Tua Again, NFL Week 2 Either/Or, and Million-Dollar Picks With Mike Lombardi and Joe House
Digest
This podcast dives into the key takeaways from week one of the NFL season, including the Bills' dominant win over the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa's concussion, and the struggles of several quarterbacks. The hosts discuss the "Either/Or" game, where they analyze the most impactful events from week one. They then shift their focus to Malik Willis and the Tennessee Titans, discussing his struggles and the Titans' decision to start him despite his poor play. The hosts praise Mike Vrabel's coaching abilities and discuss the challenges of coaching a quarterback like Willis. They also analyze the Indianapolis Colts and their potential matchup against the Packers, speculating on the Colts' ability to win against a team starting Malik Willis. The hosts discuss their million dollar picks for the upcoming week, focusing on the Colts-Packers game and the potential for a surprising upset. They also discuss the Houston Texans' offensive performance in week one and its implications for the Colts' defense. The hosts analyze Gus Bradley's defensive scheme and its effectiveness against different types of offenses. They discuss the Colts' struggles against teams that can exploit their weaknesses and the importance of understanding the opponent's strengths. The hosts discuss the importance of in-game adjustments and the challenges faced by coaches who rely heavily on schemes. They highlight the need for coaches to be adaptable and make adjustments based on the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. The hosts discuss the Green Bay Packers and their performance in week one, focusing on the injury to Jordan Love and the team's overall struggles. They question whether the Packers are a contender or a pretender and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. The hosts discuss the New York Giants and their coaching situation, focusing on the potential for Brian Daboll to be fired if the team continues to struggle. They analyze the Giants' weaknesses and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. The hosts discuss the impact of Hard Knocks on NFL teams, arguing that it can expose weaknesses and create unnecessary pressure. They believe that teams that are not already established contenders should avoid participating in the show. The hosts discuss the New York Jets and their coaching situation, focusing on the potential for Robert Saleh to be fired if the team continues to struggle. They analyze the Jets' weaknesses and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. The hosts discuss the importance of coaching in the NFL and the challenges faced by coaches in today's game. They argue that coaches need to be adaptable and make adjustments based on the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. The hosts discuss the Cleveland Browns and their quarterback situation, focusing on the struggles of Deshaun Watson and the team's decision to continue starting him. They analyze Watson's performance and the challenges he faces in returning to his former form. The hosts discuss the Jacksonville Jaguars and their potential for success in the upcoming season. They analyze their performance in week one and the strengths of their team, particularly their defense. The hosts discuss the New England Patriots and their uncertain future, analyzing their performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. They question whether the Patriots are a contender or a pretender and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. The hosts discuss the Tennessee Titans and their matchup against the New York Jets, analyzing the Titans' strengths and weaknesses and the potential for an upset. They also discuss the Jets' struggles and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. The hosts continue their discussion of the Cleveland Browns and their quarterback situation, focusing on the struggles of Deshaun Watson and the team's decision to continue starting him. They analyze Watson's performance and the challenges he faces in returning to his former form. The hosts discuss the importance of quarterback leadership in the NFL and the impact of a quarterback who doesn't seem to care about the game. They analyze the struggles of Deshaun Watson and Zach Wilson and the challenges they face in leading their teams. The hosts discuss the "week one-week two conundrum," where teams that perform poorly in week one can sometimes surprise in week two. They use the example of the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals to illustrate this point. The hosts discuss Khalil Mack's holdout and the reasons behind it. They criticize Mack's decision to hold out for more money and argue that it is a foolish move. The hosts discuss the New England Patriots and their potential for success in the upcoming season. They analyze their performance in week one and the strengths of their team, particularly their defense. The hosts discuss the Cincinnati Bengals and their struggles in week one, focusing on the team's lack of offensive production and the potential for a regression to the mean. They also discuss the impact of Ja'Marr Chase's holdout on the team's chemistry. The hosts discuss the Los Angeles Chargers and their uncertain future, analyzing their performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. They question whether the Chargers are a contender or a pretender and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. The hosts discuss the importance of style of play in the NFL and the need for teams to find a way to play that suits their strengths. They use the example of the Dallas Cowboys and their success last season to illustrate this point. The hosts discuss the Chicago Bears and their defensive performance in week one, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses and the potential for a surprising season. They also discuss the impact of Justin Fields's performance on the team's overall success. The hosts discuss the Arizona Cardinals and their matchup against the Buffalo Bills, analyzing the Cardinals' strengths and weaknesses and the potential for an upset. They also discuss the Bills' performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. The hosts discuss the Miami Dolphins and their matchup against the Buffalo Bills, analyzing the Dolphins' strengths and weaknesses and the potential for an upset. They also discuss the Bills' performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. The discussion starts with concerns about Kirk Cousins' injury and the Atlanta Falcons' weak offensive line. The speaker expresses worry about Cousins' mobility and the Falcons' inability to protect their quarterback. The conversation shifts to the Philadelphia Sixers and the potential of a new "Big Three" with Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. The speaker expresses skepticism about this trio's ability to win a championship due to concerns about their mental toughness and injury history. The speaker continues to criticize the Sixers, particularly Joel Embiid, for their lack of mental toughness. They argue that Embiid's lack of mental fortitude will hinder the team's championship aspirations. The discussion focuses on Joel Embiid's health and fitness. The speaker expresses doubt about Embiid's ability to stay healthy and in shape throughout the season, citing the potential for injuries as he ages. The conversation turns to Paul George's reported unhappiness in Philadelphia. The speaker suggests that George's dissatisfaction stems from his limited role on the team, particularly on offense. The discussion shifts to Bill Belichick's new podcasting ventures. The speaker expresses surprise at Belichick's newfound enthusiasm for podcasting and his willingness to share his knowledge and insights. The conversation focuses on Belichick's future in coaching. The speaker believes that Belichick is preparing for a return to coaching, despite his age and the possibility that no teams will call him. The discussion turns to the NFL season and the teams that have no chance of making the playoffs. The speaker identifies eight teams that they believe are out of contention, including the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders. The conversation shifts to Bob Kraft's candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The speaker expresses skepticism about Kraft's chances of being inducted, citing his controversial involvement in the "Spygate" scandal. The discussion concludes with a conversation about the HBO series "The Sopranos." The speaker expresses their admiration for the show and its creator, David Chase, and encourages their listener to watch the series. This chapter is an advertisement for NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, highlighting its features and benefits, including multi-view, fantasy sports integration, and access to every live NFL game. The conversation returns to the NFL season and the speakers discuss their "million dollar picks" for Week Two. They analyze various games and teams, providing their predictions and betting strategies. The speakers continue to discuss their picks for Week Two, highlighting their disagreements and arguing their cases for different teams and bets. The speakers finalize their picks for Week Two, including their "argument pick" which is the Colts minus three against the Packers. They also discuss their strategy for using Fanduel's "double your winnings" promotion.
Outlines
NFL Week One Recap and Week Two Predictions
This chapter covers the key takeaways from week one of the NFL season, including the Bills' dominant win over the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa's concussion, and the struggles of several quarterbacks. The hosts also discuss their "million dollar picks" for week two, analyzing various games and teams and providing their predictions and betting strategies.
Malik Willis and the Tennessee Titans
This chapter focuses on Malik Willis and the Tennessee Titans, discussing his struggles and the Titans' decision to start him despite his poor play. The hosts praise Mike Vrabel's coaching abilities and discuss the challenges of coaching a quarterback like Willis.
The Indianapolis Colts and Their Struggles
This chapter analyzes the Indianapolis Colts and their potential matchup against the Packers, speculating on the Colts' ability to win against a team starting Malik Willis. The hosts also discuss the Colts' own struggles and the potential for a surprising outcome.
Gus Bradley's Defensive Scheme
This chapter analyzes Gus Bradley's defensive scheme and its effectiveness against different types of offenses. The hosts discuss the Colts' struggles against teams that can exploit their weaknesses and the importance of understanding the opponent's strengths.
The Importance of In-Game Adjustments
This chapter discusses the importance of in-game adjustments and the challenges faced by coaches who rely heavily on schemes. The hosts highlight the need for coaches to be adaptable and make adjustments based on the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
The Green Bay Packers and Their Uncertain Future
This chapter discusses the Green Bay Packers and their performance in week one, focusing on the injury to Jordan Love and the team's overall struggles. The hosts question whether the Packers are a contender or a pretender and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
The New York Giants and Their Coaching Situation
This chapter discusses the New York Giants and their coaching situation, focusing on the potential for Brian Daboll to be fired if the team continues to struggle. They analyze the Giants' weaknesses and the challenges they face in the upcoming season.
The Impact of Hard Knocks on NFL Teams
This chapter discusses the impact of Hard Knocks on NFL teams, arguing that it can expose weaknesses and create unnecessary pressure. The hosts believe that teams that are not already established contenders should avoid participating in the show.
The New York Jets and Their Coaching Situation
This chapter discusses the New York Jets and their coaching situation, focusing on the potential for Robert Saleh to be fired if the team continues to struggle. They analyze the Jets' weaknesses and the challenges they face in the upcoming season.
The Importance of Coaching in the NFL
This chapter discusses the importance of coaching in the NFL and the challenges faced by coaches in today's game. The hosts argue that coaches need to be adaptable and make adjustments based on the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
The Cleveland Browns and Their Quarterback Situation
This chapter discusses the Cleveland Browns and their quarterback situation, focusing on the struggles of Deshaun Watson and the team's decision to continue starting him. They analyze Watson's performance and the challenges he faces in returning to his former form.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Their Potential
This chapter discusses the Jacksonville Jaguars and their potential for success in the upcoming season. They analyze their performance in week one and the strengths of their team, particularly their defense.
The New England Patriots and Their Uncertain Future
This chapter discusses the New England Patriots and their uncertain future, analyzing their performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. They question whether the Patriots are a contender or a pretender and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
The Tennessee Titans and Their Matchup Against the Jets
This chapter discusses the Tennessee Titans and their matchup against the New York Jets, analyzing the Titans' strengths and weaknesses and the potential for an upset. They also discuss the Jets' struggles and the challenges they face in the upcoming season.
The Importance of Quarterback Leadership
This chapter discusses the importance of quarterback leadership in the NFL and the impact of a quarterback who doesn't seem to care about the game. They analyze the struggles of Deshaun Watson and Zach Wilson and the challenges they face in leading their teams.
The Week One-Week Two Conundrum
This chapter discusses the "week one-week two conundrum," where teams that perform poorly in week one can sometimes surprise in week two. They use the example of the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals to illustrate this point.
The Khalil Mack Holdout
This chapter discusses Khalil Mack's holdout and the reasons behind it. They criticize Mack's decision to hold out for more money and argue that it is a foolish move.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Their Struggles
This chapter discusses the Cincinnati Bengals and their struggles in week one, focusing on the team's lack of offensive production and the potential for a regression to the mean. They also discuss the impact of Ja'Marr Chase's holdout on the team's chemistry.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Their Uncertain Future
This chapter discusses the Los Angeles Chargers and their uncertain future, analyzing their performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season. They question whether the Chargers are a contender or a pretender and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
The Importance of Style of Play
This chapter discusses the importance of style of play in the NFL and the need for teams to find a way to play that suits their strengths. They use the example of the Dallas Cowboys and their success last season to illustrate this point.
The Chicago Bears and Their Defensive Performance
This chapter discusses the Chicago Bears and their defensive performance in week one, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses and the potential for a surprising season. They also discuss the impact of Justin Fields's performance on the team's overall success.
The Arizona Cardinals and Their Matchup Against the Buffalo Bills
This chapter discusses the Arizona Cardinals and their matchup against the Buffalo Bills, analyzing the Cardinals' strengths and weaknesses and the potential for an upset. They also discuss the Bills' performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season.
The Miami Dolphins and Their Matchup Against the Buffalo Bills
This chapter discusses the Miami Dolphins and their matchup against the Buffalo Bills, analyzing the Dolphins' strengths and weaknesses and the potential for an upset. They also discuss the Bills' performance in week one and the challenges they face in the upcoming season.
The Sixers' Potential and Concerns
This chapter discusses the Philadelphia Sixers and the potential of a new "Big Three" with Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. The speaker expresses skepticism about this trio's ability to win a championship due to concerns about their mental toughness and injury history.
Bill Belichick's Future and Bob Kraft's Hall of Fame Candidacy
This chapter discusses Bill Belichick's future in coaching and Bob Kraft's candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The speaker believes that Belichick is preparing for a return to coaching, despite his age and the possibility that no teams will call him. The speaker expresses skepticism about Kraft's chances of being inducted, citing his controversial involvement in the "Spygate" scandal.
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV
This chapter is an advertisement for NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, highlighting its features and benefits, including multi-view, fantasy sports integration, and access to every live NFL game.
Week Two Picks and Disagreements
This chapter covers the speakers' "million dollar picks" for week two, highlighting their disagreements and arguing their cases for different teams and bets.
Final Picks and Argument Pick
This chapter finalizes the speakers' picks for Week Two, including their "argument pick" which is the Colts minus three against the Packers. They also discuss their strategy for using Fanduel's "double your winnings" promotion.
Keywords
Concussion
A traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt to the head. Concussions can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and memory problems.
Malik Willis
A young quarterback for the Tennessee Titans who has struggled to find success in the NFL. He is known for his athleticism and arm strength but has struggled with accuracy and decision-making.
Gus Bradley
A defensive coordinator known for his aggressive, attacking style. His scheme is often criticized for being too predictable and vulnerable to teams that can exploit its weaknesses.
Hard Knocks
A reality television series that follows an NFL team during training camp and the preseason. The show has been criticized for exposing team weaknesses and creating unnecessary pressure on players and coaches.
Deshaun Watson
A talented quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who has been plagued by off-field controversies and legal issues. He is currently serving an 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct allegations.
Ja'Marr Chase
A talented wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who is currently in a contract dispute with the team. He is seeking a contract that reflects his status as one of the best receivers in the league.
Style of Play
The way a team approaches the game, including its offensive and defensive schemes, its tempo, and its overall philosophy. Teams that can find a style of play that suits their strengths are often more successful.
Justin Fields
A young quarterback for the Chicago Bears who has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. He is known for his athleticism and arm strength but has struggled with accuracy and decision-making.
Q&A
What are some of the key takeaways from week one of the NFL season?
The Bills' dominant win over the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa's concussion, and the struggles of several quarterbacks, including Malik Willis and Deshaun Watson, were some of the key takeaways from week one.
What are some of the biggest questions heading into week two of the NFL season?
Will Tua Tagovailoa be able to return from his concussion? Will Malik Willis be able to improve his performance? Can the Cleveland Browns find a way to win with Deshaun Watson at quarterback? These are just a few of the big questions heading into week two.
What are some of the most intriguing matchups in week two of the NFL season?
The Colts-Packers game, the Titans-Jets game, and the Cardinals-Bills game are some of the most intriguing matchups in week two. These games could have major implications for the playoff race.
What are some of the biggest surprises from week one of the NFL season?
The Patriots' ability to run the ball effectively and the Texans' offensive performance were some of the biggest surprises from week one. These teams exceeded expectations and could be contenders in the upcoming season.
What are some of the biggest concerns for teams heading into week two of the NFL season?
The health of several key players, including Tua Tagovailoa and Kenneth Walker, is a major concern for teams heading into week two. The performance of several quarterbacks, including Malik Willis and Deshaun Watson, is also a cause for concern.
What are the main concerns about the Philadelphia Sixers' potential for a championship?
The speaker expresses concerns about the Sixers' mental toughness, particularly Joel Embiid's lack of mental fortitude. They also worry about the team's injury history, citing Embiid's age and potential for injuries.
What is the speaker's opinion on Deshaun Watson's future in the NFL?
The speaker believes that Deshaun Watson's career is likely over, citing his declining performance and the controversy surrounding him. They are willing to bet against him in the upcoming season.
What is the speaker's prediction for Bob Kraft's chances of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
The speaker is skeptical about Kraft's chances of being inducted, citing his involvement in the "Spygate" scandal and his perceived ego-centric drive to take credit for the Patriots' success.
What are the speaker's "million dollar picks" for Week Two of the NFL season?
The speaker's picks include the Steelers minus two and a half against the Broncos, the Jaguars minus three against the Browns, the Colts minus three against the Packers, and a teaser bet involving the Ravens, Texans, and Eagles. They are also using Fanduel's "double your winnings" promotion on the Chargers' first half and game bet.
Show Notes
The Ringer's Bill Simmons quickly reacts to the Bills' ‘TNF’ win over the Dolphins, and another scary head injury for Tua Tagovailoa (0:55 ), before he is joined by Michael Lombardi to discuss the Packers likely starting Malik WIllis at QB vs. the Colts (7:39 ), at what point the Giants should start a rebuild, Jets concerns, the Browns' QB conundrum, Jaguars optimism (22:50 ), Week 2 "zags", and media member Bill Belichick (49:48 ). Finally, Bill and Joe House run through their favorite NFL games to wager on before giving out the Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 2 (1:16:12 ).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Michael Lombardi and Joe House
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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