The MMQB NFL Podcast

Conor and Gary welcome back Jenny Vrentas of the New York Times to delve into all things Deshaun Watson once again. A discussion of why Sue Robinson’s factual determinations in her ruling are much more significant than the number of games she suggested for a suspension, how the door was flung open for the NFL to determine its own punishment, and how all of it should force the NFL to confront some of its outdated stances (and terminology) regarding sexual violence. Plus, what’s next as the NFL moves forward with its appeal and Watson continues to show no remorse for his actions. Then, a look at the relatively light punishment for owner Stephen Ross and the Dolphins as the NFL gets them on tampering charges—and, in a way, gets them on tanking charges but decides Ross was just joking. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The third episode of Conor and Gary’s team-by-team, four-at-a-time season preview countdown is here, and they’re getting into the teams that should be entering 2022 with playoff aspirations (of varying degrees). Once again, we will not reveal who the teams are in this episode description, but we will provide these clues from our conversations: Team 24: A way to program the quarterback to carry out one of three tasks: Quick throw, throw away, or crumple like a deflated Christmas decoration. Team 23: Is the ceiling ever going to get any higher? Team 21: If your manager tells you to go away, would you go to their boss and tell them that you’re staying? Also Team 21: The ballad of the re-cast offensive lineman. And who will advertise a netball sub? Come back every Monday for the next four teams in the countdown and perhaps to hear what archaic technology Conor Orr is re-embracing next. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One long-awaited quarterback contract got done this week, but as with all things Cardinals-front-office-and-Kyler Murray since the team’s wild-card round meltdown in January, it wasn’t without loads of negativity and drama. Specifically, the now infamous “homework clause” that appears in Murray’s record-setting deal, the cause of tremendous embarrassment for the star QB this week. Conor and Gary welcome MMQB Business of Football columnist and former Packers team president Andrew Brandt, to discuss the mind-blowingly foolish clause, who might have come up with the idea and why it’s a terrible idea, as well as a discussion of the money and the way the contract is structured to pay out. Also, looking at the Lamar Jackson negotiations dragging on in Baltimore, and what it means for a player to hammer out a deal without an agent. Plus, Andrew takes his shot at America’s least favorite game show: More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The second episode of Conor and Gary’s team-by-team season preview countdown has arrived, and this one is chock full of underserved optimism. And ties! Once again, we will not reveal who the teams are in this episode description, but we will provide these clues from our conversations: Team 27: Just send them over to the B Field for now—they’ll be ready for you to watch them in 2023. Also Team 27: It’s time for professional football coaches and professional football players to assemble and form a professional football team. Team 26: Babies. So many babies. Team 25: Two favorites from the Conor Cinematic Universe and a team that should have honest-to-God playoff aspirations right this very minute. Come back every Monday for the next four teams in the countdown of a series that needs a better title. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s that time of year, when Conor and Gary ignore the beautiful summer weather, retreat to their respective basements, and take on the Herculean task of previewing the 32 teams, podcast-style, four at a time. But this year, it comes with a twist! Rather than simply going division by division, it’s a power ranking, unveiled from the 32nd best team to the best, all over the course of eight Monday shows. Thus, the first episode in this installment? The four worst teams heading into the 2022 season. We will not reveal who the teams are in this episode description, but we will provide these clues from our conversations: Team 32: Your spouse leaves you after you dive into an open septic tank Team 31: Not ever trying in some respects Team 30: The inefficiencies of what happens when the inefficiencies you identified are no longer inefficiencies Team 29: Maybe not the right path, but a path. That's something. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It was an unexpectedly rocky year for last season’s crop of rookie QBs. Now, it’s time to examine: Are better days ahead in 2022? To help answer that question, Conor and Gary welcome Charles McDonald of Underdog Fantasy. What does Doug Pederson do for Trevor Lawrence? What was behind Zach Wilson’s absolutely erratic play out of structure last season? Is this Trey Lance thing going to work out in San Francisco? Some appreciation for the cursed early career of Justin Fields, the lack of speed around Mac Jones in a unique Patriots approach, and the awkward path to consistency for Davis Mills as part of the strangest rebuild the NFL has going. Then, delving into the sad state of the Atlanta Falcons, the future of Matt Ryan in Indianapolis, and Charles takes on More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It was centuries ago that the Baker Mayfield trade talks first started up, and last week we finally reached the end of the road with he would-be-Cleveland-Browns franchise QB mercifully shipped off to Carolina for a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick. Conor and Gary discuss a deal that left pretty much everyone unsatisfied, whether it be the draft compensation, the split of his salary, the paycut, or the domino effect on the Panthers’ QB depth chart. What does it mean for Mayfield, for Ben McAdoo, for Sam Darnold, for Christian McCaffrey, for Kevin Stefanski, and for the Browns’ front office? And what are the chances this works out for Mayfield and the Panthers in the short- or long-term? Then, in a very special segment, Conor breaks out his new treasure trove of mid-90s football cards, the inspiration for a Remember Some Guys-style guessing game. Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Some not terribly sharp people might dismiss the Ravens for a lack of Super Bowl championships over the past four seasons, but on this show, Conor and Gary cover just how Baltimore is positioning itself for consistent championship contention by exploiting roster-building inefficiencies. The wide receivers grabbed the headlines this offseason, but what does it mean to collect quality tight ends in a league with so few? Plus, why offensive linemen who aren’t tackles can anchor a front five, the importance of flexibility in the defensive backfield, and the advantage of zigging when other people zag regarding organizational philosophy. And, more than anything on this Independence Day in the U.S., the importance of being your own, weird self rather than trying to copycat everyone else. Also, Conor and Gary play Daniel Tiger playing the hits, just for you! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Golden State Warriors won the NBA title, the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl, and each team was accused of “buying” their championship. With that in mind, Conor and Gary welcome SI NBA writer Rohan Nadkarni back to the show to discuss just what it means to “buy” a championship, why it’s an absurd accusation, and why more teams should be doing precisely what those champions did. Then, the trio fires off a number of takes, ranging from Tua to Russell Wilson to Nathaniel Hackett to all kinds of NBA stuff, at which point Rohan describes how the current NBA works and why basketball teams are not on the verge of turning to lineups full of Eddy Currys and Bryant Reeveses to counter the league’s influx of “Spaghetti Men.” Plus, Rohan tries his hand at More Than Four But Fewer Than Six Questions! Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In honor of the release of Conor’s annual underrated players list (one player for each of the 32 teams!), Conor and Gary take a trip down the list to review its most interesting names. On this episode, a look at a slot receiver who deserves more of an opportunity, a veteran left tackle who’s getting a little more of his due, a productive young pass rusher emerging in the strangest of places, a first-round defensive back who reinvented himself with a new team, and a defensive tackle who enables a star teammate by making as many offensive linemen try to block him as possible. Plus, a confusing discussion about the Garth Brooks alter ego Chris Gaines, and some kind of school dance radio station album giveaway(?). And here is Conor’s full “Underrated” List for the AFC: https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/23/every-afc-team-most-underrated-player And the NFC: https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/06/24/nfc-underrated-players-2022 Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrrAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy