PMS 2.0 1206 - In The Trenches Wednesday With Jeff Passan, Shams Charania, JJ Watt, AQ Shipley, Darius Butler, & AJ Hawk
Sep 25, 2024
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This show features Jeff Passan, an ESPN MLB Senior Insider, who provides crucial updates as baseball heads into playoffs. Shams Charania, an NBA Insider, discusses the 76ers' promising prospects and LeBron's potential to play with his son. Former NFL stars JJ Watt and AQ Shipley share their insights from week 3 of the NFL, tackling team dynamics and standout performances. Darius Butler and AJ Hawk also weigh in on key football developments while mixing humor with expert analysis, creating an engaging dialogue on the intersection of sports and entertainment.
The podcast highlights the NFL's soaring popularity, noting a 10% increase in viewership compared to last year's records.
Jeff Passan discusses the Pittsburgh Pirates' struggles, emphasizing the need for smart player management to enhance team performance.
Shams Charania shares insights on NBA teams' expectations, particularly focusing on the Celtics and the impact of recent player extensions.
JJ Watt reflects on significant NFL Week 3 performances, stressing how veteran players like Andy Dalton can transform team dynamics.
The discussion on college football reveals the Miami Hurricanes gaining momentum, indicating their potential through improved offensive capabilities.
The speakers address the complexities of player compensation in college sports, calling for clearer guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency.
Deep dives
The Excitement of Football Season
The conversation starts with an energetic acknowledgment of the current football season, highlighting the excitement that comes with it. The speakers express gratitude for being able to discuss football daily and for their audience's support. They share anticipation for an engaging discussion on various sports topics that will include the NFL, baseball, and college football. They engage with the atmosphere around them, emphasizing the camaraderie and excitement that sports bring to everyday life.
Reflections on the Pittsburgh Pirates
A discussion about the Pittsburgh Pirates unfolds with humor and dissatisfaction, particularly around the team's performance and player dynamics. The speakers express frustration with the current state of the Pirates, specifically referencing pitcher Paul Skeens and the team's inability to improve despite having talent. They highlight the importance of making smart decisions regarding player acquisition and management within the organization. The conversation underlines how the Pirates' lack of ambition to invest in talent affects fan sentiment and the team's future prospects.
The Upcoming NBA Season
The podcast transitions into the NBA's approaching training camp and the developing storylines within the league. Insights into the current players and teams suggest an impressive season ahead, focusing on the expectations surrounding notable figures like Sean Shirani. They hint at the potential favorite storylines of the season, with attention on how each team prepares. The speakers express enthusiasm for the new season, particularly with the anticipation of various player performances.
Random Thoughts on Pandas and Turtles
The speakers delve into a lighthearted debate about the nature of pandas and turtles, bringing humor and absurdity to the conversation. They ponder over the notion of 'panda diplomacy' and whether the pandas in zoos are genuine. The dialogue is rich with playful banter as the speakers consider the behaviors of both animals, emphasizing their naivety or tendencies, particularly looking to pigeons for wisdom. The humorous exchanges serve as a comedic relief in the middle of sport-centric discussions.
NFL Viewership Hits New Heights
The podcast notes a significant increase in NFL ratings, drawing attention to the league's popularity. The speakers mention that the NFL managed to gain a 10% rise in viewership compared to last year's record-breaking numbers, reinforcing the sport's unwavering appeal. They celebrate the top-rated broadcasts, highlighting the interest in NFL games. Discussions touch on the nature of the game and its evolution, indicating that despite critiques regarding play styles, fans remain deeply engaged.
Analyzing Week Three Performances
The speakers focus on specific team performances during Week Three of the NFL season, emphasizing how the first few weeks reveal the identities of various franchises. They cite the Carolina Panthers, especially how quarterback Andy Dalton's entrance into the lineup has changed the team's dynamics. The conversation reflects on how veteran players can often elevate team performance, emphasizing Dalton’s significant impact and leadership. The hosts underscore the importance of a veteran presence in stabilizing team performance during crucial moments.
Ravens Show Authentic Offensive Power
Attention shifts to the Baltimore Ravens, who displayed brutal offensive efficiency in their game, highlighting their traditional run game prowess. The discussion breaks down specific plays that showcased the Ravens' determination to stick to the run and how it was executed with precision by their offensive linemen. They acknowledge key plays involving fullback Patrick Ricard, demonstrating how essential his role was to execute their game plan. Through these insights, the speakers illustrate how effective offensive lines are pivotal to a team's success in the NFL.
Lions Show Consistency Amidst Challenges
The focus turns to the Detroit Lions, evaluating their offensive line’s significant contribution to their success. Highlighting their run blocking and overall performance during the game, the speakers emphasize how the offensive line has shown remarkable growth this season. They discuss individual player performances, particularly how newcomer Robert Hunt has integrated into the line to bolster their offense. The overarching sentiment is one of cautious optimism regarding the Lions' current trajectory as they continue to develop their identity as a strong offensive unit.
Miami Hurricanes Riding High
The Miami Hurricanes’ performance and potential are discussed, bringing attention to their offensive capabilities as they head into a matchup against Virginia Tech. The speakers highlight that despite past struggles, the team is finally gaining momentum and capturing attention in college football. They reflect on the importance of maintaining a strong track record in upcoming games, emphasizing that they can't afford to lose momentum now. This analysis serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college football and the challenges teams face as they strive for success.
NCAA Rulings on Player Compensation
The conversation shifts to the complexities surrounding player compensation in college sports, particularly regarding the withdrawal of UNLV quarterback Matthew Saluka from the team. The discussion centers on how verbal deals made by assistant coaches without contractual backing create confusion and disappointment for players. The speakers emphasize the necessity for clearer guidelines and regulations within college athletics to ensure that both teams and players understand their commitments. The overarching conclusion is that stronger measures are needed to protect players and promote fairness in college football.
Excitement for Upcoming Matchups
As the podcast wraps up, the anticipation builds around the exciting college football matchups on the horizon, notably the showdown between Georgia and Alabama. The speakers reflect on the significance of these early season games and how they could impact the playoff picture. The emphasis on the intensity and implications of each game resonates with their audience, sparking excitement over the unfolding college football drama. They vocally express how these games can shape the landscape of college football moving forward.
On today’s show, Pat, Darius Butler, AJ Hawk, and the boys wrap week 3 of the NFL season as they set their sights on week 4, and AQ Shipley gives his biggest takeaways of the week that more people should be paying attention to. Joining the show to feel the beat of what’s happening in the baseball world as we are in the last week of the season and on the precipice of the playoffs is ESPN MLB Senior Insider, Jeff Passan. Next, NBA Insider Shams Charania joins the show to feel the beat in the basketball world and discuss his impending free agency, the Celtics being prohibitive favorites to repeat as NBA Champions, the 76ers being in the best place they’ve been for awhile after signing Joel Embiid to an extension, and when we’ll see LeBron and Bronny James play together. In hour two, 3x DPOY, Texans Ring of Honor Member, future Hall of Famer, Walter Payton Man of the Year, countless Pro Bowl’s and All-Pro’s, and NFL on CBS analyst, JJ Watt joins the progrum to give his biggest takeaways from week 3 of the NFL season, how Burnley is doing, and much much more. Make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/thepatmcafeeshow or watch on ESPN (12-2 EDT), ESPN’s Youtube (12-3 EDT), or ESPN+. We appreciate the hell out of all of you. We’ll see you tomorrow. Cheers.
