The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Examining the parity of the 2021 NFL season with Mike Sando

<p>Why has this NFL season felt so unpredictable? Where are all the elite teams? Robert Mays and Mike Sando examine why we are experiencing more parity than ever before across the league. They discuss what the numbers tell us, how the quarterbacks are playing a role, the increase in penalties and much more. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mailbag: Joe Brady out in Carolina, Lamar Jackson's development, Mitchell Schwartz's Fantasy O-Line & more

<p>Time to open the Athletic Football Show Mailbag following some big moments from week 13, from Joe Brady's firing in Carolina, to the decision to go for 2 in Pittsburgh and more, Mitchell Schwartz is Robert Mays' guest to dive into your emails and voicemails + Mitchell reveals his starting Fantasy O-Line!</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Updated playoff picture, Lions finally win, Cardinals' defense flying, Gronk defying logic & more with Nate Tice

<p>As week 13 nears an end, it's time to take a step back and look at the AFC playoff picture in the context of Sunday's results as the Colts keep on winning, the Chargers blow out the Bengals, and the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens might be done + Rob Gronkowski keeps defying logic with how he's playing in Tampa Bay, an early Hall of Fame campaign speech for Andrew Whitworth, the Niners fall to a poor Seahawks team, the Vikings hand the Lions their first win under Dan Campbell and more with Robert Mays and Nate Tice.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Patriots’ dominant defense, why Washington’s offense is working & how bad are the Jaguars failing Trevor Lawrence with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 13 picks

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice begin the “Friday Five” by discussing how the Patriots’ defense is bullying offenses this season. They also examine why Washington’s offense is working with Taylor Heinicke, the Chargers’ offensive game plan and how bad the Jaguars are failing Trevor Lawrence. Finally, Sheil Kapadia hopes for a big Week 13 as Nate gains ground in the picks segment. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

MVP favorites, Washington is Stayin' Alive, rebooting the Steelers & more with Lindsay Jones & Mark Kaboly

<p>Lindsay Jones and Steelers writer Mark Kaboly of the Athletic are this week's guests as Robert and Lindsay discuss their current picks for MVP and discuss candidate odds of Tom Brady, Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, Jonathan Taylor, Dak Prescott and more before discussing the Washington Football Team's refusal to exit the playoff conversation, the most intriguing games this weekend and more + Kaboly joins the show for an extended convo on the current state of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger, the draft and all the chaos that Steelers fans are currently experiencing.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dane Brugler’s 2022 NFL mock draft 1.0

<p>Mock draft season is officially underway as Robert Mays welcomes The Athletic’s Dane Brugler to discuss the 2022 NFL Draft. Dane explains who he has at No. 1, the overall talent this year and where things get interesting for the Jets, Giants and Eagles. Plus, they also dive into the top quarterbacks and what to watch heading into the conference championship games this weekend. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mailbag: How players spend the bye week, what positions are most valuable, is Matt LaFleur underrated & more with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>Mitchell Schwartz returns to share his Super Bowl Champion perspective as we open this week's Mailbag, full of talk about Matt LaFleur not getting enough credit, why NFL teams don't hire former agents as GMs like the NBA does, how players choose to spend their bye week, which positions are the hardest to come by in today's NFL, Micah Parson's role in Dallas and much more with host Robert Mays.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

NFC rankings, Bucs top Colts, Aaron Rodgers out-duels Matthew Stafford, Dolphins surprise, Patriots & more with Nate Tice

<p>After a wild week 12 of NFL action, we're taking a closer look at how the results affect the NFC playoff picture. How convincing was Tom Brady and the Bucs' win over the Colts? Have the Packers become the NFC favorite? What about what's happening out in San Francisco with Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers? Nate Tice joins Robert Mays to discuss it all + a surprising win for the Dolphins, BIll Belichick and the surging Patriots, what the hell is up with Ben Roethlisberger and more on a postgame Athletic Football Show.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What’s wrong with Rams’ offense, the Eagles’ path to the playoffs & the Patriots’ game plan for Mac Jones with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 12 picks

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss the top things they are watching heading into the weekend slate. They begin by examining what is wrong with the Rams’ offense before talking about the Eagles’ path to the playoffs. They also discuss what is different about this version of the 49ers’ offense and how the Patriots have built their game plan around Mac Jones. Finally, Sheil Kapadia is back to break down his Week 12 picks. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What we’re thankful for this NFL season

<p>There is plenty to be thankful for this NFL season. Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones discuss what tops their list. They talk about the return of the fan experience, the Manningcast, the new group of wide receivers and much more. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Previewing the Thanksgiving slate with Sheil Kapadia & Nate Tice

<p>Before the turkey and mashed potatoes, Robert Mays sits down with Sheil Kapadia and Nate Tice to preview the Thanksgiving games. They find ways to get you excited for Bears-Lions, before diving into the Cowboys’ offense against the Raiders’ defense. Finally, Sheil explains why he’s not worried about the Bills as they break down Buffalo’s matchup against the Saints. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mailbag: Taunting rule, Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick, Frank Reich's value & Thanksgiving food power rankings with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>Super Bowl champ Mitchell Schwartz returns to open this week's Mailbag with Robert Mays as the taunting rule reared it's ugly head again in week 11. Hear a player's perspective on the impact on the game, plus Tom Brady's value vs. Bill Belichick's value, Bills concerns, Justin Fields' development, where Frank Reich ranks in the coaching hierarchy &amp; more before Mitchell and Robert rank their favorite Thanksgiving foods, with a few surprises along the way.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Chiefs silence the Cowboys, Jonathan Taylor runs over the Bills, Titans & Seahawks in panic mode, Vikings shine & more with Nate Tice

<p>Another Sunday down, and we're left with more questions than answers. What do we make of the Chiefs defense shutting down Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense? Should Bills fans be freaking out more than Colts fans are celebrating? What has happened to the Titans and Seahawks that we used to know? Nate Tice joins for the weekly postgame edition of The Athletic Football Show, discussing these topics and more including Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, Steve Spagnulo and more. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Chiefs-Cowboys preview, the Colts’ run game & the Titans’ defensive success with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 11 picks

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice start the “Friday Five” with a full preview of Chiefs-Cowboys. They also examine the Colts’ run game, the Titans’ defensive success and the Ravens’ struggles against the blitz. Then, Sheil Kapadia dresses as Bill Belichick and Nate wears a pirate costume for their Week 11 picks. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ron Rivera vs. Cam Newton, what’s at stake for the Bengals & the AFC playoff picture with Lindsay Jones + a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team visit with Greg Auman

<p>Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones kick off the episode by discussing the Week 11 matchup between Ron Rivera and Cam Newton. They also talk about what’s at stake for the Bengals, the highly anticipated showdown between the Cowboys and Chiefs, and the big questions surrounding the AFC playoff picture. Plus, The Athletic’s Greg Auman joins the show to discuss the Buccaneers' two-game skid, the injury issues and Tom Brady's MVP caliber season.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Decoding two-high defenses with Cody Alexander

<p>Robert Mays welcomes MatchQuarters’ Cody Alexander to break down the rise of two-high defenses across the NFL. They dive into what we’ve seen on film over the last several years, what teams are implementing it the most, how it’s impacted the run game across the league and much more.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mailbag: The Baker Mayfield dilemma, QBs in bad situations, when to move on from a coach & more with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>Mitchell Schwartz is here for this week's Mailbag special, answering your voicemails and emails coming out of week 10 with Robert Mays. How should Browns and Colts fans feel about their QB situations with Baker Mayfield and Carson Wentz? When will Seahawks fans know it's time to move on from Pete Carroll? Which players did Mitchell play against with the Chiefs that he dreaded facing? This and much more on a Tuesday Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Athletic discount - theathletic.com/footballshow</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mac Jones dominates the Browns, Cam Newton is back, Dak Prescott's MVP campaign, Seahawks score 0 & more with Nate Tice

<p>Week 10 in the NFL was full of high-scoring blowouts, a shutout, a tie, the return of a franchise QB, and more headlines that felt oddly right for this 2021 season. Nate Tice and Robert Mays react to Sunday's biggest stories, from Mac Jones' ascension in New England &amp; the Browns' issues, Cam Newton being BACK in Carolina, the argument for Dak Prescott the MVP, the Minnesota Vikings being contenders, curious losses for the Buccaneers and Seahawks and more!</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Odell Beckham Jr. signs with Rams & Cam Newton returns to Carolina with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 10 picks

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice start the show by discussing the top news in the NFL. They examine how Odell Beckham Jr. will fit into the Rams’ offense as well as the Panthers’ decision to bring back Cam Newton. Then they dive into the film and discuss whether or not the Broncos have shown the blueprint to slowing down the Cowboys. Finally, Sheil Kapadia’s lead in the picks segment dwindles as Nate looks to make a comeback.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Potential landing spots for Odell Beckham Jr., spotlight on Cowboys coaching staff, can the Titans keep rolling & more with Lindsay Jones + a Green Bay Packers team visit with Matt Schneidman

<p>Where will Odell Beckham Jr. land? Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones break down the best teams for the wide receiver. They also talk about the spotlight on Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys coaching staff, Russell Wilson’s return and the Titans’ dominant defense. Then, The Athletic’s Packers writer Matt Schneidman joins the show to talk about Aaron Rodgers’ status for Week 10 and Green Bay’s COVID-19 violations. They also discuss Jordan Love’s debut, David Bakhtiari’s activation and the surprising stars on defense.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Priorities for rebuilding teams at the midpoint of the season with Scott Pioli + distractions in the NFL locker room with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>What do NFL teams in the rebuilding process prioritize at the midpoint of the season? Former NFL executive and current TV analyst Scott Pioli joins Robert Mays to explain his experiences with player evaluations, the waiver wire and retooling for the future. Then, Mitchell Schwartz and Robert talk about how the Aaron Rodgers and Odell Beckham Jr. situations impact the locker room. Finally, they discuss Wyatt Teller’s deal with the Browns and how players approach extensions and free agency. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mailbag: Defining MVP, DeSean Jackson the Raider, a crazy hypothetical, misleading wins, Vikings & more with Nate Tice

<p>Time to open the Athletic Football Show Mailbag as we set our sights on week 10. Nate Tice is this week's guest with Robert Mays as they dig into your voicemails and emails on Mike Zimmer's standing with the Vikings, DeSean Jackson signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, some misleading wins that had us fooled earlier this year, Bengals talk, what "MVP" really means, Justin Fields' development and more!</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Titans top Rams, Jags stun the Bills, Chiefs edge Jordan Love's Packers, Broncos shut down the Cowboys & more with Nate Tice

<p>Another NFL Sunday down, and another one full of weird results, like the Derrick Henry-less Titans topping the Rams in Los Angeles, the Kyler Murray-less Cardinals stomping the 49ers, and the Broncos keeping Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys offense at bay, just to name a few. Robert Mays and Nate Tice react to these storylines + the Ravens running game, Jordan Love's debut &amp; loss to the Chiefs, Matt Ryan's Surprisingly Great Performance &amp; tons more NFL week 9 discussion.Athletic discount @ <a href="theathletic.com/footballshow">theathletic.com/footballshow</a></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dissecting the defenses of NFC contenders with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 9 picks

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice focus their attention this Friday on the defenses of NFC contenders. They break down what they’ve seen from the Cowboys before discussing the Packers’ defense vs. the Chiefs’ offense. They also dive into the Rams’ defense with Von Miller as well as Cooper Kupp and Robert Wood’s influence on the other side of the ball. Finally, Sheil Kapadia and Nate test out Dan Campbell’s coffee order and talk about their Week 9 picks. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19 & Odell Beckham Jr. excused from Browns' practice with Lindsay Jones + the misconception of trap games with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones unpack a wild Wednesday in the NFL. They discuss Aaron Rodgers testing positive for COVID-19, his previous comments on the vaccine and whether or not there has been any protocol violations. Then they dive into the Odell Beckham Jr. situation in Cleveland following his father’s comments. Finally, Mitchell Schwartz is back for an important conversation on mental health in the NFL. He also discusses coaches calling plays from the booth or the field, the misconception of trap games and if teams can feel a bad week of practice. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

NFL midseason awards & superlatives with Bill Barnwell

<p>What team has impressed the most this season? What team has been the most disappointing? Who is leading the way for offensive and defensive rookie of the year? Coach of the year? MVP? ESPN’s Bill Barnwell joins Robert Mays to give out midseason awards and superlatives. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Von Miller traded to the Rams, Derrick Henry injured & Mailbag talking Eagles, Cowboys, NFL rule changes & more with Benjamin Solak

<p>Benjamin Solak of The Ringer joins Robert Mays on the heels of the Von Miller trade, which sends the All-Pro from the Denver Broncos to the Los Angeles Rams. They react to it all + the Derrick Henry injury news before diving into your mailbag questions concerning the Eagles, the Cowboys and Kellen Moore, choosing between the Browns and the Bengals, a fun spin on an NFL rule change and much more.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ranking the best teams after week 8, Mike White shocks the Bengals, the Saints top the Bucs & more with Nate Tice

<p>How do the best teams in the AFC and NFC rank at (basically) the halfway point of the season? Following a weird week 8, Nate Tice and Robert Mays discuss Mike White's huge day for the Jets over the Bengals, the Saints topping the Bucs, the curious conundrum of Baker Mayfield and the Browns' offense, Amari Cooper pulling the Cowboys past the Vikings and more week 8 reaction.</p><p>ATHLETIC DISCOUNT @ theathletic.com/footballshow</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Spotlight on Saints’ defense, Vikings-Cowboys preview & key matchups between AFC contenders with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 8 picks

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice start the “Friday Five” by discussing a big test for the Saints’ defense against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. They also preview Vikings-Cowboys before diving into important AFC matchups between the Chargers and Patriots, as well as the Browns and Steelers. Finally, after another perfect week, Sheil Kapadia looks to extend his lead on Nate with his Week 8 picks. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

NFL owners meetings, pressure mounts for Joe Brady & Packers-Cardinals TNF preview with Lindsay Jones + what makes a good head coach with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>While the NFL owners meetings are underway in New York, Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones discuss the latest with the WFT investigation as well as the league’s stance on Deshaun Watson. They also discuss what’s at stake for Joe Brady and Sam Darnold in Week 8 before previewing the Thursday Night Football showdown between the Packers and Cardinals. Finally, Mitchell Schwartz stops by to talk about his concern for the Chiefs, what makes a good head coach in 2021 and much more. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>