3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Kick off the New Year with a lively discussion on college football playoffs! The hosts dive into draft prospects, spotlighting Cam Skattebo while debating Coach of the Year contenders like Dan Quinn. Highlights include standout performances and playoff format proposals aimed at fairness. Plus, they dissect the strategic investments NFL teams face between star players and reliable contributors. Finally, navigate the complexities of quarterback dynamics and the challenges of 'quarterback purgatory' as they explore future options!

John returns to break down another exciting Monday Night Football matchup where the Detroit Lions and their potent offense, led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon Ra St. Brown, defeated a struggling San Francisco 49ers squad despite a valiant effort from quarterback Brock Purdy. Next, Middlekauff dives into the discourse surrounding Purdy’s upcoming contract extension and his performance throughout a disappointing Niners season. After, John breaks down the Detroit Lions historic season and looks ahead to a marquee matchup in the final week of the NFL’s regular season as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings square off in an important seeding battle ahead of the postseason. Later John answers your questions in this episode's mailbag segment. Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast dives into the thrilling NFL showdown between Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders, analyzing Daniels' standout rookie performance. It also examines the surprising success of Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings this season. The discussion extends to the ethics of tanking in the league, spotlighting the New York Giants' unintentional moves affecting their draft position. Finally, there are thoughts on Tom Brady’s broadcasting style and the early scrutiny of Caleb Williams, sparking intriguing debates.

Colin’s joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to break down all the week 17 NFL action! They start with the Vikings hanging on to beat the Packers and Colin argues that Sam Darnold’s brilliant play has earned him a contract in the 50m+/yr range and Minnesota would be crazy not to give it to him (3:00). They debate whether the Patriots should look to make a coaching change now that they’ve found their quarterback or whether they should stay the course with Jerod Mayo (21:00). They heap praise on Jim Harbaugh and highlight the incredible improvement shown by the Chargers in his first year as head coach (27:00) and they debate whether Bills head coach Sean McDermott should lose his job if they make a playoff exit prior to the AFC championship (36:15).  They discuss Aaron Rodgers taking not-so-subtle shots at Jets owner Woody Johnson and what the Jets should do at coach and quarterback in 2025 (41:45). They argue that Joe Burrow is playing quarterback better than anyone in the league after the Bengals beat the Broncos (52:30) and debate which wild card teams are capable of winning a playoff game (58:30).  They try to make sense of the incredibly up and down nature of the LA Rams (1:01:00), and Colin offers a Mea Culpa for spending so long defending Kyler Murray and wonders if the Cardinals could look to trade him in the offseason (1:05:30). They also address the disparity between the top and bottom teams in the league and the large number of really BAD teams at the bottom of the standings and debate whether it’s a one-off or a trend (1:17:00).  Finally, they pivot to college football’s top stars and try to project where players like Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward and Travis Hunter will land (1:22:00), and make their picks for the College Football Playoff games (1:30:00). (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!  #Volume #Herd #3andOut  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John reacts to the Saturday slate of games starting with the Rams getting themselves closer to the playoffs with a win over the Cards. Next, John dives into the Chargers rout of the Patriots and how Harbaugh is the most important person within the organization. Lastly, John talks about how good Joe Burrow is and how impressive it is that he's gotten the Bengals to a spot where they still have a fighting chance at the playoffs. Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John opens the weekend by answering your questions in this episode's massive mailbag. John dives into what the Bears should do if they want to actually succeed, should the Steelers move on from Tomlin, what should the Broncos focus on in the draft, and much more. Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #Herd  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John reacts to the Christmas games on Netflix. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens steam roll C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. John explains that if Lamar wins a third MVP, that the pressure is going to be on him even more to win a Super Bowl. Next, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have gotten their swagger back and clinch the #1 overall seed in the AFC with a road win against a Steeler team that is leaking oil. Plus more insights around the NFL this week. 3:04 - Netflix and the NFL 7:59 - Is Lamar Jackson the MVP? 12:34 - Ravens path to the Super Bowl 15:08 - Chiefs got their swagger back 28:01 - Steelers and Texans are leaking oil 37:09 - Packers clinch playoff berth 45:12 - Pete Carroll interested in Bears job 50:19 - Kids and technology Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Gruden, a former NFL coach known for his time with the Bengals and Redskins, shares insights on the chaotic world of football coaching. He discusses the recent firing of Robert Saleh and the unforeseen prospect of Bill Belichick heading to UNC. The conversation dives into the evolving challenges quarterbacks face today and the critical influence of backup quarterbacks. Gruden also reflects on the shifts in sports media and coaching dynamics, offering a fascinating perspective on trends shaping the NFL and college football landscape.

John Middlekauff is joined by⁠ The Action Network sports betting expert, Stuckey, to share their best bets for the NFL's Christmas Day Special and preview the weekend ahead. The fellas tell you which games they like the most and which games to stay away from. It's all here an more. Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John is back, breaking down another exciting week across the National Football League, capped by a BIG Dallas Cowboys win over Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Middlekauff salutes the Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy and Jerry Jones for a hard-hitting victory to improve America’s Team to 7-8 on the season. Next, John looks ahead at the Dallas Cowboys future under head coach Mike McCarthy and gives credit to a stout Cowboys defense, and well-coached quarterback play, as the season winds down and Dallas fans wonder about their coaching future. Next, John reacts to the career renaissance from former Heisman Trophy winner and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star QB Baker Mayfield after the quarterback has “become a top-10 quarterback” this season. After, John gives his thoughts on Atlanta Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. and why the Falcons deciding to bench veteran QB Kirk Cousins is way too little, way too late this far into the year. After, thoughts on Washington Commanders sensational rookie Jayden Daniels, the Carolina Panthers up-and-down journey with former Alabama Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young and the state of young quarterbacks across the league. Finally, thoughts on the Philadelphia Eagles losing a close game to the Washington Commanders, injuries to franchise quarterbacks and another embarrassing San Francisco 49ers loss. 5:05 - SNF: Bucs at Cowboys reaction 32:42 - Reaction to Jalen Hurts injury 36:22 - 49ers embarrassing loss to the Dolphins Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.