PMT DB
PMT DB
Mike Florio on Wild Card Weekend, Bears Heartbreak, and Nick Foles Magic
Football is officially the cruelest sport on the planet. Big Cat entered the studio in a state of velour-clad mourning after the Bears fell to the Eagles in the most devastating way imaginable. The dreaded double doink didn't just end the Bears' season; it seemingly broke Big Cat’s spirit. He spent the opening of the show explaining that he saw this coming since August, like a slow-motion punch to the nose he couldn't move out of the way for three months. While the world laughed at Cody Parkey, Big Cat reminded everyone that he tried to cut him in the preseason.
Despite the sadness, the show must go on. Big Cat even found a way to spin the misery, noting that the podcast still has forty full fingers and the Packers finished 6-9. PFT offered some solace by reminding everyone that at least they don't have to travel to LA to watch Jared Goff rip their hearts out.
Wild Card Recaps and Road Mojo
The guys broke down the rest of the slate, starting with the Colts absolutely dismantling the Texans. Big Cat is fully bought in on Indianapolis as a dark horse that could actually go the distance because of their dominant line play.
Big CatThe Colts have all the pieces to make a run to the Super Bowl
Credit to the Colts because I think the Colts could actually go to the Super Bowl. What they did to the Texans' defensive line was incredible. ... I do think the Colts have all the pieces to get to the Super Bowl.
PFT was a bit more skeptical, though he acknowledged that the AFC field is wide open. He’s already looking ahead to the NFC side of the bracket and isn't giving the Cowboys much of a chance against the Rams.
PFT CommenterThe Rams will beat the Cowboys convincingly
I think the Rams are going to kick the shit out of [the Cowboys].
Speaking of the Cowboys, Dak Prescott may have secured himself a massive payday with his performance against the Seahawks. The guys marveled at Ezekiel Elliott’s ability to salt away a game, even if Russell Wilson was sabotaged by some truly prehistoric play-calling from the Seattle staff. PFT noted that the only thing Pete Carroll loves more than conspiracy theories is running the ball out of the shotgun on first down.
Mike Florio Joins the Show
Our good friend Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk hopped on to help Big Cat process the grief and look at the league’s landscape. Florio, a Vikings fan who knows a thing or two about kicking trauma, didn't offer much hope, telling Big Cat that the double doink will haunt him for the rest of his life.
The conversation turned to the QB situation in Philly. With Nick Foles continuing to pull rabbits out of his hat, Florio thinks the Eagles are reaching a point of no return with their former Super Bowl MVP.
Mike FlorioIf Nick Foles beats the Saints, the Eagles have to keep him and trade Carson Wentz
If Foles pulls it off again, if he's got one more rabbit up his ass that he can pull out in that [Saints] game, then I think that's the point where you have to say, you know what, Carson Wentz is a better quarterback, but we're a better team with Nick Foles, and we just have to accept it and move forward with him.
PFT pushed the theory that the locker room just vibes better with Foles' statue-like presence compared to the more reckless style of Carson Wentz.
PFT CommenterCarson Wentz isn't a franchise quarterback because he plays recklessly and isn't available
With Wentz, the problem is this. It's not how he plays. It's that he's not available to play. And if you can't keep yourself on the field every week, every year, then how can you call yourself a franchise quarterback? ... Carson Wentz still plays recklessly.
Florio also touched on the drama in Pittsburgh, suggesting that despite the public spat, the Steelers almost have to find a way to make it work between Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown due to the financial hit of a trade. He also provided some insight into the coaching carousel, specifically why Kliff Kingsbury is the hottest name in the industry despite being fired by Texas Tech.
Mike FlorioBill Belichick respects Kliff Kingsbury and would consider him to replace Josh McDaniels
Bill Belichick, I'm told, respects Kingsbury, and he's one of the guys that they would consider if Josh McDaniels actually leaves this year.
Who's Back and Stakes for the Divisional Round
In a moment of pure gambling-induced recovery, Big Cat’s energy returned when a bet was placed on the upcoming Patriots-Chargers game. PFT is so confident in Philip Rivers and the gummy-bear-shaped Antonio Gates that he put his comfort on the line.
PFT CommenterThe Chargers will beat the Patriots straight up
I'll make you bet straight up. I do think that the Chargers are going to win. There you go. I really do.
If the Chargers win, Hank has to shave his beard. If the Patriots win, PFT has to ditch the jumpsuits and wear a three-piece suit for the rest of Jumpsuit January. The stakes are high, especially for PFT’s birthday and the upcoming RV trip to the Super Bowl.
Finally, the guys gave their predictions for the National Championship game between Alabama and Clemson. While Nick Saban claims he isn't thinking about legacy, the guys are convinced he just views movies like *Bird Box* as a distraction from recruiting five-star defensive ends.
Big CatAlabama vs Clemson will end in a 35-31 score
35-31. ... That's it. That's my prediction. 35-31.
The episode ended with a soggy Big Cat undergoing Soggy Sorrows, proving that while the Bears' season is dead, the content must live on.
