PMT DB
PMT DB
Ryan Whitney on the NHL, Stephan Jenkins, and the Candy Bulk Strategy
The vibes in the studio are a mix of holiday cheer and extreme physical exhaustion as Big Cat and PFT are grinding through a quick turnaround. We’ve got a massive episode to carry everyone through the Christmas break, but first, we have to address the elephant in the room: Big Cat is currently in the middle of a self-imposed sugar-induced coma. Hank walked in to find over $200 worth of Swedish Fish and gummy bears, which Big Cat defended as a sophisticated biological maneuver.
Big CatEating hundreds of dollars of candy before starting a diet is a legitimate strategy to bulk up and lose weight faster
This has happened probably, I don't know, 25 times in my life where I am gearing up for a diet and then the couple weeks before I just go so hard in unhealthiness just to bulk up to the point where I can lose weight fast. I am in that phase... the actual order was $225 worth of candy.
Before the guys get into the picks, Jersey Jerry stopped by to check in on his Steelers. Despite some weird drama with TJ Watt's lungs and potential needle accidents, Jerry is feeling dangerous. He’s fully convinced that Mike Tomlin is cooking something special for the postseason.
Jersey JerryThe Steelers will win at least two playoff games this season
I'm thinking two playoff wins... Minimum two playoff wins right now. And listen, I mean, can you say [Aaron] Rogers has been pretty damn good this year? Yes... He's dialed in.
Week 17 Picks and Playoff Scenarios
The playoff picture is tightening up, and everyone is trying to find an edge. PFT is keeping a close eye on the AFC South, specifically Trevor Lawrence, who he thinks isn't getting nearly enough respect for the Jaguars' late-season surge.
PFT CommenterTrevor Lawrence should be in the MVP conversation if the Jaguars secure the number one seed
Trevor Lawrence right now is maybe in the MVP conversation if they get to one seed. He's playing that good. He's playing as good as any quarterback in the NFL right now.
Meanwhile, Shane is doing mental math to figure out how his Chargers can still win the AFC West. While the math might be too many digits for him, he’s confident that his quarterback is the only thing keeping the lights on in Los Angeles.
ShaneJustin Herbert is the most valuable player to his team in the NFL
If you look at like, players who are most valuable players to their teams, I think [Justin Herbert] might be the most valuable player. 'Cause if you don't have Justin Herbert, the Chargers are like a four or five win team.
Over in the NFC, the Bears have officially clinched, but Big Cat is still looking for ways to gamble on them. He’s eyeing the point total for the 49ers game, mostly because he has zero faith in either defensive line to actually do their jobs.
Big CatThe Over is a great bet for Bears vs. 49ers because neither defense can pressure the quarterback
My take on the Bears-Niners game is... I kind of like the over, because I don't know if either team can get to the quarterback. Because the Bears struggle with it as well.
Max is also banging the drum for the 'Shuckster.' He’s convinced that Tyler Shuck’s late-season run with the Saints shouldn't just be a nice story; it should be rewarded with some hardware.
MaxTyler Shuck should win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
He should win Rookie of the Year. Right now he's second in odds on DK... if Tyler Shuck ends the year on this winning streak, it has to be Tyler Shuck. If he ends the year six and three as a starter, insane.
Ryan Whitney's NHL Preview
The number one guest in show history, Ryan Whitney, joined the show from his backyard rink to deliver his annual hockey preview and insult everyone’s football teams. Whitney is still fuming over the 'Oilers jackets' bit from last year, and he spent a good chunk of the interview trashing the NBA and begging Big Cat and PFT to lead the hockey revolution.
Ryan WhitneyThe NBA is an absolute disgrace and sports fans should stop watching it in favor of the NHL
I think it's an absolute disgrace, the entire league... you guys are the biggest podcast in sports and truly get people away from the NBA and more into the NHL. ESPN won't do it, nobody else will do it, and you guys could do it and you refuse to do it.
Whitney didn’t hold back on the state of the league, calling out the Colorado Avalanche as the team everyone should be terrified of.
Ryan WhitneyThe Colorado Avalanche are the absolute 'wagon' of the NHL
Colorado is the wagon guys. Colorado's the one that you're scared of... I can't help but see them running through the entire league and then winning the Stanley Cup with ease. Right now they are on pace to break the Bruins record for most points.
He also gave some love to Quinn Hughes, though he’s still processing the shocking trade that sent him to Minnesota. According to Whit, the defenseman rankings are pretty clear right now.
Ryan WhitneyQuinn Hughes is the second best defenseman in the world
Quinn Hughes is the second best defenseman in the world. He just got traded to the Wild from Vancouver. Shocking trade. So now you've got those three teams [Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota] and one of them is gonna be out in the first round.
Of course, the conversation eventually turned back to his beloved Oilers. Whitney delivered a somber prediction about the future of the best player in the world, suggesting fans should cherish the next three years before the inevitable happens.
Ryan WhitneyConnor McDavid will leave the Oilers after the next three seasons
He's Gonzo win or lose. We have three seasons left with Connor McDavid. That's my opinion... after three years, so three more playoffs. I think that would've been 13 years for McDavid.
Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind
In a true 'gotta get freaked' moment, Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind sat down in the studio. He’s a massive Warriors fan and spent a lot of time dissecting Steve Kerr’s rotations. He’s not a fan of how the team is handling their young big men.
Stephan JenkinsSteve Kerr is failing to properly develop young Warriors talent like Quentin Post and Quinten Post
I really don't know even that much about the Warriors, but I'm a big fan... I would understand that developing young talent is the thing... Quentin Post is a really good center and he's beginning to show it. I hope he's showing it enough that we don't just put him out for a trade.
Stephan also got nerdy with PFT about the recording process, explaining how some of the most iconic sounds on their self-titled album were actually born out of creative tension and band members who weren't exactly on speaking terms.
Stephan JenkinsEvery great record was unpleasant to make and involved band members hating each other
I think that every good record that I can think of was made—was unpleasant to make, you know, they all sort of hate each other. Fleetwood Mac... the White Stripes... Jack [White] couldn't get Meg to do anything... it's all kind of this struggle.
Hot Seat/Cool Throne
PFT’s Hot Seat this week featured some serious Christmas gambling strategy. He reminded everyone that when it comes to the holiday slate, you have to account for the 'home team food coma' factor.
PFT CommenterRoad teams have a significant advantage in NFL games played on Christmas Day
Remember last year Christmas, the lesson that we learned... you fade the home team because they're doing all the family stuff, eating big meals on Christmas Eve. The road team has the advantage on Christmas Day.
Big Cat put LeBron James on the Hot Seat for his recent complaints about the NBA's holiday schedule, pointing out that LeBron is the last person who should be surprised by a Christmas Day tip-off.
Big CatIt is hypocritical for LeBron James to complain about playing on Christmas after doing it for 20 years
LeBron's been playing on Christmas for 20 years. Like, what are you talking about? Now, you're upset? I should [mention] though... Christmas Day [games] are ruined now because they don't play defense in the league.
To wrap up the show, PFT gave Bobby Petrino a glowing review for his new gig at UNC. He’s convinced the motorcycle enthusiast is exactly what that locker room needs to find its moral compass.
PFT CommenterBobby Petrino is a man of character who will clean up the North Carolina locker room as offensive coordinator
Bobby Petrino is going to be their new offense coordinator for next season. And I think that's a great hire. This is fun that Bobby Petrino, a man of character can get in, clean up that locker room and, and really change it from being a circus into a, a run of the mill workman like professional football organization.
If you're traveling this week, just remember: stay away from the airport chili if you want to keep your dignity.
