Digest

This podcast episode features an interview with former Super Bowl-winning coach John Gruden. The episode begins with a preview of the upcoming week eight NFL picks and a DraftKings advertisement. Gruden discusses his new venture, the FFCA (Fired Football Coaches Association), and his thoughts on current trends in the NFL, including the RPO game and the importance of tempo. He reminisces about his time coaching the Buccaneers, highlighting the legendary defense and his unique approach to play-calling terminology. Gruden delves into the challenges of coaching an offensive line that is struggling, emphasizing the importance of practice and pad work. He also shares his thoughts on the most intimidating defensive players in the league, highlighting his admiration for Micah Parsons and Fred Warner. The conversation shifts to coaching rivalries, specifically between the Grooten brothers and the Hardball brothers. They discuss their relationships and the coaching family they are part of. The speakers discuss the Ryan brothers, their coaching styles, and the impact they have had on the NFL. They also talk about the speaker's son, Deuce, who is a strength coach in the NFL. The conversation focuses on the speaker's coaching tree, highlighting the success of coaches like Mike Tomlin, Raheem Morris, and Sean McVay. They discuss Tomlin's leadership qualities and his ability to consistently build competitive teams. The speakers discuss the speaker's experience coaching Antonio Brown during his time with the Raiders. They reflect on Brown's talent and work ethic but also acknowledge the challenges he presented. The conversation explores the difference between good and bad organizations in the NFL, emphasizing the importance of communication, knowledge, and leadership from the top down. The speakers discuss Jerry Rice's status as the greatest NFL player of all time and the qualities that set him apart, including his work ethic, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure. The conversation explores the speaker's passion for football and his admiration for coaches who embody that passion. They discuss the coaching styles of Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin, and Bill Walsh. The speakers discuss Sean McVay's coaching style and his evolving appearance, particularly his beard. They share their own preferences for coaching attire and facial hair. The speaker shares his early experiences as a ballboy for the Indiana Hoosiers under coach Bobby Knight. He discusses the impact of those experiences on his decision to pursue a coaching career. The speakers discuss the career of Josh Johnson, a quarterback who has played for numerous NFL teams. They analyze his strengths and weaknesses and discuss why he has struggled to find a consistent role. The speaker discusses his life after coaching and his current role as a husband and homeowner. He shares his experiences with his wife, a former cheerleader, and his efforts to find new purpose. The speaker reflects on the joy he finds in coaching and helping players improve. He shares a story about Rich Gannon, a quarterback he coached who transformed into a successful NFL player. The speakers discuss the speaker's coaching style, which involves a mix of encouragement, sarcasm, and occasional yelling. They talk about the importance of building relationships with players and understanding their individual needs. The speaker discusses his strategies for keeping meetings engaging, including using analogies, videos, and social media. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and finding ways to connect with players. The speakers discuss their impressions of several rookie quarterbacks, including Caleb Williams, Jaden Daniels, and Drake May. They analyze their strengths and weaknesses and offer predictions for their future. The speaker describes his setup for watching NFL games on Sundays, which includes multiple TVs and a dedicated team of analysts. He also discusses the importance of fullbacks in the game and the \"wide banana\" play. The speakers discuss Will Compton, a former NFL linebacker, and his \"grinding\" style of play. They highlight his toughness, determination, and ability to get the job done.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, DraftKings Promo, and Week Eight Picks

The podcast introduces Coach John Grootin as a guest and previews the upcoming week eight NFL picks. It then transitions into a DraftKings advertisement highlighting a $1 million daily bonus bet promotion for the NBA season. The podcast dives into week eight NFL picks and previews, starting with the Eagles vs. Bengals game. They discuss the Eagles' slow starts, the Bengals' must-win season, and the possibility of a tie.

00:33:38

Ravens vs. Browns, Titans vs. Lions, and Chiefs vs. Patriots

The podcast moves on to the Ravens vs. Browns game, highlighting the return of James and the potential for a quarterback bump for the Browns. They also discuss the possibility of the NFL stepping in to force Jimmy Haslam to sell the Browns. The podcast discusses the Titans vs. Lions game, focusing on the Lions' recent success and the Titans' tendency to sign aging wide receivers. They debate whether the Lions are a good bet despite being double-digit favorites. The podcast moves on to the Chiefs vs. Patriots game, discussing Aaron Rodgers' recent injuries and the viral video of him eating his own booger. They also discuss the Jets' recent defensive performance and the possibility of a bounce-back game against the Patriots.

01:00:09

Falcons vs. Buccaneers, Packers vs. Jaguars, and Saints vs. Chargers

The podcast discusses the Falcons vs. Buccaneers game, focusing on the Buccaneers' injuries and the impact of the Creamsicle jerseys on their performance. They debate whether the Falcons are a good bet despite the Buccaneers' struggles. The podcast discusses the Packers vs. Jaguars game, highlighting Robert Saleh's move to Green Bay and the potential for a Doug Peterson revenge game. They also discuss the Jaguars' recent performance and the possibility of an upset. The podcast discusses the Saints vs. Chargers game, focusing on Alvin Kamara's broken hand and the Saints' tendency to restructure contracts to save money. They also discuss the Chargers' need to win and the Saints' potential for a competitive performance.

01:09:46

Bills vs. Seahawks, Panthers vs. Broncos, and Chiefs vs. Raiders

The podcast discusses the Bills vs. Seahawks game, focusing on DK Metcalf's recent injury and his tendency to use the cart. They debate whether Metcalf will play and discuss the potential impact of his absence. The podcast discusses the Panthers vs. Broncos game, focusing on Bryce Young's return and the potential impact on his trade value. They also discuss the Panthers' struggles against the blitz and the Broncos' potential for a dominant performance. The podcast discusses the Chiefs vs. Raiders game, highlighting the Raiders' recent success against the Chiefs and the potential for a physical matchup. They also discuss the Raiders' strange season and the Chiefs' addition of DeAndre Hopkins.

01:19:32

Bears vs. Commanders, Cowboys vs. Niners, and Touchdown Parlay Picks

The episode kicks off with a discussion about Jaden Daniels' injury and whether he will play in the upcoming Bears vs. Commanders game. Big Cat makes a bold prediction that Caleb Williams will be a better quarterback than Jaden Daniels in the future, sparking a heated debate with Max. The conversation shifts to the Cowboys vs. Niners game, focusing on the numerous injuries plaguing both teams. Jerry Jones' recent comments about Mike McCarthy's play-calling and Derek Henry's lack of fit in the Cowboys offense are discussed. The hosts reveal their picks for the Touchdown Parlay, followed by a segment dedicated to Fantasy Football. Rocco, Gucci, and Frankie share their start/sit decisions and sleeper picks for the week.

01:53:54

Interview with John Gruden: The FFCA and Coaching Trends

The episode features an interview with former Super Bowl-winning coach John Gruden. Gruden discusses his new venture, the FFCA (Fired Football Coaches Association), and his thoughts on current trends in the NFL, including the RPO game and the importance of tempo.

02:07:28

Gruden's Buccaneers Defense and Play-Calling Terminology

Gruden reminisces about his time coaching the Buccaneers, highlighting the legendary defense and his unique approach to play-calling terminology. He shares a specific play call and explains its intricacies, showcasing his deep understanding of the game.

02:13:58

Offensive Line Struggles and Defensive Players to Fear

Gruden delves into the challenges of coaching an offensive line that is struggling, emphasizing the importance of practice and pad work. He also shares his thoughts on the most intimidating defensive players in the league, highlighting his admiration for Micah Parsons and Fred Warner.

02:16:18

NFL Players and Coaching Strategies

The conversation begins with a discussion of standout NFL players, including linebackers, defensive backs, and offensive linemen. The speakers highlight their strengths and discuss the importance of communication and teamwork in football.

02:19:04

Blue Chew and Uber Eats Advertisements

This segment features advertisements for Blue Chew, a company offering chewable erectile dysfunction medication, and Uber Eats, highlighting their game-day deals and partnership with the NFL.

02:19:47

Fullback of the Year Award

The speakers discuss the \"Low-Man Trophy,\" an award they give out annually to the best fullback in college football. They talk about past winners and the importance of recognizing the contributions of fullbacks.

02:21:31

Coaching Rivalries and Family Ties

The conversation shifts to coaching rivalries, specifically between the Grooten brothers and the Hardball brothers. They discuss their relationships and the coaching family they are part of.

02:21:59

Coaching Styles and Family Legacy

The speakers discuss the Ryan brothers, their coaching styles, and the impact they have had on the NFL. They also talk about the speaker's son, Deuce, who is a strength coach in the NFL.

02:24:45

Coaching Tree and Mike Tomlin's Success

The conversation focuses on the speaker's coaching tree, highlighting the success of coaches like Mike Tomlin, Raheem Morris, and Sean McVay. They discuss Tomlin's leadership qualities and his ability to consistently build competitive teams.

02:27:20

Antonio Brown's Time with the Raiders

The speakers discuss the speaker's experience coaching Antonio Brown during his time with the Raiders. They reflect on Brown's talent and work ethic but also acknowledge the challenges he presented.

02:29:28

The Importance of a Good Organization

The conversation explores the difference between good and bad organizations in the NFL, emphasizing the importance of communication, knowledge, and leadership from the top down.

02:30:44

Jerry Rice's Legacy and the Traits of Greatness

The speakers discuss Jerry Rice's status as the greatest NFL player of all time and the qualities that set him apart, including his work ethic, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure.

02:31:57

Passion for Football and Coaching Styles

The conversation explores the speaker's passion for football and his admiration for coaches who embody that passion. They discuss the coaching styles of Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin, and Bill Walsh.

02:33:23

Sean McVay's Coaching Style and Appearance

The speakers discuss Sean McVay's coaching style and his evolving appearance, particularly his beard. They share their own preferences for coaching attire and facial hair.

02:34:31

Early Coaching Influences and Passion for the Game

The speaker shares his early experiences as a ballboy for the Indiana Hoosiers under coach Bobby Knight. He discusses the impact of those experiences on his decision to pursue a coaching career.

02:36:25

Josh Johnson's NFL Journey

The speakers discuss the career of Josh Johnson, a quarterback who has played for numerous NFL teams. They analyze his strengths and weaknesses and discuss why he has struggled to find a consistent role.

02:38:31

Life After Coaching and Finding New Purpose

The speaker discusses his life after coaching and his current role as a husband and homeowner. He shares his experiences with his wife, a former cheerleader, and his efforts to find new purpose.

02:39:47

The Joy of Coaching and Rich Gannon's Transformation

The speaker reflects on the joy he finds in coaching and helping players improve. He shares a story about Rich Gannon, a quarterback he coached who transformed into a successful NFL player.

02:41:39

Coaching Styles and Building Relationships

The speakers discuss the speaker's coaching style, which involves a mix of encouragement, sarcasm, and occasional yelling. They talk about the importance of building relationships with players and understanding their individual needs.

02:42:53

Keeping Meetings Engaging and Using Analogies

The speaker discusses his strategies for keeping meetings engaging, including using analogies, videos, and social media. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and finding ways to connect with players.

02:44:17

Rookie Quarterbacks and Their Potential

The speakers discuss their impressions of several rookie quarterbacks, including Caleb Williams, Jaden Daniels, and Drake May. They analyze their strengths and weaknesses and offer predictions for their future.

02:46:30

NFL Sunday Setup and the Importance of Fullbacks

The speaker describes his setup for watching NFL games on Sundays, which includes multiple TVs and a dedicated team of analysts. He also discusses the importance of fullbacks in the game and the \"wide banana\" play.

02:48:57

Will Compton's Football Character

The speakers discuss Will Compton, a former NFL linebacker, and his \"grinding\" style of play. They highlight his toughness, determination, and ability to get the job done.

02:50:28

Morgan and Morgan Advertisement

This segment is an advertisement for Morgan and Morgan, a law firm specializing in personal injury cases.

02:51:06

Fire Fest of the Week

The speakers share their \"fire fests\" of the week, which are humorous or frustrating experiences. PFT recounts a stressful morning involving a missed flight and lost AirPods, while Hank shares his struggles with ordering food to the wrong address.

02:56:42

Whitest Things Ever Done

The speakers discuss their \"whitest things ever done,\" which are actions or experiences that are considered stereotypically white. PFT shares his experiences with a Hamilton-themed Peloton ride, a counterfeit Luke McAfry jersey, and a Willie Nelson costume for his dog.

02:58:05

Penn State Game and Mood Predictions

Hank shares his concerns about the upcoming Penn State game and its potential impact on his mood. He discusses the importance of the game and the possibility of a \"double whammy\" if the Bears lose on Sunday.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the DraftKings promotion being advertised in the podcast?

  DraftKings is offering $1 million a day in bonus bets for the first 10 days of the NBA season. To participate, users need to opt in, get a daily NBA profit boost token, and pick a pregame NBA player prop to boost. If that player leads the league in points, rebounds, and assists that night, users win a share of the $1 million bonus bet.

• What is the FFCA and what is a typical day like for John Gruden there?

  The FFCA is a facility established by John Gruden for fired coaches to collaborate, study film, and prepare for future opportunities. A typical day involves studying game film, analyzing plays, and working on coaching strategies.

• What are some of John Gruden's biggest gripes with the current state of the NFL?

  Gruden dislikes the prevalence of RPO plays, which he believes lead to quarterbacks taking unnecessary hits. He also prefers a more traditional, pro-style passing offense over the spread offenses that are popular in today's game.

• What quarterback does John Gruden believe is playing at the highest level right now?

  Gruden believes Jared Goff is playing at the top of his game, comparing him to Joe Montana for his accuracy, toughness, and ability to lead a balanced offense.

• How does John Gruden feel about the Rams trading Jared Goff to the Lions?

  Gruden was shocked by the trade, believing that Goff had a lot of upside and that the Rams ultimately made a mistake by letting him go.

• What was John Gruden's experience like being traded from the Raiders to the Buccaneers?

  Gruden was traded for a significant haul of draft picks, which ultimately hurt the Raiders' ability to rebuild. He acknowledges that the trade was a tough decision, but ultimately led to a Super Bowl victory in his first year with the Buccaneers.

• What made John Gruden's Buccaneers defense so special?

  Gruden's Buccaneers defense was known for its physicality, dominance, and ability to score touchdowns. He challenged his players to score nine touchdowns on defense, which they ultimately achieved in the Super Bowl.

• What was John Gruden's rule about John Lynch and Warren Sapp hitting each other in practice?

  Gruden wanted to save those hits for game day, so he implemented a rule that Lynch and Sapp were not allowed to hit each other in practice.

• What are some of the key qualities that make a great NFL player?

  Communication, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are essential qualities for success in the NFL. Players need to be able to trust and support each other, both on and off the field.

• What are some of the challenges of coaching a player like Antonio Brown?

  Antonio Brown's talent and work ethic were undeniable, but he also presented challenges due to his personality and off-field issues. Coaches need to be able to manage players with strong personalities and ensure they remain focused on the team's goals.

Show Notes