The MMQB NFL Podcast

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Let’s Overreact to Week 1! | NFL Deep Dive Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

Jenny, Conor and Gary took in all the action and bring you every take imaginable about all 14 games played on the first Sunday of the 2021 season.

First, Matthew Stafford immediately showed why the Rams went and got him, as Sean McVay dialed up an early touchdown that simply wasn’t in the playbook with the previous quarterback. Plus, why Matt Nagy will have a tough time sticking with Andy Dalton after that meek opening-night offensive performance.

Then, a look at the impressive Browns in a losing effort, falling victim to the kind of plays only Patrick Mahomes can deliver, the Packers’ meltdown against the Saints in Jacksonville, and a hearty debate about whether or not we should be impressed by the Steelers after their victory in Buffalo.

A look at everything that went wrong in Urban Meyer’s disastrous NFL debut, the good and bad of the Patriots-Dolphins battle in Foxboro, the utter dominance of the Chandler Jones-led Cardinals defense in Tennessee, the utterly underwhelming Giants offense in an opening loss to Denver, and much more.

Have a question for the show? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

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Brady-Dak Duel in a Roller Coaster Opener | NFL Deep Dive Sep 10, 2021

Show notes

Jenny, Conor and Gary break down all things regular-season opener, starting with—of course—the star quarterbacks playing like star quarterbacks.

The Tampa offense looks like it’s completely under Tom Brady’s command, while Dak Prescott might not have looked like 100% Dak, but was awfully close (especially as the game went on).

Some Vita Vea appreciation, how the Bucs will deal with depth issues in the secondary, and a discussion of a Cowboys defense that still has issues (and still looks green at some spots) but showed encouraging signs on Thursday night.

On a more serious note: A discussion of NBC’s continued problematic approach to Antonio Brown.

On a much lighter note: Plenty of taunts and barbs directed toward Conor for his “fluid” prediction of a Browns Super Bowl.

Also, T.J. Watt’s new deal, and the impact of two more big injuries to the Ravens.

Have a question for the show? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021 Season Preview, Predictions and BEEF! | NFL Deep Dive Sep 06, 2021

Show notes

It’s the big one: Jenny, Conor and Gary etch their season predictions in stone.

But first, they begin with some friendly, respectful, light-hearted disagreements regarding certain takes. Are the Patriots in a position to steal the AFC East—even with an offense that looks like it *might* have been built with Cam Newton in mind? Are the Browns or Steelers the better bet to win the AFC North? Is everyone sleeping on the Colts or are they right to be turned off by Carson Wentz’s rocky summer? Can the Seahawks figure things out on defense, and/or can the Cardinals figure things out on offense?

Then, it’s on to the official predictions for the 14 playoff teams, conference championship matchups, regular-season individual awards and, finally, Super Bowl score predictions. Get upset at all of it!

But be sure to stay for the mind-blowing twist toward the end of the show, when Conor reveals the truth behind his “Browns to the Super Bowl” pick and it turns out nothing is what it seems.

Have a question for the show? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Furrowing Our Brows at Jameis Winston and Urban Meyer | NFL Deep Dive Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

With the preseason winding down, Jenny, Conor and Gary take a trip around the league to review major storylines and visit some big deals that went down—and didn’t go down—this summer.

First, the Saints quarterback situation has been settled. For now. Probably. Why Jameis Winston got the job, and whether or not he can avoid the kind of absurd interceptions that cost him QB1 in Tampa. Then, a discussion of the rocky few weeks for Urban Meyer is having in Jacksonville, and how it changes the outlook for the Jaguars in the short- and long-term.

Also, the curious case of Jamal Adams and his contract extension after some red flags popped up during his first season in Seattle, and a discussion of what’s next for Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield.

Finally, in the series premiere of Law & Order: 272 Games, Gary and Jenny tell Conor precisely where he went wrong in his prediction of every NFL regular-season game.

Have a question for the show? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to an Evening... of Mystery! | NFL Deep Dive Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

In recent weeks, as the NFL season fast approaches, Jenny, Conor and Gary have been identifying their X-factors for various teams across the league. But rather than unveiling them in a traditional manner like normal people would, the trio instead engage in a life-or-death battle of the classic children’s board game “Guess Who?”

Based on a series of yes-or-no questions, can they identify who each person’s mystery player is? Play along, as the competition heats up until the mind-bending final twist that leaves everyone speechless (save for a number of angry outbursts and mild profanity).

Then, while this isn’t a gambling/betting show per se, they couldn’t help but take a peek at the odds for Super Bowl and individual awards, and identify the best longshots for who might lift the Lombardi or win MVP this season.

Have a question for the show? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOr

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The Mailbag Opens, Mac Jones Rules the World, Madness Ensues | NFL Deep Dive Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

Jenny, Conor and Gary rip open the mailbag one more time before the regular season starts, and everyone is talking about Mac Jones. Or, at least three people are talking about Mac Jones toward the top of the show.

After that, a buffalo wing heat index on everyone’s darkhorse picks, a discussion of what homefield advantage means, whether the Fangio/Staley-style defenses age better than the Seattle-style Cover-3 did, our favorite stats, and what non-special teams positions we could survive playing for a single play in the NFL.

Plus, running down your nickname suggestions as Conor and Gary truly lose it in a moment of—depending on your perspective—anti-comedy or non-comedy. And the dramatic reveal of the question very few have been asking: Why were the division preview shows ordered the way they were?

Have a question for the show? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorO

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pack, Mack Still Got It in the NFC North | NFL Deep Dive Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

The division preview series reaches its terrifying conclusion, as all eyes (or at least those of Jenny, Conor and Gary) turn to the NFC North.

After an offseason of turmoil, Aaron Rodgers is back and the Packers are the prohibitive favorites to win the division. But how far will they go? That will depend heavily on the new defensive boss in town.

As for the rest of the division: Lots of talk about Justin Fields, and a little more talk about what the Bears defense needs to do to return to 2018 levels. In Minnesota, some new faces in the secondary and some frustration with the quarterback. And in Detroit, a shorthanded defense and mild passing game, but a game-changing blocker and a kneecap-biting, coffee-chugging coach that should keep things interesting.

Plus, the thrilling conclusion of Division Preview Mad Libs!, our predictions for order of finish, “Super Bowl or Not,” and much more!

Have a question for the mailbag show next week? Dare to make one final guess on how we’ve ordered these division previews? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Weird & Wild AFC South and Hold-In Drama | NFL Deep Dive Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Chapter 7 of the Division Preview Series Octology delves deep into the AFC South, but the show starts with a look at the past week’s headlines as training camps got underway.

Jenny, Conor and Gary discuss Aaron Rodgers doing exactly what everyone thought he would do and not coming away with a whole lot to show for his effort. Also, a larger look at how the new CBA has turned holdouts into hold-ins, including a more specific look at the Xavien Howard trade demand in Miami.

As far as the AFC South goes, a lot of talk about whether the Colts can make it work offensively, the impact of Bud Dupree’s arrival and Arthur Smith’s departure on the Titans, just what should be expected out of the Jaguars considering Urban Meyer has an exciting quarterback and maybe not-so-exciting coaching staff, and the Texans figure to have an active punter.

You can read the definitive Deshaun Watson story, referred to in this episode, here: https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/05/21/new-information-proper-context-for-deshaun-watson-sexual-misconduct-lawsuits-daily-cover

Have a question for a future mailbag? Dare to guess how we’ve ordered these division previews? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFC South Preview: A Three-Headed Saints QB and More Wild, Wild Takes | NFL Deep Dive Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

As the world turns and the Division Preview Series moves on, Jenny, Conor and Gary turn their attention to the NFC South, home of the defending Super Bowl champions, the NFL’s strangest QB situation, the most challenging reclamation project in the league, and… also the Falcons.

Just how good was the Bucs offense last season? And if the answer is “not as good as you remember it being,” can we expect this year’s edition to be better than last year’s champions?

Jameis? Taysom? Ian? Who should start at quarterback for the Saints this fall, and what does Sean Payton have to do to keep this team on top?

A discussion of what the Panthers can hope for from Sam Darnold and from an intriguing young defense, and whether the Falcons—who consider themselves to be in “win-now” mode—should truly be in “win-now” mode.

Also, an official end to the term “quarterback whisperer”—you are banned from using it—our weekly Mad Libs, predicted order of finish and more!

Have a question for a future mailbag? Dare to guess how we’ve ordered these division previews? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AFC West Preview: Let’s All Yell About Jon Gruden | NFL Deep Dive Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

The Division Preview series moves on to the AFC West, where Jenny, Conor and Gary wanted to talk about pretty much everything except Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs are penciled in as heavy favorites again, but who will emerge as their top challenger within the division? A look at why expectations for the Chargers should be high for reasons that go beyond Justin Herbert. The Broncos have the pass rush and the secondary is shaping up for a bounceback season—the question is whether the offense can keep this from becoming Vic Fangio’s last stand.

But most of the show is devoted to shouting about Jon Gruden, still looking for his first playoff berth since signing that mega-deal to take over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now that they’ve re-acquired a potential game-altering pass rusher in Yannick Ngakoue, does Gruden have the pieces to get to the postseason?

Plus, our weekly Mad Libs, predicted order of finish and more!

Have a question for a future mailbag? Dare to guess how we’ve ordered these division previews? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI, @JennyVrentas or @ConorOrr

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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