Week 3 Preview: The Two-High Safety Referendum, Flores Vs. Stroud, and More
Digest
This episode of the Ringer NFL Show dives into the upcoming Week 3 matchups, offering in-depth analysis and predictions from Shield Capodia, Steven Ruiz, and Dianne Taley. The hosts dissect each game, highlighting key storylines, player performances, and defensive schemes. They discuss the Eagles' pass rush struggles and the Saints' potent offense, the Texans' reliance on Sam Darnold against a dynamic Vikings defense, and the Ravens' run-heavy attack against a vulnerable Cowboys defense. The episode also features a Fanduel advertisement and a picks contest, where the hosts make predictions for various games, including the Chargers vs. Steelers, 49ers vs. Rams, and Chiefs vs. Falcons. The discussion delves into specific player matchups, offensive schemes, and defensive strategies, providing valuable insights for fans and bettors alike.
Outlines
The Challenge Season 40 and NFL Week 3 Preview
Johnny Banana introduces the podcast and the upcoming season of The Challenge, Battle of the Eras. He then transitions to the Ringer NFL Show, where Shield Capodia, Steven Ruiz, and Dianne Taley discuss the upcoming week's NFL matchups, focusing on storylines and making predictions.
Eagles vs. Saints Matchup
The hosts analyze the Eagles vs. Saints matchup, highlighting the Eagles' pass rush struggles and the Saints' potent offense. They discuss the Saints' run-heavy approach and the Eagles' defensive vulnerabilities.
Texans vs. Vikings Matchup
The hosts delve into the Texans vs. Vikings matchup, focusing on Sam Darnold's performance against a dynamic Vikings defense. They discuss the Vikings' defensive scheme and the potential impact on Justin Jefferson's availability.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Matchup
The hosts analyze the Ravens vs. Cowboys matchup, highlighting the Cowboys' offensive struggles and Mike McCarthy's play-calling. They discuss the Ravens' run-heavy attack and the Cowboys' defensive vulnerabilities.
Chargers vs. Steelers Matchup
The hosts discuss the Chargers vs. Steelers matchup, focusing on the Chargers' offensive struggles and Greg Roman's play-calling. They highlight the Steelers' defensive strength and predict a tough game for the Chargers.
Picks Contest and Game of the Week
The hosts recap their picks contest from the previous week, highlighting their individual performances and the overall group record. They discuss the upcoming week's picks and the game of the week assignment.
Week 3 Picks and Analysis
The hosts make their picks for various games, including the Panthers vs. Raiders, Jaguars vs. Bills, Lions vs. Cardinals, Bears vs. Colts, Bengals vs. Commanders, and Steelers vs. Chargers. They provide reasoning behind their picks, highlighting key player matchups, offensive schemes, and defensive strategies.
49ers vs. Rams and Chiefs vs. Falcons Matchups
The hosts discuss the 49ers vs. Rams and Chiefs vs. Falcons matchups, making predictions and analyzing key factors. They highlight Brandon Aiyuk's potential for a touchdown against the Rams and the likelihood of an under on Kirk Cousins' passing yards against the Chiefs.
Keywords
Greg Roman Offense
Greg Roman's offensive scheme is known for its emphasis on a strong running game, often utilizing a power running style and heavy personnel groupings. This approach can be effective against defenses that prioritize stopping the run, but it can also limit the passing game's effectiveness.
Play-Action Pass
A play-action pass is a deceptive offensive play where the quarterback fakes a handoff to a running back, drawing the defense towards the line of scrimmage. This creates an opportunity for the quarterback to throw a pass to a receiver who is now open due to the defense's movement.
Explosive Plays
Explosive plays in football refer to plays that gain significant yardage, typically 10 yards or more. These plays can be crucial for offensive success, as they can quickly move the chains and create scoring opportunities.
Turnover Worthy Play
A turnover worthy play is a play where the quarterback makes a mistake that could potentially lead to a turnover, such as an interception or a fumble. These plays can be costly for an offense, as they give the opposing team possession of the ball.
Cover 3 and Cover 1
Cover 3 and Cover 1 are defensive schemes that involve different coverage responsibilities for the defensive backs. Cover 3 typically involves three deep defenders, while Cover 1 involves one deep defender and a single-high safety. These schemes are often used to defend against different offensive formations and play calls.
Red Zone
The red zone in football refers to the area within the opponent's 20-yard line. This area is considered a high-scoring zone, as teams are closer to the end zone and have a higher probability of scoring.
Short Completions
Short completions in football refer to passes that are thrown to receivers who are relatively close to the line of scrimmage. These passes are often used to move the chains and control the clock, as they are less risky than deep passes.
Run Blitzes
Run blitzes are defensive schemes where multiple defenders rush the quarterback, aiming to disrupt the running game and force the quarterback to make quick decisions. These blitzes can be effective against offenses that rely heavily on the run.
Infrastructure Stuff
Infrastructure stuff in football refers to the organizational and logistical aspects of a team, such as coaching staff, training facilities, and scouting systems. These factors can play a significant role in a team's success, as they provide the foundation for player development and game preparation.
Q&A
What are the main concerns surrounding the Eagles' defense?
The Eagles' pass rush has been ineffective, with key players like Bryce Huff and Jordan Davis failing to generate pressure. Their run defense has also been vulnerable, particularly against teams with strong rushing attacks.
What is the main storyline surrounding the Texans vs. Vikings matchup?
The matchup focuses on Sam Darnold's ability to perform against a dynamic Vikings defense, particularly their ability to change looks and pressure quarterbacks. The Vikings' defensive scheme could pose a significant challenge for Darnold, who has shown inconsistency in the past.
What are the key factors that could determine the outcome of the Ravens vs. Cowboys matchup?
The Cowboys' offensive struggles, particularly their inability to establish a consistent run game, could be a major factor. The Ravens' strong run defense and the Cowboys' defensive vulnerabilities against the pass could also play a significant role.
What are the main criticisms of Greg Roman's offensive scheme?
Roman's offense is often criticized for its predictability, lack of creativity, and reliance on power running plays. The passing game is often limited and predictable, making it difficult for quarterbacks to succeed.
What are the key factors that could determine the outcome of the Bengals vs. Commanders matchup?
The Commanders' weak secondary could provide a significant opportunity for Jamar Chase to have a big game. The Bengals' offense has struggled to establish a consistent vertical passing game, and this matchup could be a chance to rediscover their offensive identity.
What are the main concerns surrounding the Bears' offense?
The Bears' offensive line has struggled to protect Caleb Williams, who has taken a significant amount of hits in the first two games. The team's reliance on Williams' ability to make plays outside of structure could lead to further injuries and hinder his development.
What are the key factors that could determine the outcome of the Lions vs. Cardinals matchup?
The Lions' ability to establish a consistent run game against the Cardinals' defense could be crucial. The Cardinals' explosive offense could pose a challenge for the Lions' defense, making it important for them to control the clock and limit the Cardinals' offensive possessions.
What are the main concerns surrounding the Jaguars' offense?
The Jaguars' lack of a consistent run game has put a lot of pressure on Trevor Lawrence to make plays outside of structure. The team's offensive line has struggled to create running lanes, and the lack of a reliable running back has limited their offensive options.
What are the key factors that could determine the outcome of the Chargers vs. Steelers matchup?
The Chargers' offensive struggles, particularly their inability to establish a consistent passing game, could be a major factor. The Steelers' strong defense, particularly their ability to pressure quarterbacks, could pose a significant challenge for the Chargers' offense.
Why is Deontay Lee confident that Brandon Aiyuk will score an anytime touchdown in the 49ers vs. Rams game?
He highlights Aiyuk's matchup against a vulnerable Rams secondary and the 49ers' tendency to utilize play-action passes to isolate him. This strategy creates opportunities for Aiyuk to get open and score.
What are the reasons behind the prediction of an under on Kirk Cousins' passing yards in the Chiefs vs. Falcons game?
The Falcons' strong run game, the Chiefs' struggles against the run, and Cousins' lack of explosive plays in the passing game all contribute to this prediction. The Falcons are expected to control the clock with their run game, limiting Cousins' opportunities to throw the ball deep.
Show Notes
Sheil, Steven, and Diante start the pod by debating Mel Kiper’s recent commentary on the low levels of offensive scoring this season. They then discuss some of their favorite upcoming matchups on the Week 3 NFL slate, including Eagles-Saints (9:25 ), Vikings-Texans (18:56 ), and Cowboys-Ravens (29:26 ). Finally, the guys survey the rest of the games and share their favorite betting odds (36:30 ).
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Hosts: Sheil Kapadia, Steven Ruiz, and Diante Lee
Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins
Production Assistance: Daniel Comer
Social: Kiera Givens
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