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Dak Prescott's contract talks, Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye | Inside Coverage Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein as they go behind the scenes and attempt to get to the bottom of the latest storylines around the NFL. The hosts start with the news that Zach Wilson will be the starting quarterback of the New York Jets once again, and the hosts agree it's time we all stop talking about the Jets – they are who they are at this point in the season.

Next, Fitz, Charles and Jori dive into the AFC playoff race, as the news of Trevor Lawrence's ankle injury makes the race for the first seed even more complicated. All agree that the Kansas City Chiefs' historic streak of home playoff games is especially important to maintain for them this season.

Later, Charles has talked to scouts and people in NFL front offices on the projected top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, and he breaks down what he's hearing as far as how the two prospects are seen by NFL organizations on and off the field.

The Dallas Cowboys face off against the Philadelphia Eagles this week in a game that has huge implications for the NFC, and the trio break down the potential ramifications of the news that Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has appendicitis. Charles and Jori give insight into Dak Prescott's upcoming contract negotiations, as he appears to hold all of the leverage.

00:40 - Zach Wilson will start once again for the New York Jets

11:50 - AFC playoff race: can the Kansas City Chiefs get the first seed again?

18:40 - Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye

30:55 - Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles preview

43:40 - Dak Prescott's contract negotiations and the Cowboys' future

54:05 - Did the San Francisco 49ers create a blueprint on how to beat Philadelphia?

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

The real NFL MVP, AFC playoff race predictions with Tony Calatayud | The Exempt List Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Charles McDonald is joined by Tony Calatayud of the Dan LeBetard Show to dive into their takeaways from Week 13 and attempt to get to the bottom of the some of the biggest questions around the NFL this week. Charles and Tony start things off with some funny storylines from the weekend, including Zach Wilson's reluctance to start again for the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles head of security getting himself and Dre Greenlaw ejected from Sunday's game.

Next, the duo dive into the field of contenders for MVP in an especially weird year. While Brock Purdy is the odds-on favorite currently, neither agree he truly deserves the award (and neither does Jalen Hurts). Both agree Tyreek Hill is the most deserving, but can a non-quarterback win the MVP in 2023? Charles also believes Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is the most deserving of the Coach of the Year award currently.

Later, Charles and Tony take a look at the AFC playoff race and decide who they have more trust in between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs coming off bad losses, and who they'd be more scared to face in the playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins.

1:15 - Zach Wilson reluctant to start for the New York Jets again?

12:10 - "Big Dom" gets himself and Dre Greenlaw ejected

19:05 - Who's the true MVP of the NFL?

48:10 - Shane Steichen for Coach of the Year

52:10 - AFC playoff race talk

• 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

49ers are top dog, Packers are scary, first overall pick race | Sunday Night Blitz Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab react to every game from the Week 13 NFL Sunday slate as they attempt to get ahead of the biggest storylines of the week and give their instant analysis to every game. Fitz and Frank start off by highlighting a wild Sunday night game, where Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers made a statement that they are to be taken seriously in a tight NFC Wild Card race. The San Francisco 49ers left no doubt that they should be atop everyone's power rankings this week and the race for the first overall pick is heating up with the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots both refusing to win games.

Later, Fitz and Frank react to each and every game from the weekend, highlighting the Los Angeles Rams on a win streak and staying in the playoff hunt, C.J. Stroud and the rest of the AFC South continuing to outperform expectations, Tyreek Hill for MVP (again) and much more.

The dynamic duo finish off the episode by looking ahead to the Monday night game, as the Jacksonville Jaguars will attempt to keep rolling against a Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals.

00:50 - Kansas City Chiefs @ Green Bay Packers

13:35 - San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles

23:40 - Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots

29:10 - Arizona Cardinals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

32:50 - Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

35:50 - Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints

38:05 - Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets

40:15 - Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans

43:45 - Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans

48:40 - Cleveland Browns @ Los Angeles Rams

52:10 - Miami Dolphins @ Washington Commanders

56:40 - MNF Preview: Cincinnati Bengals @ Jacksonville Jaguars

• 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

Grading quarterback/head coach combos with Nate Tice | Zero Blitz Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by quarterback expert and host of the Athletic Football Show Nate Tice to give a unique perspective on how we rank and grade quarterbacks by adding their head coach/playcaller into the equation. Fitz and Nate go through the current playoff bracket and give letter grades for each and every quarterback and head coach combo and determine who deserves more of the credit pie. The duo also discuss some fringe playoff contenders and some of the more interesting combos on bad teams.

Later, Fitz is joined by former NFL GM Michael Lombardi to discuss David Tepper's ownership style and the future of the Carolina Panthers, Brandon Staley and whether it's time for the Los Angeles Chargers to move on and how a quarterback's likability in the locker room can indirectly define their success.

1:25 - Grading head coach/quarterback combos from playoff teams

21:20 - Grading head coach/quarterback combos from fringe playoff teams and teams that suck

53:50 - Michael Lombardi on the Panthers, Chargers and the importance of quarterback likability

• 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

Aaron Rodgers returns, Frank Reich firing & future of the Panthers | Inside Coverage Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein to go behind the scenes of the Frank Reich firing as they attempt to get to the root of the issues that have been plaguing the Panthers over the last few years. The trio discuss what led to Reich not making it through his first season, Bryce Young's future and how the Carolina Panthers plan to build around their young quarterback and how owner David Tepper needs to adjust his leadership style for the sake of the organization.

Later, Fitz, Charles and Jori react to the breaking news that Aaron Rodgers has been designated to return to practice and cleared for "functional football activity." After expressing disbelief at how quickly Rodgers has recovered, the trio analyze why Rodgers is attempting to make this daring comeback and what has to go right for the New York Jets this season to make this work.

The hosts finish off the show by discussing LB Shaq Leonard, his confusing release and some potential landing spots, as well as Dan Quinn and his market for head coaching opportunities this offseason.

00:40 - Inside the Carolina Panthers & the Frank Reich firing

38:40 - Aaron Rodgers miraculously returns to practice

51:30 - Shaq Leonard's odd release & potential landing spots

• 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

Steven Ruiz defends his quarterback rankings | The Exempt List Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Charles McDonald is joined by the Ringer's Steven Ruiz to react to the firing of Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich, their takeaways from Week 12 of the NFL and Steven's infamous quarterback rankings. The duo start off with the Frank Reich firing as they discuss the future of the Panthers organization and how they can support Bryce Young, who looks completely overwhelmed on the field right now.

Next, Charles and Steven dive into their takeaways from Week 12. Discourse has emerged around Josh Allen and Justin Herbert due to their disappointing seasons thus far, but Charles steps in to defend both quarterbacks, who are actually having great seasons. Charles and Steven discuss how we might be overrating how important interceptions are to measuring quarterback play.

Later, Steven defends the latest edition of his quarterback rankings, as the duo debate over Justin Herbert at #2, C.J. Stroud at #15, Brock Purdy towards the bottom, Sam Howell at #24 and Derek Carr in the middle of the pack.

00:50 - Carolina Panthers fire Frank Reich

18:15 - Week 12 takeaways: Josh Allen, Justin Herbert & more

33:10 - Steven defends his QB rankings: Justin Herbert

38:50 - Should C.J. Stroud be higher?

48:00 - Is it time to give Brock Purdy his respect? (no)

55:05 - Sam Howell & Derek Carr

• 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

Eagles are clutch, Texans doink it, is Justin Herbert elite? | Sunday Night Blitz Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab recap Week 12 of NFL action game by game as they dive into the biggest storylines and takeaways to come out of Sunday's games. The duo start by highlighting the Eagles' big win over the Bills and Jalen Hurts' clutch gene, the Jaguars' victory over the Texans in a potential AFC South-deciding matchup and the Broncos' win over the Browns to make five straight wins for Russell Wilson and company.

Next, Fitz and Frank do a lightning round recap of the Thanksgiving and Black Friday games, as the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins all made it out with wins (and the New York Jets look broken).

Later, the dynamic duo recap each and every game from Sunday and give their key takeaways. Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense look refreshed, the Raiders hung in there but can't seem to respond to other teams' adjustments, Frank thinks it's time to start asking questions about Justin Herbert and much more.

Finally, Fitz and Frank finish things off by previewing the Monday night matchup between the Bears and Vikings.

1:55 - Buffalo Bills @ Philadelphia Eagles

9:40 - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

14:25 - Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos

20:15 - Takeaways from the Thanksgiving games

31:15 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Indianapolis Colts

35:50 - Carolina Panthers @ Tennessee Titans

39:05 - New England Patriots @ New York Giants

43:15 - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

47:20 - New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

49:50 - Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

50:50 - Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders

54:35 - Baltimore Ravens @ Los Angeles Chargers

59:10 - Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings preview

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

Thanksgiving special with Mike Golic Jr. | Zero Blitz Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by friend of the show Mike Golic Jr. to celebrate Thanksgiving with some shenanigans, as the duo create player comps with Thanksgiving food by comparing NFL players and coaches to the best Thanksgiving dishes. Happy holidays!

• 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

Thanksgiving panic meter: Chiefs, Dolphins, Brandon Staley | Inside Coverage Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Jason Fitz is joined by Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Jori Epstein to go behind the scenes and get the inside scoop on the biggest NFL storylines of the week. Fitz and Jori kick things off with the New York Jets announcing that Zach Wilson is benched and Tim Boyle will be the starter going forward. Although Wilson showed improvement, both agree this is a move that needed to be made. The Pittsburgh Steelers fired OC Matt Canada, which will allow them to properly evaluate Kenny Pickett.

Next, Fitz and Jori dive into a Thanksgiving edition of Panic Meter, as they determine whether or not it's time to panic about C.J. Stroud, the Kansas City Chiefs and their fatal flaws, the Philadelphia Eagles, the AFC playoff picture, the Miami Dolphins, the Washington Commanders and Ron Rivera and Brandon Staley.

3:30 - Zach Wilson is benched; Tim Boyle is the new starter in New York

12:10 - Steelers fire OC Matt Canada

19:55 - Is C.J. Stroud coming back to Earth?

21:50 - Do the Chiefs have a fatal flaw?

27:35 - Why don't the Eagles look quite right?

29:55 - The AFC is weaker than we all expected

36:55 - Is Ron Rivera's job on the line on Thursday?

44:15 - Is this season over for 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

Does the Matt Canada firing fix the Steelers? with Frank Schwab | The Exempt List Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Charles McDonald is joined by Frank Schwab to give their takeaways from Week 11 of the NFL season and react to the latest news around the league. The duo dive into the benching of Zach Wilson, the Bears blowing a huge lead late and what Justin Fields has to do to keep the job next season, Patrick Mahomes' receivers letting him down once again on Monday night and the return of Desmond Ridder.

Next, Charles and Frank react to the firing of Steelers OC Matt Canada as they attempt to determine how much of the blame pie Canada deserves for Pittsburgh's offensive struggles. Both agree Kenny Pickett is showing he's not the guy at quarterback. Charles also announces the breaking news that Colts LB Shaq Leonard is being released, and the hosts discuss the odd timing and some potential landing spots if he becomes available.

Finally, the duo celebrate the holiday week by each giving something they're thankful for. Charles is thankful for Brock Purdy and the 49ers for putting out one of the prettiest offensive products we've seen in years when at full strength. Frank is thankful for the Lions being fun to watch and finally worth tuning into on Thanksgiving Day.

2:05 - Zach Wilson bowls over Robert Saleh on the sideline, gets benched

11:05 - Chicago Bears blow a big lead, but Justin Fields impresses

20:30 - Patrick Mahomes' receivers let him down again

28:30 - The return of Desmond Ridder

34:50 - Pittsburgh Steelers fire OC Matt Canada: can their offense be fixed?

42:55 - Breaking news: Shaq Leonard released by the Indianapolis Colts

49:30 - What we're thankful for: the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions

• 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