The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Mailbag: Andrew Luck in today's NFL, Philip Rivers' HOF case, first football memories, value of QB, food talk & more

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice return to the airwaves following the week of Luck by answering your Mailbag questions about how Luck would rank in today's NFL, whether Philip Rivers has a real HOF case, the football memories that sparked the love of the game, the NFL valuing the QB position, Chicago food recommendations 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>

Luck Episode 6: The End

<p>Wait ... what?!? That was a common reaction to the stunning news that came down the night of August 24, 2019. Andrew Luck — just 29 years old, coming off his most efficient season ever — was walking way from football, broken down and battered, his love of the game gone. How? Why?</p><br><p>In Episode 6 of LUCK, host Zak Keefer examines in detail one of the most shocking retirements in NFL history: the lead-up, the clues, the scene, the reaction then and now. Voices include Jim Irsay, Chris Ballard, Jacoby Brissett, Robert Griffin III, David Shaw 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>

Luck Episode 5: The Return

<p>“Am I ever gonna be great again?” That’s the question Andrew Luck asked his throwing coach, Tom House, at one point during his rehab. In episode 5 of LUCK, host Zak Keefer examines the most rewarding season — both personally and professionally — of Andrew Luck’s career. It’s an intimate look inside Luck’s return from shoulder hell and how he did it. Voices include House, Chris Ballard, Jacoby Brissett, Robert Griffin III 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>

Luck Episode 4: Pain

<p>When did it start to go wrong? In Episode 4 of LUCK, host Zak Keefer dives into the darkest years of Andrew Luck’s NFL career. Somewhere, in between the broken ribs, the lacerated kidney, the torn abdomen muscle and the wrecked throwing shoulder, he lost his football innocence. A game that had once been so much fun was now a living hell. Was there a way out? And how bad did it get? As we hear, much worse than we all thought. Voices include Chuck Pagano, Bruce Arians, Bill Polian, Tony Dungy, Robert Mays, Peter King 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>

Luck Episode 3: The Arrival

<p>In Episode 3 of LUCK, host Zak Keefer explores the early years of Andrew Luck’s NFL career — and what made him such a singular personality in NFL history. A quarterback who led seven fourth-quarter comebacks as a rookie? Who read books on Nelson Mandela in his free time? Who complimented defensive linemen after they’d driven him into the turf? Who tore up the Colts’ defense in practice so badly that Bruce Arians wore all black the next day to bust their chops because Luck had, as Arians put it, “killed them”? Voices include Arians, Chuck Pagano, D’Qwell Jackson, Robert Mays, Mike Sando 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>

Luck Episode 2: The Decision

<p>In Episode 2 of LUCK, host Zak Keefer explores the historic decision the Indianapolis Colts faced in the winter of 2012: whether to move on from the franchise’s greatest player, Peyton Manning, for the chance to draft another generational talent at quarterback — Stanford’s Andrew Luck.</p><p>Keefer details the Colts’ internal struggles — including Manning’s covert plan to force his way back onto the field, and Jim Irsay’s guilt over having to release an all-time great. Voices in the episode include Irsay, Bill Polian, Chuck Pagano, Bruce Arians, Daniel Jeremiah, Peter King, Bob Kravitz 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>

Luck Episode 1: The Rise

<p>Welcome to LUCK, the new podcast series on Andrew Luck, one of the great what-ifs in NFL history. The series explores a fundamental question: How did one of the greatest quarterback prospects of all-time end up walking away from the game before he turned 30 years old?</p><br><p>In Episode 1, host Zak Keefer — a longtime Colts beat writer who covered Luck’s pro career — traces Luck’s path from his unique upbringing in Europe to Heisman contender at Stanford. Voices in the episode include Stanford coach David Shaw, former Stanford QB Tavita Pritchard, Heisman winner Robert Griffin III, Tony Dungy 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>

Analyzing the shifting WR market with Steven Ruiz

<p>What have we learned from the boom in the wide receiver market this offseason? The Ringer’s Steven Ruiz joins Robert Mays and Nate Tice to discuss the record-setting contracts this offseason, how it compares to cap percentages in the past and what it all says about the positional value. </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>

Browns trade Baker Mayfield to Panthers

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice react to the Panthers trade for Baker Mayfield. They discuss the terms of the deal with the Browns, Carolina’s QB room and the big picture questions the team still faces. They also talk about the 2018 draft, the QB trade market and what all of this means for Jimmy Garoppolo.</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: Ollie Connolly talks clutch players, trading Tom Brady, coaching trees, best football books & more

<p>Ollie Connolly returns to The Athletic Football Show as Robert Mays opens the weekly Mailbag with questions regarding the best football books, what it would take to trade for Tom Brady, "get a bucket" guys around the league, Vic Fangio defenses 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>

Lessons from the NFL's best offenses in 2021

<p>Diante Lee is back with Robert Mays and Nate Tice to talk about the lessons we learned from the NFL’s best offenses in 2021. They dive into dig routes, QB’s who punish the blitz, schemes to get the ball out quickly and much more. Plus, stay tuned for the trailer of the new narrative podcast series, ‘Luck.’</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>

Football GM: Terry McLaurin’s extension, Seahawks quarterback questions & Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing continues

<p>Mike Sando and former GM Randy Mueller fill in for Robert Mays by discussing all of the top NFL headlines. They begin by talking about Terry McLaurin’s contract extension and what the deal means for a guy like DK Metcalf. Then, they examine the Seahawks quarterback situation and if they should make a trade for Baker Mayfield. Finally, they discuss the latest with Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing.</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: Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing, positional coaches value & evaluating Broncos’ receiving corps + Zak Keefer previews narrative podcast series on Andrew Luck

<p>Lindsay Jones joins Robert Mays to answer this week’s mailbag questions. They begin by discussing Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing and how the process is conducted with the NFL and NFLPA. They also talk about the positional coaches they believe hold the most value, where the Broncos’ receiving corps ranks and the 2007 draft class. Then, The Athletic’s Zak Keefer stops by to preview his upcoming narrative podcast series ‘Luck’ chronicling the career of Andrew Luck.</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>

Top 10 NFL moves we want to see before Week 1

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice share the top 10 moves they want to see before the start of the NFL season. Should the Eagles trade for a running back? Could the Chargers bolster the line with Riley Reiff? Will the Chiefs sign an edge rusher? They discuss all of that plus other veteran signings, trades 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>

Hall of Very Good 2022 & updates on Dan Snyder & Deshaun Watson's legal situations

<p>It's time for the annual Hall of Very Good induction ceremony as Robert Mays, Lindsay Jones and Nate Tice bring their top picks for players not quite good enough for Canton + Lindsay and Robert update you on the latest with Dan Snyder's situation in Washington and the congressional hearing that took place on Wednesday, as well as the latest info on Deshaun Watson's situation and possible suspension.</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: Jason Fitzgerald talks Rams & Saints cap success, QBs & team-friendly deals, big WR money & more

<p>Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap joins The Athletic Football Show for this week's Mailbag as he and Robert Mays dig into the current state of the NFL's salary cap, how teams like the Rams and Saints have navigated it with success, why more QBs don't take team-friendly deals like Tom Brady, how practice squad players count toward the overall cap and more from your emails and voicemails.</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>

Lessons from the NFL's best defenses in 2021

<p>The Athletic’s Diante Lee joins Robert Mays and Nate Tice to discuss the lessons and trends we learned from the NFL’s best defenses in 2021. They talk about everything from stopping the run, to rushing four, the ideal nickel body type 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>

Kyler Murray & Lamar Jackson 2022 offensive outlook, contract questions & more

<p>What comes next for Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson? As the two remain at a crossroads with their franchises, Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss the quarterbacks' offensive outlook for 2022. They examine the highs and lows, what can improve this season, the contract talks 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: Ted Nguyen talks defensive & offensive scheme, quality control, team nicknames & more

<p>The Athletic's football film guru Ted Nguyen is this week's special guest, answering your emails and voicemails with Robert Mays. What groups around the NFL deserve Legion of Boom-esque nicknames? How important is scheme to WR success? How has the Browns defensive scheme been changing? What's on the horizon for Josh McDaniels in Oakland? All that and more with Ted on a new 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>

NFL offseason roster reset with Nate Tice

<p>What team has improved their roster the most this spring? Which offseason plan is still difficult to figure out? What units on contending teams need the most work heading into camp? Robert Mays and Nate Tice answer these questions and more in this offseason roster reset episode. </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>

New Deshaun Watson case details emerge + Broncos ownership change with Lindsay Jones

<p>Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones discuss the latest New York Times report on Deshaun Watson and the civil lawsuits against the Browns’ QB. They also talk about Rob Walton’s purchase of the Broncos and Aaron Donald’s new contract. </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: Counting current Hall of Famers, buying the best possible team, worst QB who can win a Super Bowl & more with Sheil Kapadia

<p>It's our own Sheil Kapadia as the special guest to answer your Mailbag e-mails and voicemails - from the affect Urban Meyer had on the Jags, to which BAD QB is most likely to win a Super Bowl, counting up all the active Hall-of-Fame caliber players, Raiders and Vikings talk 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>

Ryan Fitzpatrick retiring after 17 seasons + ranking the top 10 GMs to build a NFL roster

<p>Robert Mays and Nate Tice begin the show by discussing Ryan Fitzpatrick’s retirement, his 17-year career and their favorite memories of the QB. Then, they transition the conversation to the top GMs in the NFL and who they would want to build a roster from scratch. They each rank their top 10 candidates to oversee a team.</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>

How to rebuild a NFL franchise with Mike Sando & Nate Tice

<p>What lessons can be learned from successful rebuilds across the NFL? Robert Mays, Nate Tice and Mike Sando examine how teams such as the Chiefs, Bills, Seahawks and Rams were able to turn things around over the past decade. They discuss coaching, culture, pass catchers, roster spending 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: Confidence in QBs, how jersey swaps work, Mike Evans’ HOF case, o-line continuity & more with Mitchell Schwartz

<p>Is there a discernible difference in the huddle depending on which QB is in there? How do jersey swaps really go down after NFL games? Is Mike Evans on a Hall of Fame trajectory? Super Bowl champion Mitchell Schwartz is back to answer your Mailbag questions with Robert Mays on these topics and many more on a new 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>

AFC West roundtable with Vic Tafur, Nick Kosmider, Nate Taylor & Daniel Popper

<p>The competition in the AFC West heated up this offseason with the additions of Russell Wilson, Davante Adams, Khalil Mack and more. Lindsay Jones takes you inside the division with The Athletic’s Vic Tafur to discuss the Raiders and their new offense under Josh McDaniels. Then, Broncos’ writer Nick Kosmider joins the show to talk about the tone in Denver with Wilson under center. Plus, Nate Taylor explains how the Chiefs look without Tyreek Hill and Daniel Popper talks about Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ revamped 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>

Most valuable non-QB draft 2022 with Lindsay Jones & Nate Tice

<p>Following the 2nd annual Most Valuable QB Draft, Robert Mays, Nate Tice and Lindsay Jones are back to draft the best non-QBs in the NFL. Will Aaron Donald remain at the top of the list? Who from last year falls off? Which position group will have the most players selected? Tune in to find out. </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 to study defense, building the ultimate D coordinator, competence vs. competitiveness, Eagles & Colts plans & more

<p>Our own defensive guru Diante Lee is this week's Mailbag guest as he answers YOUR emails and voicemails regarding how to learn about defense by watching tape, building the ultimate Frankenstein defensive coordinator, the value of competing for a championship vs. rebuilding, plans for the Eagles and Colts and 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>

Reviewing the 2021 QB class heading into year two

<p>Where do the 2021 rookie QBs stand after one season? Robert Mays and Nate Tice look back at the film and discuss what we’ve learned, both good and bad, from Trevor Lawrence, Zac Wilson, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, Davis Mills and Trey Lance.</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>

Most valuable QB draft 2022 with Lindsay Jones & Nate Tice

<p>The most valuable QB draft is back! Robert Mays, Nate Tice and Lindsay Jones draft the NFL’s top QB’s based on traits, age and contract. What did the trio learn from last year? Who will go No. 1? Which QBs didn’t make the cut? Tune in to hear their top 15. </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>