Hour 1: Behind The Steel Curtain
Digest
The podcast opens with Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharp discussing the Steelers' preseason performance, expressing concerns about Russell Wilson's struggles and the team's overall offensive efficiency. They delve into the competitive landscape of the AFC North, highlighting the presence of strong quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson. The conversation then shifts to Caleb Williams' impressive preseason performance, with Stephen A. comparing his play to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. They discuss the impact of mobile quarterbacks on defensive strategies, emphasizing the importance of pocket containment. The discussion then turns to CD Lamb's contract negotiations with the Cowboys, with Stephen A. criticizing Jerry Jones' comments about Lamb's absence from training camp. He believes that Jones' approach is detrimental to team morale and could negatively impact the Cowboys' future. Stephen A. analyzes the Cowboys' financial situation and the potential impact on their ability to retain key players like Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons. He compares Lamb's situation to Davante Adams' experience with the Packers, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the future of both players. Throughout the podcast, Stephen A. and Shannon engage in lively debates, sharing their perspectives on various topics, including the significance of Patrick Mahomes' behind-the-back pass, the importance of training camp, and the challenges of navigating contract negotiations in the NFL.
Outlines
Steelers' Preseason Struggles and AFC North Competition
The podcast begins with a discussion about the Steelers' disappointing preseason performance, focusing on Russell Wilson's struggles and the team's offensive inefficiencies. Stephen A. expresses concerns about the Steelers' ability to compete in the tough AFC North, highlighting the presence of strong quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson.
The Rise of Mobile Quarterbacks and Defensive Adjustments
The conversation shifts to Caleb Williams' impressive preseason performance, with Stephen A. comparing his play to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. They discuss the impact of mobile quarterbacks on defensive strategies, emphasizing the importance of pocket containment and the challenges it poses for defenses.
CD Lamb's Contract Negotiations and Jerry Jones' Approach
The discussion turns to CD Lamb's contract negotiations with the Cowboys, with Stephen A. criticizing Jerry Jones' comments about Lamb's absence from training camp. He believes that Jones' approach is detrimental to team morale and could negatively impact the Cowboys' future.
The Cowboys' Financial Situation and Contract Negotiations
Stephen A. analyzes the Cowboys' financial situation and the potential impact on their ability to retain key players like Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons. He discusses the challenges of navigating contract negotiations in the NFL, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between player demands and team financial constraints.
Comparing CD Lamb's Situation to Davante Adams' Experience
Stephen A. compares CD Lamb's situation to Davante Adams' experience with the Packers, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the future of both players and the potential for them to seek greener pastures. He emphasizes the importance of CD Lamb to the Cowboys' success and the challenges the team faces in retaining their star players.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The podcast concludes with Stephen A. and Shannon sharing their final thoughts on the topics discussed, reiterating the importance of CD Lamb to the Cowboys' success and the challenges the team faces in navigating contract negotiations.
Keywords
**Behind-the-Back Pass**
A pass thrown by a quarterback behind their back, often used as a trick play or in a desperate situation. It is a highly unusual and difficult maneuver, requiring exceptional skill and timing.
**Pocket Containment**
A defensive strategy aimed at keeping the quarterback within the pocket, preventing them from escaping and making plays outside of the pocket. It often involves using multiple defenders to surround the quarterback and limit their mobility.
**Franchise Tag**
A mechanism used by NFL teams to retain the rights to a player for one year, even if they are a free agent. It allows teams to keep a player for one more season while they negotiate a long-term contract.
**No Trade Clause**
A clause in a player's contract that prevents them from being traded to another team without their consent. It is often used by star players to ensure that they have control over their future and can choose where they want to play.
**Hometown Discount**
A lower salary offered to a player who is from the same city or region as the team they are playing for. It is often used as a way to entice players to stay with their hometown team, but it can also be seen as a way for teams to save money.
**Balloon Payment**
A large lump sum payment that is due at the end of a loan or mortgage term. It is often used in conjunction with interest-only loans, where the borrower only pays the interest on the loan for a period of time, and then has to pay the entire principal amount at the end of the term.
**Slippage**
A decline in performance or ability, often used to describe a player or team that is no longer performing at the same level as they once did. It can be caused by various factors, such as age, injuries, or a change in circumstances.
**Fringe Playoff Team**
A team that is considered to be on the edge of making the playoffs, but not necessarily a strong contender. They may have a good record but are not considered to be among the top teams in their conference.
Q&A
What are Stephen A. Smith's concerns about Russell Wilson's performance with the Steelers?
Stephen A. is concerned about Russell Wilson's struggles in the preseason, particularly his tendency to hold onto the ball too long and his lack of efficiency. He believes that these issues are similar to those that plagued Wilson in Denver and could hinder the Steelers' success.
How does Stephen A. view the Steelers' offensive line and its impact on the quarterback situation?
Stephen A. believes that the Steelers' offensive line needs to provide better protection for their quarterbacks, both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. He argues that without adequate protection, the quarterbacks will struggle to perform at their best.
What is Stephen A.'s opinion on the hype surrounding Patrick Mahomes' behind-the-back pass?
Stephen A. is critical of the excessive hype surrounding Patrick Mahomes' behind-the-back pass, arguing that it was a relatively simple play and not worthy of the widespread attention it received. He believes that the play was overblown and that Mahomes' overall skillset is more impressive.
What are the key factors contributing to the delay in CD Lamb's contract negotiations with the Cowboys?
Stephen A. believes that the delay in CD Lamb's contract negotiations is due to a combination of factors, including Jerry Jones' negotiating tactics, the uncertainty surrounding Dak Prescott's future with the team, and the Cowboys' financial constraints.
How does Stephen A. view the importance of CD Lamb to the Cowboys' success?
Stephen A. believes that CD Lamb is crucial to the Cowboys' success and that the team needs him as much as they need their quarterback. He argues that Lamb's talent and production are essential for the team's offensive success.
Show Notes
In this episode, the crew is back together as Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe debate which QB should start the season for the Steelers: Russell Wilson or Justin Fields? The guys give us their takes on which QB Caleb Williams reminds them of the most and we react to Patrick Mahomes already making magic in the Chiefs' preseason game. Dan Orlovsky joins the show to react to Jerry Jones saying he's not worried about contract negotiations with CeeDee Lamb.
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