OKC’s Mega-Sleeper Potential With Kevin O’Connor and NFL Last Rites, 2023 Edition, With Benjamin Solak
Oct 11, 2023
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Kevin O'Connor, an NBA writer for The Ringer, dives into the Oklahoma City Thunder's bright future, highlighting rookie Chet Holmgren's impact and possible midseason trade scenarios. He compares OKC to other overachieving teams and discusses Rookie of the Year narratives. Meanwhile, NFL analyst Benjamin Solak unveils the Broncos as a teardown candidate and debates Kirk Cousins' trade viability. They analyze the struggling Steelers' offense and the 1-4 Patriots, giving insights into team dynamics across both leagues.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a bright future with their impressive young team and Chet Holmgren's potential.
The Denver Broncos are likely candidates for a tear-down due to their disappointing season and lack of competitiveness.
The Chiefs' offense is facing concerns about their lack of playmakers outside of Travis Kelce, which raises questions about the sustainability of their current approach.
Deep dives
Patriots Struggle After Injuries to Key Defensive Players and Lack Offensive Talent
The New England Patriots have faced significant challenges this season due to injuries and a lack of offensive talent. Losing key defensive players such as Judean Christian Gonzalez in the same game has severely impacted the team's performance. The defense, which had shown promise, is now struggling to dominate games. Offensively, the team lacks impactful weapons, and even the highly anticipated rookie, Ramon Drey-Stevenson, has underperformed. The coaching staff has been unable to find effective solutions, and the Patriots' outlook for the rest of the season appears bleak. With their over/under dropping to 5.5 wins, it's unlikely that the Patriots will have a turnaround this year. They face an uphill battle and would need a stunning performance to prove otherwise.
Denver Broncos Struggle and Likely Candidate for Rebuilding
The Denver Broncos have been disappointing this season, with their over/under set at 4.5 wins. It seems that their chances of contention are slim, and a tear-down seems inevitable. The team has struggled on both sides of the ball, lacking the necessary pieces to compete. With a lackluster offense and injuries to key players, the Broncos have failed to find consistency. The season outlook for the Broncos is not promising, and they may become a likely candidate for rebuilding. There could be potential trades for higher draft picks, as the team looks to rebuild for the future.
Concerns about the Chiefs' offense
The Chiefs' offense is facing questions about their lack of big playmakers outside of Travis Kelce. With no standout receivers and Kelce showing signs of age, the offense is becoming increasingly mortal. The team has been relying on Mahomes to work his magic on third and long situations, but there are concerns about the sustainability of this approach. The lack of firepower in the passing game is a worrying sign for the Chiefs' offense.
Last rights for Daniel Jones as a franchise quarterback
After a promising 2019 season, Daniel Jones has failed to show that he can be a long-term franchise quarterback. The extension given to him by the Giants now looks questionable, as it has become clear that his 2020 success was not sustainable. Jones has struggled to find consistency and lacks the supporting cast to truly excel. While there may still be opportunities for him to succeed on a different team, it is unlikely that he will fulfill the expectations of a franchise quarterback in his current situation.
Concerns about the Chiefs' offense
The Chiefs' offense is facing questions about their lack of big playmakers outside of Travis Kelce. With no standout receivers and Kelce showing signs of age, the offense is becoming increasingly mortal. The team has been relying on Mahomes to work his magic on third and long situations, but there are concerns about the sustainability of this approach. The lack of firepower in the passing game is a worrying sign for the Chiefs' offense.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin O'Connor to discuss the bright future of the Oklahoma City Thunder, what Chet Holmgren brings to the impressive young team, possible midseason trade candidates, and more (1:36). Then Bill is joined by Benjamin Solak to discuss the Broncos as a teardown candidate, a potential Kirk Cousins trade, C.J. Stroud vs. Bryce Young, the Steelers' sputtering offense, Bill Belichick and the 1-4 Patriots, Daniel Jones's struggles, and more (47:51).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Kevin O'Connor and Benjamin Solak
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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