The Ringer NFL Show

Dan Pizzuta, a football writer and analyst for Snaps & Stats, joins Sheil to break down the most disappointing NFL teams through Week 3. They dive deep into the struggles of the 0-3 Houston Texans, dissecting offensive line issues and CJ Stroud's challenges. The conversation shifts to the Las Vegas Raiders, focusing on their identity crisis and offensive line problems. Finally, they assess the Denver Broncos under Sean Payton, discussing defensive regression and the need for offensive improvement. Plus, an exciting glance at the rising Seahawks offense!

Pat Daugherty, an NFL analyst from NBC Sports, joins to discuss the Giants' decision to bench Russell Wilson for rookie Jaxson Dart. They dive into the implications of this bold move for both quarterbacks and coach Brian Daboll. Daugherty shares insights on what to expect from Dart, evaluating scenarios from a potential revelation to the risk of failure. The two also debate how many starts Wilson might have left in his career, along with speculation on who could be the Giants' next head coach amid organizational turmoil.

Diante Lee, an NFL analyst and writer for The Ringer, joins Sheil to dissect the Lions' impressive win over the Ravens. They highlight how this victory solidifies Detroit's identity and addresses concerns over coaching changes. Lee praises Dan Campbell's aggressive fourth-down strategies and the effective defensive game plan led by Kelvin Shepard. The conversation also touches on the Ravens' future challenges and includes a quick update on Nick Bosa's injury impact on the 49ers' defense.

Ted Nguyen, a staff writer at The Athletic and NFL aficionado, joins to dissect NFC dynamics from Week 3. The discussion reveals Sean McVay's overly cautious strategies and critiques Philadelphia's conservative offense. Nguyen expresses concern over the Packers' attack amid pressure issues while weighing the strengths of the undefeated 49ers versus the injury-stricken Bucs. They admire the Bears' evolution under Ben Johnson, showcasing play-calling brilliance and Caleb Williams' standout performance.

Steven Ruiz, a seasoned NFL reporter and analyst at The Ringer, joins to dissect the Week 3 backup quarterback scene. He evaluates Mac Jones's compatibility with the Shanahan system and Jake Browning’s fit in Cincinnati. The conversation shifts to Carson Wentz's rocky return with Minnesota and the challenges facing Marcus Mariota in Washington. Tyrod Taylor's calming influence for the Jets also gets a nod. Additionally, Ruiz shares insightful takes that enhance the listener's understanding of these pivotal quarterback roles.

Mike Sando from The Athletic joins the pod to examine Daniel Jones’s resurgence, the L.A. Chargers’ hot streak, and Tampa Bay’s impressive performances, and talk with Sheil about whether the good vibes will be sustainable through the rest of the 2025 season. (00:00) Intro/cold open (3:06) Do You Believe in the Indianapolis Colts? (11:34) Do You Believe in the Los Angeles Chargers? (16:18) Do You Believe in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? (25:26) The Hurry-Up: Mike McDaniel’s Job Security in Miami The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rg-help.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Sheil KapadiaGuest: Mike SandoProducer: Chris SuttonSocial: Kiera Givens and Brian WatersProduction Supervision: Conor Nevins and Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyler Dunne, founder of Go Long and an NFL reporting expert, shares insights on the Chicago Bears' disheartening start to the season despite high expectations. He discusses how the organization may have let down quarterback Caleb Williams and examines the impact of Ben Johnson on team dynamics. Tyler expresses cautious optimism about Johnson's potential to turn things around, while also addressing the complexity of player accountability and coaching challenges. The conversation wraps up with a look at Tom Brady’s role with the Raiders.

In this discussion, Ben Baby, who covers the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN, unpacks the timeline of Joe Burrow's injuries and whether the team is to blame. They dive into Burrow's aggressive play style and ponder if he's injury-prone. With Burrow sidelined, Baby evaluates the readiness of backup quarterback Jake Browning to lead the team. The talk also touches on the balance between explosive offense and player safety, along with insights about the struggling Texans' offense. The conversation is engaging and thought-provoking for NFL fans.

Nora Princiotti, a staff writer at The Ringer, joins host Sheil to dissect the Kansas City Chiefs' rocky start to the 2025 season at 0-2. They dive into the panic levels among fans and whether there's reason for optimism with Patrick Mahomes still leading the charge. The pair discuss historical resilience in the team, the pressure on Mahomes amid kicking woes, and the competitive landscape of the AFC. They also touch on the Bengals' challenges with Joe Burrow's injury, making for an engaging and insightful conversation.

JP Acosta, a writer from SB Nation and host of the Pushing the Pile podcast, joins to discuss the Packers' decisive victory over the Commanders. He dives into Micah Parsons' game-changing impact on the Packers' defense and explores the strategic shifts under head coach Matt LeFleur. The conversation highlights Jordan Love's evolution as a quarterback, showcasing his confidence and control of the offense. Lastly, they debate whether the Packers can now be seen as serious contenders in the NFC.