CFB Conference Title Game Confidence Rankings, NFL Playoff Resumés, and Willie Colon on Niners-Eagles
Dec 1, 2023
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Super Bowl champion Willie Colon joins Russillo to break down Dak Prescott's play, share his pick for 49ers-Eagles, and tell stories from his playing days. They also make this week's Alliance Parlay and close the show with listener-submitted Life Advice questions.
The Philadelphia Eagles have shown resilience and a strong running game, making them a formidable opponent for San Francisco.
A reliable tight end can create mismatches and be a game-changer for any offense.
A strong cadence from the quarterback and an aggressive offensive approach can disrupt defenses and create momentum.
Teammates should focus on the present team and leave behind past achievements to maintain a harmonious locker room.
Deep dives
Philly has the confidence and toughness to win against San Francisco
The Philadelphia Eagles have shown resilience and the ability to win in challenging situations. Their quarterback, Jalen Hurts, has displayed poise and has made clutch plays. The team's offensive line, despite some injury concerns, has been solid. One key factor for their success is their strong running game, which opens up opportunities for their offense. On the defensive side, although they have struggled in certain areas, they have young players with potential who can make an impact. Overall, Philly's mentality and attitude make them a formidable opponent for San Francisco.
The importance of having a reliable tight end in an offense
A tight end is crucial in an offense. Players like George Kittle and Travis Kelce have proven the impact they can make. They provide a significant advantage in the passing game, especially in the middle of the field. Their ability to block effectively and play selflessly is also valuable. A reliable tight end can create mismatches and cause havoc for defenses. Having a tight end who can catch the ball down the field, make tough catches, and be a consistent presence is a game-changer for any offense.
The significance of a strong cadence and running game in an offense
A strong cadence from the quarterback can disrupt defenses and give the offense an advantage. It helps in reading defenses and making adjustments. Another essential aspect is a dual-blocking system, which allows for effective running plays and sets the tone for the offense. The ability to be aggressive on first and second downs is another important factor. Being able to take shots down the field and not just rely on setting up plays can keep the defense off-balance and create momentum for the offense.
The challenge of players talking about their previous teams
Teammates who constantly bring up their previous team's accomplishments can create tension within the locker room. It is important to fully commit to the team you are currently playing for and leave behind any past success or experiences. The focus should be on the present and working together as a team to achieve success. It can be frustrating for teammates who want everyone to be fully invested in the current team and not constantly reminiscing about their past achievements.
Confronting Shady Roommate
The writer's roommate confessed to using their car without permission and draining the gas. The writer is unsure if they should confront their roommate about it since the lease is ending soon. The writer considers whether it was worth making the game less fun for their team just to prove a point against the roommate and wonders if they should have let it go and continued playing low-key.
Taking Control in Pickup Games
The writer, a 7-foot, 250-pound ex-overseas pro basketball player, typically plays a low-key role in pickup games, but recently encountered a situation where college-aged players became lippy. In response, the writer switched up their playing style and dominated the game to prove a point. While it initially felt good, the writer wonders if it was worth making the game less fun for their team just to prove a point against players they will never see again.
Knowing When to Lead in Pickup Games
The writer, a 7-foot ex-overseas pro basketball player, reflects on when to take over in pickup games. They enjoy playing as a point guard and shooting guard, but sometimes struggle with the competitive urge to dominate due to their height and skill advantage. The writer recounts a specific game where they decided to dominate after encountering lippy college-aged players. While it felt good in the moment, the writer questions if it was the right decision and reflects on the balance between using their skills and making the game enjoyable for everyone.
Russillo opens the show with his confidence rankings for this weekend’s conference championship games and discusses how a committee would handle the NFL teams (1:00). Then, he’s joined by Super Bowl champion Willie Colon to break down Dak Prescott’s play, share his pick for 49ers-Eagles, and tell stories from his playing days (16:00). Finally, Kyle joins the show to make this week’s Alliance Parlay (49:00) before closing the show with some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (58:00).
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.
Host: Ryen Russillo
Guest: Willie Colon
Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, and Mike Wargon