PMT DB
PMT DB
Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles on the No. 1 Pick, Ja Morant's Issues, and Jon Jones' Return
A massive weekend of sports collided with the Chicago Bears taking over the show as Big Cat and PFT Commenter welcomed Head Coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles for an early morning session in Indianapolis. Between the NFL Combine buzz and a chaotic weekend in the NBA and UFC, there was plenty to unpack before the guys even sat down with the Chicago brass.
Jon Jones and the UFC Return
Jon Jones didn't just return; he reminded everyone why he's the bogeyman of the Octagon. Moving up to heavyweight and making a world-class fighter like Ciryl Gane look like a regional amateur in under three minutes was the kind of performance that reshaped the GOAT conversation for PFT.
PFT CommenterJon Jones is the best UFC fighter of all time
I think John Jones is the best UFC fighter of all time, I think at this point. It's hard to say otherwise cuz he has that one loss on his record. But that was just for illegal elbows, right, when he is beating the fuck out of a guy.
While the main event was a clinic, the rest of the card delivered too. Alexa Grasso pulled off a massive upset against Valentina Shevchenko, and Shavkat Rakhmonov continued to look like a Kazakh terminator. Big Cat even admitted that despite being a self-described combat sports casual, he’s becoming a submission connoisseur because of how primal it feels to watch someone just tap out.
The Ja Morant Situation
Things took a darker turn with Ja Morant, who spent his weekend going live on Instagram at a strip club while flashing a firearm. Beyond the obvious danger and stupidity, the guys couldn't help but notice that the hardware Ja was showing off didn't exactly match his superstar status.
Big CatJa Morant's strip club gun was surprisingly small and unimpressive
Outside of the seriousness of what's going on in Ja Morant's life, that was a pussy ass gun to flash. That thing was so small.
While some analysts are quick to blame the people around the Grizzlies star, Big Cat wasn't buying the excuse that Ja is just a victim of a bad circle. He argued that at some point, the superstar has to be the one setting the tone for his own life.
Big CatJa Morant is personally responsible for his behavior, not just his 'surroundings'
The line that a lot of people been using is like he's surrounding himself around people. I think that's a lazy take. Like Ja Morant is, I would imagine the alpha of his friend group. He is the guy who has all this talent... you have to pick better choices.
NFL Combine and Anthony Richardson’s Ascent
In Indianapolis, the NFL Combine became the Anthony Richardson show. The Florida quarterback set records for vertical and broad jumps, leaving scouts salivating despite his inconsistent college tape. Hank was so impressed by the physical profile that he’s ready to ignore the actual football part entirely.
PFT agreed that if you treat the Combine like a track meet, Richardson is the undisputed gold medalist, even if the transition to the NFL game remains the biggest wildcard of the draft.
PFT CommenterIf you completely ignore his actual game film, Anthony Richardson is a can't-miss NFL prospect
I'll say this, if you completely ignore all the times that [Anthony Richardson] has played football, he's the can't miss prospect... just from a measurement standpoint.
On the other end of the physical spectrum, Bryce Young managed to weigh in at 204 pounds, a number many suspected was reached by drinking several gallons of water immediately before stepping on the scale. PFT looked at the numbers and saw a prospect who was technically "too big" for his height.
PFT CommenterBryce Young is officially too fat to draft after his Combine weigh-in
I actually ran the BMI on Bryce Young for his exact height and weight. 29.3. He's borderline obese. Yeah. He's too fat to draft. This guy's a tub of shit.
Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles on the Clock
Big Cat was in heaven as the Chicago Bears brain trust joined the program. Dealing with the number one overall pick is a high-stakes game of poker, and Ryan Poles made it clear that while everyone is talking, he’s in no rush to fold his hand. Poles and Eberflus discussed their "HITS" philosophy and what they look for in a prospect beyond just the 40-yard dash.
Matt EberflusPassion for the game is the most important trait in a draft prospect
For us it's passion for the game. And that's the cool thing about these interviews... guys sit down and you throw the film on. You see this body language from the guys that it's like different. They get to the edge of their seat.
They also addressed the Chase Claypool trade, which has drawn some fire from Bears fans. Poles remains confident that the move will pay off once Claypool and Justin Fields have a full offseason to build chemistry. Big Cat, ever the optimist, offered his own unique perspective on why having the first pick is actually a sign of greatness.
Big CatThe team with the #1 overall pick is essentially the second-best team in the NFL
There is only one team that can win a Super Bowl. Everyone else is a loser. Except the team that has the first pick. We are literally the second best team. There's the first pick in the Super Bowl. Right. That's it.
The interview took a turn for the personal when Eberflus revealed he is a cat owner—a choice that initially raised some eyebrows but led to a massive high-stakes wager from Big Cat. If the rebuild works and the Lombardi Trophy returns to Chicago, Big Cat is going to have a very crowded house.
Big CatI will get 10 cats if the Chicago Bears win a Super Bowl
I'll get 10 cats if the Bears win a Super Bowl. Love it. There we go. Well under your guys' watch, you guys can bring us there.
Who’s Back and the Ghost of Leroy
In Who’s Back, PFT announced the return of the legendary breaking news dog, Leroy. Despite being in the Great Dog Park in the Sky, Leroy is officially back on the beat to take down Adam Schefter during free agency. The first target? The future of the Packers' disgruntled quarterback.
PFT CommenterAaron Rodgers is returning to the Green Bay Packers for the upcoming season
Leroy's first report... Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Green Bay Packers. Fuck. For the upcoming season.
Whether it's sloth bears being more vicious than honey badgers or the Duke/UNC rivalry losing its luster without Coach K, the show proved that March is officially here. It's time to make your free throws and attack the rim.
Someone check on Max, because Mick Cronin and the Bruins are entering the tournament with some serious injury baggage.
