Chris Jones and Josh Allen on Super Bowl 54, XFL Week 1, and the Oscars
Football is back, or at least something that looks like it is. Big Cat and PFT are diving headfirst into XFL Week 1, and despite some initial skepticism following the AAF collapse, the energy in DC was undeniable. PFT was on the ground at Audi Field and witnessed a level of fan engagement that hasn't existed in that city for a long time.
The atmosphere at Audi Field for the DC Defenders was better than any Redskins game in the last 20 years
I'm going to say like the atmosphere in DC at Audi Field was better. It was more fun than any Redskins game that I've been to in the last like 20 years.
While the kickoff rules and the three-point conversions are fun additions to the game, the real question is whether the league can maintain its grip on the sports world once the calendar turns. Big Cat isn't ready to declare it a permanent fixture just yet.
The real test for the XFL's success will be when March Madness and the NBA playoffs begin
I don't know if it's going to succeed because as I've always said, tell me how it does when we get to March Madness, when we get to the Masters and NBA and NHL playoffs. But as of right now, I thought it was good.
Super Bowl Champ Chris Jones
Fresh off a ring, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones stopped by the studio to discuss the comeback win over the Niners. He didn't shy away from his impact on the game, specifically the batted passes that stalled Jimmy Garoppolo's momentum. When asked about his place among the league's elite, Jones was about as confident as a guy who just won a Super Bowl should be.
I am 1,000% the best interior lineman in the NFL
Do you think that you are the best interior lineman in the NFL right now? 1,000%. [And] 1,000% at this moment right now, fellas, I'm the best.
Beyond the football, things got weird. The guys revisited the 2016 Combine, a moment Big Cat credits for the very existence of PMT: the time Jones' equipment failed him during the 40-yard dash. Jones took it in stride, noting it wasn't the first time he'd experienced a "blowout" during athletic competition. We also got the truth about the Chiefs' parade, which involved Jones falling asleep in a corner of the bus after going too hard on the tequila and champagne before the wheels even started turning.
Josh Allen and the Lateral Heard 'Round the World
Friend of the program Josh Allen returned to discuss the Bills' season and that wild playoff game against the Texans. The conversation naturally gravitated toward the logic—or lack thereof—behind his downfield lateral. PFT, surprisingly, found himself defending the creativity of the play.
More NFL teams should utilize downfield laterals like they do in rugby
I actually thought I thought it was a good idea. I think that more team should do downfield laterals. It happens in rugby all the time. And if you if you can hit somebody in stride, it's usually a touchdown.
Allen also gave us a glimpse into the life of a Buffalo celebrity. He’s fully embraced the city, even buying a home there, and confirmed that he’s found the holy grail of local cuisine.
Bar-Bill Tavern is the best wing spot in Buffalo
Have you picked a wing spot? Yeah, Bar-Bill Tavern.
Duke, Oscars, and the Mookie Betts Saga
In college hoops, Duke pulled off a miracle comeback against UNC that left Roy Williams looking like he’d seen a ghost. After Tre Jones intentionally missed a free throw only to recover it and send the game to overtime, Big Cat is ready to crown the Blue Devils.
This is officially Duke's year after their miracle win against UNC
It is officially Duke's year. It is officially Duke's year. It is. Yeah, and maybe Gonzaga because Gonzaga keeps—Gonzaga had their classic game where they play every year, they play St. Mary's and everyone's like this is the one spot they could lose and they just fucking kick the shit out of them.
Moving to the big screen, the guys broke down the Oscars. While *Parasite* made history, Big Cat still had a preference for the cinematic experience of Sam Mendes' war epic.
1917 was a better movie than Parasite
I did like 1917 more, but Parasite was just as good. Like it was one of those—let the record show, 1917 was better.
They also addressed the absolute mess that was the Mookie Betts trade. Between failed physicals and reporters jumping the gun, the five-day limbo period was a disaster for everyone involved, especially for the credibility of the insiders.
The Mookie Betts trade saga was a massive failure for sports journalism
if anything this is a put one his earhole to journalism. Why don't you wait until we're ready for the trade to actually happen before you start announcing it because think about it like David Price probably had to look at private schools in LA for his kids.
Roasting Russ and the Vols
Before heading out, the guys took a look at Russell Wilson’s latest high-fashion photoshoot. PFT had a very specific comparison for the Seahawks QB's new look.
Russell Wilson looks like a baby caterpillar dipped in Vaseline in his latest photoshoot
[Russell Wilson] looks like a baby caterpillar, those fuzzy baby caterpillars dipped in Vaseline.
Finally, the show touched on Phil Fulmer declaring that Tennessee is "back" and ready to take a bite out of their opponents. Big Cat isn't buying the hype on the football field or the hardwood.
Tennessee will never be 'back'
Tennessee is like—no, it's not like... Tennessee will never be back, but we're not like threatened by Tennessee saying it. No, I love burnt orange.
Between the coaching history and the current state of the program, the expectations in Knoxville might be slightly disconnected from reality.
Tennessee will never win anything big with Rick Barnes as their head coach
You guys are claim sometimes at your basketball school. Now, even though you have Rick Barnes your head coach, which means you'll never win anything big.
Don't forget to use the Cash App to buy your Penn National stock so you can officially be the guys' boss.
