Lucas computer: Welcome back to Cleat Scorts Podcast. I'm one half your host, Lucas Forstner. With me today is my co host, Taylor Wolfel. What's up, T? Taylor: Not much. Lucas, how are you? Lucas computer: Doing good. We're getting into football season. Today we're gonna be talking a lot about NFL, getting into training camp storylines. After that, we're gonna get into the MOB trade deadline, which is only about an hour away, which is really exciting. We're gonna get Taylor's live reactions to some of the final trades. He's gonna go over all the trades that have happened as well, all the big ones that have happened. so yeah, we're just gonna get right into it. First thing we're gonna talk about are our training camp storylines to headline. This NFL season. And that is on our graphic right now. If you're following on YouTube, you can see the graphic with us. So we're just going to run down the line our top five NFL training camp storylines. I'm going to start with number five. We're going to get into some contract disputes. Some guys that just doing their hold-ins. and then some guys that did get their bag, they got their cash, they're ready for the season, ready to stick with their team that they're with right now. so we're gonna get into some contract disputes, doing a little bit of that. Also a big trade request. We're gonna get into that just a little bit as well. At number four, we have a bunch of stars returning from injury this year. Guys that either play part of the season, got injured the back half of the season, or guys that just didn't get to play much at all last year because of an injury, but they should be back for week one. So we're gonna get into some of those big names, some people that everybody's excited to watch get back out on the field. At number three, we have a bunch of QB c Q B competitions going on. there was one that was supposed to happen that's pretty much been decided. And that is our number two storyline, and that's the Raiders QB decision. We're gonna get into that a little bit, and why they kind of chose that or kind of made that decision. And then number one, the biggest storyline of training camp this year, or this NFL season, we have ten new head coaches this year. It's and which is just so crazy because That's pretty much a third of the league is gonna have a new head coach this year. That's new culture, new schemes, new systems in place, like all these different things. no matter how many guys you returned for the year, you got a new head coach. It can change a lot of different things. even guys that have been there for a long time can kind of throw a wrench in some things and can can make things better too. So we're gonna kinda get into all of that. All right. So those are our top five storylines for the NFL season. Heading into week one or just after week one of the trend camp. So, Taylor, let's get into this. We're gonna get into the number one storyline of the NFL season, and that is our 10 new head coaches. I'm just gonna run down this list here. if you are with us on YouTube once again, you have a graphic pulled up, you can kind of take a look at that, give you a little visual to see. where these new names and new places are. So no particular order here. We have coach Mike McCarthy. He's with the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, formerly with the Cowboys and our beloved Packers. We have Todd Munkin, same division with the Cleveland Browns this season. We have Joe Brady who joining not joining, sorry, already with the Buffalo Bills last year, but he has gotten a promotion. He's gonna be the new head coach this year for the Buffalo Bills. We have Clint Kubiak, gonna be the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach this season. And then we have the Baltimore Ravens have Jesse Minter as their new head coach this season. We have Jeff Hafley Halfley. Once again, our beloved Packers losing a great coach, but Jeff Halfley with the Miami Dolphins this season. Mike LaFleur. Once again, more Packer connections seems to be a theme here. He's gonna be the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals this year. Then we have Coach John Harbaugh, of course. The former Baltimore Ravens head coach is now with the New York Giants this year. Then we have Kevin Svansky, formerly the Cleveland Browns head coach, but he's now with the Atlanta Falcons this year. And last but certainly not least, we have Robert Salah. And he is with the Tennessee Titans this year. Obviously we know he's had some great stints with the forty niners, being their defense head coach, and then also was the Jets head coach for a little while. So Taylor, who would you like to talk about first here on this list? Taylor: maybe we start with Big Mike in Pittsburgh 'cause I think that's the one we were probably both most excited about with reconnecting Lucas computer: Yes. Taylor: with Aaron Rodgers and everywhere Mike McCarthy goes he seems to have a a pretty good offense and contending for playoffs and stuff like that. And Pittsburgh was a playoff team last year, so the fit seemed pretty pretty natural for Mike to go there and he added Michael Pittman and they drafted Jeremy Bernard from Alabama and they signed Rico Deldo's so They'd make some pretty good moves to give Rogers more weapons for his Cinderella season, I guess we could call it, since we we know it's his last one, as he said several times this off season already. So hopefully Big Mike can do some some good work there in Pittsburgh and they can be in the playoffs again and you never know what happens if you make the playoffs. You just gotta get hot and win a couple games. So I'm excited to see that for sure. what about you, Lucas? Who are you most excited for? Lucas computer: I'd have to agree with you. I think Mike McCarthy is just like there's so many ties for us. Like we could see the reunion, him and Aaron Rodgers are back again. which I think had a heavy influence on why Rodgers came back for one more season. I know he said he contemplated just being done after last year. He had a good he had an enjoyable year last year, playing for Tomlin and he enjoyed that team, that culture there in Pittsburgh. but I think once he saw McCarthy coming in. That probably influence his decision pretty heavily to come there. But that's what I'm really excited for is to see those guys. see them reconnect, watch them two bicker on the sidelines when they don't agree on something. is gonna be interesting to see again. but just that dynamics can be really fun to watch. I followed the Steelers a lot last year just because Rodgers was with them. So I think that's one I'm just most excited for to see the changes that that team is gonna have this year with a brand new head coach and a lot of returning players. but like you said, they brought in a lot of grid offensive weapons, so it's gonna be gonna be pretty fun to watch, I think, for that team. Playoff team last year won the division. but I'm pretty excited about that. what other moves? Whatever what other head coach do you think other than say other than the Steelers since we talked about them? who do you think on this list is just the gonna have the most success, do you think, in their first year? Do you think like what what guy can kinda turn the team around, do you think? Taylor: It's pretty tempting for me to wanna go with John Harbaugh or maybe Stefansky in Atlanta just 'cause both those guys are pretty veteran head coaches. Coaches have been there a while, they've they've had success in the playoffs, won coaches of the year. Stefansky won two coaches of the year in Cleveland. So if you can do that in Cleveland, you're probably a pretty good head coach. So the biggest question for Atlanta is gonna be figuring out who the quarterback is, either Tua or Penix and who's healthy and If they can be productive, because if they find some quarterback play in Atlanta, I could see them sneaking into a wild card or maybe even contending for that division, maybe a little bit higher register there, but I think that's a possibility for sure. And and then John Harbaugh there with those young guys in New York with Jackson Dard and Cam Scataboo and neighbors. And that defense has been pretty solid for a while with a really good defensive line. So I think Harbaugh has a pretty Pretty solid chance to maybe bring them back to the playoffs pretty quickly. So if you'd if you had to pick one, who do you think would have the best chance to be back in the playoffs? Lucas computer: Get back in the playoffs. Yeah, I think the tea the two teams that you just mentioned have really good chances to get back in there. I think I think the Ravens just having most of that team returning this year, losing the culture setter like Harbaugh is gonna be kind of tough. But if Jesse Minter can get that defense buzzing again and then a healthy, healthy Lamar Jackson, I think that's gonna be huge for them. He was pretty banged up last year. couldn't really move quite as well as we've seen him in the past, obviously. So I think that offense is gonna be look a lot better with him healthy and then Derek Henry's back there too. So I think I mean this team was a field goal away from getting to the playoffs last year. So I think they can I think they can come back and get in the playoffs. that division's gonna be really interesting for them. like we said, the Pittsburgh Steelers can be pretty tough again this year. those other two teams are interesting in there as well that could make a push. But yeah, I think I think the Ravens could make a push for the playoffs this year, but the Giants are so interesting. I'm so I'm so curious about the Giants this year, just because they did bring in a really good head coach now and they have a lot of good young pieces. So you had all valid points on just talking about what they can accomplish this year. I know lot of a lot of opponents out there are high on the Giants this year, which doesn't always happen when you have a new head coach, and have the season that you had last year. I can't remember what their what was their record last year. four and thirteen last year. So Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: yeah, so and they had a spark last year. Scattaboo create some sparks for them. If Jackson Dart stays healthy, I think they have a little bit better season than they did last year. Those two guys really, if they stay healthy last year, I think they'd have a better season. But yeah, it was it's gonna be interesting up there in New York. everyone's talking Giants, no one's talking Jets, of course. But yeah, I think those those two teams for sure could probably Probably make a push this year. other than that, who else on this list kinda intrigues you? Do you think any of these guys will make big changes to the team or to the culture this year? Taylor: I think the one I'm most excited for culture wise and for him to get his first chance being a head coach at the NFL level would be Jeff Hafley. Just 'cause watching him be the Packers defensive coordinator the last two years, he seems like he had those boys fired up and playing well, knowing where they had to be, knowing what they had to do. And they were just really good defenses and just flying all over the place. And just listening to him in the press conferences, he just seemed like guys just loved him and he he fired me up and I'm not even a player. So I'm I'm excited to see what he can do with his first chance at being a a head coach. And he was head coach at Boston College, but it's obviously a little bit different from the college to the NFL level. But I think it could be a little tough this first year in Miami just 'cause they're really not in a win right now mode with selling with getting rid of Jalen Waddell and not really re signing any of their major players that they had. But they got a lot of rookies and they have a lot of picks coming up in the future, so It may be a rough first year, but I think you could get that culture going and they could be pretty successful in maybe two or three years as long as they give enough enough chances down there because I think they will. I think they know that they're not gonna be the best this year. So that they're gonna give him a couple of years, and I think he's gonna be he's gonna be rocking and rolling down there by like twenty probably twenty eight, something like that. But I'm excited to see what he can do with his first chance being head coach at the NFL level. But what about you? You have a favorite first year head coach, not counting Jesse Minter, because you already Talked a little bit about him and the Ravens. Lucas computer: Yeah. I do want to touch a little bit on halfly. I think the way he got that defense to play, like you said, for the Packers. Like as a Packers fan, we've watched defenses that just seemingly just have no ambition to fly around the ball. and he was able to get those guys to do that and get that defense humming the last few years, which is really awesome. So if he can do that in Miami, that's even more impressive, I think, with especially with the pieces he's gonna have in this first year. But yeah, that's definitely intriguing to me. I know people always talk about players in Miami, how difficult it is to focus down there. You got beautiful weather. it's definitely quite the city to be in as a professional athlete. And just kind of like the way of life down there is much different than most other places you're gonna be in the NFL. So I think that's that's another added challenge to being down there. with Malik Willis in there though, I think having a familiar face like that at starting quarterback, that should help a little bit. I'm curious to see how he does. He did an amazing job last year with the Packers filling in or last two years filling in for the Packers when love was down. So I think that's also interesting there. But yeah, I'm excited to see that. I think the the name that kind of sticks out to me the most right now is probably Robert Sala with the Titans. did not go well when he was with the Jets as head coach, his last stint, but he was one of the top guys to get a job this this upcoming season. So him being in Tennessee It it should be interesting. You got a nice young quarterback there and Cam Ward, who could possibly have a a breakout season this year would be pretty cool to see. But seeing Salah go back, kinda get his confidence back, maybe just kind of get comfortable again going back to the Niners and having a lot of success with that defense again. I think maybe that'll boost his confidence going into this nu next season. he's probably learned a lot over the last couple of years after being a head coach with the Jets those couple of years and then just kind of being back with the Niners and all the that coaching staff that's been very good for the past how many years as well. I'm just I'm just interested to see how the Titans do this year. You know, nobody's really talking about They I can't remember what their record their record was. Maybe three wins. Three and fourteen, yeah. Taylor: Wasn't good, that's for sure. Lucas computer: Yeah. Three and fourteen last year. It's it's always tough when you get when you're Top pick. It has to be a quarterback and you're trying to restart the franchise and you know a rookie quarterback starting all year is gonna be a s some growing pain. So that's always fun to see like how they can grow the second year. So I think that team really stands out to me the most. Just I know I just keep rambling on about but other than those other names, that's definitely it. But I do want to get your thoughts. the bigot like all these teams, there's only a couple on your I there's only two on here that made the playoffs last year. but a lot of these teams were not good. But there's two, but there's one team in particular that could have been a Super Bowl team last year, and that's the Bills. What are your what's your d thoughts on them getting rid of McDermott? And they're just like, let's just hire within. Let's get let's see if Joe has a chance to kind of step up and turn this around because they're right there every year. They just can't. quite get over that hump. So what are thoughts with the Bills? Why do you think they decided to change kinda kinda just take a change of direction? Taylor: I think they're probably set up to be right back where they were last year and they just as you just said, they can't get over that hump, so they just have to figure out a way to have that good game in the playoffs and get over the hump. And it sounds like Joe Brady and Josh Allen, they get along really well. So I think that's gonna be a pretty good connection between those two. It's always good when your head coach and your star quarterback have a good relationship. So I think that's gonna be pretty smooth sailing. And when you come from the same system and you've been there before, it's pretty easy. I don't wanna say easy 'cause obviously little bit different, but it's probably easier to transition when you been around the guys already, you you know what they like, you know, other personalities and stuff like that. So I think they could get along pretty well pretty early on and have some s good success right away. And I think they're definitely set up to win the AFC East again and don't and take back what they usually do and win the East and take it back from the Patriots because they did that for a lot of years before the Patriots upset them last year. So I think I think they'll be right back to ready to win the division. What about you? Lucas computer: Yeah, that's that's a bold statement with the going out and trying to beat the beat the Patriots this year, take back the division. I think it's definitely between those two teams. I don't think the Jets are the Dolphins are gonna make a push for that this year. but Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: yeah, I think I think with the with the Patriots it's gonna interesting to see if they can kind of repeat and do what they did last year. a lot of talk about their schedule not being that strong last year, but we'll kind of see. This year it should be a much tougher schedule for them, and I think just a little bit different look bills can pose some problems for them too. So I don't disagree with you. I think the I think the Bills could make a push again this year. You have Josh Allen at the helm, so it I think you're pretty much set on the offensive end as long as you have him. at least you always have a chance to to win a game if you need it. So that'll be interesting. The defense is kind of question mark right now and now you bring in the offensive minded head coach so that'll that'll change some things too. but yeah other than all those things, I think the rest of these teams just weren't very good last year, so they had made the decision to get get a new head coach. And then and then with like the Steelers and the Ravens getting rid of their long tenured coaches. I think it was just time. All good things must come to an end and when you just kinda keep producing the same results over and over every year and you can't can't make a deep run in the playoffs and you're not getting to the Super Bowl like most of those fans are expecting you to do every year. I think it's just time to move on. Go try a new new direction. get somebody else in there, see if somebody else can make a push, change the culture and it's usually interesting to see what happens after a coach one of the like coaches like that once they leave just to see what ends up happening. But other than that, you got anything else to add, Taylor, with these head coaches or you're all straight? Taylor: Ready to move on to number two? Lucas computer: Cool. We are gonna move on to storyline number two in our opinions, and that is the Raiders deciding to go with Kirk Cousins over their number one overall pick, their Heisman winner, their national champion quarterback. They decided he's gonna be the backup. And Kirk Cousins, who's had a lot of success in this league, didn't have great success last year, but did Did have a year last like a really weird year last year where he was coming off his Achilles, trying to get back in the groove of things. Falcons weren't sure who they wanted at quarterback. what's your what's your initial reaction here, Taylor, with with them just deciding this early, I guess, to say, you know what, Kirk's the guy and Mendoza, let's just let him watch, let's let him develop a little bit. Taylor: It wasn't too surprising to me. It seemed like the move that everyone predicted was gonna happen and it's it just makes sense. Just for this year at least. And you might as well let him show Mendoza what he knows and show him the ropes of how to get ready throughout the week for a game day and study the playbook a certain way and just how to communicate with the guys about what he wants receivers to do and what he wants his linemen to do and and stuff like that. So it it's made It makes a lot of sense to me and it's worked for guys like Mahomes who sat out all but week seventeen his rookie year, Jordan Love. He sat out for probably too long in three years, but you don't need to do that long. But it I mean it turned out good for Jordan Love as he's one of the most e efficient quarterbacks out there. And even go way back to Rogers, that obviously worked out for him. So and then you had guys like Drake May, he didn't start right away, Lamar Jackson didn't start right away. You can just go down the list of it's worked out for guys. And even if it's just half a year. I think it makes a lot of sense 'cause the Raiders know they got themselves a good quarterback in Mendoza. It's not like it's some third or fourth round pick that you need to see what you got in him and stuff like that where you know you know you're gonna give Mendoza a couple of years to see if he can be the man or not. So they're not worried about figuring that out. So I think it just it just makes a lot of sense to let Mendoza get comfortable and get used to what he has to do there and and see what he's got maybe by like week eight or nine or s or if Kirk's playing good, am I just sitting out all year long and And let let Kirk keep playing. So it'll be inch interesting to see how that goes. But were you were you surprised at all, or do you think they should go with Mendoza right away? Lucas computer: I think I think when they first signed Kirk, they got Kirk, that was kinda like, okay, maybe they're gonna give Mendoza a little time here to develop. I'm not overly surprised. I'm a little surprised that they did it so early, so quickly, without there really being a battle seemingly f of those two. but maybe maybe I was expecting them to wait until like after the first preseason game or something, get the guys some reps. but maybe Kirk has just been looking really good. I know like Not to bring up Rogers so much, but him coming off his Achilles, he struggled a little bit. Like he didn't quite look himself that next year with the Jets. he still had a decent year, pretty good year that year. But you could tell he just didn't seem quite as confident to move on that thing. and then Kirk has never really been a quarterback that can move that well. So him coming off an Achilles was interesting to watch last year. So I think that's a little bit why he didn't look the greatest and struggle a little bit. So maybe now he's feeling a hundred percent like himself again. So he's been maybe he's just been looking really good in practice. So they're just said, let's just go with Kirk and then we know he has a great football mind. We've s saw a ton quarterbacks listening to all the things that he would do to prep himself and get himself ready. And it seems like Mendoza's kind of the s similar mindset as him, like very intelligent guy. So yeah, I'm not too surprised that they are going with Kirk to start out. what do you what do you think if they if the Raiders come out and they're just struggling and go One and five. Do you think they give Mendoza a shot right away then? Taylor: I would say so. Unless like the offensive line looks terrible or something like that, then maybe they don't wanna send Mendoza out there and and get murdered right away or anything like that. But it also could be a good thing 'cause he's a little bit more athletic than Kirk, so he could probably evade some of that rush if Kirk is struggling to to get any time to throw the ball back there. But I could definitely see that if they're struggling that bad. But I think if I don't think they're gonna be that bad though. One in one in five, one in six is pretty rough. I think Kirk's gonna Kirk's gonna have them playing pretty good there, I feel like. So and Ashton Jeantee and they got that new Tyler Linden ball from the Ravens, that at center. So I think they'll be able to run the ball a little bit better, which if they do put Mendoza in there, that's good for a for a young guy to be able to run the ball a little bit. So I think they're gonna have to see how all the stuff around them's looking, but I don't think they'll be in too much of a hurry to get Mendoza in there. But what about you? What what week's your prediction Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, I agree with that. Taylor: for for Mendoza? Lucas computer: don't think I have a specific week that like Mendoza would get a shot. Like just kinda throwing out a hypothetic to you just to see, you know, what your thoughts were. Like if they start out poor, do you think Mendoza would give get a shot? But I think like I'm just gonna think about this and like they added a lot of really good players in there, like Tyler Lindenbaum is gonna be crucial to that center, I think, for them. And I think just adds to The QB's just performing a lot better too for that team. but you just kinda go down the line of some signings that they made in the off season, like the guy Coi Walker, which as a Packer fan, we watched him, he's been the leading tackler for the Packers since he came into the league, even as a rookie. he just he can fly around, he's so fast, he's so strong. so I think he's gonna be a big pickup. Nakoby Dean on defense as well. and they also have Taryn Johnson and Jalen Naylor that they picked up as well. So like they got some really solid defensive guys. They still have Max Crosby yet. I know there's talks about him possibly getting traded, but it doesn't really seem like a high possibility right now. But in my opinion, I'd keep Max Crosby for sure. But we'll see what happens with that. But they picked up some really good players in the offseason. I know there was a graphic showing all these players like a few months ago, and I'm like, this Raiders team's gonna be pretty decent this year, and I don't think a lot of people have them on their radar just because of the whole QB situation and They were not good last year. But with all those additions, and then you know, I was checking their over under in the betting world, and it was like five and a half win total. Like, I think this team, I think this team can get to six wins in there. So a few weeks from now, if y'all are tuned in, we'll probably be hitting some bets for the season, some futures. And that's definitely probably number one on my radar right now is the Raiders five and a half. Maybe with the Kirk decision, maybe it already bumped them up. I haven't checked in a little bit since then, but yeah, I think this team's gonna be a lot better than than they seem to be, even just because they got the number one all of a prick last year. But yeah, we'll see. anything else, Taylor, for this discussion for th them deciding to go with Kirk? Taylor: not really. Just 'cause as I said earlier it wasn't too surprising. But I like that five and a half. That's a that's a pretty good numbers. Like Vegas knows what they're doing and they've put out some pretty good numbers there. So that'll be an interesting one to think about. Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. It's almost like it's almost like Vegas always wins or just knows what to do. So weird. It's weird 'cause like my Taylor: pretty good at it, so yeah. Lucas computer: bets just I feel like my bets should be hitting every time and they just they don't. But, you know you win some, you lose some. World Cup got me Taylor: The beauty of that's Lucas computer: World Cup got me thinking I was the smartest guy in the world and then two weeks in That changed quick. But anyway, we'll get into sports betting a little bit later. Once the season actually gets started, we've got some real games. If you wanna do some betting on football, we got a game this Thursday. So go ahead and check out our episode coming up. It's gonna be all about that. So next up on our list on our head storylines of the train camp season, we have some more QB competitions. We just got into one that wasn't really a competition at all. But three competitions that are going on right now. we're gonna kind of talk about who we think is probably gonna win these and who's kind of leaning towards that. There's a lot of reports coming out, especially the upcoming week here. There's gonna be a lot reports, but the Vikings, the Browns, and the Falcons all have some QB competitions going on right now. let's just start off with the Vikings. Let's just talk about this a little bit. So we have Vikings brought in Kyler Murray this year. JJ McCarthy was their starter last year. That was his first year starting. he was injured his first year, his rookie year, so he couldn't couldn't get any starts in there. But what's your decision here, Taylor? Who do you think you would go with? And who do you think the Vikings are gonna go with in this in this case? Taylor: This this one's probably my favorite quarterback competition just because I think it's probably gonna be the one that takes the longest to get decided. Just 'cause I think both could be pretty effective in that offense. Just with JJ if he gets a little bit more experience and more maturity. I think he could be pretty solid in that offense with Kevin O'Connell and Justin Jefferson and Juwan Jeff Juwan John Jennings or Juwan Jennings, too many Jay words and and Jordan Addison. There's there's a lot of weapons there in Minnesota. But I think it's gonna be Kyler Murray to start out just 'cause he's got that first round overall draft pick pedig pedigree. He's had some really good years in Arizona. He can he's still fast as it could be. Like he can run it. He'll take it to the house if he needs to. But I think I think from the videos I've seen so far in training camp, he's got the leg up right now. He's had some pretty nice deep balls in training camp and but I think he's got a probably pretty short leash if he gets in there and he's pretty ineffective, say four four or five weeks from the season. I think I think they're gonna turn it to JJ pretty quickly just because they still kind of need to know what they have in JJ, if he has a chance to be the future or not. So I don't think they're gonna wait too long if Kyler isn't playing well. But I think Kyler's gonna take a good pick take sorry. Take a take a good chance on this opportunity and he's gonna be play be playing pretty good. So what about you? Who's who's your pick to win that job? Lucas computer: As a Packer fan, I would love to see JJ McCarthy get another chance. He can he he Taylor: Yeah. I was thinking that too. Lucas computer: can do his do whatever he was trying to do last year against the Packers, and I'd be happy as a Packer fan. But if I'm a Vikings fan, I think I'm going with Kyler. He's proven he can he can do it in this league. And even if like things aren't working out too well, he's so athletic that he can just make plays that other QBs can't always make right. There's only a handful of QBs that can really make some of the plays he can make. but yeah, I'm I'd be leaning towards Kyler as well. Veteran guy. There's a reason they brought him in there. McCarthy just d did not look great at all last year. And they I know they're trying. They want him to be the guy, but seems like he's a decent leader in that locker room for those guys. But yeah, I'm just I'm definitely going towards Kyler in this case. Other than that, I know you meant you did say that you think this one's gonna take the longest. so I am gonna ask you a question Do you think this one is gonna take longer than Deshaun Watson and Shader Sanders? Taylor: Ooh, that's a good question. Where I I can see maybe both of them probably going along, like going about the same time. But yeah, I think it's the Vikings will be the last ones to decide. And as you were kinda saying earlier, I hope that Kyler doesn't play good week one because they play the Packers week one. So after week one then Kyler Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: can start playing good again. But hopeful hopefully whoever gets that starting job doesn't play very well in week one. But that Browns job, that's that's an interesting one with just how much money Deshaun Watson is making and has made with that fully guaranteed contract. And I think he's played seventeen games in like the last four years since he's been in Cleveland. And we all know about that Lucas computer: Yeah yeah. Taylor: suspension that suspension that he had and and all the off the field issues that that happened with Deshaun Watson. But I think I think Sanders Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, that's that's tough. Taylor: Sanders had a good chance to possibly win that job just another young quarterback and I think he's got a lot to proof. So I think he's motivated to Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: to possibly win that job. Lucas computer: Yeah, I think it's so interesting. Like that I haven't heard anything about hey, Deshaun's just playing so well in practice that that's why that we want to start him. It's always his contract's just looming over their heads and they're like, We need to put this guy on the field because we've we're out two hundred million dollars. So it Taylor: Is Lucas computer: it's a tough it's a tough situation. I think with Munkin coming in, you have a new head coach and he's like he has no ties to Deshaun. really no ties to either one of these Q Bs, but I think with him there, he can kind of say, you know what, this is who's outperformed the other in practice and that's who we're gonna go with. So that'd be interesting. I think like tuning into some Cleveland preseason games, which you'd normally in the past you would never want to watch those games, but I think this is a interesting Q B battle. So just going out and seeing what those guys can do will be fun. I think Shadur when he came in For a few games last year, he seemed like he just kinda had the locker room, like guys were supporting him. He's he just has so much confidence and swagger out there that I think like the guys around him are like, This is the guy. I don't care if he's not the greatest quarterback that we can have, but if he's willing to be aggressive and try to make plays for us, I think I think you go with him. And he's also young, so you have opportunity to make him your franchise guy. So we'll see. There is One graphic I just want to pull up really quick and it's from last Friday, July thirty first. some stats came out from ESPN Cleveland. just a little QB tracker from their day. it just shows the completions for all the quarterbacks from the day, the touchdowns they threw, and then interceptions as well. we're not gonna get you wanna holler at your Arkansas guy, fourth stringer. Taylor: My guy Taylor. Lucas computer: Yeah, Talen Green, he's looks like he's a four stringer, but he went four for five. If anyone's curious, he went for four for five in practice. Who knows who he was playing against? But Taylor: Against the other four stringers, probably. Lucas computer: yeah, against a bunch of other guys, practice squad guys. He looks pretty decent. So, you know, if you want to get in on him, go ahead. But anyway, we'll get into the other quarterbacks. Dylan Gabriel's still there as well. Most people forget that he's there. but he went eleven for seventeen, threw one touchdown, through one pick. And then Deshaun Watson threw 18 for 27. He had no touchdowns, but he threw one interception. And then Shadur Sanders threw 21 for 26 on his passes, and he did not have any touchdowns, did not have any picks. So what does that set tell us? Not a whole lot because it is from practice, but it kind of gives you a little bit of knowledge on just how many reps these guys are getting too in practice. so Shadur is throwing twenty six passes and Watson throwing twenty seven. That just tells us, okay, those are the two guys. They're trying to trying to compete in this competition here. Gabriel getting seventeen shows that he's still getting reps, but just not quite as many as the other guys. I will say what's kind of stands out to me is Shadur doesn't have too many incompletions, so you'd never know like as he just dunking and diving, like just doing a little drop off passes, throwing in the flats, all these little things. or is he actually trying to throw the ball downfield? he didn't throw any picks either, so who knows just how aggressive he is. So that's just one just a couple things from this. Anything stand out to you, Taylor, for just looking at this chat as this this chart is not a lot. Taylor: Yeah, I mean I agree with everything you said that it it's pretty obvious that who the the one and two is and that it's a true competition because those reps are pretty even. So I'd love to see the breakdown of first team and second team reps and how all that's looking, or they're both mainly getting first team reps or how all that's going. But nothing else you really can tell from that, but I think it's gonna be a good competition. So it's I'm excited for preseason football to get started to really really see these guys Lucas computer: I know. Taylor: in in more game action to really really get a good Good comparison of what's going on there. So but yeah, I think you would describe Lucas computer: Yeah, that's Taylor: that perfectly. Lucas computer: Yeah, that's gonna interesting how that goes. Those those are probably the big two competitions right now that the two that I'm just the most interested in are those two. for one for the Vikings, I'd I have a preference as a Packer fan, as I mentioned before, who I want at quarterback, but we'll see what they decide there. And then Cleveland's just interesting because they've had quarterback issues for forty five years, so who knows when they're gonna get that figured out. and they also trade away Miles Garrett, so We'll see. See what happens, see what that defense looks like as well this year. I know they have s they still have a lot of studs on that defense, but they really gotta figure it out at quarterback 'cause they've had good defensive teams in the past. They need to figure it out at quarterback. So it'll be interesting to guess Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: who that happen see what happens. But Taylor: They got some pretty decent weapons with those running those young running backs and some young wide receivers and Jerry Judy still there. Lucas computer: Yes. Mm-hmm. Taylor: And yeah, and then Harold Fannin, he looked really good as a tight end last year as a a young guy too. So they got a good chance. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. I think I think they could have a better year than most people think. But those other three teams in that division are I think are b all gonna be very good this year, so it's gonna be tough for them to make the jump, but we'll see. See if Munkin's got anything up his sleeve to outperform some of those other teams. But the last QB competition we're gonna talk about. well there's could be two possibly, but we'll we'll talk about the the Atlanta Falcons who Are supposed to have a QB competition right now, but their two top contenders are injured. I think Tua might have been back today. he was dealing with something in his back. Is that right, T? Taylor: Yeah. Yep. Lucas computer: Right. Some sort of Taylor: And and Penix is back to light practice with limitations, like doing like the seven on seven type stuff and and things like that. So he's he's getting closer. Lucas computer: Yeah, we I mean we are recording on Monday, so if anything just happened today, we might not always catch it. So but those are your two guys, Tua Tungaloa and then Michael Penix Jr. are the top two contenders for the Atlanta Falcons. Penix is pretty much in another QB battle this year. having his injury too, that doesn't help his situation. he's had a lot of injuries in the past, we know with his knees, so we'll see. We'll see kind of who comes out On top of this, this will be an interesting one. you got a new head coach as well, and then you got Bijan back there. So it's like as long as you have somebody to take care of the ball, make plays when they need to through the air, you have a s absolute stud at running back behind you. So but just got to figure out that quarterback situation. do you want to talk really quick, Taylor, about who's been getting first team reps this that first week for the Atlanta Falcons? Taylor: Is it Jack Stran, dude? Yeah, a big six foot five gunslinger. Yeah. Lucas computer: Yes, yes. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Yes. And I saw a picture of this dude. This dude is massive. Six foot five, two hundred and forty pounds at quarterback. That is a large human. Which is kinda interesting Taylor: Big dudes. Lucas computer: if if he can stay on a roster either what even though he was undrafted. D two, division two. Taylor: Yeah, it's it's kinda fun to keep your eye on eye on guys like that from smaller schools and things like that. From Minnesota State Moorhead, a little D two school. Like it's it's fun to keep Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: keep your eye on guys like that. Lucas computer: Yeah, it's it's always interesting. I think is he from Wisconsin, this kid? Taylor: I am not a hundred and sure, but that sounds f right, right? Whatever that city was. Yeah, Bloomer. Yeah, Bloomer, Lucas computer: I think so. Yeah, I think you mentioned that he was from Wisconsin. Taylor: Wisconsin, so. Lucas computer: Bloomer shout out Bloomer, Wisconsin. You got yourself currently a guy at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons taking first team reps. Taylor: You'll get some reps in a week and a half from that preseason game, that's for sure. So Lucas computer: Yeah, yeah, we'd probably get to see him on the field. And when you see this large human at quarterback, you're like, why don't they slide him over to tight end or something? But it'd be interesting. with this I don't really have too much on this competition. You got two lefty Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: quarterbacks. we've seen what Tua is capable of in the past. Penix is we haven't really seen much of him. we don't really know exactly what we can do, other than his college football run that he made, get to the national championship. We We haven't really seen him play too many snaps in the NFL. So this this competition will be interesting. Who they decide to go with. Do you have any I won't say preference, but do you have any idea who do you think they might go with here starting that week one? Taylor: Think it's kinda like that same Kyler and JJ situation where they're gonna let let Tua get the chance first just 'cause he's been around a little while. He've had some productive years, he've made the playoffs maybe twice, once at least, maybe twice. So I'm gonna go with that veteran Lucas computer: Yeah, one's for sure. Taylor: and and let him let him see what he can do. And it it's indoors, so we know Tua likes to play in good weather, so you're gonna have a lot of good weather when you play indoors. And you have the the Saints in that division, that's some more indoors. Lucas computer: He cannot yeah, he c he cannot be Sorry, cut you off. Yeah. Tua Taylor: No, you're good. Lucas computer: play in in Kansas City in January. Nah, you don't want that to happen. So keep him indoors, keep him in the warm climate. Taylor: Yeah, that was tough. Yeah. Something that'll be interesting. I think I think it'll two of for sure will get this start. And then again, if he's ineffective pretty early on, he'll get he'll get the relegated to the backup quarterback pretty quickly. But we'll see what happens. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, I don't really have too many thoughts on this competition either. I feel like they're probably gonna go with Tua just 'cause he's a little bit more of a proven vet and a lot of guys praise him for all the deep passes he can make. and he's just pretty got he's got a pretty strong arm, so we'll see what they do. I I have no idea what they're really gonna end up doing here, but I'm just kinda I'm leaning a little bit more towards Tua right now. in this situation, but we'll see. And then the last kind of QB I don't know if it's really competition at the moment, but Jacoby Brissett was the guy for the Cardinals last year. we'll see. I think that Gardner Minshew is over there as well. but they have Carson Beck too, so we we don't really know too much about him. It's always fun when a a well known rookie name is out there. So we'll see if he can do anything for them. So it could be a little competition out there. We'll see if during the preseason games or anything, if any of those guys stand out. Be kinda interesting to watch and follow that. I Brissett was trying to get his contract all figured out too to start this year, so we'll kinda see what happens. But anything on that Cardinals QB room, do you? Taylor: No, I pretty much guarantee Brissett gets the start, at least to start out the year and first probably ten, eleven weeks. But if they're say one and nine or something like that, I don't see why they wouldn't give Beck a chance because then if he's good, you don't need to draft a quarterback early on in the first round next year and you can let Beck get another year of run and stuff like that. So when I don't I think they probably will have a pretty rough record. So I think Beck by the last four or five weeks, I think he'll definitely get some chances to play and see if he can do anything 'cause That just seems smart in my opinion to see if you have possibly anything to be a future quarterback there or not. So Lucas computer: Mm. Yeah. Yeah, I agree with that. I think Brissett's gonna be the guy for a while. He beat out Kyler pretty much last year for it, so we'll see. They're gonna give him another shot this year, see what happens. But we'll move on past these QB competitions. Talked about it long enough, I'd say, and then a few short weeks we'll find out which quarterback will end up starting week one. And it can always change throughout the year. Injuries, guys don't perform well. Q B position is always Always questionable on some of these teams. So we'll see what happens. But anyway, we're gonna get into our number four storyline and that is the stars returning from injury. I'm gonna let Taylor kinda take this one a little bit, kinda name off some of these guys, what injuries they had this past season and their expected date. I think most of these guys that we're gonna mention are should be back for that week when they're already out practicing everything, but who do we got Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: coming back this upcoming Season. Taylor: Some of the big guys that most people would know would be Pat Mc Pat McAfee. Patrick Mahomes. He is coming off that torn ACL and he's practicing already. He's looking like he'll be likely for week one for sure. And then a guy not likely for week one, but Micah Parsons, they already said he probably won't be back till week six. But that makes sense when you're a edge rusher like that. You need to be explosive as could be. So there's no need to rush him back and possibly re-injure himself. So you want to make sure he He's rested and ready to go and a hundred percent by the time he gets back on the field. And they'll they need him for the playoffs. They don't need Micah for the first five weeks of the year. They need him in in January and February. And then it's kind of crazy him and Pat Mahomes got hurt on the same Sunday last year, week fifteen. Like that was that was Lucas computer: It was Taylor: yeah, that was that was a pretty sad day in in the football world when both of those stars went down. But Yep. Lucas computer: I didn't I didn't realize that was the same day. I just know I just remember watching Michael go down and I was like, no. Packers were Taylor: Yep, that was a depressing moment. Lucas computer: Packers were not the same after that, sadly. Taylor: Mm. Lucas computer: I was hoping maybe Rashawn Gary would have started taking over, but we all Taylor: Thanks. Lucas computer: know how we all know how that went this fast season. But Cowboys, you enjoy Taylor: Thank you. Lucas computer: him. He's all yours. Anyway, moving on. Next stars Taylor: And that's Lucas computer: that are out. Taylor: to a couple d couple dudes that tore their Achilles at the end of the year and with Daniel Jones. It was probably like week thirteen or twelve or thirteen, something like that. He tore his Achilles and then George Kittle did that in the playoff game. And both those guys are actually on track to play week one, which is pretty amazing how fast you can how fast these guys can come back from a major injury like that now. Which is not confirmed Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: yet, but they're all on the right track and practicing and s and and looking good, which is which is amazing. Lucas computer: Yeah, that's that's a quick quick turnaround for an Achilles. Like this is I know the Achilles has been very prominent injury lately, these last few years, but crazy that those guys are coming back for week one already. But and then Jones, Daniel Jones, he this is a fibula. He fractured his fibula before that. Taylor: yeah. Yeah. Lucas computer: Do you believe, yeah. And then I think it was the same leg that he had the Achilles on, but you got a fractured fibula and you're still running around playing a football game. That's y you need some toughness for that or whatever the I can't remember what they give those guys, but Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: Tordol, Tordol, I think it is that they give those guys, but Taylor: Yeah. That that sounds right. Lucas computer: Yeah, crazy just his toughness to keep playing and then unfortunately tears his Achilles, which is even worse probably. But yeah, those guys coming back that quick, insane. Taylor: Yeah. And then the New York Giants have a pair of guys on this list with Cam Scattaboo with that ankle. That was one gruesome injury watching that. I hate watching broken ankles. Those are some nasty replays of that. And he's back doing Lucas computer: Yeah. I was Taylor: backflips on stage at Fanatics Fest, so he's looking like he'll be good to go for for Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: week one. feeling good at least. And and and Yeah, and Lucas computer: To the to the detriment of his social media team. He's doing backflips. Taylor: his new and his new head coach, Sean Harbaugh. Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: And and then Malik Neighbors a a pretty stud wide receiver that he blew out his knee pretty early on in the year last year. And his recovery is not going as well as other guys like that, but he he's some kind of contradicting reports that some say he'll be ready for week one and some say they may just wait a month or so and just make sure he's fully healthy and ready to go before rushing him back out there. So that's still too to be determined, but at least Scouterboo's looking like he'll be out there for week one for the Giants. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, Giants Giants have some solid solid receiver, wide receiver, running back types that are coming back this year. Young guys, young key core guys. Be interesting. But Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: yeah, go ahead. Taylor: And then some other guys with knee injuries was Nick Bosa, that poor guy just can't stay healthy to to save his life 'cause he's such a stud when he actually is playing. But I don't know, I haven't really seen too many reports on him and how his recovery's going. And then Travis Hunter is another dude that has a knee injury and it was an L C L and he was out for like probably the last three months of the year last year. He was out a while. But I did see a a video of him getting interviewed at training camp and he's looking like he He hit the weight room pretty well this off season. So we'll see if we can find a picture of that and maybe pop it up on the on the YouTube feed anyways. But he's looking looking Lucas computer: Yeah, that's Taylor: big and ready for the season, so Lucas computer: it's always crazy to me like when rookies like their rookie year, they're kind of thin still. Like they're strong guys, but they're thin and then they get one year under an NFL program and they just fill out and get thick and you're like, Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: All right, they got the right nutrition, they got the right workouts out there. But yeah. Always Taylor: Yeah, definitely. Lucas computer: always always a good feeling when one of your guys has a transformation like that. It's fun. Taylor: Yeah. And Travis Hunters is such a special player, so it'll be interesting to see what they do with him and how much they let him let him go two way this year and and things like that. But there's some other guys that are all all on track to play week one were but had injuries were Devon Devon Achan with the shoulder injury, then Max Crosby with that meniscus. And that's the reason why that trade got voided, supposedly, which there's some sketchy stuff that happened there with the Ravens. So that's it's a discussion for a later day probably because I have some thoughts on how that went down. Lucas computer: Yeah, the we'll get some facts out of that and then we'll throw out opinions on it. Taylor: Yeah. And then Quinshawn Judkins. He had he had a handful of injuries with the so all lower body on the legs with the fibula and ankle injuries, but he's he was electric when he was getting his time to play and I think he's poised for a good year too, especially as we just discussed a little bit ago. If they get some quarterback play, I think he could be a a big beneficiary of that. But those were the probably the biggest names that we had listed. Was there any others that you could think of at last second? Lucas computer: Not that I could think of right now, but yeah, those are pretty much all the people that'd be Ooh Yes, Tucker Kraft. Tucker Kraft should be I think he's sh should be back. Yeah, which is awesome. But Taylor: And our guy Tucker our guy Tucker Kraft. Can't forget about him. But he's he's looking good for week one. Yeah. Yeah. Lucas computer: that yeah, he is a monster, so having him back is gonna be nice. And then yeah, I think the only one that we named off was Michael Parsons that's pr that's not gonna be back right away, but like you said, doesn't need to come back in the first five weeks. It's not gonna make a huge difference during that time. So yeah. But yeah, those are all your stars kind of returning back. Obviously like the most prominent names like Patrick Mahomes, George Kittle, Daniel Jones if you're a Colts fan, and that's an awesome name to hear coming back. And then as a Giants fan, Scattaboo and neighbors coming back are huge. So yeah, just awesome stuff. Quachon Junkins too, having him back for Cleveland's gonna be awesome too. But yeah, other than that, those are just your stars coming back this this upcoming season. You should be able to see them week one. But Taylor: Yes, sir. Lucas computer: that wraps up our stars that are returning from injury and we are going to move on to some contracts. A little bit of some disputes, some guys that got paid this off season right before training camp as well. Taylor, what you got here for just some let's we can go into the contract extensions. Let's talk about some guys that have gotten paid and are ready to go for the year. Taylor: Well we we wanna start with the guys that actually did get paid or the guys that wanna get paid. Lucas computer: Whatever you prefer. Do you wanna you wanna get Taylor: Well Lucas computer: into whatever one we'll we'll talk about. Taylor: We'll start we'll start with the first one that that brought this idea to our our our our minds and that was Vita Veya asking for a trait from the Tampa Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: Bay Buccaneers. he's getting paid Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: around seventeen million dollars this year. And he's looking for a pay raise and an extension, especially after guys like Jalen Carter, who just got paid four years and a hundred and fifty four million dollars, so that's thirty eight and a half million dollars a year, I believe, quick math. So V t Vita V is looking for a a little pay raise to get from seventeen probably to like closer to thirty or something like that, because that's a pretty pretty big disparity between two pretty good defensive tackles. Even though I know Vita Vay is a little bit older, so that's probably why he wants to get get paid is because he's a little bit older. But Lucas computer: Yeah. And yeah, he I mean, that guy's a game wrecker, so if you can sign Vitavea, you're gonna want Vitavea, so we'll see. I'm really I know there was a report about the Rams possibly looking into that. And any LA team right now does not need any more star players on their team. Baseball, football. Taylor: Is that a preview to the trade deadline? Lucas computer: Yes, absolutely. but yeah, it's I think Vitavea stain in Tampa would be awesome. Been there for a long time. So, able to just just take care of your guys. You know, they've done so much for you. Get paid. Take care of You'll have them for another handful of years, hopefully. So just one of the best D tackles in the league. Like you said, Jalen Carter getting paid, pay V Vita Veda. Like it's pretty simple in my eyes, just to keep your guy. Tampa for some reason right now is just having all kinds of little things like that pop off before the season. Which I guess if you want to talk, we can chat a little bit about Baker not getting paid either, or not being able to strike a deal here before the season and he's I know we're we're big Baker Mayfield guys, so we'd love just him coming out and being honest and being blunt with everybody. So him just coming out and saying, you know, we weren't able to make a deal and I told them if we didn't make a deal before training camp, then don't worry about it until after the year. which is just that's a football guy. football guy right there. He's just you know what, let me just Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: prove to you why I deserve to get paid and hopefully they figure it out. But I there were some ports about go ahead. Taylor: I say and as we before we move move on a little bit farther from that interview where he said stuff like that where he like felt disrespected and so on and so forth, he did not hold back much at all in that interview and he pretty much ended it with a mic drop saying it's only gonna get worse from here. It's insinuating like y'all don't wanna pay me fifty million dollars a year after I ball out this year, I'm gonna be getting fifty five, sixty million dollars after this year type of thing. So he he was just mad. He he got offered two years and a hundred million dollars, but he was looking for for Lucas computer: That's what it was, yeah. Taylor: for a longer term deal. Like he's probably looking for four years or so just to get some more security because he's I think like thirty three years old or thirty two, something like that. So he's getting a little bit more up there. So he's been looking for that longer Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, little thirties. Taylor: term deal. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, I think for both of those guys, like just pillars on both ends of the field for you. So in my eyes, as someone who's not really a Buccaneers fan by any means, I think they should just pay that guy. Like pay both of I think Baker proved to you that he's he's the guy for you. And Vitave has been there a long time wrecking games for you, so I don't understand why you don't why you don't want to pay these guys, but I was just checking quick. Baker is thirty one, so he's Taylor: Really one. Lucas computer: got they have some years left with Baker. So I think I think yeah. Taylor: Yeah. They could do a four year deal, that's gonna be most of the rest of his product, like that that'd be fine. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. I mean he's j I mean, Baker's absolute dog. Like he goes out there and competes. He's obviously like he looks like he's beloved in any locker room he steps foot in. So having that guy a quarterback, so many guys are gonna just elevate their game too. So between those two two guys, Buccaneers, figure it out, get it done. These are your guys. So Taylor: Keep your stars in town. But Lucas computer: Yes. Taylor: we can talk about more happy Lucas computer: Anyway. Taylor: things now and guys that actually did get paid before we get back to more hold-ins and stuff like that. So one of the one of the guys that just recently got paid was Chris Olave, the wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. He got four years and $124 million. So that's that's a pretty nice payday. $31 million a year. That brings him pretty pretty high up there in the wide receiver rankings of guys that got paid. Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: And then I mentioned Jalen Carter already. And then Kyle Pitts, he also got three years, fifty-four million dollars from the Atlanta Falcons. He had a he had a pretty good year last year after some disappointing years. He came on strong as a rookie and balled out and then kinda had some rough years. But he looked good again last year and they thought the same thing with giving him a a three year extension and fifty-four million dollars. And a running back, I'm sorry, do you have anything you want to add to Lucas computer: No, I think those are both I think those are all really like fair deals for those guys. I think they're more than deserving of that kind of money. So, like sometimes you'll get you'll see some signings out there and you're like, What are that team doing? And I I don't get that feeling from any of the ones that we've we've mentioned so far, so I think that's a good thing. But yeah, go ahead with our next guy. Taylor: a running back got paid, which has been happening more and more the last couple off seasons than previously. So that's good to see the running back get valued again. But Devon H and got four years and sixty-eight million dollars. So that's pretty good contract for a running back. Which leads to two of the running backs that are looking for extensions and two of the best in the league, with being Bajan Robinson and Jameer Gibbs. Both those guys are kinda holding in. Gibbs saying he kinda has a little bit of an injury right now, kinda like how Micah did last year, but not really practicing and yeah, the quotation marks for sure. And Lucas computer: Anyone not watching, yes. In quotes All these guys have injuries when they're waiting to get their contract figured out. So gotta some tweaks. They gotta take care of some tweaks. But but yeah, it is it is awesome to see some running back or one running back I should say that getting paid getting paid a good good amount, I'd say too, for a couple years. Taylor: Yeah. If I were to guess, I think Gibbs and Bajan will be getting paid real soon because those guys are just home run threats anytime they hit the ball or anytime they hit the ball. I'm thinking baseball over here, my bad. Anytime Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: they have the ball in their hands, like they can catch it, they can take it from the backfield. And then just like that they're going eighty yards and you can't catch up to them. So I think those guys will get paid real soon for sure. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, I agree with that. I I don't see why you don't pay those guys. I I understand a little bit about the Vitavea thing, but no matter what, just pay your guys as if you know they're gonna come out and perform for you. So get it done. And those are like those two running backs could have amazing seasons this year as well. Especially Gibbs not really sharing the ball anymore. So yes, they could be so deadly for those two teams. Taylor: Yeah. And and then just two other guys that I know of that are kinda looking for new deals. They haven't really said they're holding in or holding out or anything like that yet. They're they reported a camp and everything like that, so that's good. But Christian Gonzalez, the cornerback for the Patriots, he can shut down whole half of a field and just live on an island over there and he's shut shut down your number one receiver. He's so good. And then Puka Nakua, we we all know how good Puka is. That dude's just a monster out there Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: and Just him the ball and just let run after the catch. He's he's fun to watch. So I think both those guys are also gonna get paid soon too, because those guys are just too good not to get paid and they're like twenty four, twenty five years old. So they're they're not even that old yet. So you might as well pay f four or five years and keep for their whole prime. So I think those guys will all get paid in for sure. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, I'd agree with those guys. I mean, everyone we're mentioning on here are like the stars of these teams right now. one side of the ball or the other. So definitely just get it done. Puka, good to see Puka out there again too. I know he had some things going on in his off season. seems like he got those taken care of, which is awesome to hear. But it if anyone has a chance to listen to Puka Nakua talk, I know he comes on the Pat Mac for show quite a bit. throughout the season or like a couple of times throughout the year. he's just a great personality, just like high vibes, good energy dude. So, seeing a guy like that, great seems like a great character guy, just but like he just balls out when he's on the field. He's such he's so tough to guard. so seeing him get paid would be awesome to see as well. But we have anyone else on this list, Taylor? Taylor: not necessarily like must happen right now, guys, but I kind of have a a fun question for you. So the two quarterbacks from the twenty twenty three draft class that were drafted one and two overall, Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, that's a pretty common time after three years in the league to get that contract extension. And neither of those guys have gotten that yet, which I'm not surprised about, but the both those guys have some things to prove, I would say, with Stroud made the playoffs every year, but he's also had the best defense in the league. So that's I mean, not easy, but it it helps a lot when you have a a shutdown defense like that. So I'd hope you can make the playoffs with that. And then and then Bryce Young snuck into the playoffs last year as a eight and nine division winner due to tiebreak tiebreakers and stuff like that. So that's nothing too special either. So he's got a lot to prove as well. But do you think one of those guys will get paid before the season starts? Or do you think it's gonna wait till after this year and see what they do? And who would it be if you were to guess? Lucas computer: Think I don't think either one's gonna get paid this year. I think they're gonna wait personally. I don't there's I haven't really heard anything either, any reports about it happening. Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: but yeah, like Stroud, amazing rookie season, but then the last two have been kind of meh. just did not look great, especially his last year. I feel like every time I watched him, I was just like, That's not the CJ Stroud that we remember seeing his rookie year. Bryce Young, to me, like I get to see a decent amount of Panthers football. I get to see a lot of reports and highlights and all that stuff just being here in Charlotte. So he's he seems like he's improved every every year, I'd say. I know he had like it was not a good start for him with all the other quarterbacks, veteran quarterbacks he had to battle with and getting pulled out, having coaching changes and all these things and it's it's been a a t rough start to his career, I'd say. but last year it it seemed like they were all in on br on Bryce, so it was like This is gonna be our guy. And then to get to the playoffs, it's it's always it's always nice to get to the playoffs as a team that just hasn't been there much at all in the last decade. So just with with him it improving the last couple of years, I think I could see Bryce Young getting paid. I don't know if it's it's not gonna break any records or anything like that, but I could see him landing somewhere. I don't even I don't even know how to put a number in there, but he I he's not like he's not a top ten quarterback. He's not not getting a huge contract. But I could see them extending him if they have a decent year and they get to the playoffs again this year. Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: but yeah, like like you mentioned, like Stroud, he's his defense has been so good. It's hard to like they're not gonna move on from him, I don't think. and he's proved his first year, at least he proved that he's he can be a guy. So we'll see. This This is definitely a prove it year for both of those guys, it I think. So we'll see kind of what happens. But what are your thoughts on you think either one of those guys'll have a big extension or get an extension after this year? Taylor: I think they're gonna wait for the end of the year for sure. And I would I'd probably put money on Stroud to get paid before Young just 'cause he has one a playoff game every year and he's got I mean Nico Collins and Jalen Higgins, Jaden Higgins the and they got David Montgomery this year. So if he can't be productive in this offense I'd be I'd be pretty surprised by that. So I think he'll have a I think he'll have a pretty solid year. And I I agree with you. I don't think either are gonna set the market or anything like that, but Maybe if they offer young a team friendly ish kind of deal, like forty million dollars a year, which sounds crazy that that's team friendly, but in quarterback terms Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: that's it's pretty team friendly when Baker Mayfield is fifty million dollars. And I thought he was like a twelfth highest paid quarterback, I think. So it's it's a pretty crazy quarterback market out there. So I could Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: see something like that happening 'cause it that's a lot of money and life changing and if you like your team and stuff like that and I can see that definitely happening. But I liked your answer. Lucas computer: And who and who who else was in that draft class? You had Anthony Richardson? Taylor: Yeah, at number four overall and I forget all about Anthony Richardson. That was a pretty Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: pretty rough draft class there. Yeah. Lucas computer: Yeah, those quarterbacks was it Will Levis was in there? Taylor: Yep. He was a second rounder, a thirty third overall. Lucas computer: Yes, I mean borderline Taylor: That's when the Titans took back to back second round quarterbacks, back to back years of Malik Willis and then Will Levis the next year, both in the second round. So Lucas computer: Yeah, this is yeah, this is nuts. Like looking looking Taylor: And you have like Lucas computer: back at that, you're just thinking like not gonna be the not gonna be the draft class that some people might have expected with them coming out there, but but yeah, just Taylor: Yeah. And and guys like Hendon Hooker in the third round, like that's pretty crazy. I I don't know much about Lucas computer: Yeah, yeah. Looking at it now. Taylor: him at all. Lucas computer: And this is three years, three years out of that draft. Like not too much has gone on. So I guess yeah, Stroud has been the most. He's produced the most. he's had the most success. I think his situation is definitely much better coming into the league than the other ones, but yeah, like Bryce Young hasn't really had weapons around him or a decent line for him until like this past year. So We'll see what happens there. But yeah, I think it's a big year for those two t two quarterbacks. I think make or break season, show us what you can do and we'll kinda see what happens. But yeah, that was a good point to Taylor: Yeah, for sure. Lucas computer: bring up. Just a couple couple guys that are just kinda like, Hey, are we gonna pay these guys? Are we gonna keep are we gonna continue with these guys that we've kinda turned the franchise over to since they were rookies or not? But yeah, it's gonna be interesting Taylor: Mm-hmm. Lucas computer: for them. But Anything else to add, any other contracts we're th forgetting about or disputes we're forgetting about in the league? Taylor: No, that's pretty much all my thoughts I had on the football topic for today. Lucas computer: Awesome. Well, for those of you still hanging in there with us at the end of this episode, this is I know we c went on some tangents here, but just gonna pop up our graphic one last time. So these were our five NFL training camp storylines. number five being the contract disputes that are going on still. This happens every year. Guys hold in, been holding in a lot the last few years. but yeah, guys just kinda Trying to get paid. They're not gonna go out there and risk getting injured before they get paid. So from a personal standpoint, you can obviously understand why these guys are do what they do to make sure they're taking care of themselves and their families. So but this happens every year and it's it's always interesting to see the situations that unfold. You can kind of see a little bit behind the scenes and how franchises treat their players and how they go about business. So it's always fun to see. then our number four storyline was All the stars returning. Patrick Mahomes for all you Chiefs fans out there should be back. He's looking looking decent out there. He's moving pretty decent. So having him out there, you guys are always contenders when you got him out sitting behind center. And then number three, we have QB competitions going on. The Vikings, the Browns, the Falcons, all those QB competitions going on right now. We'll we'll learn more about those as the weeks progress. But Interesting to say the least for some of those teams and I know we've shared our opinions on here, but we'll see what happens with those teams. And then number two, we had the Raiders QB decision. They're going with Kirk Cousins. They are gonna have Mendoza sit the bench a little bit, sit behind Kirk, learn from him, develop. I mean he can still probably get some a decent amount of first team reps this this training camp season maybe. at least get a few reps to kinda see what it's like and all that but I think if he's behind Linderbaum, that'd be awesome for him to learn with that center. but yeah, so that's number two storyline and then number one, ten new head coaches this year. It's gonna be an interesting year. Every year there's coaching turnover, but this year has been so much. I don't know if that's a record or not. It's gotta be close, but pretty much the third of the league is has a new head coach. So we'll see. It's gonna be interesting for all you teams that have a new head coach this year. Lucky for us, we got Maddie Lafleur at the helm running the show for the Packers. Taylor: Good to go. Lucas computer: Alright, guys, that's enough about NFL football. We're gonna get into the MOB trade deadline, which just happened a few minutes ago. So we are gonna get some of Taylor's takes, the top trades, winners and losers from the trade deadline. He may sound a little depressed in this this ending here, this video, but our Milwaukee Brewers seemingly do not care how the end of the year goes here. They don't want to make any big moves. they said they were gonna make some aggressive moves and have not. So we're gonna jump right into it. Taylor's gonna talk about MOB trade deadline, what's going on, how this finished up here, and now no more trades are allowed. Taylor: Alright, I'll try not to sound too depressed over here. So it was it was a pretty crazy trade deadline, so at least there's a lot of action. I was just sitting here checking my phone. Every time we got the NLB update, I'm like, what did the Brewers do? And it was just nothing until the the end of the day when we'll start with the Brewers right away. They they made one trade or two trades at least. One was for Dustin May and JoJo Romero from the Cardinals, which are it's an okay trade, but it's nothing groundbreaking at the same time. Dustin May's a pretty solid starter. He's got like a 4-3 ERA this year. And then Jojo Romero is a good reliever, so it'll be a good addition to the bullpen. But we didn't really need a number five starter in the rotation because we already have like three guys that could be the back end of the rotation. So I was hoping they'd go be aggressive and get like a two-three starter in the rotation, something like that. And then they also traded for Antonio Sensatello from the Rockies, who is also another reliever. So they at least bulked up the bullpen a little bit, but nothing. too crazy or aggressive like the GM said he might be. But other other big trades that I that I really liked from this trade deadline were the White Sox. They got they they're the White Sox are pretty active, but they're one of the surprised teams of the year and in first place by a couple games in the AL Central, so that's pretty awesome. And they made a good trade to get Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners because they needed some pitching help. Steel's a veteran, been there, done that, has some playoff starts under his belt. And he's under a contract for next year as well. So that's a big move for the White Sox. And we'll unfortunately tou touch on Tariq School real quickly going to the Los Angeles Dodgers, which if y'all were paying attention to our social media feeds at all last year, that was unfortunately what my guess and prediction was, and it ended up being true. They gave up Three prospects, two of them in the top seventy in most general prospect rankings. So it's a pretty good trade. But I don't think it's anything the Brewers can't afford. So it it's interesting. I'd like to know what what the Brewers are offering and stuff like that for school. But sadly he's a Dodger, so the Dodgers are loaded up and like pretty much like plus one twenty to win the World Series. So that's pretty pretty crazy odds when you're talking about futures like that. But that's just how good they are right now. And then the Tampa Bay Rays, they were a they were an aggressive team this deadline as well, which is cool because that was a storyline from last week's MLB podcast with what small market team is gonna be aggressive, the Brewers or Rays. And luckily for the Tampa Bay Rays, it was them. And they got Freddie Peralta from the Mets. They gave up three prospects for him. And they also got Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins, who's a catcher slash first baseman. He's hitting like 280, got like 14 home runs this year, and just a solid middle of the order bat. And he's under control till 2030. So that's a that's a long-term piece that they can keep in the lineup for the next three, four years. So I was I was happy to see the Rays try to do something because they're in the number one seed in the AL right now. So they are trying to bolster that. And then a team that's always active would be the New York Yankees. They got Luis Garcia from the Washington Nationals, who is under contract for next year as well. And he's hitting 283 this year with 23 bombs, and he's leading the MLB in slugging percentage. So that that's a good bat to add to the middle of the order as well. And you'll have that for next year. And they gave up four right-handed pitching prospects to the nationals, which everyone knows the nationals need pitching, so it's pretty funny to see him take a trade with four right-handed pitching prospects. And then the Yankees also got Heliot Ramos Ramos from the new New York Giants. Football on the brain now. But San San Francisco Giants. And he's a right-handed hitting outfield. Pretty solid player. He's a rental. He'll be a good depth, depth piece there with all the injuries that they have going on right now. And then we got Casey Mys the San Diego Padres at the last second. That just came out right at five o'clock as the deadline was wrapping up. So that was a guy I really wanted the Brewers to make a move for. His numbers are as good as Scoobyl this year with a a 2.7 ERA. And he's a rental, so he's not going to cost that much prospect wise. And it would just have been a good addition to put behind Mizarowski and Kyle Harrison. He would have been a nice three in the rotation. But he's on his way to San Diego, which was a good trade. And then the Chicago Cubs, they had a good deadline, which makes the Brewers not doing a lot even worse because the Cubs needed pitching and they got three pitchers that are all probably going to be in the rotation. And Kevin Gossman from the Blue Jays. Who's a good veteran? He was started two games in the World Series last year. So he's got a lot of experience and a lot of a lot of good years of good production. So he'll fit in well there. And they also got Clay Holmes from the New New York Mets, along with Tyrone Taylor, an outfielder. He'll probably be like their fourth outfielder type of thing, like fill in if someone gets injured and stuff like that. And they also got Braxton Garrett from the Marlins. Who's not as good as the first two, but those first two guys could be the Cubs probably somewhere in their top three of the rotation and starting playoff games for them come October. So I'd say the Cubs had a really, really good deadline, which is painful to say, but I have have to be honest on here. So and then other than that, one of the other big trades was Adley Rushman, former Nobel overall draft pick back in twenty eighteen. He went to the Red Sox for four players and one to be named later. So that's a Pretty big haul, but he's under contract as well for next year. So when you when you get one of the best catchers in the game, you have to give up some of the good prospects. And then yeah, those would be the big ones. And then two of the outfielders I think I mentioned last last week's episode, Joe Adele. He went from the Angels to the Guardians. And then Taylor Ward went from the Baltimore Orioles to the Mariners. And both those guys are just rentals, but really solid, productive outfielders, especially Joe Adele against left handed hitting. He hits like three five against lefties and that's what the Guardians really need help with. So those would be my biggest trades of the day and there was a lot. Like it was a busy deadline, so I could keep going on and on. But I will just keep that pretty short and sweet and give you my biggest and favorite deals of the day with the with the big name guys. So Lucas computer: Yeah, so who are your winners and losers of this trade deadline, Taylor? Taylor: the winners. We'll start with the winners. We'll be on the happy note. But that would that'd be unfortunately the two biggest threats to the Brewers in the N L, I would say. And that is the Dodgers, of course, 'cause whenever you get one of the best pitchers in baseball, you have to be one of the winners. And they had a deep farm system, so it unfortunately made sense. They also got Chris Bubich from the Royals, who and he's probably like their ninth best starter on their team, but it usually has them good depth piece and they can probably put him in the bullpen and be a lefty coming out of there. And then as I just hinted at, the Cubs the Cubs definitely had a good deadline because they needed pitching help and they did not mess around and they went and got three people they can slide into the rotation tomorrow. So that's it's be a big move for them. If their offense keeps playing good, they could get hot here the last two months and maybe challenge the Dodgers come October or challenge the Brewers. But It'll be interesting to see with those two. And then I'd say the Yankees Lucas computer: Hopefully hopefully the Taylor: too. I'll I'll throw the Yankees in there real quick too. Sorry, yet I'll get back to you in one second. Lucas computer: Yeah, you see? Okay, yeah, go ahead. Taylor: But yeah, the Yankees, they they needed some offensive help because their pitching staff, their top three or four pitchers, are probably the best. Not the best in baseball. That's probably the Dodgers, but they could definitely compete up there with the Dodgers with Garrett Cole, Cam Schlittler, and Max Fried as a one-two-three. That's that's pretty scary. So they bolstered that offense to Maybe get hot come October and challenge the Rays and the A L side of the playoffs. So but what were you about to say before I said that? Lucas computer: yeah, I you mentioned the Cubs making making a push and challenging the Brewers or the Dodgers and I'm just hoping hoping it's the Dodgers and not the Brewers. But maybe they can catch early on in the playoffs, knock out of there. That'd be sweet. Taylor: Yeah, those would be my three winners from the trade deadline. And we will get to the loser here, which i I'm gonna have to say it is probably the Milwaukee Brewers. So well just the classic brewers live by the farm system, die by the farm system and just trust some young guys and maybe we'll get lucky in twenty twenty eight or something like that if we don't ever make a big splash of the deadline or the off season. You have a good deep farm system and the GM comes out and says he's gonna be aggressive at the deadline, and then we are not aggressive. So it was a pretty depressing day to see all your contenders, as I just said, the winners, the Cubs and the Doggers, be aggressive, go get what they need, and just make it happen and make yourself ready for playoff baseball. And the Brewers didn't really do that besides a couple bullpen pieces, but everyone does some additions to your bullpen, so that is Unfortunately, a sad, sad day for me just sitting here waiting for something big to happen. So I got fooled by the GM. I'll go back to not believing anything big will happen next year again and then I then won't be so disappointed. But I I had faith but didn't happen this year. So Lucas computer: We'll we're gonna remember this next year for the trade deadline. When the brewers need to make a move, we won't get excited. We won't be having the show during the trade deadline time, the last hour. We'll Taylor: Yeah. Yep. Lucas computer: just we'll anticipate no moves. The brewers just can stick it to what they do. Taylor: Except for two thousand and eight, eighteen years ago when they traded for C C Sabathia and people still Lucas computer: Sure. Taylor: like to talk about that trade. So that's what happens when you make an impactful move. People love it and it's a fun two month stretch of baseball and into October. But that unfortunately did not happen, so we'll just keep riding the young guys in the good farm system and see what happens. But there's only so many so many roster spots for so many guys, so you can't have too many stud infield prospects 'cause there's only so many that can play. So I was hoping somebody could trade it for something impactful, but maybe next year. Lucas computer: Maybe maybe Taylor: Unfortunately. Lucas computer: next year. You know, and the I mean the Brewers didn't even win the World Series with that move and people still talk about that move. So Taylor: Exactly. Lucas computer: Just take a chance, Bruce. Take a chance, one of these years. Gotta be able to compete with the big boys. Taylor: Yeah. So but other than that, my I'll throw my fave nothing Lucas computer: Other than that. Any other anything that's like really surprising? Okay, go ahead. Taylor: too outrageously surprising. Probably that Liam Hicks from the Marlins getting traded with three plus years of team control left. I know they got a young catcher that they just called up with, so they just called up, so they'll probably roll with him for a while. That's just surprising to see a young guy that's hitting good get traded like that. But other than that, nothing too crazy a lot of names that were on on the rumor lists and stuff like that were the ones that got traded. It took a while, but the last twenty four hours was pretty crazy of of trades happening in happening all over the place. But yeah, my favorite my favorite move would probably be either I'm not gonna say scoobble 'cause I just can't say that, but the the the White Sox going going in and getting a picture. I love that. For a young team that's playing way above expectations and just make a move and try to get some help in your rotation and he'll be there for next year as well. So I think that was a great move, like and I love that for the White Sox. So that's definitely probably my favorite. Lucas computer: I I haven't heard any good things about White Sox baseball in years, so there you go, making moves. Taylor: Good for them. Lucas computer: Brewers take notes. Taylor: Yeah, if if if if the brewers did something, the segment probably would been a little bit longer, but I'm a little depressed after hoping for something the last forty eight hours. So it is what it is. Lucas computer: If Taylor was speaking his mind right now, we'd have to put the explicit warning up on this podcast, but we're gonna we're gonna keep it chill. Keep a PG on here. Work level headed. Yeah. Taylor: Yeah. We can't get too crazy. But yeah, that's all I got for trade deadline stuff. But it was it was fun. A lot of moves happening, so that was fun to see. Lucas computer: Seemed like a very exciting trade deadline too. There's a lot of big names that were up and available and anytime your team is involved in some of those rumors, it's always it can be fun and get your get your hopes up and then can either crush you or make your dreams. So in this case, crushed, crushed brewers. Taylor: Unfortunately, but yep, that's all I got. So Lucas computer: Alrighty. Well, we appreciate T. He's also repping his Fondolac Doc Spiders. Shout out Doc Spiders. Taylor: Twenty eighteen Northwood League champions, baby. Lucas computer: Sir. Alrighty. We're gonna sign off here. like, comment, follow, subscribe. We appreciate all your support. every little bit helps us and gets the word out there. So tell your friends about us, share our content to your friends, give us your feedback. We enjoyed doing this so far, and we're gonna keep it keep these things going. And we have some exciting months coming up. Football season's right around the corner. It will be playoffs are right around the corner. And then it's basketball season. So it's all coming up fast. Summer's getting down there. but just get out there, enjoy the weather, get outside as much as possible. We'll catch you guys on the next one.