PMT DB
PMT DB
John Kruk and Jake Arrieta on World Series, MNF Recap, and Jimbos
Big Cat is glowing. After a dominant Monday Night Football performance by the Bears in Foxborough, the energy in the studio shifted from the usual despair to pure contentment. For Big Cat, this wasn't just another win; it was a milestone for the franchise that felt like a throwback to better days.
Big CatThe Bears' win over the Patriots was my favorite Bears game since 2018
It was probably my favorite Bears game that they've played since probably 2018 against the Rams on Sunday Night Football when we almost made our good friend Jared [Goff] cry because it was so cold and that defense was awesome.
The conversation centered on Justin Fields looking like a completely different quarterback. He wasn't just running for his life; he was operating a designed offense that gashed the Patriots' defense. PFT noted that this might be the moment the narrative officially shifts for the young signal-caller.
PFT CommenterJustin Fields took a big step towards being 'a guy' against the Patriots
Congratulations. I think Justin Fields took a big step towards, towards being a guy this week.
On the other side of the ball, Hank was in a defensive crouch. The Patriots' quarterback situation turned into a circus as Mac Jones was pulled for Bailey Zappy after an early interception. While Zappy provided a brief spark that had the stadium rocking, the fan reaction left a sour taste in Hank's mouth regarding his fellow Bostonians.
HankPatriots fans booing Mac Jones was a bad sports town move
The fact that Patriots fans were booing Mac Jones who played well last year, took us to the playoffs and was a first round draft pick and then were chanting for Bailey Zappy. That's a bad sports town move. Ooh, that I did not like that at all.
Billy Football, ever the student of the game, had a complex theory as to why Mac Jones looked so lost. He argued that the offensive scheme had been quietly pivoted toward Zappy's strengths during Mac's injury absence, leaving the starter out of sync.
Billy FootballMatt Patricia is to blame for Mac Jones' struggles because the offense was designed for Bailey Zappy
I think the situation is much worse. I think it's Matt Patricia's fault... Mac Jones may have started in taking all the starting reps and practice, but the type of offense that the starting offense was running in that first drive was really a Bailey Zappy offense... that scheme was very different to anything they were running last year. And with that, that's because they were playing to Bailey Zappy's skill.
While the Zappy Fever was real for two drives, the second half told a different story. Hank isn't ready to crown the rookie just yet, especially after a series of batted balls and turnovers ended the comeback threat.
Billy FootballBailey Zappy's release point is too low for the NFL
But the thing is, the downside with Zappy is that his release point is too low for the NFL. If you look at the Cleveland [game] and if you look at what he did last night, his release point is way too low causing the ball to get batted down and those interceptions.
Despite the drama, Hank is sticking with the incumbent for now, though he admits the leash is shorter than ever heading into a matchup with the Jets.
HankMac Jones remains the Patriots starter and it's his job to lose
I'm back on like it's Max job to lose. If he plays poorly then it's Bailey Zappy's job to win. And if he plays well then it's Bailey Zappy's job... No, it doesn't matter that they won or lost. If [Zappy] played well in the second half, I would've been like, he needs to be the starter going for it. He showed besides those first two drives, which were, again, he showed nothing.
World Series Preview with the Legends
John Kruk joined the show and immediately reminded everyone why he is one of the greatest storytellers in baseball history. From quitting in the middle of a game so he wouldn't have to play in the Baltimore heat to living with a roommate who turned out to be an active bank robber, the stories were non-stop. Kruk also gave insight into why these Phillies are different, pointing toward the young core that has revitalized the clubhouse.
John KrukThe Phillies 'daycare' players brought a winning energy that the veterans fed off of
I really think, you know, what they call the daycare the young kids, I think is infuse of energy in these guys... the stats, the ves, the may times, you know, they, they brought in a whole different energy for this team. And I think the older guys are feeding off these young players.
Jake Arrieta also stopped by to break down the matchup against the Astros. He emphasized that the Padres missed a golden opportunity to stop the Phillies' momentum by mishandling their bullpen during the NLCS clincher.
Jake ArrietaThe Padres made a huge mistake not bringing in Josh Hader to face Bryce Harper in the NLCS
And I mean, Harper the biggest at bat of his entire career... They don't bring in Josh Hader to face Harper, which I think was a huge mistake even though Suarez had pitched extremely well. It's like you have the best left-handed guy ready in the bullpen and he's on fire.
While the Astros enter the series undefeated in the postseason, Arrieta is leaning toward the hot hand. He believes the star power in Philadelphia’s lineup is enough to overcome the Houston machine.
Jake ArrietaThe Phillies will beat the Astros in seven games in the World Series
I'm gonna pick the Phillies to win it in seven on the road in Houston... as hot as they are now and what happened against the Braves and how they handled San Diego the way they did... Phillies believe they can beat anybody. Yeah. In this series, man, it's the perfect fit.
Big Cat, swept up in the Philly vibes despite his Chicago roots, found himself agreeing with the former Cy Young winner.
Big CatI am picking the Phillies to win the World Series in seven games
I'm just gonna, I'm gonna say Phillies in seven as well because that's what my heart wants and if they Astros sweep 'em, I wouldn't be shy. Like that's you are that good? Whatever. That's fine. Let's just, we'll stay the course of Phillies in seven.
Hot Seat, Cool Throne, and Heinicke
Hot Seat/Cool Throne featured a discussion on Russell Westbrook’s continuing struggles in Los Angeles, with PFT pointing out that the Lakers' guard seems to be leaning into his worst tendencies the more the fans boo him.
PFT CommenterRussell Westbrook's shot selection is only getting worse because of the criticism
You know, that old drill tweet like keeps screaming at me. It only makes my opinions worse. Yeah. That's what's happening with Russell Westbrooks jump shot. Yeah. Everyone's telling you, everyone's booing you and trying to get you to stop shooting... it's actually just making Westbrook shoot the ball more often.
Taylor Heinicke joined the show for a quick 'One Question with a Quarterback' after his massive win over Aaron Rodgers. Heinicke talked about his tradition of buying Jordans in the colorway of every team he beats and gave a surprising answer regarding which of Washington's many recent team names he actually preferred.
Taylor HeinickeThe 'Washington Football Team' was the best name the franchise has had recently
I feel like the coolest name was the football team. I mean, I thought that was, I like that one the best. Yeah, I mean, Commanders was cool, you know, hopefully we can keep this thing rolling.
The show wrapped up with the long-awaited return of Jimbos, featuring a listener who accidentally spoiled Game of Thrones via a PornHub search and another who had a catastrophic waffle maker incident in a college dining hall.
Justin Fields is a guy, the Phillies are America's team, and we never have to hear about the Patriots being a dynasty ever again.
