The MMQB NFL Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Deshaun Watson’s Return, Off the Field and On Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

Deshaun Watson is set to play in his first regular-season game in 700 days on Sunday, when he returns from his 11-game suspension for multiple violations of the personal conduct policy regarding many accounts of sexual assault and harassment from massage therapists

Conor and Gary once again delve into why, as of Thursday morning, Watson’s public denials of wrongdoing in the face of overwhelming evidence have been hugely problematic, and what it means to earn a second chance.

Then, they discuss what to expect on the field on Sunday, in an NFL that’s changed since Watson last played.

Also, a discussion of the Dolphins’ high-flying offense and its challenge against the 49ers’ dominating defense, the Chiefs-Bengals AFC title game rematch and how Patrick Mahomes can change things against a Cincinnati defense that got the better of him last time they met.

Plus, men without hats.

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Jordan Love and Others Do Stuff in Week 12 Nov 28, 2022

Show notes

It was an entirely pleasant football Sunday in Week 12, with some close games, some stout defensive performances and some interesting developments. And nowhere were the developments more interesting than in Philadelphia, where Aaron Rodgers exited early and Jordan Love got a chance to show what he could do.

Conor and Gary discuss Love’s impressive fourth-quarter showing against the Eagles, and what it means in light of another Packers loss and reports that Aaron Rodgers’s thumb is in bad shape. (They also get into the Eagles absolutely steam-rolling the Packers defense.)

Then, Joe Burrow’s ordinary stat line doesn’t do justice to his extraordinary play as the Bengals beat the Titans again, Mike White Fever grips the greater New York area once again, and Trevor Lawrence delivers a superhuman performance as the Jaguars knock off the Ravens.

Also, an act of cowardice in Cleveland’s win, another devastating injury for the Bucs, the unbearable play of the Texans, and we’re now just yelling at Russell Wilson.

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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Odell, Garoppolo and Zach Wilson in a Thanksgiving Hodgepodge Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

Whether you’re listening to this episode on your drive to Thanksgiving dinner or at some point in the summer of 2024, it doesn’t matter. This show is simply timeless. At least Conor and Gary assume so.

The Hodgepodge starts with a discussion of the Odell Beckham Jr. Sweepstakes. Are these sweepstakes exciting? Who should want to win these sweepstakes? And who should Odell want to win these sweepstakes?

Then, a discussion of Brandon Staley’s increasing meekness on fourth downs. Is it the Chargers fan(s)? Does job security play into this? Or is something else at work?

Plus, a look at the emergence of a maybe new Jimmy Garoppolo, the Zach Wilson problem for the Jets, and a run down of all the potentially available quarterbacks this offseason for QB-needy teams.

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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Mahomes-Herbert for Real and Everything From Week 11 Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

It had been months of frustration watching Justin Herbert and the meek offense the Chargers’ offensive coaches had him operating. But those who waited patiently were finally rewarded on Sunday night when Herbert’s Chargers and Patrick Mahomes’s Chiefs played a classic in L.A. Conor and Gary breakdown that AFC West showdown and much more from Sunday.

That includes the weirdly almost-unbeatable Vikings getting very much beaten by the Cowboys, the Eagles making a narrow escape in Indy against the Jeff Saturday Colts, and the Bills digging out of the snow and back in the win column (despite getting torched by Jacoby Brissett). Also, what in the world is the deal with Russell Wilson, Kenny Pickett and Zach Wilson, all of whom continue to not play very well?

Plus, the never-ending search for a Jonathan Allen nickname. (Grave Burner? Maybe? We’ll keep working on it.)

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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The Mailbag Show Featuring the Weather Report Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

As it has been since the beginning of time, the third Thursday in November must be a mailbag show on any podcast. Thus Conor and Gary answer your questions, to an extent that might or might not satisfy you. Among the hard-hitting questions taken on in this episode…

From an analyst standpoint, are we happy or unhappy about games being played in heavy snow? Deshaun Watson reportedly chose the Browns because they were good—but aren’t the Browns not good? Is Carson Wentz ever going to get the starting job back from Taylor “The Taxpayer” Heinicke? And are the Packers heating up?

Plus, loud agreements about the overall meaninglessness of November NFL games (remember the Bills last November!?!?!?!), and various madness about a trick-play-only offense that some coach should go with.

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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Wild NFL Finishes and You Nov 14, 2022

Show notes

In light of the incredible, unfathomable final moments of the Vikings’ (make that the 8–1 Vikings’!) victory in Buffalo, it’s time to really understand what this all means. That’s why Conor and Gary call on the wise words of one Kirk Cousins before freaking out about the most bizarre finish of the NFL season so far.

Then, the Packers finally catch a break, and maybe find a new element for their offense as they pull off an unlikely upset, the 49ers do their thing against a Chargers team light on humans, and the Bucs go to Germany and rediscover their offense.

Plus, Jeff Saturday over Josh McDaniels in Vegas, a little bit of Kadarius Toney time for the Chiefs, the utter lack of offense in Broncos-Titans, lots of plugs for Fisher-Price products and much more!

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A Desperate Attempt to Understand the Colts Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

This episode was supposed to be a good ol’ fashioned, straightforward midseason report show, but then things went a little wacky. There was Josh Allen’s elbow injury (what now, Buffalo?!?!?!), but mostly, there was the Colts—and, seemingly, owner Jim Irsay specifically—going absolutely rogue.

Thus, Conor and Gary try to talk through what might be going on in Indianapolis, where Jeff Saturday is now the interim head coach, logic has been suspended and nothing is as it seems. Why might Marcus Brady, a rising young offensive coach, have been pushed out? What kind of challenge is Saturday facing in stepping in mid-season as a theoretical Steve Kerr–style outsider? And what does this mean for the players and staffers in Indy?

Then, a discussion of the Josh Allen elbow injury, and five midseason takeaway-type things.

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The Frustration and the Jubilation of an Emotional Week 9 Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

It was a smaller slate in Week 9, but there were still a couple of monstrous underdog wins—not to mention a lifetime worth of frustration for two star quarterbacks.

Conor and Gary start things off in East Rutherford, home to lots of winning football in 2022, including the Jets’ victory over the Bills. An examination of just how good this team is, and just how they’re going to manage around an erratic young quarterback.

Then, a new kind of frustration for Aaron Rodgers as the Packers let one slip away in Detroit, while Tom Brady pulls off an improbable comeback—even by his standards—after a ridiculous day of drops against the Rams. And the Titans nearly pull off the upset in Kansas City, behind a very physical defense and some classic Mike Vrabel ball.

Plus, Jaguars stuff, a Van Ginkel touchdown, and so much more.

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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Trade Deadline and Tight Ends w/ Tyler Dunne Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

What was billed as a quiet trade deadline was anything but, as a record number of deadline-day deals went down in the NFL. After a little bit of time to reflect, Conor and Gary are ready to dispense the takes.

Why there’s plenty of reason to like what the Bears did, the Dolphins are taking advantage of perhaps an open window, the Lions' forever rebuild carries on, the Bills add yet another dynamic to their already very good offense, the bizarre twists and turns of the Indianapolis Colts, and much more.

Then, special guest Tyler Dunne of Go Long joins the show to discuss his new book, “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football,” and to absorb some random tight end names being lobbed at him for 20 minutes.

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

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Week 8 Brought the Return of Offense… But Not the Packers’ Offense Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

We had points, lots of them, (even in touchdown form!), on Sunday as offenses across the league kinda got back on track. Except for the one Aaron Rodgers oversees. Conor and Gary look at the things that went right, but also the things that continue to go wrong for the Packers offense, this time in Buffalo.

Also, what Christian McCaffrey did to the Rams and what the Rams did in one half, but not the second half, against the 49ers; the Summer of Geno Smith continues in Seattle; the absurd ending and archaic rule that played into it as the Panthers-Falcons game went berserk; and the Broncos finally score some touchdowns as they try to figure out how to make late-stage Russell Wilson into a useable starting quarterback.

Then, why the Raiders continue to flop, the Zach Wilson Experience gets too weird again, and it’s always April 15 when Taylor “The Taxpayer” Heinicke gets to the fourth quarter.

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.