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Lions make history, Tua beats Dak, legend of Joe Flacco | Sunday Night Blitz Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab recap all the Christmas Eve NFL action from Sunday and give their instant takeaways and analysis. Fitz and Frank start off by highlighting the biggest games of the day, including the Miami Dolphins defeating the Dallas Cowboys, Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns showing that they're contenders and the Detroit Lions winning a division for the first time since 1993.

Next, the dynamic duo move on to recapping the rest of Saturday and Sunday's games one by one, as Fitz and Frank go back and forth on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their win streak, the New York Jets and whether jobs should be on the line, a disappointing showing from the Indianapolis Colts and more. The hosts finish off the show by giving their expectations for the Christmas Day games.

4:55 - Dallas Cowboys @ Miami Dolphins

11:40 - Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans

19:05 - Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

26:30 - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

32:55 - Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

37:40 - Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Chargers

40:10 - Seattle Seahawks @ Tennessee Titans

42:35 - Washington Commanders @ New York Jets

45:45 - Green Bay Packers @ Carolina Panthers

47:25 - Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears

50:50 - Indianapolis Colts @ Atlanta Falcons

55:05 - Christmas Day games preview

Zero Blitz would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

9 players not named Caleb Williams or Drake Maye to know before the NFL Draft | Zero Blitz Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by NFL Draft expert Connor Rogers as the duo do an early deep dive into the 2024 NFL Draft. Fitz and Connor spend some time discussing Connor's New York Jets and who's to blame for their utter failure of a season (Joe Douglas?) before diving into this year's loaded draft class. Fitz and Connor discuss the two uber-talent wide receivers, Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye (and how the top three picks will shake out) and more before finishing off with a few of their favorite prospects to watch for in the first round.

Later, Fitz is joined as always by the great Michael Lombardi to get a former GM's perspective on the latest stories around the NFL. Fitz and Michael go back and forth on the Buffalo Bills and whether they could still win the AFC East, the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins facing off this weekend in a battle of good-not-great and why Brock Purdy deserves the MVP award.

2:45 - Who's to blame for the New York Jets' disappointing season?

6:50 - 2024 NFL Draft preview

33:35 - Favorite prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

47:05 - Michael Lombardi on the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins and Brock Purdy for MVP

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

GMs weigh in on the Justin Fields decision, inside the MVP race | Inside Coverage Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined Senior NFL Reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein to go behind the scenes on the biggest storylines around the NFL. The trio start with the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching changes on defense, as they now have Matt Patricia as de facto defensive coordinator. Were the Eagles right to make big changes despite their great record? In other news, potential coach of the year candidates DeMeco Ryans and Kevin Stefanski face off this weekend, both with backup quarterbacks. Jim Harbaugh has been linked to the Los Angeles Chargers, and the trio discuss what they're hearing as far as whether or not the coaching legend will return to the NFL.

Jori and Charles are two of the 50 voters for MVP this season, and Fitz picks their brain over who is in the lead, whether a non-quarterback has a shot and Brock Purdy vs. Christian McCaffrey.

The hosts finish things off with a discussion around the Chicago Bears and their looming decision at quarterback. Charles spoke with thirteen NFL general managers to get their thoughts, and the general consensus is that the Bears should move on and take Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. But is there anything Justin Fields could do to change their mind?

00:50 - Philadelphia Eagles coaching changes

15:15 - DeMeco Ryans vs. Kevin Stefanski

21:05 - Jim Harbaugh returns to the NFL?

27:20 - Who's the 2024 MVP?

48:30 - Chicago Bears' looming QB decision

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Where do the Jets go from here & more Week 15 takeaways with Quincy Enunwa | Exempt List Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Charles McDonald is joined by former NFL wide receiver Quincy Enunwa to cover the biggest stories to come out of NFL Week 15. After laughing about the Tommy Devito pizzeria story, the duo dive into more pressing matters, including the Atlanta Falcons' awful loss to the Panthers, the Buffalo Bills' potential playoff push, teams eliminated from playoff contention, Joe Flacco and the year of the backup quarterback, the Philadelphia Eagles and their three-game tumble and Dameco Ryans' candidacy for coach of the year.

Later, Charles and Quincy discuss Quincy's former team, the New York Jets, and their future, as they determine what the ceiling is for the team next season with Aaron Rodgers returning. Charles and Quincy also go back and forth on Quincy's top wide receivers in the NFL, the mistakes that reporters make when covering the game of football and Quincy's inside perspective on handling the media as a player.

4:55 - Atlanta Falcons lost 7-9

10:45 - Are the Buffalo Bills about go on a run?

15:10 - Teams eliminated from the playoffs

18:05 - Joe Flacco & the year of the backup quarterback

23:25 - Is the sky falling for the Philadelphia Eagles?

27:05 - Dameco Ryans for coach of the year

30:55 - What's the real problem with the New York Jets?

43:55 - Quincy's top wide receivers

48:25 - Handling the media as a former player

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

New top dog in the AFC, Baker Mayfield is a franchise QB | Sunday Night Blitz Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to recap Week 15 of NFL action, which saw the entire playoff race shift dramatically. Fitz and Frank highlight the Baltimore Ravens and their dominance on Sunday night, the Buffalo Bills and their return from the dead – as they seem to be picking up steam late in the season – and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield's unbelievable career resurgence.

Later, Fitz and Frank recap each and every game from Saturday and Sunday's NFL action, as they discuss Jake Browning continuing his hot start for the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Flacco's big comeback win, the Atlanta Falcons' collapse, the top contenders in a tight MVP race and much more.

The dynamic duo finish off the show with a preview of Monday's matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks.

2:25 - Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars

11:50 - Dallas Cowboys @ Buffalo Bills

22:30 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers

28:50 - Minnesota Vikings @ Cincinnati Bengals

32:15 - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts

37:25 - Denver Broncos @ Detroit Lions

38:35 - Chicago Bears @ Cleveland Browns

42:55 - Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

46:30 - New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

48:30 - Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots

50:35 - New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints

51:35 - Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

54:05 - Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Rams

54:55 - San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals

59:25 - MNF Preview: Philadelphia Eagles @ Seattle Seahawks

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Solving the NFL's officiating crisis with Dean Blandino | Zero Blitz Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by FOX Sports Rules Analyst and former NFL VP of Officiating Dean Blandino to get to the bottom of the massive outcry around NFL officiating right now. The duo discuss the Kadarius Toney offsides penalty from Sunday, what's causing the general outrage over officiating, how NFL officials do their jobs, potential solutions to the NFL's officiating problem, rule changes they'd like to see and much more.

Later, Fitz is joined by former NFL GM Michael Lombardi to dive into the biggest storylines of the week. Fitz and Michael talk about the Las Vegas Raiders and whether or not Antonio Pierce should have benched Aidan O'Connell in the disastrous loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Bill Belichick and what he still has to offer to his next team and the Los Angeles Chargers and what they need to do to build around Justin Herbert this offseason.

1:35 - The NFL's officiating problem

23:30 - Potential solutions to the problem, plus rule changes we'd like to see

38:20 - Michael Lombardi joins the show to talk Las Vegas Raiders, Bill Belichick and the Los Angeles Chargers

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Patriots' next head coach, owners meetings takeaways | Inside Coverage Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson to go behind the scenes and get the inside scoop on the latest stories around the NFL, and later, Charles talks to senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein to get the latest from the NFL owner's meetings in Dallas.

Fitz and Charles discuss the report that Bill Belichick will be fired at the end of the season as they look at the future of both Belichick and the New England Patriots. Could Mike Vrabel be the guy for the job? Justin Herbert is out for the season with a hand injury, and Easton Stick will be the starter this week. After another failed season, where will the Los Angeles Chargers go from here?

Later, Charles and Jori give their takeaways from the NFL owner's meetings, as Jori recaps Roger Goodell's comments on officiating and the Kadarius Toney's offsides penalty from Sunday, and Charles calls for the NFL to take the gray area out of asking an official if you're lined up properly. The duo also discuss the expansion of international games and the NFL adding a game in Brazil, the potential change to rule around fumbling the ball out of the endzone and Super Bowl 61 being played in Los Angeles.

00:55 - Bill Belichick and the future of the New England Patriots

29:05 - Justin Herbert is out for the season

37:50 - NFL owner's meetings

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Solving the Chiefs wide receiver crisis with Conor Orr | The Exempt List Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Charles McDonald is joined by Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr to discuss some of their big takeaways from NFL Week 14. Charles and Conor start off with the Chicago Bears and their season turning around before our eyes. The duo discuss what they might do at the quarterback position and Justin Fields' trade value. Next, the hosts analyze Zach Wilson's big game and whether or not they have any faith it'll be repeated. The NFC South is a total dumpster fire, and Charles breaks down each team and their realistic chance to win the division and how they'd fare in the playoffs.

Next, Conor gives his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs and their crisis at the wide receiver position. Charles and Conor give their thoughts on how to solve their lack of talent at the skill positions and what needs to change both this season and going into next year to help Patrick Mahomes.

Finally, the hosts answer some voicemails from the listeners, as they discuss Tua Tagovailoa's contract extension, the Atlanta Falcons and how to fix them and pre-snap motion and whether or not motion as the ball is snapped should be eliminated from the game.

5:10 - The Chicago Bears are trending upward

18:55 - Zach Wilson's big game

28:10 - The NFC South is a dumpster fire

39:50 - Solving the Kansas City Chiefs WR crisis

53:05 - Answering listener voicemails

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

• Donate directly at giving.howard.edu/givenow. Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Cowboys make things interesting, Mahomes meltdown | Sunday Night Blitz Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to give their instant takeaways from a bizarre week of football, as the duo react to each and every game from the NFL Week 14 Sunday slate. The duo start by discussing Fitz' nightmare experience witnessing his Las Vegas Raiders get shutout at home and what it means for both teams and their defunct offenses. Fitz and Frank also highlight the ending of the Sunday night game (and Patrick Mahomes' surprising reaction), the Dallas Cowboys' dominance over the Philadelphia Eagles and what it means for the NFC and the Detroit Lions appearing MIA against the Chicago Bears.

Later, Fitz and Frank react to the rest of the Sunday slate, as they have discussions around Joe Flacco's unbelievable performance, Brock Purdy's legitimacy as an MVP candidate, Zach Wilson's comeback game, a wacky NFC South race and much more.

The dynamic duo finish off the show with their bold predictions for the doubleheader on Monday night, as Fitz predicts a huge game from Tyreek Hill, and Frank thinks the New York Giants pull off the upset against the Green Bay Packers.

00:50 - Minnesota Vikings @ Las Vegas Raiders

5:55 - Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

16:20 - Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

23:55 - Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears

30:50 - Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens

34:05 - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cleveland Browns

37:50 - Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals

41:10 - Houston Texans @ New York Jets

45:40 - Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

51:10 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

53:40 - Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

57:10 - Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers

1:00:50 - MNF Preview: Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants & Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Fixing the worst NFL franchises with Kevin Clark | Zero Blitz Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by This Is Football host Kevin Clark, as the duo assume their alter egos and become Mr. Fix It. Fitz and Kevin run through some of the most abysmal NFL franchises and give clear 1-2 year plans to take teams from the bottom of the draft to playoff contention. The duo make a plan to fix the New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday Night Football and the Buffalo Bills.

Later, Fitz is joined as always by former NFL GM Michael Lombardi to discuss the most underrated storylines of the week. The duo dive into the Miami Dolphins' criminally underrated defense and Vic Fangio's impact, the New York Jets and whether or not they'll blow it up after the season, which teams are ready for bad weather football and Justin Fields' development as a quarterback.

3:10 - Fixing the Patriots

9:50 - Fixing the Commanders

13:30 - Fixing the Bears

18:10 - Fixing the Raiders

22:20 - Fixing the Titans

25:35 - Fixing the Giants

29:15 - Fixing the Panthers

31:05 - Fixing the Chargers

32:30 - Fixing Thursday Night Football

36:40 - Fixing the Bills

44:45 - Michael Lombardi joins the show

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee from BreakingT.com/Terez. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University.