PMT DB
PMT DB
Ben Johnson on the Bears Job, Caleb Williams, and Squatting 405
We are live from the Combine in Indianapolis, and the energy in the conference room is high as the NFL world descends on Indy. Max is officially back from his "fitness vacation," looking slightly worse for wear after a stomach-first penguin slide down a black diamond, but he's here just in time for the tush push controversy to heat up.
Big Cat and PFT wasted no time addressing the report that an unnamed team—very clearly the Green Bay Packers—is leading the charge to ban the tush push. Big Cat didn't hold back on the saltiness coming out of Lambeau.
Big CatThe Packers are being "salty bitches" by trying to ban the tush push
The Green Bay Packers are being salty bitches about it [the tush push]. There's, you could stop the tush bush. You could try to stop it. You could also stop them on first, second or third down.
Max, naturally defending his Eagles, called the potential ban a "loser mentality," while PFT is already preparing for the inevitable despite his own stance on the matter.
PFT CommenterThe NFL will likely ban the tush push this offseason
I'm firmly saying that I'm anti banning the tush push. But I'm also gonna be really, really happy when they do decide to ban it... I think they might [ban it].
Quarterback musical chairs is already the talk of the town. With Matthew Stafford reportedly looking for $50 million and Kirk Cousins potentially serving as the world's highest-paid backup in Atlanta, the guys started throwing darts at the board for where everyone lands.
Big CatAaron Rodgers will sign with the Vikings, the Steelers, or the Titans
I think it's Sam Darnold, Los Angeles [Rams], Stafford, New York [Giants], Rogers, Vikings. Rogers probably the Steelers or the Titans.
Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson
The highlight of the trip was sitting down with the new leader of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson. Big Cat is trying to keep his expectations at a responsible six out of ten, but it's getting harder by the minute. Johnson revealed that he didn't just take the job; he told the Bears leadership he wanted it before he even left the call.
He opened up about his offensive philosophy, which involves a lot of coding from his past and a deep bag of trick plays. He doesn't believe in saving the good stuff for a rainy day.
Ben JohnsonIt is better to run trick plays as soon as they are ready rather than saving them for later
If you're gonna invest the time and the energy to install it [a trick play] and practice it on the field, then why wait? What could be another four weeks before you get actually get a chance to run it? You might as well capitalize on that opportunity right now.
Bears fans should be thrilled about his early assessment of Caleb Williams. While Johnson is still getting to know his new franchise QB, he’s already identified the specific traits that make Caleb special compared to the traditional pocket passers of the past.
Ben JohnsonCaleb Williams' best NFL trait is his ability to improvise when plays break down
I would say what stands out, which is different than where I came from, would be the ability to improvise the, the creation when things break down, extend plays, throw out, throw on the move outside of the pocket. He's a dynamic athlete. He's got, he's got all the intangibles.
We also got into the gritty details. Ben Johnson might be an "offensive guru" to some, but he’s a certified weight room warrior to others. When asked about his strength, the numbers he put up had the room buzzing.
Ben JohnsonI can currently squat 405 pounds
I probably could get 405 [squat] right now. Peak squat was probably like 455. [I still have] the thick lowers.
Hot Seat Cool Throne
Hank is back on his plane crash beat, absolutely rattled by runway incursions at Midway. PFT tried to hit him with facts about flight safety, but Hank is choosing to live in a state of "Kuna Matata" where nothing matters.
Speaking of things that matter, PFT is tracking a potential earthquake in Denver. There are rumors swirling that Rob Gronkowski might be looking to trade his retirement beach for the Mile High City.
PFT CommenterRob Gronkowski is considering an NFL comeback with the Denver Broncos
Rob Gronkowski is considering a return to the NFL and that he would like to potentially play for the Denver Broncos... I'm told he loves Denver and Quarterback Bo Nix... He's gonna be a Bronco. There's no other way for him to do this than be a Bronco.
On the Hot Seat, the Joel Embiid injury situation is getting progressively weirder. With reports of "radical" procedures involving breaking bones in his hip to fix his knee, Big Cat is ready to call it a career for the Sixers big man.
Big CatJoel Embiid should retire from the NBA
He [Joel Embiid] should just retire.
Guys on Chicks
Steven Chea joined the show for a special Combine edition of Guys on Chicks. The discussion touched on everything from "heat sleeves" in men's underwear to the proper amount of sports memorabilia allowed in a shared apartment.
The guys also debated the ethics of Instagram algorithms. If your feed is nothing but big natural tits, is that your fault, or is the AI just too good at its job? Big Cat is leaning toward the latter.
Big CatYou cannot get mad at your partner for what appears in their Instagram algorithm
You can't get mad at technology. Right. Max, what is yours? ... I curate it like if I see if I pass by tits because you gotta click on it that way you get more tits... It's technology. The phones are smarter than we are.
See you on Friday for our sit down with Adam Schefter.
