PMT DB
PMT DB
NFL Week 17: Browns Stifle Steelers, Bears/Niners Shootout, and the Rise of Tyler Shough
NFL Week 17 is in the books, and we’re staring down a Week 18 that actually matters. Big Cat, PFT, and Memes held down the fort while the rest of the crew enjoyed the last bits of holiday travel, and they had plenty to chew on after a Christmas-to-Sunday marathon. Between the Browns defense putting the clamps on the Steelers and Caleb Williams trading blows with Brock Purdy, the playoff picture is finally coming into focus.
Christmas Chaos and the NFC South Mess
The holiday slate gave us some clarity, even if it wasn't the kind PFT wanted for his Commanders. After Washington dropped their eighth straight standalone game, the focus shifted to the Vikings defense and Brian Flores, who has turned Minnesota into a unit that can win games while only gaining 96 total yards of offense. Big Cat thinks Flores has found the ultimate lifestyle hack for elite coordinators.
Big CatBrian Flores should prioritize being the highest-paid defensive coordinator over being a head coach
Brian Flores, I think he's gonna be a head coach again. It didn't go well in Miami the first time, but why wouldn't he just, he's such a good defensive coordinator. Why doesn't he just say, 'Hey, Cowboys or any team, just pay me like $5 million a year.' Isn't your life better as a defensive coordinator?
Speaking of defense, the Texans continued their path of destruction by eliminating Philip Rivers and the Colts. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement that Houston’s front four is the most terrifying group in the league. PFT shared a quote that perfectly summarizes the hierarchy in Houston right now.
PFT CommenterThe Texans defense is the second greatest thing behind God
God is the greatest. The Texans defense is maybe second. That was from Jason Pierre-Paul. Great quote... and I don't think that he's wrong. No he is not. Because the Texans defense is that good.
The AFC North Drama and Jerry’s Meltdown
Jersey Jerry joined the show to vent after the Steelers lost a classic Mike Tomlin stinker to the Browns. It was the most predictable result of the season: the Steelers, needing a win to stay comfortable, losing to a backup quarterback in Cleveland. Jerry was ready to clean house, regardless of the Week 18 outcome.
Jersey JerryMike Tomlin has to be fired by the Steelers
Regardless of what happens next week, Tomlin's gotta go. I mean, he just gotta go. It's stale. He has a losing record in the playoffs. He refuses, he changes offensive coordinators all the time. Defense coordinators, the seasons all look the same... everything is always the same because it's Mike Tomlin.
Despite the loss, Jerry is still remarkably confident that the Steelers can make noise if they actually slide into the dance. He’s already looking past the Wild Card round.
Jersey JerryThe Steelers will beat the Texans in the playoffs
If they win on Sunday night, they will beat the Texans. That's a fact. I'm not worried about the Texans. I was worried about the Bills and the other teams and the Jaguars. But I think they could beat the Texans.
QB Tiers and the Shough Revolution
One of the biggest stories of the second half of the season has been Tyler Shough in New Orleans. Big Cat is officially the president of the Shough fan club after watching him dismantle the Titans without his top weapons. He’s convinced the only thing that held Shough back was a naming issue.
Big CatTyler Shough would have been the first overall pick in the NFL Draft if people were able to pronounce his name correctly
I have maintained this. I've said this before on this show. If Tyler Shough had a name that everyone knew how to pronounce, he would've been one one. There will be documentaries on how did we miss this guy in the draft? And they'll be like, well, his name is kind of spelled weird.
Big CatTyler Shough should win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Tyler Shough today with his wide receiver two and three out, RB one, two, and three out... takes the Saints down the field time and time again... there's just something about Tyler Shough... He should win Rookie of the Year. Shook of the year.
Up in the AFC, the debate rages on about who actually owns the conference. With Patrick Mahomes dealing with a knee injury and the Ravens alternating between dominance and drama, PFT is officially planting his flag in Denver. Even with Bo Nix’s documented fear of dogs, the Broncos look like the most stable team in a chaotic field.
PFT CommenterI believe in the Denver Broncos more than any team in the AFC
I believe, as much as I have my doubts about the Broncos, I think I believe in them more than any team in the AFC. So I guess that makes, I guess I'm a Bronco believer... I might just bet on the Broncos to make it to the Super Bowl 'cause I, again, there's a lot of fault in all these other teams.
Shootouts and Super Bowl Dreams
The game of the week was undoubtedly Bears vs. 49ers. Caleb Williams looked every bit the franchise savior, matching Brock Purdy throw for throw in a game that felt like a track meet. Even though the Bears fell just short, Big Cat isn't backing down from his belief that Chicago is the ultimate playoff wildcard.
Big CatThe Bears can beat any team in the NFC in a one-game tournament
I walked away from this game still convinced that... can the Bears play with every single team in the NFC playoffs? I'd say absolutely. Yes. In a one game tournament, they can beat any of these teams. Can they do it three times in a row? I don't know... but there's not one team where I'm like, we have no chance against them.
On the other side, PFT was blown away by the Niners' offensive execution. Despite missing key pieces like George Kittle for most of the stretch, Kyle Shanahan is dialing up masterpieces every Sunday.
PFT CommenterKyle Shanahan should be the NFL Coach of the Year
I still think that Kyle Shanahan should be the coach of the year. I feel like that this is... an incredible season for 'em. Given all that they've gone through and all the people that they're missing and how they might get the one seed. This is his best job that he is ever done coaching in the regular season.
We wrapped up with Who's Back of the Week, featuring a massive coaching move at Michigan and the realization that PFT now owns $1,700 worth of mascot costumes he no longer needs.
If the Texans and Bears actually meet in the Super Bowl, just remember that PFT’s pinky finger is officially on the line.
