Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre

On today's episode, Jason explains how the Chicago Bears whiffed on their Russell Wilson 'pipe dream'. They convinced themselves - and their fan base - that they had a legit chance at getting Wilson. Instead, they ended up with the wildly mediocre Andy Dalton. Talk about a letdown. The Bears are destined to go 5-11 next season, and their head coach and general manager seem like locks for the unemployment line. Interestingly enough, the Seattle Seahawks could be headed down a similar path. That's not to say that they'll be as bad as the Bears, but to expect them to just bounce back from this Wilson soap opera is unrealistic. Expect the Seahawks to take a massive step back in 2021. In the AFC, the Las Vegas Raiders - who will be forever linked to the Bears thanks to that Khalil Mack trade from 2019 - decided it would be a good idea to dump 4/5 of their starting offensive line. You read that right; the Raiders just dismantled the best position group on their entire roster. If Jon Gruden had any sense at all, he'd fire himself as the de facto general manger. The Bears may be on the fast track to the bottom but at least GM Ryan Pace can ride off into sunset knowing that he beat Gruden in the Khalil Mack trade. Later, ESPN sports betting analyst Joe Fortenbaugh swings by to give you the information you need to know heading into this weekend's NCAA Tournament Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Free Agency is officially upon us, and who better to break it all down with than our Friend of the Show - NFL Network analyst and FOX Sports Radio host Bucky Brooks! Bucky helps make sense of the New England Patriots spending spree on the first day of NFL free agency, and discusses with Jason why some teams have pause about paying big money to wide receivers like JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency, why he thinks Deshaun Watson will be with the Houston Texans next season, why he doesn't blame the Texans for playing hardball with the Watson right now, why he believes the New Orleans Saints will still be a playoff team next season even without Drew Brees, why the Los Angeles Rams have continued to lose key players over the years, why it feels like the New York Jets' free agency signing this year are looking to make up for roster mistakes of the past, why he doesn't have a problem with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' decision to 'run it back' next season, why he fully expects Lamar Jackson to get a bigger deal from the Baltimore Ravens than Dak Prescott got from the Dallas Cowboys (and for Baker Mayfield to get considerably less from the Cleveland Browns), and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March Madness is officially upon us! Rather than waste your time talking about Drew Brees' retirement announcement or the tension that seems to boiling over inside the Los Angeles Clippers' locker room, Jason brings in Jason Lisk from TeamRankings.com for wall-to-wall conversation on the NCAA Tournament. Lisk explains why Georgetown appears to be the best bet for the annual 12-5 upset this year, why he feels Villanova is seeded relatively high (5) strictly based on reputation, why he wouldn't be too shocked to see the 11-seed Utah State team upset the 5-seed Texas Tech, why he views the 1-seed Michigan Wolverines as a big risk given their current injury issues, why the East region is easily the most balanced region in the bracket and why LSU and UCONN are sneaky Cinderella teams if you're playing in a large bracket challenge pool, why he likes Michigan State to beat UCLA in the play-in game - even though neither team is all that good, why he's not nearly as high on the Texas Longhorns as McIntyre is, why the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs are the 1-seed most likely to reach the Final Four, why he's so intrigued by the 8-9 matchup between Wisconsin and North Carolina, why he's not betting on Cade Cunningham being able to carry 4-seed Oklahoma State deep into the tournament given how tough their region is, why he has the 1-seed Illinois as the second favorite overall behind Gonzaga, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre says that the Patriots had no other option but to bring back Cam Newton and blasts the Cowboys for signing Dak Prescott to a deal that will hinder their franchise. He shares his idea for what’s next in the NFL and plays the NFL free agency matchmaking game! Plus, Jason runs through the NCAA Conference Tournaments and looks ahead to March Madness!Guests: NESN Analyst Matt Chatham, CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm, Boston Sports Journal’s Greg BedardCatch all of Fox Sports Radio's weekend coverage by subscribing to FOX Sports Weekends!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fox-sports-radio-weekends/id1313512668 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode Jason is joined by FOX Sports Radio weekend host Steve Hartman for an extended conversation covering a myriad of topics. Hartman tells us why he has a big problem with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a whole, why the NBA needs to develop its own Hall of Fame - and fast, why it was foolish for Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers to think they could takeover the City of Los Angeles, why he believes Steph Curry is the most overrated player in the NBA right now, why Steph is the one to blame for the 3-point epidemic that is currently plaguing the League, why he's concerned that the NBA is going to lose viewers the same way the MLB has due its 'boring' style of play, how sports wagering could impact the television viewership of sports, if soccer has any hope of becoming a mainstream sport here in the United States, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick message for the aspiring sports media personalities out there - develop a social media brand. Right NOW. Don't let the old heads convince you that the only way to break into the business is through internships and dead-end media gigs. Later, Jason gets us ready for Selection Sunday by delivering a handful of Best Bets heading into Championship Weekend. March Madness is upon us, and the only thing better than watching 16 straight hours of college hoops is making money while you do it. Finally, sports television and radio host Ashley Nicole Moss swings by to explain why New York Knicks fans should be excited about the future of the franchise, why having a strong social media presence is key to breaking into the sports media business, how she made the transition from child actor to sports media personality, why she absolutely despised the LeBron James-led Miami Heat teams, why Pat Riley is one of the most intimidating people to interview in the NBA, why it's perfectly okay to be both a fan and a reporter these days, why she's optimistic that the Dallas Cowboys will be able to build a Super Bowl roster around Dak Prescott, why Kyrie Irving is going to need to take a step back if the Brooklyn Nets are going to win the NBA title this season, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a deep dive into the ongoing contract negotiations between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. If the Dak Prescott saga in Dallas taught us anything, it’s that committing big money to a franchise quarterback is a judgment call. Two years ago, the Cowboys decided that Dak wasn't worth a massive extension; Two years later, they paid for that error in judgment to the tune of $160 million. The Ravens are in a similar boat. Has Lamar Jackson shown enough as a thrower to prove that he's worth $40 million a year? Is Baltimore convinced that his slender frame can handle running the ball as often as he does? Once again, judgment day is coming. Plus, FS1 and Turner Sports basketball analyst Jim Jackson swings by to discuss why sports fans aren't as plugged in to college basketball as they used to be, how the one-and-done system has hurt the college game in some ways, his heartbreaking loss to the Michigan Fab Five, why he wouldn't be surprised to see Gonzaga knocked out of the NCAA Tournament early - even if he is picking them to win it all, the difficulties of calling games during a pandemic, why he hates comparing different eras of NBA basketball, why he agrees that the Boston Celtics are the team best equipped to beat the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference, what's really ailing the Los Angeles Clippers, the biggest reason why Kobe Bryant had a healthy disdain for Smush Parker back in the day, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason brings you wall-to-wall reaction to the Dak Prescott mega-deal with the Dallas Cowboys. First off, congratulations to Dak for thoroughly destroying Jerry Jones at the negotiating table; Dak got the largest signing bonus in NFL history, the 4-year deal as opposed to 5, a no-trade clause and a no-tag clause. If there's a worse negotiator in the NFL than Jerry Jones please point him out to us. Because Jerry conceded so much to Dak, he essentially limited the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl window to one year. After the 2021 season Dallas is going to be in such salary cap hell they'll be lucky to field even a mediocre team for the life of Dak's contract. All of this leads to one obvious question: What exactly is the best way to build an NFL team? If you pay the quarterback too early a la Jared Goff and Carson Wentz then you risk having to eat the dead cap money just to get that guy off your roster. If you wait to pay the quarterback a la Dak Prescott then you run the risk of having to pay a mediocre quarterback elite quarterback money? Perhaps the best plan of attack is to have your signal caller take a contract below market value like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes did... even if that screws up the negotiating power for the quarterbacks to follow. It could be that there is no 'correct' way to pay a franchise quarterback. Either way, all signs point to this Dak deal blowing up in the Cowboys' face soon enough. But hey, at least it will help guys like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield secure the bag, too. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a full recap of NBA All-Star Weekend. The Slam Dunk Contest, much like the Coming 2 America movie that dropped over the weekend, was disappointing, and the All-Star Game itself was just okay. Aside from Kyrie Irving, who appeared like he wanted to send a message to his former teammate LeBron James and the rest of the League, the play was mostly lackadaisical. All that said, there was one person who absolutely stole the show: Steph Curry. Not only did Steph win what Jason is calling the greatest 3-Point Contest ever, but he followed that up by dropping half-court bomb after half-court bomb in the All-Star Game. He is absolutely magical. Even in an exhibition setting, Steph proved why he's arguably one of the 15 greatest players in NBA history. Later, Producer Rob G and Jason do a deep dive on poll in The Athletic listing the purest scorers in the NBA today. Both guys agree that the pollsters got it right putting Kevin Durant at number 1, but the real debate centers on the man who finished 10th: LeBron. Are guys like Steph and Kyrie really purer scorers than The King? More specifically, does the fact LeBron's style isn't as aesthetically pleasing count against him in a poll like this? Guess the fact that LeBron is likely to end his career as the NBA's all-time leading scorer isn't as impressive as we thought. Finally, the guys share their thoughts on Blake Griffin's decision to join the Brooklyn Nets. Griffin has looked like a shell of himself so far this season, but he could have a Draymond Green-like role in the Nets offense - assuming he's willing to buy in. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre talks about the impact that Blake Griffin could have on the Nets or Lakers and weighs in on Ben Roethlisberger taking a pay cut to keep his job in Pittsburgh. He questions if Joel Embiid can hold onto his lead in the MVP race and downplays the rumor that the Bears could pull off a trade for Russell Wilson. Plus, appearances by salary cap expert Andrew Brandt, Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha, and FOX Sports 910 (Phoenix) host Jody Oehler! Subscribe for more of FOX Sports Radio's weekend coverage!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fox-sports-radio-weekends/id1313512668 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason does a deep dive into the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to bring Ben Roethlisberger back for the 2021 season. On one hand, the pay cut Big Ben took to stay in Pittsburgh should help the Steelers bring back a few key free agents and re-build the offensive line. On the other, even with Roethlisberger coming back, are you really that confident that the Steelers will be Super Bowl contenders in 2021? Producer Rob G says the move feels like Pittsburgh is only hurting their fan base by refusing to pull off the band-aid, and he and Jason discuss the likelihood that the Steelers would be willing to trade up in the upcoming NFL Draft to land their quarterback of the future. Later, the guys get into a mini-debate over the decisions of LeBron James, Steph Curry and Luka Doncic to sit out their teams' last games before the break while still planning on playing in the All-Star Game. Both Jason and Rob G agree that load management is totally acceptable, especially given that everyone is playing a compacted NBA season, but it's the overall optics that have the guys at odds. Does it really matter which game a star player decides to skip? Is sitting out the last game before the break really worse than sitting out the fifth game? Finally, the guys close the show by picking the 3 current players they'd most like to see compete in the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things with a deep dive into the early returns on Charlotte Hornets rookie phenom LaMelo Ball. Two weeks ago when we had NBA legend Muggsy Bogues on the show he compared Ball to Jason Kidd and Penny Hardaway; Now, there's folks in the basketball world comparing him to Magic Johnson. Either way, the Hornets point guard appears destined for superstardom as he's already turned Charlotte into must-see TV. Don't be surprised to see him take the League by storm next year the same way guys like Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson have in recent memory. Later, FOX Sports TV personality and co-host of the 'Calm Down with Erin & Charissa' podcast Charissa Thompson swings by to discuss why she feels like she hit the lottery when she first got hired at ESPN, the trials and tribulations of working on live television, how she was able to shatter the glass ceiling and become one of the prominent female personalities in sports television, why she's disappointed in the Russell Wilson melodrama surrounding her hometown Seattle Seahawks, why she's optimistic that the rest of the Seahawks players will welcome Wilson back into the fold even after he criticized the offensive line in public, how difficult it is to give her honest opinions about athletes who she happens to be friendly with off the air, why she believes it's going to be difficult for the Dallas Cowboys to justify not paying Dak Prescott market value, how her new podcast with Erin Andrews came about, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason shares his thoughts on the Houston Rockets' decision to retire James Harden's jersey so quickly after he forced his way out of town and left the franchise in ruins in the process. Say what you want about Harden's exit but the ends justified the means as Harden is now on the best team in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, anybody who says that Harden's messy divorce from the Rockets should eliminate him from MVP consideration is asinine. Harden's 8-game stretch in Houston should matter just as much as LeBron James' ugly 4 game stretch without Anthony Davis last week - not at all. Let's just hope the notoriously fickle NBA media who votes on these awards feels the same way Later, Producer Rob G joins the show to explain why he has a big problem with Houston's decision to hang the Harden jersey in the rafters, and uses a term to describe the act that only a fan of Shakespeare can appreciate. Could you argue that the jersey retirement announcement actually says more about the Rockets organization than it does about Harden? Finally, the guys close the show with a fiery debate about Steph Curry's true standing amongst the greatest point guards in NBA history. Has this season proven that he should be mentioned alongside guys like Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook rather than Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas? You'll definitely want to stick around for this one! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on JJ Watt's decision to sign with the Arizona Cardinals. The move sent shockwaves through the football world given that nobody in the NFL media seemed to even have the Cardinals as a finalist. Producer Rob G says Watt is a fraud for saying he wanted to go to a contender only to sign with a cellar-dweller for the biggest payday, while Jason argues that Watt is likely to have faced criticism no matter where he goes. Either way, now that the news is official, the only question remaining is this: Will Deshaun Watson look to join his former Texans teammates Watt and DeAndre Hopkins in Arizona? Later, NBC Dallas/Ft Worth host Newy Scruggs swings by to explain why there's absolutely no chance for a Russell Wilson-for-Dak Prescott trade, why the biggest reason why Dak hasn't secured his long-term deal in Dallas is because of his agent likes playing hardball (even though he's mostly struck out recently), why the Cowboys actually view Dak as a younger version of Wilson, why he has a hard time believing Wilson's interest in Dallas is mutual, why he's willing to bet a steak dinner on the possibility that Dak will end up getting close to $40 million per year in his next contract, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Producer Rob G joins Jason for a little wall-to-wall NBA conversation. First, it's clear that the Los Angeles Clippers still lack the clutch gene necessary to become a legitimate title contenders. They folded like a cheap tent down the stretch on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, just like they did against the Denver Nuggets in The Bubble last season. They're frauds. Period. All of these leads to one obvious question: What does this mean for the future of Kawhi Leonard? Kawhi has built up this reputation that he's a LeBron James-level team builder thanks to that 'fortunate' NBA title he won in Toronto, but so far that couldn't be further from the truth. Perhaps his future lies outside of the Clippers, somewhere where he won't be asked to build the team, somewhere that already has a strong foundation in place, somewhere like... The Phoenix Suns. Speaking of the Suns, Jason and Rob G are at odds over just how good Devin Booker really is. Last week LeBron called Booker 'the most disrespected player' in the NBA, but do the numbers back that up? How much credit does he really deserve for the Phoenix turnaround this season? It's a debate that should get your blood boiling. Later, the guys do a deep dive into which teams are the biggest threats to the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference. Jason says a healthy Boston Celtics squad with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is the only team with the requisite wing defenders to slow down the Nets, while Rob G says his money is on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Only time will tell which man is right. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre defends Russell Wilson for venting his frustration with the Seahawks organization and argues for the Dallas Cowboys to make an offer for the 32 year-old QB. He blasts Brandon Ingram for lying to the media when speaking about his teammate, Zion Williamson. He speaks with Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine for insight on what the Celtics need to do in order to turn their season around and challenge the Nets in the East. Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News pushes back against Jason’s theory that the Cowboys would abandon Dak Prescott and bring Russell Wilson to Dallas. Plus, is Jason ready to throw himself into the NBA Top Shot game? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing his thoughts on the report in The Athletic detailing the growing rift between Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. On one hand, the Seahawks have been a winning franchise the entirety of Wilson's career so it's odd that he would want out; On the other, Seattle has done a mediocre job at best building the roster around Wilson ever since he signed his contract extension. This all could come to a head sooner than later, and guess which team is waiting in the wings: The Dallas Cowboys. Wilson would be a clear upgrade over Dak Prescott and he'd save Dallas some money against the salary cap as well. Make it happen, Jerry Jones. Later, actor/comedian Gary Owen swings by to discuss what it was like playing pickup basketball on the set of 'Think Like a Man' and getting dunked on by Darren Collison, the pros and cons of doing a comedy tour during a pandemic, what it was like being trapped in a hotel with no water or power for 3 days last week during that epic snowstorm in Texas, why he's optimistic about Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals heading into the 2021 season, how Burrow's upbringing has better prepared him for life in the NFL, why he'd like to see the Baltimore Ravens trade for Odell Beckham Jr to pair him with Lamar Jackson, how the comedy club atmosphere is so much different than the 'cancel culture' on comedy that permeates through social media, why former Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs had an issue with him back in the day, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason shares a quick thought on the reveal of the Los Angeles Lakers' schedule entering the second half of the season. It is absolutely brutal. If there was ever any concern about LeBron James running himself into the ground before the playoffs start it's only going to be amplified in the second half. The Lakers have 8 back-to-back games; it almost feels like the NBA is punishing The King for being so vocal about his displeasure for the All-Star Game. If Frank Vogel is smart, he'll make sure to load manage LeBron liberally until the postseason. Later, TheDraftScout.com founder and ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller swings by to explain why he feels like Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is a 2nd round prospect who could get pushed up into the 1st round because so many NFL teams are desperate for quarterbacks, why he's not buying the notion that Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is suddenly falling down draft boards, why he views Penn State edge rusher Jayson Oweh as a player who has the potential to be great in the NFL even his production wasn't that great last season, why he doesn't believe that either Alabama wide receivers - Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith - are locks to go in the top 10 of the Draft, the method behind the madness behind every mock draft he puts out, why he believes that Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade's stock fell so far since the beginning of the season, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason does a deep dive into the motor vehicle incident that may have prematurely ended Tiger Woods professional golf career. Tiger became the face of the sport during a time when most younger folks couldn't care less about golf. Tiger changed that; He made golf cool for the people under 30. We're all wishing him a speedy recovery. Later, Jason shares a quick thought on the NBA All-Star reserves and tells us why it's absurd to think that Devin Booker deserved to get in over Zion Williamson. Zion is the biggest up-and-coming star in the League, and Booker isn't even the most important player on his own team. Finally, MMQB Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer swings by to discuss what he's hearing about Mac Jones, Zach Wilson and Trevor Lawrence leading up to the NFL Draft, the challenges NFL franchises are dealing with as they try to scout prospects during a pandemic, why Ja'Marr Chase appears to be well ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith as the top rated wide receiver available, why the lukewarm trade market for Carson Wentz says a lot about what NFL front offices think about him, why the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins should be able to put together the best trade offer for Deshaun Watson, why he doesn't expect Jimmy Garoppolo or Derek Carr to be traded this offseason, how Aaron Rodgers may have inspired Russell Wilson to speak out against the Seattle Seahawks front office, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Jason kicks things off by doing into a deep dive into the evolution of James Harden. In basketball, just as in life, there’s no such thing as success or failure; each moment is just a stepping-stone to something else. In Houston, we were quick to call Harden a failure because he was unable to get over the hump and get to the NBA Finals. But maybe, all of the lessons he learned about winning and losing are what led to him evolving into arguably the most indispensable player on the Brooklyn Nets. In fact, you could argue that no player outside of LeBron James effects winning more than Harden. Later, NBA legend Tyrone 'Muggsy' Bogues swings by to discuss how the game has evolved since he played back in the 90s, why he sees current Charlotte Hornets phenom LaMelo Ball as a cross between Jason Kidd and Penny Hardaway, why he's a big fan of the overall point guard play in today's NBA, the obstacles he had to overcome as a 5'3" point guard. both in college and in the NBA, how basketball helped him navigate the inner-cities of Baltimore as a youth, what it was like playing for the #1 high school team in the nation in the early-80s, how the additions of Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson helped turn his Charlotte Hornets squad into one of the most exciting teams of the decade - even if their run ended prematurely, what he's expecting from the Brooklyn Nets trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden, the notion that players from 20 years ago couldn't play in today's NBA, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing his thoughts on a recent study that lists Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry is the most polarizing player in the NBA. Steph has a persona and a style of play that resonates with the younger generation, so on the on surface, it would seem odd to suggest that he’d be anything other than the well-liked. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll notice that some sports fans started to turn on him back in 2015 after he 'jumped the line' and became the Face of the League almost overnight. Next thing you knew even his peers like LeBron James, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook developed a healthy disdain for the skinny kid with the sweet jump shot. What's more, Producer Rob G argues that the biggest reason for the 'Steph Curry Slander' is that members of the media elevated Curry to an all-time status without ever fully acknowledging the context surrounding his meteoric rise to superstardom (a point that Jason vehemently disagrees with). Later, Jason uses a viral video featuring a teenage boy berating Cam Newton at a football camp as a teaching moment for the youth of America. Say what you want about Cam's abilities as a pocket passer, but to call him anything other than an NFL success story is blasphemous. He's made his share of his mistakes both in college and the pros, for sure, but he's also won a Heisman Trophy and an NFL MVP. Kudos to Cam for keeping his head and teaching that kid a lesson. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre throws a wet blanket on the Carson Wentz trade and explains why the Colts are not better off than they were last year. He defends Jalen Johnson’s decision to “quit” on his Duke teammates and compares the Brooklyn Nets to super teams of recent memory. Plus, appearances by sports gambling expert Preston Johnson, Eagles insider John McMullen, FS1 NBA Analyst Ric Bucher and former Broncos safety Nick Ferguson! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing his thoughts on the blockbuster trade in the NFL that saw Carson Wentz dealt from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts. On the surface, it would appear to be a clear win for Indy, but dig a little deeper and the move seems like a wash for both sides. The Colts are more likely to miss the playoffs altogether in 2021 than they are to suddenly become a Super Bowl contender. What's more, the oddsmakers in Vegas aren't convinced that the Colts are demonstrably better with Wentz under center than they were with the old man Philip Rivers last season. From Philadelphia's perspective, they're back to square one without a definitive franchise quarterback on their roster. The only saving grace is that at least now they'll have the draft capital to try and rebuild the offensive line and wide receiving core that played such a big role in Wentz' undoing. Later, Producer Rob joins the show to discuss the Brooklyn Nets' beatdown of the Los Angeles Lakers. James Harden was phenomenal, but it was the 'other guys' bombing away from deep that forced LeBron James to watch most of the fourth quarter from the bench in a blowout. Either way, with no Kevin Durant and no Anthony Davis, it's hard to take much away from this game. However, the Lakers weren't the only team to get embarrassed on national television tonight. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have now lost 5 in a row, and it seems like a matter of time before changes are made in Milwaukee. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things with some quick thoughts on Wednesday night's NBA action. Have you noticed how offensively skilled guys are these days? Damian Lillard scored another clutch bucket to cement himself as a legitimate MVP contender; Steph Curry drilled a step back three in overtime to salt away the Warriors' 4th win in 5 games; even guys like Damontas Sabonis and Davis Bertans dropped 35+. Please don't take the shotmaking of today's NBA for granted. Later, Jason tells us why even though Tim Tebow ultimately failed in his quest of becoming a MLB player, he deserves praise for even having the courage to try. In a world where the masses are looking for any reason to tear you down, Tebow served as a constant reminder that it's okay to follow your dreams - no matter how farfetched they may seem. Finally, former NBA shooting guard Cuttino Mobley swings by to discuss why it was so hard to make an All-Star team as a guard in the Western Conference during his playing career, what it was like playing for the Houston Rockets during the early stages of Yao Ming's career, how he believes he would've fared playing in today's NBA and why he refused to disparage the style of play nowadays, why he believes adding a legitimate center is the key to the Brooklyn Nets making an NBA title run, why he believes Kevin Durant is the greatest scorer of all-time, why he believes that Michael Jordan had a little bit of luck during his championship runs of the 90s, why he has LeBron James as the greatest basketball player ever, the reason why Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers have been able to fly under the radar a bit so far this season, how a kid of Philadelphia ended up getting recruited to play his college ball at Rhode Island, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game without Anthony Davis. LeBron James was awesome, as usual. but he did play way too many minutes. The Lakers can't afford to run LeBron in the ground while they're trying to tread water without AD. On the bright side, newcomers Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell appear ready to step into bigger roles with Davis on the shelf. If the Lakers are going to remain near the top of the Western Conference they're going to need Schroder and Harrell to keep that upward trajectory. Later, FOX Sports Radio host and college basketball maven Aaron Torres swings by to explain how the pandemic has really hurt the visibility and storylines of college basketball this season, why he believes Duke freshman Jalen Johnson deserves to be heavily criticized for quitting (not 'opting out') on the team this late in the season, why he believes Johnson would've been better served staying around the Duke program even he didn't want to play out the rest of the season, what Johnson's decision could mean for Coach K's ability to recruit one-and-done prospects moving forward, why this pandemic season has made him realize how much the sport of college basketball needs schools like Duke and Kentucky to be relevant, how he's hearing that the NCAA decision makers may delay an appeal decision to ensure that presumptive #1 NBA Draft pick Cade Cunningham is eligible to play in the NCAA Tournament, why he's picking the Baylor Bears right now to win the National Championship, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing his thoughts on a recent Boston Globe column which suggests that Tom Brady deserves credit for inspiring guys like Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson to force their teams to surround them with better talent. The premise is 100% accurate, but isn't it also true that many in the sports media crucify LeBron James for doing the same in the NBA? Why does Brady get celebrated for building Super Teams while LeBron gets ridiculed? Talk about your double standard. Later, Jason explains why he has no issue with Duke freshman Jalen Johnson leaving the team midseason to prepare for the NBA Draft. While many in the college basketball community have labeled Johnson as a 'quitter', Jason argues that the freshman phenom is just doing what's best for his career. Duke has largely underwhelmed this season, and it's not like Johnson would be getting the full March Madness experience if the Blue Devils made the tournament anyways. Plus, Bleacher Report Lakers insider Eric Pincus swings by to discuss how he expects the Purple and Gold to weather the storm following Anthony Davis' latest injury, why he doesn't expect LeBron James to suddenly start taking nights off to preserve himself for the NBA Playoffs, why Lakers fans shouldn't expect the team to be a realistic landing spot for big men like Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin, why the front office views Talen Horton-Tucker as such a big piece of their future, if there's any team in the Western Conference who can compete with a fully-healthy Lakers squad in the postseason, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Jason does a deep dive into Kyrie Irving stating that over the weekend that James Harden – not himself – would be the Brooklyn Nets’ point guard for the rest of the season. While most of the basketball world praised Kyrie for willingly taking a backseat to Harden, Jason isn’t so sure it’s going to work long-term. The last time Kyrie wasn’t the focal point of his team’s offense was during his final years in Cleveland alongside LeBron, and we all know how that one turned out. Moreover, the fact that Harden has so clearly established himself as the team’s best point guard leads to one obvious question: Is Harden actually underrated? He went from leading the NBA to scoring in Houston to supplanting Kyrie as the Nets’ best distributor almost overnight. With Harden and a healthy Kevin Durant, Brooklyn may not even need a happy Kyrie to win the East. In the NFL, it’s looking more and more like Carson Wentz’ days are numbered as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles; the only question at this point is which team will trade for him. And if you’re a quarterback-needy team like the Indianapolis Colts or the New England Patriots, are you even sure that Wentz is better than Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre explains why the media seems to ‘have it out’ for Urban Meyer and questions if the legendary college football coach will be able to adapt to the NFL. He says that the NFL should take the advice of star quarterbacks and let them in on personnel decisions. Jason shares his thoughts on why Super Bowl ratings were down this year. Jason congratulates the Texans for surpassing his Jets as the biggest dumpster fire in the NFL. Plus, appearances by the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, Lakers reporter Mike Trudell and The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing his thoughts on Urban Meyer's controversial hire of Chris Doyle as the Jacksonville Jaguars new director of sport performance. Doyle left the Iowa Hawkeyes program last year under a cloud of allegations involving racism and bullying of black college football players. On the surface the hire seems like a bad one, but dig a little deeper and it's clear that Meyer made the hire for one key reason: Relationships matter. If there was ever going to be a guy willing to vouch for the disgraced coach and give him another shot at redemption, it was going to be someone with a lot of sway and who feels like they can vouch for him. Enter, Urban Meyer. In sports, just as in life, it's always about who you know. Later, Jason does a deep dive into LeBron James and his sudden uptick in minutes played that seems to have Los Angeles Lakers so worried. Yes, LeBron is clearly looking to bolster his MVP candidacy after the voters foolishly gave the award to Giannis last season; And yes, a 5th MVP would tie him with Michael Jordan and add to his GOAT resume. But the biggest reason why LeBron is playing so many minutes is because Anthony Davis is hurt and the Lakers can't afford to let games slip away in the crowded Western Conference playoff race. It looks like fans will be in the stands when the NBA Playoffs roll around, and LeBron is doing everything he can to make sure the Lake Show has home court advantage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, 3x NBA champion, sports agent and media personality BJ Armstrong swings by for an extended conversation with Jason to discuss the New York Knicks decision to trade for his client Derrick Rose and his potential fit on a young up-and-coming roster, why he's so impressed by the bounce-back year Steph Curry is having thus far, why the removal of the hand-check rule is arguably the most impactful rule change in NBA history, how European basketball has evolved to become even more physical than the NBA, why he hates comparing eras of basketball given that the style of play changes so drastically every decade, why he believes LeBron James longevity - not necessarily his physical abilities - is what really sets him apart historically, why he's still not ready to put LeBron ahead of Michael Jordan in the GOAT conversation, why historically great big men like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain could easily dominate in today's NBA the same way they did during their time, how the global popularity of basketball has helped change the way the game is played in today's NBA, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sending some positive vibes towards our friend Colin Cowherd as he recovers from a medical emergency. Get well soon, Colin; We're all pulling for you. Plus, Jason explains why Russell Wilson going on a small media tour on Tuesday to vent his frustrations about his lack of involvement in personnel decisions within the Seahawks organization was actually a good thing. LeBron James and Tom Brady are two of the greatest winners in all of sports, and both guys are coming off championship seasons because they took their career into their own hands. And if you're Seattle, why wouldn't you want to take the advice of your franchise player when it comes to decisions involving the team? Recent history says it's going to pay off for your in a very big way. Later, Rejecting the Screen podcast host Noah Coslov swings by to discuss how he ended up hosting a separate podcast with his 6-year-old daughter, why he's got LeBron James as the MVP front-runner right now, whether or not the media members would even be willing to vote for someone like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic to win MVP, the biggest source for the Los Angeles Clippers' crunch time struggles so far this season, why he believes the Los Angeles Lakers are overwhelming favorites to win the West, why he doesn't even think Donovan Mitchell is even the MVP of the Utah Jazz much less the entire League, why Michael Porter Jr. shouldn't be untouchable for any trade involving a legitimate superstar like Bradley Beal, why he believes LaMelo Ball just might be the most exciting player in the NBA, why he's fascinated by the development of Zion Williamson given the way the New Orleans Pelicans have struggled so far this season, why he likes the Philadelphia 76ers - not the Brooklyn Nets - to win the East, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason puts a bow on the NFL season that was by sharing his thoughts on a few more Super Bowl storylines that have trickled out in the past 24 hours. First, let's put an end to this idea that Patrick Mahomes played poorly; that's the epitome of box score analysis. Context matters, people! The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line didn't show up and the wide receivers dropped at least two touchdown passes. Maybe folks just couldn't handle seeing Mahomes get showered with praise in the days leading up to the Big Game so they're just looking for any reason to tear him down. On the flip side, there's this growing narrative in sports media that this past season was the most impressive of Tom Brady's career. Given everything Brady had to overcome (a pandemic, a new team, three former MVPs in the playoffs, etc.), you could easily argue that it was his most impressive season to date... until you remember that he's been winning at a high level for 20 years. Every season had it's own trials and tribulations so it's impossible to pinpoint just one season as the absolute best. Moreover, given the overall size of the gambling handle for the Super Bowl, it's time to accept the fact that legalized sports wagering is headed nationwide. With states still reeling from the pandemic don't be surprised to see more and more turning to sports gambling as a way to generate income. In fact, we could be just a few years away from sports gambling-themed talk shows taking the place of debate shows on sports television. Finally, Jason closes the show by pouring some cold water on what just might be the most speculative story of the offseason: Would Urban Meyer really trade the #1 overall pick (Trevor Lawrence) for Deshaun Watson? Short answer: No. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason brings you wall-to-wall reaction to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers demolition of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The night's big winner? Tom Brady, of course. Brady's 7 rings are now more than any team in NFL history. The game turned on a series of bad calls but that wasn't the difference in the game; the Bucs were clearly the better team on Sunday. Interestingly enough, on a night when the Chiefs failed to scored a touchdown for the first time in Patrick Mahomes' NFL career, the biggest loser was a guy who wasn't involved in the game at all: Bill Belichick. Not only did Brady earn his first Super Bowl ring away from Belichick, but he did it flanked by a pair of former Patriots (Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown) and a running back they picked up for free (Leonard Fournette). Had Belichick treated Brady better in New England maybe he would've been the one holding the Lombardi trophy on Sunday night. From the Chiefs perspective, the one boiled down to one simple problem: the offensive line couldn't block a damn thing. Mahomes made a few spectacular plays but even he couldn't overcome the human turnstile up front, or the dropped passes by his receivers, or the back-breaking penalties by his defense. It really was just an embarrassingly bad performance from the Chiefs all around. On a macro level, maybe the Bucs suffocating win provided the blueprint for beating Mahomes and the Chiefs in the future, and maybe their Super Bowl victory will inspire other teams to push all-in on a franchise quarterback of their own. Either way, we can assume the NFL offseason will be more entertaining than Super Bowl 55 was. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre previews Super Bowl LV from every angle and makes his official pick for the big game! He questions why the Eagles desperately want to trade Carson Wentz after getting rid of Doug Pederson and shares his favorite prop bets for the big game! Plus, Jason weighs in on a tragic and troubling story involving Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid.Plus, appearances by PFF’s Sam Monson, former NFL player Ross Tucker, SharpFootballAnalysis.com’s Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason is finally ready to make his official Chiefs-Buccaneers Super Bowl predictions. The 49ers gave the blueprint to beat the Chiefs in last year's Super Bowl: You have to be able to rush the passer using just the front-four, and between Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, the Bucs seem to have the guys to do that. However, the Chiefs clearly have the edge in the head coach (Andy Reid over Bruce Arians), quarterback (Patrick Mahomes over Tom Brady) and defensive coordinator departments. What's more, you can argue that the the Bucs run to the Super Bowl was a little bit of fool's gold given how fluky some of the games were. As a result, Jason is officially picking the Chiefs to beat the Bucs 33-23. Book it! Plus, Super Bowl champion and FOX Sports NFL analyst Greg Jennings swings by to discuss why he was a little shocked that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to upset Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game, why he expects the Bucs will have to double cover Tyreek Hill if they expect to have any level of success against him this time around, why he believes defenders underestimate Bucs' wide receiver Scotty Miller the same way they used to with former Packers wideout Jordy Nelson, why he never really planned on getting into broadcasting after he retired from the NFL, why he decided recently to become a professional bodybuilder, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a special interview-only edition of Straight Fire! First, former NFL scout and NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah swings by to discuss what it was like seeing the development of Justin Herbert up close and personal as the radio color analyst for the Los Angeles Chargers, why the Senior Bowl evaluations could be big this year given that there will be no NFL Combine this year, why the quarterback position might be the toughest college-to-pros evaluation in all of football, why he has both BYU's Zach Wilson and North Dakota State's Trey Lance ahead of Ohio State's Justin Fields heading into the NFL Draft, why the New York Jets' decision on Sam Darnold is more complicated that you think, why he wouldn't be surprised to see Deshaun Watson sit out the season if he's unable to force a trade from the Houston Texans, why he's very skeptical that the Las Vegas Raiders could get one first round pick - let alone two - in a trade for Derek Carr, why he's picking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the Super Bowl, and much more! Later, former NFL defensive end Akbar Gbajabiamila checks in to tell us why why he expects the Bucs front four to have success against the banged up Chiefs offensive line, why it was always foolish to say Andy Reid couldn't win 'the big one' before last season, why he's a big proponent of young athletes playing multiple sports rather than just specializing in one growing up, what it would mean for the Raiders organization if they're somehow able to land Deshaun Watson, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the report that the Las Vegas Raiders are looking to get involved in the Deshaun Watson Sweepstakes. Rumor has it the Raiders are looking to trade Derek Carr for two first rounders and then package those picks in a larger deal for Watson. It sounds like a great idea but... who the heck is giving up two firsts for Carr?!? When it's all said and done, there's only 2 teams who can make a legit offer for Watson: The New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins. Later, Jason explains why a victory in the upcoming Super Bowl would vault Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes into the top-10 of quarterbacks of the NFL's modern era. You argue all you want about Jason's current Top 10 list, but you can't argue that a win on Sunday would automatically put Mahomes somewhere in the back half of that Top 10. In 3 years as a starter, Mahomes would have earned 2 Super Bowls, at least 1 Super Bowl MVP award and 1 regular season MVP award. How many quarterbacks can beat that? In fact, you can even argue that a win on Sunday would keep Mahomes on a path towards becoming the Greatest of All-Time, not just a guy in the Top 10. Finally, Jason closes the show with the second edition of his daily Super Bowl prop bets in a very special edition of the Best Bet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on LeBron James' viral interaction with 'Courtside Karen' in Atlanta on Monday Night. Good luck finding a more 2020 moment than an artificially enhanced woman getting kicked out of a game in the middle of a pandemic for shouting at LeBron while not wearing her mask and then going on Instagram to cry about it after. On the NFL front, one former Green Bay Packers lineman says Aaron Rodgers is 'hellbent on revenge' and wants to make the team pay after the way they treated him last offseason. While it's possible Rodgers was upset with the team's decision to draft his replacement last year, this story just doesn't pass the smell test. We're calling bulljive on this one. Later, Jason drops the first edition of his daily Super Bowl prop bets in a very special edition of the Best Bet. Finally, Emmy award-winning host Kelvin Washington from Spectrum News 1 joins the show to discuss what it was like growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, what made Barry Sanders so special, why he's not so sure that the addition of Matthew Stafford makes the Los Angeles Rams the favorites to win the NFC next season, why he doesn't blame Stafford for never winning big in Detroit given the franchise's history of wasting the career of it's biggest stars, why the Lions will need a massive infusion of talent if they expect Jared Goff to have any success in Detroit, why he believes Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all-time but LeBron James is the best player of all-time, how 'Count the Rings' culture has hurt sports debates in many ways, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the Brooklyn Nets loss to the Washington Wizards on Sunday Night. Don't look now, but since the Nets acquired James Harden, they have the worst defense in NBA history. Yikes. Kevin Durant and the boys better tighten that up if they expect to make a run at the NBA Finals. Plus, Jason goes deep on the blockbuster trade that saw Matthew Stafford land with the Los Angeles Rams and Jared Goff end up with the Detroit Lions. Stafford instantly makes the Rams the best team in the NFC next season. Don't let his lack of playoff success fool you; Detroit has been an absolute dumpster fire for decades now. There's nothing Stafford could have done to change that. Now, he's in a winning culture surrounded by elite talent like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey and a top-5 coach in Sean McVay. From Detroit's perspective, they acquire a young quarterback in Goff who has had some success in the League plus two first round picks. They won't be a playoff team next season but at least they're set up for the future. The trade was truly a win-win for both teams. At the point, the only question is: What does this trade mean for Deshaun Watson? If Stafford netted two first rounders, will Watson command four? It's going to be a fascinating next offseason in the NFL. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LaVar Arrington, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress weigh in on the immediate futures for Deshaun Watson and Matthew Stafford. Is Watson handling a tough situation the right way? And should he give David Culley a shot? Plus, former NFL quarterback and third overall pick Akili Smith joins the show to share his thoughts on the quarterback carousel in the NFL! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre says that the NFL needs to embrace the player empowerment movement from the NBA and discusses the most likely landing spots for quarterbacks that will be on the move this offseason. He analogizes the way Reddit weaponized the stock market to the use of analytics in sports today. He looks head to the Super Bowl and what is at stake for Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. Plus, appearances by MMQB’s Albert Breer, BetQL’s Vik Chokshi, former NFL GM Randy Mueller and the NFL’s Wine Guy Will Blackmon! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason takes Tony Romo to task for saying in a conference call that the upcoming Super Bowl is a 'legacy' game for Patrick Mahomes. Has Romo not been following football the past 3 years? Mahomes has easily been arguably the quarterback since he became a starter, and he's already making his second Super Bowl appearance. Mahomes is only getting better; he's going to be a fixture in the Super Bowl for a long time. Sticking in the NFL, apparently Ben Roethlisberger is willing to take a pay cut so he can play for the Pittsburgh Steelers for one more season. It's understandable why Big Ben would want to come back, but are we sure that's the right move for Pittsburgh? He looks washed, and the best move might be to just tell him to kick rocks. Finally, Jason shares a quick thought on the reports that Deshaun Watson has formally requested a trade out of Houston. If the Texans think they can play hard ball with their disgruntled quarterback, they're in for a rude awakening. Plus, former NFL All-Pro safety Kerry Rhodes swings by to explain why if he were running the New York Jets he'd be willing to give up whatever it takes to get Deshaun Watson via trade, why he sympathizes with Watson given the way he was treated by the Houston Texans front office, why he loves the idea that the NBA's Player Empowerment Movement is coming to the NFL, what it was like playing for the Jets during the infamous Rex Ryan era and why things ended poorly for him there, why he thinks it's imperative for the Baltimore Ravens to create a more diverse scheme that can help Lamar Jackson develop as a passer, why he expects Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl, what it's like playing pickup basketball with guys like Russell Westbrook, Common and Jason Terry in the offseason, why he's hoping and praying that his beloved Dallas Mavericks are able to make a trade that would pair Bradley Beal with Luka Doncic, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason explains why the Houston Texans decision to hire David Culley as their next head coach appears to be an abject failure on its face. Culley was most recently the passing game coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, who just so happen to have the worst passing game in the NFL. If you think this is going to help keep Deshaun Watson in Houston, you’ve got another thing coming. Speaking of quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford appears to be the 2nd best signal-caller that could be available this offseason. And, unlike Watson, the teams most likely to make a run at Stafford should be ones that are already playoff-caliber. Don’t be surprised if Stafford has a Tom Brady-like impact on whatever team he ends up with. Plus, former NFL linebacker and FS1 NFL analyst LaVar Arrington swings by to discuss what it was like being one of the marquee players in an NFL Draft that included a sixth round quarterback named Tom Brady, why he feels like he never fully developed into the NFL player many expected he would become coming out of college, how the speedy Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David will matchup against the high-octane Kansas City Chiefs offense in the Super Bowl, what it's going to take from the defenses to make Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady uncomfortable, why his opinion of the Chiefs has changed considerably from the middle of the season, how his new FOX Sports Radio show 'Up on Game' could change the way sports media executives view former athletes moving forward, why he's so excited to see former Penn State standouts Micah Persons and Jayson Oweh in the NFL and why he expects both guys to dominate their Pro Days, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by paying homage to the 'Washed King' himself LeBron James. At age 36, LeBron continues to defy Father Time and is currently the odds on favorite to win his fourth NBA MVP award... and people are still looking for reasons to hate the man! What gives? Whether is sports media talking heads who claim that LeBron ruined the NBA with the Player Empowerment Era or former players like Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley who seem more worried about going viral than providing honest analysis, it seems folks are just unwilling to recognize greatness when its staring them right in the face. At the quarter pole of the season, it's clear that LeBron is the MVP. On the flip side, one NBA star who isn't having a great season is Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. That's not to say that Beal is playing poorly (he's not), but his team stinks (again) and it's clearly starting to take a toll on him mentally. Beal should be the next All-Star to get traded, and don't be surprised to see the team that missed on the James Harden Sweepstakes swoop in and make a deal: The Philadelphia 76ers. Finally, news leaked on Tuesday that New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball is back on the trade block for the second time in 3 seasons. It sure has been a far fall from grace for the former #2 overall pick. Is it too soon to call Ball a bust? Would another change of scenery be enough to unlock the talent Daddy LaVar has raved about since he was in college? There's only one way to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason and Producer Rob take a moment to pay their respects to the late, great Kobe Bryant on the one year anniversary of his death. Everyone remembers exactly where they were when they got the news. It was a devastating moment not just for Lakers fans, but sports fans across the globe. Later, NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter swings by to discuss the development of his new podcast 'Huddle & Flow', the underreported storylines surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, why Todd Bowles hasn't really been considered for another head coaching job despite running one of the hottest defenses in the NFL, why he believes NFL owners have done a poor job hiring minority coaches, why general managers and team presidents deserve a lot more blame for the lack of diversity in the head coaching ranks, the harsh realities that minority coaches face even after they do get the elusive head coaching jobs, why it's so embarrassing that Eric Bieniemy hasn't been able to land a head coaching offer, what he thoughts about the Josh McCown coaching rumors and why he thinks the Houston Texans job isn't a good gig at all, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Jason brings you wall-to-wall reaction to NFL Championship weekend. First, in the NFC, let’s give Tom Brady a round of applause for earning the win and getting to his 10th career Super Bowl. The things that he’s doing at age 43 are nothing short of magnificent. In many ways, he’s like the LeBron James of the NFL; he’s going to playing for the championship every year and it doesn’t even matter what conference you put him in. On the flip side, what a deflating loss for the Green Bay Packers. After a series of uncharacteristic miscues that put them in an 18-point hole, Aaron Rodgers was able to lead them all the way back with a chance to tie late in the 4th quarter… only for head coach Matt LaFleur to tuck his tail between his legs and kick the field goal. How do you not trust the MVP in that situation? Needless to say, the Packers never got the ball back again. Maybe that’s why Rodgers was so cryptic about his future in the postgame. In the AFC, it was the same story we’ve seen for the past 3 seasons: Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs cannot be stopped. There is no good defense against them; you’re only hope is that they beat themselves. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills were a great regular season team, but as they learned very quickly in the AFC Championship game – there’s levels to this game. Mahomes is simply on a different level right now. Can’t wait for the Super Bowl! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason McIntyre previews Conference Championship Sunday and explains why the stakes are bigger for Aaron Rodgers than any other quarterback playing tomorrow. He weighs in on the disappointing start for the Nets’ ‘Big 3’ and shares his thoughts on HBO’s documentary on Tiger Woods! Plus, Jason makes his picks for tomorrow’s games! Appearances by Vahe Gregorian of the Kansas City Star, Gary Myers of The GOAT- Tom Brady podcast, Sean Salisbury of FSR affiliate KBME in Houston, and T.A. of SharpFootballAnalysis.com! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing a quick thought on the Los Angeles Lakers big road win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Did Mike Budenholzer not learn anything from the Bucks' playoff flameout last season? For whatever reason, the Bucks absolutely refuse to guard the 3-point line. Oh, and if there was ever any doubt as to whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo had surpassed LeBron James as the best player in the NBA: LeBron is putting up 35/8/7 in his last two games against Giannis and his team is 2-0. Case. Closed. Later, Jason and Producer Rob rank the six head coaching hires in the NFL thus far. While the two guys disagree on the coach at the top, there's a consensus on the coach at the bottom: Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions. Campbell may have delivered the worst introductory press conference in the NFL history. If you're a Lions fan, this just may be the latest in a long line of embarrassing moments for the franchise. Looking ahead to NFL Championship weekend, Jason explains why the balmy weather at Lambeau Field could be the deciding factor in Green Bay Packers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers showdown. Other than Tom Brady, the Bucs don't have anyone who seems comfortable in cold weather. Expect Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to pull out the victory. In the AFC, assuming Patrick Mahomes is fully recovered from his concussion, Jason isn't giving the Buffalo Bills any chance to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, it's more likely to be a Chiefs blowout than a Bills upset. The only question in each game is this: Will the favorites cover the spread? Check out the Best Bet at the end of the show to find out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off by sharing his thoughts on the debut of the Brooklyn Nets Big 3 of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. The Nets defense was mostly atrocious in their double-overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but we did get a glimpse of the offensive juggernaut the trio could be become as Durant and Kyrie combined for 75 points and Harden had another triple-double. And, you know another Big 3 who had a bit of clunker in their debut? The 2010 Miami Heat with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Yeah, those guys turned out pretty good. Later, Producer Rob joins the show to help Jason make sense of the unbelievable start by Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, the general malaise of Philadelphia 76ers all-star Ben Simmons and the injury status of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Finally, New Zealand Breakers owner and former college basketball star Matt Walsh swings by to discuss how life was able to get back to normal so quickly in New Zealand even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, how an American from Philadelphia came to be the owner of a professional basketball team in a different country, why he views his team as the 31st NBA franchise, how his own personal experiences playing basketball overseas helped him on the ownership side, what it was like playing on the star-studded Florida Gators team featuring guys like Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer and David Lee, how he was able to get highly-touted high school prospect RJ Hampton to bypass college and play a year with the Breakers, why he's still planning on having his club play preseason games with NBA teams moving forward, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on Kyrie Irving's peculiar press conference in which he attributed his 2-week hiatus from the team to 'just needing a pause'. Interesting. That's not to say Kyrie didn't have legitimate personal issues that kept him away ,but by not revealing an exact reason he definitely leaves things open to interpretation. In fact, one could argue that Kyrie's disappearing act in the middle of the season, coupled with a quick glance at his social media history, that maybe he just doesn't love basketball that much. Unlike the rest of the top stars in the NBA, he doesn't have a single basketball-related image on Instagram page. Again, interesting. This is something to keep an eye on as the Brooklyn Nets navigate the rest of their season. Later, Super Bowl champion Brady Poppinga swings by to discuss what it was like playing alongside Aaron Rodgers during his first Super Bowl run, why it wasn't surprised to see Rodgers perform so well after the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love in the first round, why he believes New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill is the most over-criticized player in the NFL, why he sees flashes of Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes in BYU quarterback Zach Wilson and why believes Wilson is definitely the 2nd best quarterback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, how Mahomes concussion could play a big role in the AFC Championship game - even if he does get cleared to play, and much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.