Half-baked takes for the 2024 NFL season, with David Helman
Jul 25, 2024
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Fox Sports' analyst David Helman joins Robert Mays for a fun-filled discussion on half-baked takes for the 2024 NFL season. Topics include concerns about the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, negotiation strategies for quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, analysis of young quarterbacks compared to established stars, NFC coaches' job security, and reflections on the chaotic start of training camp in 2024.
Unusual schedule places emphasis on late season division games for increased intensity and playoff impact.
Advocacy for NFL awards expansion towards position-specific honors to recognize outstanding players beyond MVP.
Speculation on potential MVP contenders like Jared Goff and underestimation of receivers in the 2024 season.
Deep dives
Unique Scheduling Challenge for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears
Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears face an uncommon situation where they play all their division games in the second half of the season. This scheduling anomaly with no division games until after Halloween is rare in the NFL. Five teams play one or zero division games in the first half of the season. There's a significant increase in division games played in the final six weeks compared to the first nine weeks, setting the stage for intense divisional battles in December and January.
Potential for Intense Divisional Matchups
The unusual scheduling pattern points towards a potentially chaotic and thrilling end to the season with matchups intensifying in December and January. With division games concentrated towards the latter part of the season, the level of competition and stakes are expected to rise as teams face each other more frequently. This setup may lead to unpredictable outcomes, close contests, and significant playoff implications as teams navigate through a challenging division-heavy schedule.
Expectation of Exciting and Unpredictable Outcomes
As a result of the condensed divisional games later in the season, fans can anticipate a high level of drama, upsets, and pivotal moments in the playoff race. The late surge in divisional matchups sets the stage for captivating storylines, potential underdog triumphs, and teams fighting tooth and nail for postseason contention. This unorthodox scheduling approach is poised to deliver an electrifying and thrilling conclusion to the regular season, adding an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty to the NFL landscape.
Revamping NFL Awards and Postseason Honors
Advocating for a revamp of NFL awards and postseason honors, the podcast delves into the idea of expanding the current recognition given to players. Proposing an NFL version of the Heisman Trophy for the most outstanding player in the league beyond the MVP, the discussion highlights the potential for acknowledging exceptional players at every major position. Emphasizing the entertainment and fan engagement aspects, the podcast suggests incorporating more awards named after NFL legends, mirroring the diversity of awards seen in college football.
Exploring Potential MVP Contenders: Jared Goff and the 2024 Titans
Delving into potential MVP contenders for the upcoming season, the podcast speculates on the scenario where Jared Goff emerges as a strong candidate for the award. Discussing the Detroit Lions' promising trajectory under Goff's leadership and the continuity in their offensive scheme, the episode explores the possibility of Goff delivering a standout season. Additionally, the podcast examines the 2024 Titans as a wildcard team underestimating receivers such as Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins and the role of offensive coordinator Brian Callahan in enhancing the team's offensive prowess.
Come the end of the season, you can't hold Robert Mays and Fox Sports' David Helman to the takes they offer up on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Don't you dare even try. After all, they're just half-baked takes.
