Revisiting Brady vs. Mahomes, and a deep-dive on the MVP vote with Mike Sando
Feb 11, 2025
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Mike Sando, a writer for The Athletic known for his expert NFL analysis, joins Tom Curran to discuss the significance of the Eagles' Super Bowl win and its lessons for the Patriots. They delve into the nuances of the MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, sharing anecdotes and insights on player impact. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolving quarterback legacy, the importance of depth-drafting, and reflections on the GOAT debate, particularly in light of Patrick Mahomes' recent performance.
The Super Bowl LIX revealed that the Patriots must reevaluate their roster-building strategies to better compete with teams like the Eagles.
A strong offensive line is essential for young quarterbacks to thrive, underscoring the Patriots' need for robust drafting in this area.
The podcast emphasizes the subjective nature of MVP voting, particularly in comparing players like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen based on various contextual factors.
Deep dives
Impact of Super Bowl Results on New England Patriots
The recent Super Bowl has significant implications for the New England Patriots, highlighting their need to reassess their strategies moving forward. Discussions center around the importance of a solid offensive and defensive line as foundational elements of a successful team. Without these key components, young quarterbacks may struggle to thrive, underscoring the necessity for the Patriots to prioritize these positions in upcoming drafts. The performance of both the Eagles and Chiefs in the Super Bowl serves as a reference point for the Patriots in terms of talent acquisition and development.
Quarterback Importance and Draft Choices
In evaluating the potential quarterback prospects, discussions emphasize the critical importance of selecting a franchise quarterback. The conversation suggests that even if the Patriots secure a young quarterback, it is futile if they lack the necessary offensive line protection. A named prospect, Drake May, is highlighted as a potentially solid choice, but the discourse stresses that he can only fulfill his potential with adequate team support. The message is clear: the right structural foundation is essential for a quarterback's success in the NFL.
Defensive vs. Offensive Line: What’s More Crucial?
The podcast delves into the ongoing debate about whether a dominant offensive or defensive line is more crucial for team success. While both sides of the ball are essential, the discussion suggests that a strong offensive line may be more imperative for overall performance. The defensive prowess displayed during the Super Bowl raises questions about the Chiefs' offensive line and its impact on their performance. Ultimately, teams that combine strength on both lines are likely to position themselves better for success.
Evaluating Talent Procurement: Eagles vs. Patriots
Talent procurement emerges as a vital theme, particularly in contrasting the successful strategies of the Eagles with the struggles of the Patriots. The Eagles' ability to draft and develop impressive talent over recent years is highlighted, emphasizing their focus on defensive players. In contrast, the Patriots' recent drafts have garnered criticism, suggesting a lack of effective talent acquisition. This disparity raises concerns about the Patriots' future competitiveness and their strategies heading into the next draft.
MVP Voting and Player Value Debate
The podcast features a deep dive into the complexities of MVP voting and the varying interpretations of what constitutes player value. The discussion navigates between candidates like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, weighing statistical achievements against narrative-based assessments of value. The panel reflects on how contextual factors, such as supporting teams and historical performances, influence voter decisions. Ultimately, the nature of MVP voting remains subjective, with passionate arguments shaping the discourse around player recognition and worth.
Tom Curran and Phil Perry react to the Eagles’ dominance in Super Bowl LIX and what the Patriots can learn for Philly’s roster building, plus why the QB GOAT debate is dead. Then, Tom is joined by The Athletic’s Mike Sando to debate who deserved to win NFL MVP this year: Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson.
1:00- What lessons should the Patriots learn from how the Eagles and Chiefs played in Super Bowl LIX?
11:50- The Eagles’ Super Bowl victory shows the importance of depth-drafting for success in the NFL (and explains what went wrong for the Patriots!)
25:30- Revisiting the GOAT QB debate after a disastrous night for Patrick Mahomes
33:35- Mike Sando joins to debate Tom on the ‘correct’ way to think about MVP voting