Part 1: Belichick’s Gone, NFL Coach Roulette, and a Round One Mega-Preview With Michael Lombardi and Peter Schrager
Jan 11, 2024
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Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi and sports reporter Peter Schrager join Bill Simmons to discuss Bill Belichick's departure from the Patriots, the NFL coaching carousel, and previewing the wild-card weekend games. They delve into Belichick's coaching style, the importance of trust and loyalty in a program, and analyze the performance of teams like the Packers, Cowboys, Browns, and Texans. They also touch on 'The Sopranos' characters, life lessons from the show, and speculate on potential destinations for Belichick. The conversation is filled with football insights, Super Bowl predictions, and plenty of entertaining anecdotes.
The upcoming NFL coaching carousel is a topic of discussion, showcasing the impact it will have on various teams.
The matchup between Sean McVay and Dan Campbell will test McVay's offensive prowess against a formidable opponent.
Todd Bowles faces the challenge of containing Jalen Hurts and devising a game plan to disrupt his impact on the game.
The Cleveland Browns need to find a way to slow down the Kansas City Chiefs' high-powered offense and create turnovers for a chance at advancing.
The Dallas Cowboys, despite being favored, need to beware of potential turnovers and mistakes against the surging Green Bay Packers.
Deep dives
Matchup to Watch: McVay vs. Campbell
One of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend is between Sean McVay, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, and Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions. McVay is known for his offensive prowess and creative game planning, but without his usual strong running game, it will be interesting to see how he adjusts his strategy. Campbell, on the other hand, is still finding his footing as a head coach, and this game will provide an opportunity to see how he manages his team against a formidable opponent.
Defensive Battle: Bowles vs. Hurts
Another compelling matchup to watch is between Todd Bowles, the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jalen Hurts, the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. Bowles will be tasked with devising a game plan to contain and disrupt Hurts, who has shown flashes of brilliance but can also be turnover-prone. It will be a strategic battle to see how Bowles schemes to limit Hurts' impact on the game.
Cleveland's Defensive Challenge
The Cleveland Browns face a tough defensive challenge as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, is known for its explosive playmaking ability. Cleveland's defense will need to step up and find ways to create turnovers and slow down the Chiefs' high-powered offense if they want to have a chance at advancing.
Buffalo's Test Against New England
The Buffalo Bills will face a difficult test as they take on the New England Patriots. The Bills have been inconsistent this season, and their offense has struggled at times. They need to find a way to contain the Patriots' strong defense and establish an effective offensive game plan to come out on top in this matchup.
Cowboys vs. Packers: A High-Stakes Showdown
The Dallas Cowboys are favored by seven and a half points in their matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Both teams have had impressive performances throughout the season, with Dallas boasting a potent offense led by CD Lamb and a beloved defense coordinated by Dan Quinn. However, the Packers, with the young and confident Jordan Love at quarterback, have been on a late-season surge and have shown the ability to move the ball effectively. With Dallas being known for some defensive gambling and potential turnovers, the Packers could capitalize on mistakes and keep the game close.
Bills vs. Steelers: An Intriguing Battle
The Buffalo Bills are favored by ten points in their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have been a team that flies under the radar and has persevered through injuries to key players. Led by Mason Rudolph, they have shown the ability to run the ball effectively. On the other hand, Josh Allen and the Bills have been inconsistent and have left points on the board in recent weeks. With potential for windy conditions, an edge could go to the home team Pittsburgh, making the line seem too high. However, caution is advised due to the quarterback situation and potential for Buffalo's explosive plays.
Chiefs vs. Dolphins: A Grinded-Out Battle
The Kansas City Chiefs are favored by four and a half points in their matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have been known for their explosive offense but may face challenges against a strong Dolphins defense. While the Dolphins have suffered from injuries and inconsistent play, they may find success by running the ball and capitalizing on potential turnovers. The weather could also play a factor, with windy conditions favoring a more conservative game plan. The line is close, and it could be a competitive battle.
Buccaneers vs. Rams: The Battle of Experience
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored by three points in their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. This game features a clash of experienced quarterbacks, with Tom Brady leading the Buccaneers and Matthew Stafford leading the Rams. The Rams have shown improvement on defense down the stretch, while the Buccaneers have relied on Brady's leadership and offensive prowess. This game could be a close and hard-fought battle, with the outcome likely decided by which quarterback can make the crucial plays in key moments.
Dak Prescott's ability to come through in clutch moments questioned
There are doubts about Dak Prescott's ability to perform in clutch situations, with the speaker questioning whether he can deliver in critical moments unlike the last two years.
Loss of T.J. Hockenson affects the Detroit Lions' offense
The absence of T.J. Hockenson, who had an impressive rookie season with 86 catches and 10 touchdowns, is considered a significant blow to the Detroit Lions' offense. Hockenson's versatility, blocking ability, and red zone production will be sorely missed, especially in crucial games like the upcoming matchup against the Rams.
In the first part of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with Michael Lombardi about Bill Belichick's 24-year tenure with the Patriots, New England's long road ahead, why people should be thinking outside the box for Belichick's next team, and more (1:59). Then Bill is joined by Peter Schrager of Fox Sports and NFL Network to run through Bill's NFL Playoff Gambling Manifesto (50:38), before previewing each game for wild-card weekend (1:18:12) and discussing the upcoming NFL coaching carousel (2:00:12).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Michael Lombardi and Peter Schrager
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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