Unpacking the Commanders Drama, Jawaan Taylor vs. Nick Bosa, and More Big Takeaways from Super Bowl LVIII Radio Row | Extra Point Taken
Feb 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Sheil and Ben discuss the drama surrounding the Washington Commanders and analyze the matchup between the Chiefs offensive line and San Francisco’s edge rushers in Super Bowl LVIII. They also provide insights into Arthur Smith as the Steelers' new OC and give advice to the Cowboys on their future DC.
The Super Bowl is a crucial moment for Kyle Shanahan to prove his critics wrong and establish himself as a successful head coach who can win the biggest games.
The matchup between Chiefs right tackle Jauan Taylor and 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa will be key in the Super Bowl, and the Chiefs need to neutralize Bosa's impact to have an advantage.
The hiring of Arthur Smith as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers could bring success to the team, considering his track record of coordinating top offenses and ability to make the most out of his players.
Deep dives
Kyle Shanahan's Legacy Win
This Super Bowl is a crucial moment for Kyle Shanahan's legacy. He has faced criticism for his past Super Bowl losses and the perception that he can't win the big games. The 2019 Super Bowl against the Chiefs and the infamous 28-3 loss with the Falcons are still fresh in people's minds. Shanahan's ability to manage the clock, be aggressive, and adjust his game plan have been questioned. This game is an opportunity for Shanahan to prove his critics wrong and solidify his reputation as a successful head coach who can win the biggest games.
The Importance of Neutralizing Nick Bosa
A key matchup in the Super Bowl will be Chiefs right tackle Jauan Taylor against 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa. Taylor has struggled with penalties and had difficulties against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. It's crucial for the Chiefs to come up with a game plan to neutralize Bosa and prevent him from wrecking the game. The 49ers will rely heavily on their pass rush, so it's important for other defenders like Eric Armstead to step up and apply pressure. If the Chiefs can limit Bosa's impact and find success against the rest of the 49ers pass rush, they will have a significant advantage.
The Legacy of Arthur Smith
The hiring of Arthur Smith as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a significant move for the team. Despite a disappointing season with the Atlanta Falcons, Smith has a track record of coordinating top offenses. His ability to make the most out of his players and be a more-with-less coach could benefit the Steelers, especially considering their uncertain quarterback situation. While there are still areas the team needs to address, Smith's offensive expertise and potential to bring success to the team make his hiring an intriguing move for the Steelers.
The Importance of Winning against the Chiefs
The San Francisco 49ers face an important game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It is an opportunity for head coach Kyle Shanahan to redeem himself after previous Super Bowl losses with the Falcons and the 49ers. Shanahan has been criticized for his clock management, aggressiveness, and inability to win the big games. This game is a chance for him to silence his critics and establish himself as a successful head coach who can win against top competition.
Potential Upgrade at Defensive Coordinator for the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are interviewing candidates for a potential upgrade at defensive coordinator, including Ron Rivera, Mike Zimmer, and Aiden Durda. If I were a Cowboys fan, I would be excited about the possibility of Mike Zimmer taking over. Zimmer is a defensive mastermind with a wealth of experience and a reputation for creating excellent game plans. He would bring a different level of intensity and add new wrinkles to the defense. While Dan Quinn did a good job, Zimmer could provide a fresh perspective and help the Cowboys compete for a Super Bowl.
Pressure on Kyle Shanahan to Win a Super Bowl
There is a significant amount of pressure on Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, to win a Super Bowl. Shanahan has had a significant impact on football and has established himself as one of the top offensive minds in the game. However, despite his success, he has yet to win a championship. Losing another Super Bowl could take a toll on Shanahan psychologically, especially given the high stakes and the weight of previous losses. Winning a Super Bowl would solidify Shanahan's legacy and validate his impact on the game.
Sheil and Ben get together on Super Bowl LVIII Radio Row and start their conversation by diving into the current and complicated state of the Washington Commanders. After Sheil weighs in on the Steelers' hiring of Arthur Smith as their new OC, Ben predicts that a running back will be the next Super Bowl MVP (19:49). They then analyze the matchup between the Chiefs offensive line and San Francisco’s edge rushers, and debate the importance of the big game for Kyle Shanahan (36:32). Sheil ends the pod with some advice for the Cowboys on their future DC (54:50).
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.
Hosts: Ben Solak and Sheil Kapadia
Associate Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins