The Drive

In hour 3 of The Drive, Phil and Will Petersen debate if Broncos should consider signing Stefon Diggs after the news that New England will release him next week. Would Diggs be a distraction in the Broncos locker room and worth the headache he can bring to teams? We react to a report about the Broncos listening to offers on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. How much would it take in assets to move on from Stidham? We react to the Avalanche rolling as they beat Anaheim 5-1 last night in California. We speculate on what trade deadline deals the Avs could make and debate if it makes sense for them to bring back a familiar face in Kadri. Will shares his take on why Cam Johnson needs to be out of the Nuggets playoff rotation. Should the Nuggets consider benching Johnson and taking him out of their top 10 players all together? Phil disagrees with Will and points to Johnson's shooting ability and how the Nuggets need him to stretch the floor. 

In hour 2 of The Drive, Phil and Will Petersen take a deep dive into Avalanche and react to our Mike Evans' comments following his criticism of Gabe Landeskog yesterday. Is Mike fair to call out Avs fans for not being able to handle scrutiny? We pivot to the Broncos and discuss the running back market around the NFL. Should the Broncos spend big money on a running back like many reports suggest they will? Who are the top RB targets for the guys? Would the Broncos commit to the run game if they do bring in a top free agent? How should the Broncos construct the RB room? Today's "Three Count" includes the Chiefs potentially rebuilding by trading their all-pro cornerback Trent McDuffie for a slew of draft picks, the Rockies taking on team USA in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game today, and the Nuggets bringing in former CSU Ram David Roddy. We react to a hypothetical trade in which the Broncos acquire AJ Brown. Would Brown be able to elevate Bo Nix to the next level in 2026?

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Phil and Will Petersen cross talking with Dover and Cecil. The guys discuss the progress the Rockies have made this offseason and the backup quarterback situation with the Broncos. Phil and Will react to the Avalanche rolling as they beat Anaheim 5-1 last night in California. We speculate on what trade deadline deals the Avs could make and debate if it makes sense for them to bring back a familiar face in Kadri. We react to a report about the Broncos listening to offers on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. How much would it take in assets to move on from Stidham? Will makes the case why there are better backup quarterbacks on the market that could help the Broncos win important games if Nix were to miss any time. How close is Aaron Gordon to returning to the Nuggets lineup? Should the Nuggets hold back Gordon and Peyton Watson to make sure they are healthy for a playoff run? 

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Phil continue their conversation on Mike Evans' criticism of Gabe Landeskog and his underachieving this season. We pivot to the Broncos as NFL free agency kicks off in less than a week. We look at the running back market as David Montgomery was traded this week, Breece Hall was franchise tagged by the Jets, and Kenneth Walker not getting tagged by the Seahawks. We hear from Mike Klis and his thoughts on the Broncos wanting JK Dobbins back in 2026. Would Dobbins be willing to take a backseat in the Broncos running back room? Could Ben Powers be a cut or trade candidate as he heads into the last year of his contract? We react to Rockies' Paul Depodesta's comments on why Schaffer was the right hire for their manager and raising the floor of the team by bringing in veterans. We wrap up the show with DenverSports.com's Will Petersen joining the show to discuss Mike Evans' criticism of Gabe Landeskog this season. 

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and Phil continue their conversation on the Rockies and debate what would be a successful season for the team. We pivot to the Broncos and react to Russell Wilson addressing his tweet in which he fired back at Sean Payton after Payton took a shot at Wilson. What did the guys make of Russ defending himself? Will the Broncos re-vamp the offensive line? Could Alex Palczewski step into Ben Powers' role is Powers is cut or traded? We react to the Nuggets winning a tight one against a bad team in the Jazz. Is it fair to be concerned with the Nuggets defensive effort after barley winning a game in which Jamal Murray shot at a superhuman rate and the team shot at a 50/40/90 rate? Zach shares the impressive stats Nathan MacKinnon is putting up this season and how he is likely on his way to another MVP trophy. Will Nate become the first Avs player ever and join Jokic as the only Denver athlete to win multiple MVP's? We react to Mike Evans' comments on Gabe Landeskog underachieving and debate if Mike is fair to criticize Landy. 

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and Phil continue their conversation on Mike Evans calling out Gabe Landeskog for underachieving. Is it fair to call Landeskog underachieving after a slow start and missing so much time this season? We pivot the Broncos and look at the running back market as David Montgomery was traded this week, Breece Hall was franchise tagged by the Jets, and Kenneth Walker not getting tagged by the Seahawks. Will the Broncos be big spenders at running back, paying someone $8 million or more per year? Today's "Three Count" includes Brennan Marion's comments on the Buffs after their first practice after the death of Dominiq Ponder, Rob Walton reportedly buying a 10% stake in the Diamondbacks 2 years ago, and the Colts placing a transition tag on Daniel Jones. We react to Rockies' Paul Depodesta's comments on why Schaffer was the right hire for their manager and raising the floor of the team by bringing in veterans. 

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and Phil cross talking with Dover and Cecil. The guys discuss Russell Wilson "defending" himself on a podcast when talking about the back and forth between him and Sean Payton. Zach and Phil dive into the Broncos plans as NFL free agency beings in less than a week. Will the Broncos re-vamp the offensive line? Could Ben Powers be a cut or trade candidate as he heads into the last year of his contract? We react to the Nuggets winning a tight one against a bad team in the Jazz. Zach voices his frustrations with how Jokic reacts to aggressive defenses and tries to foul-bait. What do the guys make of David Adelman's adjustments and trying out a double big lineup with Val and Jokic? Zach shares the impressive stats Nathan MacKinnon is putting up this season and how he is likely on his way to another MVP trophy. 

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and James Merilatt take a deep dive into the Nuggets as they went 0-2 this weekend losing to the Thunder and Timberwolves. How fair is it to blame the Nuggets shortcomings on their injuries? Why have the Nuggets struggled in clutch time so much this season compared to years past? Does Jokic deserve some criticism? Are the Nuggets lacking a toughness with their current group of players? How much will the Nuggets have to overcome to win a championship this season? We react to ESPN's tiers for college football coaches on the hot seat. Is Deion Sanders on the list and should he be on hot seat in Boulder? We wrap up the show recapping the day in Denver sports with the Nuggets signing Tyus Jones to a contract and Nathan MacKinnon talking about his Olympic hockey experience. 

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and James Merilatt debate if Davis Webb will have any voice in how the Broncos approach free agency, now that he has play-calling duties. Is Webb in line to the best next head coach of the Broncos? We question if Sean Payton gave up play calling on his own volition. Are the Broncos in a Super Bowl or bust window heading into next season? With NFL free agency kicking off next week, we debate how aggressive the Broncos will be in free agency. James explains why he believes the Broncos will address middle linebacker early in free agency or with a premium draft pick. We react to the Lions trading David Montgomery to the Texans today and question if the Broncos should have shown interest in Montgomery. The Avalanche were able to beat Chicago 3-1 over the weekend but is there still something missing from this Avs team?

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and James Merilatt take a deep dive into the Nuggets as they went 0-2 this weekend losing to the Thunder and Timberwolves. Why have the Nuggets not excelled at home the way they have in the past? Will the Nuggets be able to stay healthy throughout the playoff after an injury riddled regular season? Why have the Nuggets struggled in clutch time so much this season compared to years past? Has the Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Johnson proved to be the wrong move for the Nuggets? We react to the breaking news of the Nuggets signing Tyus Jones. Today's "Three Count" features some athletes that ran incredible 40-times at the NFL combine last week and if the Broncos should be interested in them and the sad story in Boulder with quarterback Dominiq Ponder passing away after being in a single-car crash. We react to ESPN's tiers for college football coaches on the hot seat. Is Deion Sanders on the list and should he be on hot seat in Boulder?

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and James Merilatt cross talking with Dover and Cecil. The guys discuss how bad Colorado basketball has been this season under Tad Boyle and then shift to how all of CU's athletics are struggling with the football team also underperforming under Deion Sanders. Zach and James react to the Nuggets two losses over the weekend to the Thunder and Timberwolves. Is it time to hit the panic button with the Nuggets struggling against above .400 teams? Has Aaron Gordon's absence proved he is the second most important Nugget? We react to the Lions trading David Montgomery to the Texans today and question if the Broncos should have shown interest in Montgomery. James makes the case for RJ Harvey being capable of leading the Broncos running back room. The Avalanche were able to beat Chicago 3-1 over the weekend but is there still something missing from this Avs team?

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Phil take a dive into the odd story in which Sean Payton almost became the head coach of the Cowboys if it wasn't for Anthony Davis wanting out of New Orleans. We hear from a former New Orleans Saints player and how the locker room was ready to move on from Sean Payton to get Dan Campbell to be their head coach. How could the situation in New Orleans have gotten to the point where players wanted Payton out and could that happen here in Denver? Zach and Phil share their biggest targets in free agency as NFL free agency kicks off in 10 days. We wrap up the show previewing tonight's huge Nuggets game as they take on the conference's best team in the Thunder. 

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach, Phil and the guys compete in our weekly trivia competition vs the morning show. Will we be able to get back on track and beat the morning show's 3-1 performance from today? We react to JaQuan McMillian receiving a second-round tender from the Broncos. How will McMillian feel about the tender and do the Broncos have too much depth at corner going into 2026? We react to the Avalanche loss last night to the rival Minnesota Wild. How concerning should Avs fans be about the red-hot Wild? With the historic lack of production on the power play, will the Avs make changes with the players on the power play line? 

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and Phil dive into NFL free agency as we are 10 days away from getting started. We react to the Broncos signing Tyler Badie to a 1-year contract and question what they see in Badie? Will the Broncos bring back JK Dobbins and what would his next contract look like? We pivot to the Nuggets and preview their huge game against the Thunder. What are the guys looking for as the Nuggets take on the best team in the conference? Will Jamal Murray play after leaving the last game early with an illness? Today's "Three Count" features the Broncos meeting with multiple tight ends at the NFL combine, the Rockies hot start in Spring Training with Charlie Condon hitting two homeruns, and Kon Kneuppel setting the rookie three-point record with 22 games left in the season. Our 9News Broncos insider Mike Klis joins the show to discuss his interaction with Sean Payton at the NFL combine, Davis Webb taking over play calling, and more. 

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and Phil cross talking with Cecil. The guys discuss the Avalanche after their loss last night to the Wild. Is it time to push the panic button and completely shake up the Avs power play? Zach and Phil react to JaQuan McMillian receiving a second-round tender from the Broncos. How will McMillian feel about the tender and do the Broncos have too much depth at corner going into 2026? Zach shares the details of how Sean Payton almost became the head coach of the Cowboys if it wasn't for Anthony Davis wanting out of New Orleans. We hear from a former New Orleans Saints player and how the locker room was ready to move on from Sean Payton to get Dan Campbell to be their head coach. 

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Phil take a deep dive into Calvin Booth's podcast interview regarding his time as the general manager of the Nuggets. We hear his thoughts on Michael Malone and the dynamic between them.  Is the rift between Michael Malone and Booth been overblown? Did Calvin Booth show a huge lack of awareness from all his comments throughout this interview? Veteran NFL reporter James Palmer joins the show to discuss Sean Payton handing over play calling duties to Davis Webb, Webb being the closest person to Bo Nix in the building, and more. We react to the news of Warren Sapp leaving the CU football program. Is this another red flag coming from Boulder? We wrap up the show with DenverSports.com's Will Petersen joining the show Sean Payton handing off play calling duties to Davis Webb and what led to this decision. 

In hour 3 of The Drive, Zach and Phil discuss the new dynamics with the Broncos as Davis Webb takes over play calling this season. Will be on the Broncos sideline or up in the booth? How long of a leash with Webb have if the offense gets off to slow start? We react to the Nuggets' big win last night over the red-hot Celtics. How were the Nuggets able to play the level of defense they showed last night without their two best defenders? The guys applaud Jokic for stepping up after Jamal Murray went out of the game with an illness as well as not barking at the officials all night. We preview what the Broncos could do in the first round of the NFL draft as the NFL combine is this week. Could the Broncos select an inside linebacker in the first round? We react to the Broncos NFLPA report card in which players grade the team's coach, general manager, facilities and more. 

In hour 2 of The Drive, Zach and Phil take a deep dive into Calvin Booth's podcast interview regarding his time as the general manager of the Nuggets. We hear his thoughts on how having Jokic on the team makes it more difficult to do his job because then everything around Jokic has to be perfect. Is the rift between Michael Malone and Booth been overblown? Have the Nuggets not valued executives as much as they should have? Did Calvin Booth show a huge lack of awareness from all his comments throughout this interview? Will we see Miachel Malone come out and tell his side of story with the dynamic between himself and Booth? We react to the Avalanche beating the Mammoth handily last night, 4-2. With the success we saw from Marty Necas on the power play, could we see a shake up with the Avs' power play line? How will Nathan MacKinnon fit back in after sitting out last night? 

Hour 1 of The Drive kicks off with Zach and Phil cross talking with Dover and Cecil. The guys discuss the Avalanche win last night after a long Olympic break and debate if the Avs should consider shaking up their power play. Zach and Phil react to the Nuggets' big win last night over the red-hot Celtics. How were the Nuggets able to play the level of defense they showed last night without their two best defenders? The guys applaud Jokic for having a different mindset last night and not complaining about officiating. We preview what the Broncos could do in the first round of the NFL draft as the NFL combine is this week. Could the Broncos select an inside linebacker in the first round? We hear from George Paton and his thoughts on having Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad back next season. We hear Sean Payton and him advocating for George Paton to get a contract extension. Is it a forgone conclusion that Paton will be with the Broncos moving forward? 

In hour 4 of The Drive, Zach and Phil take a deep dive into Sean Payton and the Broncos offense, a day after Davis Webb was announced as the Broncos play caller. Should the Broncos trust a 14-3 team with a young quarterback to a first time play caller in Webb? What will Webb be able to bring that Sean Payton was lacking in? Will Webb's and Payton's offensive philosophies align? We react to Mel Kiper's most recent mock draft in which the Broncos select a safety with the 30th overall pick. How would the guys feel about taking a player that is not a position of need? We wrap up the show with DenverSports.com's Jake Shapiro joining the show to discuss Robert Livingston leaving Colorado to become a positions coach for the Broncos. Is this a sign of bad things to come from the football team up in Boulder?