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Hey, we're getting ready to wrap up week thirteen of the NFL season. In about 45 minutes from now, we're going to have a kickoff between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. We're going to talk about that game, but I do want to pick up on part of the conversation we just had prior to the break. Also, last hour, talk about some of the contenders, pretenders currently in the NFL. And joining us right now on the phone is someone who covers all things NFL.
You can catch all of his work writing on the lead at CBS Sports. Welcome to the show, Brian Diardo. Brian, how are you, man? I'm doing great. How are you doing?
Excellent. We appreciate the time. In our last break, just a few minutes ago, prior to you joining us, we talked about the Steelers. We know that they have been old, reliable, but they've also been very mediocre, to say the least, post Ben Rofflesberg. And now we're hearing Mike Tomlin answering questions about the fans.
Trying to get him the heliport out of there. Do you think it's a reality that this might be his last season in Pittsburgh?
Well, it's great to be on with you. And I don't think it will be for several reasons. I think, number one, He signed for two more seasons after this under his current contract. And Art Rudy II. signed him to this extension, I think, with the understanding of you know, they want to see this playoff drought, which is now at nine years, end over the remaining years of Tomlins' contract.
If it doesn't, By between now and then, I do think that they might go their own they'll they'll go their own ways. I can almost guarantee that. If they were if if the status quo remains the status quo. But I think right now that that's currently the plan. I think we're in year two of that extension.
You know, last year, you know, they started 10 and 3. They fizzled, lost in the wildcard round. This year, they started four and two. They've now lost five of seven. But and I'm sure as your listeners know, and I know you know this, this is not new for Mike Tomlin.
Two years ago, they were seven and seven. And we were having this conversation. Then they won three straight games, made the playoffs. It just seems like every couple of years the Steelers have this rut, and then Tomlin's futures is called into question. But every single time, Steam seems to respond with wins when he needs it.
We know their next game is going to be against those Ravens, and we know how. Just competitive things are in the AFC, the NFL in general, there's not one. Just a team that's beating the living hell out of everybody right now. Just sticking to the AFC. And we know we have New England tonight.
What team do you think has the best chance of representing the AFC in the Super Bowl? Is it one of these newer teams or is it kind of the old Stalwarts? I I you know, it's easy to say this because they have the best record, but it it's hard not to not to pick Denver. And You know, I know that, and I, you know, Sean Payton was asked in his presser last night, well, you guys survived, and he quickly said, No, we won that game. And I'm with him.
I mean, it's it's to me it's not a bad thing that they They squeaked out a win against the Commanders, right?
Now, I will say, in that game, it seems like the Commanders may have. Exposed a potential weakness in their defense with the quick passing of Marcus Mariota, but But let's not forget, Marcus Mariota is a former, what, number two overall pick.
So, you know, I know his career hasn't panned out in that trajectory, but he's still a veteran quarterback that knows how to read defense. And so to beat Denver's defense, you have to have a guy of his IQ. You know, but that being said, I mean, you got to love Bo Nick. Any team, as you know, that's going to win a Super Bowl, you have to have two things. A franchise quarterback that can get the ball in the end zone in the red zone or anywhere.
And you've got to have a great defense, which they have. To me, the biggest question mark is that running game. You know, R.J. Harvey's been okay, but but Dobbins now with his injuries, that that team to me seems like a views can stop Knicks. which is hard, but if you can do that, you can beat them.
But to me it it it'd be hard to not pick the Denver Broncos. Brian Diardo is here with us from CBS Sports. In about thirty, forty minutes or so, we're going to see the New England Patriots kick off against the Giants. They have a record of ten and two. Of course, they're favorite tonight against the Giants with the returning Jackson Dart.
What are your thoughts on New England and what May has been able to do? And then also having Vrabel there.
Well, I mean, they've they are winning the way that the old Patriots won. I mean, it which is obviously, you know, hey, Mike Frable, he knows the Patriot way better than anybody, right? A member of the first run of that dynasty. But I will say, I I mean, May has to be and the Pakistan have to be the surprise of this season. And and, you know, Josh McDaniels didn't work out as a head coach.
phenomenal offensive coordinator and the work that he's done with quarterbacks has has been impeccable. And the maturation of of Drake May, but You know, and and we and you know, and I think it's it's great that we're discussing them right after Denver because those are the two best teams record-wise in the AFC. But if there's one difference between the two teams, it is Trayvion Henderson and the Patriots rushing attack. And they still have Ramondre Stevenson, who has lost some touches to Henderson, and some of his fumbling issues has been a reason for that. But he's still a very capable back.
And any time you've got two healthy backs this late in the season, that's a huge advantage for you.
So I think they have a balanced offense, which has really helped me. That offensive line's gotten a lot better. That was such an issue for that team the last couple of years. And you knew with Mike Vrable that. I mean, they don't beat themselves.
They're super good at tackling after contact or first contact. They don't allow almost any yak yardage. They're boring. I mean, they're a lot like the old Patriots, like I said. They're not the team that I would pay to watch necessarily.
You know, I'm not necessarily jacked for this game, but it's football. And again, they don't beat themselves. And as you alluded to earlier, RJ, and you're right. There's so much parody in this league.
So, you know, and I think it was Bill Parcel who said this potentially, or Bill Walsh, before you can win, you've got to learn not to lose. And the Patriots are really good at not losing.
Well Brian, one team that we have here not getting a lot of attention right now is The Kansas City Chiefs, they're at 6-6. They're in danger of not even making the poll season if they are to get in. Would you still look at them as a legitimate threat to go back to another Super Bowl? Or is this just not their year? I can't see it.
You know, I really can't see it. You know, I I I I Had them finishing still. I think a few weeks ago, I had to predict every game the rest of the year. I think I still had them. you know, gone, I think, twelve and five.
So I certainly was overestimating their ability to turn things around. But but I think that you are what your record says you are, and they're they're a five hundred club now. And I still do see them snatching One of those wild card spots, which is going to be really, really hard.
Now, I will say the AFC North's only getting one team out, so that makes it easier for them. And now, Justin Herbert's hand injury makes it even easier. But I will say, I think for me, the key to them, which is weird to say because they have Patrick Mahomes, to me it's Isaiah Pacheco and getting that running game going. And I know, listen, I'm sure your listeners are sensitive to theme with me. I'm an old school football guy that loves the good running game, and I know that we are in the passing age now.
But again, I don't remember the last time a team won a Super Bowl without at least a solid running game. And, you know, really, Vacheco was part of the underrated, he was the underrated part of that team when they won bet. Listen up, football fans. You won't want to miss this. Right now, new Bet365 customers bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose.
So you can turn that $150 into something bigger when you bet on money loss, spread, totals, player props. $150 in bonus bets when new customers bet $5. I know where I'm going to bet from now on. Download the app today and see why it's never ordinary at Bet365. Gambling Problem, call 1-877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.
21 plus only. Must be physically located in North Carolina. TNC's apply an app only. You've built a killer sports podcast. You bring the heat every week and you have a loyal audience.
But when it comes to monetizing, you're still leaving too much on the table. That's where the Odyssey Creator Lab comes in. We host your show for free. No fees, no catch. You focus on delivering the play-by-play and hot takes, and our experienced sales team goes to work bringing in ad dollars.
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I really think hindered their ability to three pet.
So they've got to get him going. But I really also think that Mahomes has to find his new number one. It's clear Kelsey's not that guy anymore.
So is it Rashay Rice? Is it Xavier Worthy? Who's it going to be? He needs to find that guy, and that defense needs to win some more games for them. They've been a very disappointing component of this team to me.
I thought that they'd be a lot better than they have been. They've got to start winning some games when their offense struggles. Brian Diardo covers all things NFL for CBS Sports. It's the JR Sport Re-Show here on the Infinity Sports Network.
Well, Brian, the team that just won the Super Bowl, the defending champs, who don't want to acknowledge they are the defending champs, we saw what happened with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday losing to the Chicago Bears. The Bears are now number one in the NFC. Philadelphia is still trying to find their footing in their offensive identity. What are your thoughts on the Eagles? Is there still enough time for them to turn things around?
It there is, but they've got it they've got to shake up the offensive play calling. And and Kevin Battullo, I feel bad for him. I guess his house got egged in the hours after that that loss.
So this this past loss on Black Friday.
So, you know, not only did he have to lose and then he has to get up in the next morning in his boxers or whatever he's wearing at night and clean up the eggs on his house.
So kind of feel for him there. But uh The issue for me is they become too predictable on offense. And I'll be honest, Just from the outside. My main criticism or my main reasoning for why the offense has become so vanilla and predictable is the lack of rushing with Jalen Hurts, and I get it. Anytime a quarterback runs, he's susceptible to taking big hits.
And even look at Justin Herbert's injury. That wasn't even a run. He was just running outside the pocket and got hit. And I get it. If you lose Jalen Hurts, you're done.
I understand that. But there's got to be that risk-reward balance there. And to me, making him stationary is not. You mentioned the Steelers at the top of our show. I grew up watching Cordell Stewart.
Full disclosure, I was a Steeler fan. When they made him stationary, that was the beginning of the end. You lost what made him so special. And Cam Newton never lost that, but that's why his career ended early. But I'm sure he doesn't regret anything because he got to play his game.
I'm not saying to turn Jalen Hurts into a 20-carry-a-game guy, but you've got it. lean into his athleticism. Lean into that because yes, he is an elite thrower of the football. If you take away that rushing element, then you're really hurting your team. And that's one reason why Baltimore's struggling.
But their reasoning is different. Lamar's hurt, and that's why he's not running.
Well, Brian, let me ask you this. You talk about running. When we take a look at the NFC West, them quarterbacks out there are not running, okay?
Well, forget Arizona for a second and Kylan Murray, who he might be in the dust. Matthew Stafford not running around, he might be the MVP. Sam Donnell not running around. Who knows? He may turn into a pumpkin again in a few games.
And then we got Brock Purdy back. I mean, he ran for a touchdown and danced. And you got all three of these teams in the NFC West that have nine wins. Are the Rams the cream of the crop there? Could you see them going to the Super Bowl again?
I really could. I will say that defense Kind of surprised me in the way that they just performed against Carolina.
Now, Carolina is good and they'll sneak up on you. But after watching what the Niners just did to the Panthers and how bad they made that offense look. Was really surprised the Rams went there. And that happened to them. But I could see them winning.
To me, the biggest thing for them. Is winning home field. We saw what happened last year. And they did play, they played very, very well in Philadelphia in the elements. But that offense struggled in the snow.
Matthew Stafford, at his age, and listen, I watch a lot of Aaron Rodgers. When the weather gets cold, he looks like a lot of guys my age that are in their early 40s. Look, we want to be inside. Unless you're putting on a coat and going to the golf course, which I still will because I'm an idiot and I love golf, but that's nonwithstanding. I think for them.
Getting that home field is going to be huge. And I think they will. Because I think right now the Niners are kind of just clawing for that wildcard spot, even though Purdy's back and man, they Shanahan won't win it, as we all know. What a job he has done with that team with all the injuries being right there. But I do think that they're going to get home field, and because of that, I you know, they would be my front runner to go just because they're going to be at home and in their elements and their conditions.
Well, Brian, are there any surprises? We see what we've gotten here in the regular season. Bears number one. We've talked about the Broncos and some of the older teams that were used to having success. Is there a team that you don't think is getting the attention that they deserve so far this season?
I mean I think it's Green Bay to be honest, which is which is kind of weird. It's not like they're getting completely ignored. But I I feel like for a team that's as good as them, they're not being talked about enough. And and I went into the season, they were my Super Bowl pick. And I was kind of Yeah.
But they've got a great running back in Josh Jacobs.
Now, I will say, they rely on him too much. They've got to find a complimentary running back for him. 'Cause he takes a lot of licks and he's playing injuries right now as we speak. But Jordan Love, when he's on, like he was, you know, the most of the game on Thanksgiving, he started out a little bit skittish. He's a great, great passer.
And that defense with Micah Parsons is phenomenal. Like Miles Garrett's gonna run away with Defensive Player of the Year. But very quietly, Micah Parsons just became the first player in NFL history to start his career with 12-plus sacks in each of his first five seasons. That's phenomenal. And again, as you know, you can rush the quarterback and you can run the football, and you've got a competent quarterback, you can win.
And again, now, yes, the Rams have homefield. I love their chances to win, but that also aids the Packers in what they want to do. They can certainly win in domes. The only other team I would say is the Texans. I would start looking out for them.
They're one game behind in the AFC South standings. DJ Stroud is impeccable, and they've got the number one rushing defense in the league. And they've got a really underrated running back tandem in Chubb and Meeks. I like their chances as well.
Okay, we'll see if Houston can kind of pop up in that division. Hey, Brian, we appreciate the time. Tell everybody where they can follow, find you, and keep up with all your work with CBS.
Well, like I said, you can probably find me on the golf course, being a knucklehead in these weather conditions. But online, you can follow me on Twitter at Brian Diardo and all of our stuff at CBS.
So it's always fun to be on with you, and thanks for having me again.
Well, thank you, Brian. You be well. We'll catch you down the line.
Sounds great, thanks. Listen up, football fans. You won't want to miss this. Right now, new Bet365 customers bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose.
So you could turn that $150 into something bigger when you bet on money loss, spread, totals, player props. $150 in bonus bets when new customers bet $5. I know where I'm going to bet from now on. Download the app today and see why it's never ordinary at Bet365. Gambling problem?
Call 1-877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. 21 plus only. Must be physically located in North Carolina. TNT Supply and App Only. You've built a killer sports podcast.
You bring the heat every week and you have a loyal audience. But when it comes to monetizing, you're still leaving too much on the table. That's where the Odyssey Creator Lab comes in. We host your show for free. No fees, no catch.
You focus on delivering the play-by-play and hot takes, and our experienced sales team goes to work bringing in ad dollars. Let's turn those downloads into revenue. Apply now at creators.odyssey.com and start making money from your podcast. Welcome to Radio Rental. The scariest stories you've ever heard in your life.
All told by real people. And off we go. This wasn't a human being that I saw. There's something here in this house.
Something out of this world. There was a woman moving through the hall. I stepped back, and I was completely alone. Radio Rental is available now. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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