The MMQB NFL Podcast

It’s late October, and Conor and Gary find themselves assessing two very unlikely starting (or, one starting and one potential starting) quarterbacks: Sam Ehlinger in Indy and Bailey Zappe in New England. First, what does Ehlinger create for the Colts’ offense that Matt Ryan can not? What kind of effect does his mobility have on the run game? Is it worth the trade off for what will likely make life more difficult for a play-caller? And what are the behind-the-scenes, front-office politics factors that go into a move like this? Then, the stunning (and possibly brief) emergence of Zappe in Foxboro. Can the Patriots really justify playing him over Mac Jones? And speaking of Jones, why has he taken such a step back in his second season? Plus, Conor recaps the dreams he’s been having about various potential trades. 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

Week 7 Sunday unfolded as the trade deadline looms, though the first big move has already happened, with the 49ers acquiring Christian McCaffrey. Conor and Gary fire off all takes regarding the new-look Niners (who, O.K., aren’t really the new-look Niners yet) and some of the issues that still very much face this team. A look at the return of Dak Prescott for Dallas and why it was kinda inconsequential (for now) for the Cowboys, Kenny Pickett’s long night and Tua Tagovailoa’s uncomfortable return in Miami, the sadness continues for Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, the Brett Rypien Broncos are the same thing as the Russell Wilson Broncos, Bengals get back on track, Jets get on track for the first time in forever, Brian Daboll separating himself from the Coach of the Year crowd, and much more! 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 time for Conor and Gary to dig into the mailbag and answer the most pressing questions that the NFL public has. First, a look at the 5–1 Vikings. Is this sustainable? How much does strength of schedule matter? Are they this year’s Arizona Cardinals? Is there really that much of a difference between this year’s Vikings and last year’s Vikings? Then, gauging potential return for the Panthers’ trade pieces (Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore and Brian Burns) as the deadline nears. The reasons to be bullish on the Jaguars and, specifically, Trevor Lawrence. Why Jim Irsay’s comments about Dan Snyder are significant. And the one question that every single member of our audience wants answered. It’s about Andy Benoit. And what Andy Benoit is doing. And whether Andy Benoit is happy. And whether Andy Benoit will come back on the podcast. 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 upside down slate of games in the NFL, though the two headlining games more than made up for it all. Conor and Gary break down everything that went down on Sunday (including, sadly for our listeners, some baseball playoffs). It starts in Kansas City, where the Bills didn’t really exorcise anything, but they did prove they can overcome some execution issues, on the road, against an elite opponent. Throw in a rapidly improving defense and you have a team that is just much, much better than the rest of the NFL. The Eagles and Cowboys punched and counter-punched in Philly in a very good Sunday nighter that reminded us to never count out Cooper Rush and also the real meaning of Christmas. How the absurdity of the Trubisky-led Steelers routing the Bucs came to be, the Falcons continue to melt our icy hearts, New York is only for winners, Bailey Zappe yes but mostly the Patriots defense is doing it’s thing again, and unconfirmed rumors that the Vikings are 5–1. 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 biggest surprise of the season thus far isn’t that Russell Wilson is merely struggling to adjust to a new team and new scheme. It’s that, over his first five games as the Broncos’ quarterback, he’s been one of the absolute worst quarterbacks in the NFL. Conor and Gary set out to find out just how bad it’s been, why it’s been precisely that bad, and what—if anything—can be done to fix it. A deep dive into Wilson’s unique set of strengths, undeniable set of weaknesses, and baffling alteration of his stylistic approach to the game. Plus, the natural politics that come into play with an NFL’s team’s front office, the quarterback they invested in and the coaching staff charged with finding answers, and why the Broncos will undoubtedly improve offensively as the year goes on, even if Wilson does not. Then, a discussion of the Bills defense’s next round against the now Tyreek Hill–less Chiefs, and the new-look Eagles vs. the new-look Cowboys, for the first time. 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 really was a series of weird games in Week 5—lots of sloppy offense but somehow lots of big plays in between. Conor and Gary break it all down, starting with the Bengals’ continued struggles, this time in Baltimore. How much of it was the absence of Tee Higgins? How much of it was a vastly different approach from first-year Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald? And how much of it was the Bengals simply coming back down the earth with an offense that asks so much of its quarterback? Then, a discussion of the Cooper Rush–led Cowboys and their quite Cooper Rush–less victory over the Rams, the magic of Abracadaniel in London, bad Josh Allen takes, the continued ascension of the Eagles, and for the love of God do *not* get off the Jaguars bandwagon! 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

On the mid-week episode, there is some Week 5 previewing to be done. Conor and Gary take a look at the Ravens’ woes heading into a showdown with Cincinnati, Jared Goff’s latest shot at a Belichick defense, and whether Geno Smith Fever will continue to spread after a matchup against a very good Saints defense. But this episode is more about the future—the distant future. Therefore, Sports Illustrated college football writer Richard Johnson returns to the show to discuss the top 2023 draft quarterback contracts. Size discussions around Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, what it means for Will Levis to play for Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay disciples, the ripening process for Tyler Van Dyke and Anthony Richardson, and a tricky projection for Sam Hartman coming out of a unique Wake Forest offense. Plus, who tore it up against Kutztown? You’ll have to listen to find out. 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 Week 4 Sunday slate brought us some humbling losses and heartwarming victories, and Conor and Gary are here to discuss all of it, as well as remember two former Northwestern quarterbacks. We’ll start with the Chiefs in full on Sunday night, as K.C. got an early turnover and steamrolled the Bucs with a Mahomes-ian moment or two along the way. In Green Bay, the Packers continue to work through their growing pains while the Patriots, down to their third-string QB, are looking to become the scrappiest scrappers who ever scrapped. And, what to take away from the Eagles’ victory over the (very real) Jaguars, and the suddenly impressive Cowboys continue to make it work. Plus, more Ravens going for it on fourth down stuff, London hosts the most impressive missed kick in NFL history, Kenny Pickett time in Pittsburgh, the Giants run out of able bodies at quarterback, the small victories of Geno Smith and much more! 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

On the mid-week show, Conor and Gary take a look at three big Week 4 matchups. Will Doug Pederson get booed in his return to Philly? (And, also, do the Jaguars have the defensive formula to slow Jalen Hurts and friends?) How will the Bills offense respond in Baltimore after 90 plays in the South Florida heat? And will the Chiefs play nice offensively, and continue to put the pressure on Tom Brady defensively? Then, special guests Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick, co-hosts of Sports Illustrated’s new business of sports podcast “The Bag,” join the show to run through the Lamar Jackson contract situation as well as some of the most important sports business stories affecting the NFL today. (Make sure to go listen to The Bag!) Plus, a look at West Bromwich Albion’s “Boiler Man” and what to do about Take 5 in any kind of candy rankings. 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 a bittersweet third week of the NFL season—lots of great games, but lots of bummer injuries. Conor and Gary work through the tears and break down everything that happened on Sunday. It starts with another peculiar performance from the Broncos offense, who were stuck in the mud until the final drive of Sunday night, and seem to be melting down while also being 2–1. Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start of this season looked a lot like his final start of last season, and an injury to Trent Williams means plenty of problems in San Francisco. Also, the Bills seem to tucker themselves out in the punishing Miami heat, the Chiefs let one slip away in Indy as quarterback and coordinator seem to butt heads, the Jaguars really might be really quite good for real, and how in the world is this happening to the Raiders? 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