The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Mailbag Monday: Separating player from situation, balancing all-in and patience, remembering our favorite single-season teams, and more
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Jul 7, 2025 As training camps approach, the hosts dive into how to separate players from their situations and navigate the balance between going all-in and maintaining long-term stability. They reminisce about their favorite single-season NFL teams and discuss the evolving landscape of the league, including the challenges quarterbacks face today. The importance of creativity in quarterback play is explored, alongside the pitfalls in player evaluation that lead teams astray. Personal stories and nostalgic moments add a touch of emotion to the analysis.
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Changing MVP and Defense Roles
- Running backs winning MVP has become nearly impossible in the past decade due to changing league dynamics.
- Dominant defenses rarely carry championship teams alone anymore, shifting the emphasis heavily on offense and QB play.
QB Arm Strength and Experience
- Quarterbacks now must meet a higher physical threshold, as mental processing alone isn't sufficient.
- Veteran QBs succeeded with weaker arms due to years of experience, a luxury rookies don't have.
Impactful NFL Games by Decade
- Key NFL games over the last 15 years show how offense, defense, and QB play evolved.
- Classic games like 2003 Patriots-Colts and 2018 Rams-Chiefs define NFL trends and shifts in strategy.