, when it comes to the revolving Dora quarterback, have had more than 40 at this point. Since 1999, the one who they could have kept on, and would have ultimately been a franchise quarterback, is the guy who's leading the Buccaneers to an NFC best four and one record.
Is he your MVP at this point of the season? I know it's early. But is Baker right now the leader in the clubhouse for MVP? That's an amazing question. And this is cliche, but to me, it comes down to what's your definition of MVP.
And I think and I have the top three. It's a quarterback league, right?
So you j or just it's a quarterback awards. You just look at quarterbacks. I'm a running back guy.
So I hate saying that, but it is what it is. Uh it's got Stafford and Mayfield to me, not necessarily in that order. I would, I think, right now it's more between Goff. And Mayfield, which is ironic because they're both kind of cast offs from the original teams, right? High number one overall picks.
That have had a resurgence somewhere else, but I would go with Mayfield, and I think he's the most exciting quarterback. on most exciting team in the NFL. And look at the fact that they haven't had Godwin. Edward Mike Evans has been banged up. Their running backs have been banged up.
Their offensive line has had a ton of injuries as well. And he is continuously performing. He's top 10 in the league in just about every category. I think he's got like 10 touchdowns and one interception or something like that. Which the interceptions to me is amazing because that was a huge knock on him in Cleveland.
But I think all of this goes back to, and I love Kevin O'Connell's quote from the Vikings. It's a great quote. And I'm paraphrasing, great. Franchises let young quarterbacks down more than young quarterbacks let franchises down. And that is such an amazing quote.
And yeah, to your point, Browns have had 40. He's lost quarterbacks. I will say though, Tim Couch got a raw deal. He was good. He got hurt in 0-2.
They made the playoffs that year. I digress. But no, I think Mayfield is the leader in the clubhouse right now. I'm just interested to see if they can keep this going, though, and if they can keep overcoming all these injuries. No, I hear you.
And Brian Diardo of CBS Sports.com, NFL writer, I got one more question for you. We got one more minute, but so many people have been blowing up my social media with this question because of how much he has been thrown under the bus, not just by the media, but by former teammates. Russell Wilson, you putting him in the Hall of Fame when he retires? Wrote a story about that. Yeah.
So, super quick, usually the Hall of Fame, you have to have two of these three criteria: big numbers, a lot of awards. or a a special moment, significant moment. He has like 92 of those, kind of. I would lean, I would lean no nine pro 10 Pro Bowls, but no all pro selections. No league MVPs, no offensive player of the years.
I would say no, especially when you look at this generation and the Matt Ryans and the Staffords and all the other guys. Like, yeah. I mean, I think if you now, I think if they win that second Super Bowl, he's in. But because they didn't, I would say he's just out at this point. Yeah, I mean, I mean, you're going to get the Stafford argument.
You're going to get the Matt Ryan argument. Obviously, Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, the guys that are quasi Hall of Famers, the guys that are borderline. A case that I think can be made eventually is Jared Goff. Brian, I think that's a name to certainly look at in terms of how he progresses. If Dak Prescott wins the Cowboys a Super Bowl or even gets to a Super Bowl with the numbers that he's put up, he's going to be the franchise leader in everything.
And I know his numbers are a little bit compromised because of the passing happy era that we're in. Brian, I can keep going with you, but we are about to get to a break. Really appreciate the time. Great having you as always, my friend. And thanks for making time for us, and we'll do it again soon.
You got it. Eli should be in, but we'll discuss later. Thank you. I look forward to that conversation. Thank you very much, Brian Diardo of CVSSports.com, NFL Rider.
Of course, you can follow him on social media at Brian Diardo for the latest NFL news notes and headlines. Great to have him on. to talk the latest in regards to Russell Wilson, how he's getting thrown off the bus, and so many other NFL storylines of the past 24 hours. Speaking of Hall of Famers, We know Aaron Judge. is getting in if he retired Two days.
But the good news is He has hinted at the fact that he wants to play into his 40s. But what does his latest postseason run mean? to his legacy. And what does the future of the New York Yankees look like? Considering how devastating of a series loss they just had to the Blue Jays was.
We'll get to that on the other side. This is the Good Shepard, in for the great JR Sport Brief, right here on the Infinity Sports Network. We're coming right back. Hi, this is Jill Schlesinger, CBS News business analyst, certified financial planner, and the host of the Jill on Money podcast. This is the show where your money is not scary.
It's a show that's all about you. It's your questions that make it possible for me to provide unconventional and entertaining insights on your money, and more importantly, on your life. Listen and follow Jill on Money on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Botox Cosmetic, Autobotulinum Toxin A, FDA approved for over 20 years.
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Mm-hmm.
