PodcastFrom NFL: The Insiders
The Insiders Podcast: Giants acquire QB JJ McCarthy for 2027 5th-rd pick + Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels starts for Buccaneers Sunday
STACKED extracted the fantasy-relevant player signal from this podcast and kept the full transcript here for context.
55 min
Duration
Estimated from transcript
Sep 30, 2026
Published
Wed, September 30, 2026
31
Player insights
27
Players mentioned
Topics
Alvin KamaraKenneth Walker IIIKirk CousinsTravis EtienneAaron RodgersBaker MayfieldBijan RobinsonBrock BowersCaleb WilliamsCam WardCase KeenumDK MetcalfDrake MayeHarold Fannin
Player analysis
Player insights
Aaron Rodgers
PositiveProjection48:26
Aaron Rodgers is coming off a near 300-yard performance and looked confident in the passing attack, which Mike McCarthy envisions as the blueprint for the Steelers' offense.
Insight pageAlvin Kamara
PositiveRole42:26
With Travis Etienne sidelined by a hamstring injury, Alvin Kamara is thrust back into a starting role. Kamara showed signs of his old form last week with 4 yards per carry and is expected to lead the Saints' backfield for the next 3-4 games.
Insight pagePositiveRole68:46
With Travis Etienne sidelined by a hamstring injury, Alvin Kamara is thrust back into a starting role. Kamara played well last week, averaging four yards per carry, and the team hopes he can maintain that production to keep the offense afloat.
Insight pageBaker Mayfield
NegativeInjury13:24
Baker Mayfield will be out for at least three weeks due to a dislocated right thumb sustained in the Week 3 loss to the Vikings.
Insight pageBijan Robinson
PositiveUsage66:49
Bijan Robinson had a massive performance on Thursday night, rushing for 194 yards. The threat of Michael Penix's passing attack helped open up the running game for Robinson, which is the offensive identity the Falcons hope to maintain.
Insight pageBrock Bowers
PositiveUsage37:35
Brock Bowers is a unique tight end with a skill set that compares more favorably to a wide receiver. He is heavily involved in the Raiders' passing attack, evidenced by a 13-target, 10-catch, 116-yard, one-touchdown performance last week. His route usage is similar to JSN's, which will likely lead to a contract dispute regarding whether he is paid as a tight end or a receiver.
Insight pageCaleb Williams
NegativeInjury3:27
Caleb Williams is sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the next three to four weeks.
Insight pageCam Ward
NegativeProjection57:33
Cam Ward is experiencing short-term struggles as he learns the Titans' offensive system, which places significant responsibility on the quarterback to read the field and make line checks.
Insight pageCase Keenum
PositiveUsage3:39
Case Keenum started for the Bears in Week 3, recording a rushing touchdown and two passing touchdowns in a victory over the Eagles.
Insight pageDK Metcalf
PositiveUsage50:43
D.K. Metcalf caught a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers in the Steelers' recent offensive performance.
Insight pageDrake Maye
NegativeBust40:12
Drake Maye is struggling significantly in his third season, throwing five interceptions with no touchdowns on passes over 10 air yards. He is pressing, making poor decisions, and struggling under pressure while dealing with a depleted receiving corps and a banged-up offensive line.
Insight pageHarold Fannin
PositiveUsage48:33
Harold Fannin caught a late touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson in the Browns' recent win over the Panthers.
Insight pageJ.J. McCarthy
PositiveDepth Chart17:23
The Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy via trade; he is expected to play in the near future due to his mobility and fit in the team's intended offensive system.
Insight pageJalen Hurts
NegativeProjection8:54
The Eagles' offense under Jalen Hurts has struggled with consistency, failing to score enough points in Week 3 and facing a difficult upcoming schedule against tough defensive opponents.
Insight pageJalon Daniels
NegativeRole13:34
Undrafted rookie Jalen Daniels will start at quarterback for the Buccaneers in Baker Mayfield's absence, with the team expressing confidence in his development.
Insight pageJameis Winston
NegativeProjection18:30
Jameis Winston has struggled as the Giants' starter, failing to lead the team to a touchdown in nearly two full games and maintaining a 51% completion percentage.
Insight pageJayden Daniels
NegativeInjury56:02
Jaden Daniels is dealing with a dislocated left elbow and is expected to miss three or fewer games. He is traveling with the team to London and may practice soon.
Insight pageJaylen Warren
PositiveUsage50:39
Jalen Warren recorded 176 scrimmage yards in the Steelers' recent game, benefiting from a more physical offensive line and the absence of Rico Dattle.
Insight pageJustin Herbert
NegativeUsage55:46
Justin Herbert is off to a slow start with more interceptions than touchdowns and a sub-60% completion percentage. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has publicly criticized Herbert's decision-making, and the team may need to simplify the complex offensive scheme to get him back on track.
Insight pageKalif Raymond
PositiveUsage5:00
Kalief Raymond led the Bears in receiving during their Week 3 win, including a 41-yard touchdown reception from Case Keenum.
Insight pageKenneth Walker III
PositiveUsage34:04
Kenneth Walker has been a transformative signing for the Chiefs, leading the NFL in rushing yards and expanding his role as a receiver and bruiser, which has bolstered the team's play-action efficiency.
Insight pagePositiveRole34:04
Kenneth Walker has been the most important free agent signing for the Chiefs, completely transforming the offense by leading the NFL in rushing yards and opening up the play-action game for Patrick Mahomes. Walker is now being utilized as a true three-down back, showcasing his skills as both a receiver and a bruiser.
Insight pageKirk Cousins
PositiveProjection27:05
Kirk Cousins is performing well for the Raiders, throwing three touchdown passes in each of his first three wins.
Insight pagePositiveProjection36:39
Kirk Cousins is playing phenomenally, performing at the top end of expectations. He is seeing the field well and vibing with the coaching staff and Clint Kubiak's play-calling, setting up a critical litmus test game against the Raiders.
Insight pageMarcus Mariota
PositiveRole55:58
Marcus Mariota is expected to start at least one more game for the Commanders while Jaden Daniels recovers from an elbow injury.
Insight pageNico Collins
PositiveInjury55:19
The Texans expect wide receiver Nico Collins to return this week against the Cowboys. His presence is vital for C.J. Stroud, who has struggled significantly when Collins is off the field.
Insight pageOdell Beckham
PositiveDepth Chart26:40
Odell Beckham was released by the Giants after recording only one target and zero receptions over 19 offensive snaps in three games.
Insight pageTravis Etienne
NegativeInjury41:55
Travis Etienne is dealing with a multi-week hamstring injury, which will likely keep him sidelined for the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Insight pageNegativeInjury68:35
Travis Etienne is dealing with a multi-week hamstring injury, which will likely keep him out for the upcoming game against the Falcons.
Insight pageTravis Hunter
PositiveUsage54:43
Travis Hunter is playing a career-high in snaps for the Jaguars, who have shifted to playing more man coverage this season.
Insight pageTyson Bagent
NegativeDepth Chart5:21
Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to reclaim the starting quarterback role for the Bears over Case Keenum, as he was the designated backup throughout training camp.
Insight pageFull transcript
Episode Transcript
0:00This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human. We'll preview and recap every game.
0:04Listen to NFL Daily on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
0:09I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikama. If you love football and want to understand what's really happening on the field, check out our show, NFL Pro.
0:18Every week we break down the biggest plays, trends, and matchups using exclusive next-gen stats insights and NFL content you will not find anywhere else.
0:26Whether you're new to football, a fantasy football fanatic, or a diehard fan, NFL Pro will help you analyze the game like a pro.
0:33Listen to NFL Pro on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
0:39Whether you're a seasoned NFL fan or new to the game, there's one place to keep up with all of it.
0:45The league's newest podcast, the NFL Report, hosted by me, Andrew Siciliano.
0:49It is your home for everything football. Breaking news, expert analysis, game picks, and hear from your favorite players, too.
0:55Join me and an all-star cast of experts for everything you need to know from around the league.
1:01Get new episodes of the NFL Report Monday through Friday all season long.
1:05Listen to the NFL Report Podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1:11Hey, I'm Mike Yam. And I'm Trevor Sikama. And together, we host the NFL Fantasy Football Show.
1:17Are you ready to dominate your fantasy league this season?
1:20Because if you aren't locked in with us on the NFL Fantasy Football Show, you're already playing from behind.
1:26Whether you're a first-time player or a grizzled vet chasing another championship, we give you the advantage and the confidence you need to make every move count.
1:34Listen to the NFL Fantasy Football Show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
1:40Win 1,000 days in the making for Case Keenum.
1:43Coming to the rescue on Monday night while the Eagles fall for the first time this year in Chicago.
1:49Sign of things to come. And we welcome another new starting quarterback to the fray.
1:54Allow us to introduce you to Bucs rookie quarterback, Jalen Daniels.
1:58As we welcome you to this Tuesday edition of The Insiders presented by Progressive Insurance.
2:02I'm Rhett Lewis here with Ian Rapoport, Mike Garofalo, Jeff Darlington, and Judy Batista.
2:07Friends, let's go back to the scene from Soldier Field where we closed out week number three in the NFL without Caleb Williams in the lineup.
2:15Going to miss the next three to four weeks with that hamstring injury.
2:19But we got Case Keenum. Great hug for his kids before kickoff making his first start in 1,009 days.
2:25But everybody watching a little bit of risky business here for the Eagles towards the end of the first half looking for their first points.
2:33This catch and run by Devontae Smith takes a little bit until they got a hustle to the line of scrimmage.
2:40Clock tick tick tick tick. Three, two, one, snap.
2:43And sneak not a clock play. Touchdown! Appropriately, with the decision by Jalen Hurts to not clock it with a run out of time.
2:51Just gets the snap off and gets into the end zone.
2:54And so the Eagles, with a little bit of momentum going into the break, they would not hold onto it.
3:00Because Case Keenum was on fire on this night here finding Kalief Raymond, who once again led the Bears in receiving.
3:0741-yard touchdown. Longest TD pass for Keenum in seven years.
3:10Bears go up 20 to seven. How about Case Keenum with the sucker sneak?
3:15As Ben Johnson called it post-game. A rushing touchdown, two passing touchdowns, and helping the Bears to a victory.
3:21So Ian, Case played really well, but Tyson Bajit did clear concussion protocol.
3:25He's now back healthy. How are the Bears approaching the QB availability heading into their matchup with the Jets here in week four?
3:32Well, we're going to know for sure when the Bears head out to their walkthrough tomorrow.
3:37Ben Johnson declined to name a starter at his post-game news conference.
3:41But I'm going to call your attention to a very important phrase that he talked about during that same news conference.
3:48He said, remember, Tyson Bajit won the number two job out of training camp for a reason.
3:53So Case Keenum had a magical night, an unbelievable night.
3:57As you said, a thousand days in the making.
3:59He's making something that we are all going to remember, no doubt.
4:03Case is and his family is as well. But he is not the backup quarterback.
4:08He is not the person that the Bears extended and paid and someone who has been their backup quarterback for the last
4:15several years if something would happen to Caleb Williams.
4:18That is Tyson Bajit now clear from the NFL's concussion protocol.
4:21We'll see what happens tomorrow, but wouldn't be surprised at all if Ben Johnson hands the keys right back to Tyson Bajit.
4:28So this actually doesn't surprise me when it comes to Ben Johnson.
4:32And this is not to take away from Case Keenum whatsoever.
4:36But I do think the real story here might not even be the quarterback at all.
4:41It might be the defense of the Bears. The ability to turn the ball over three times, to also hold Jalen Hurts' offense to seven points.
4:49I think that that's an important factor when we consider who the quarterback will be.
4:54Because I think so often we're looking at these backup quarterback positions and saying, all right, who do you got and can they win games?
5:02A lot of these teams, it's a matter of who they have around them and are they insulated enough to win in spite of the quarterback.
5:10Again, not to take away from Keenum, but we're seeing it across the NFL.
5:15We're going to talk about the Bucs and the Giants and these other teams.
5:19I think that the Bears are in a position.
5:22They have proven that they can win without Caleb Williams right now.
5:26They'd rather have him back, but I think this could give them more patience and give Ben Johnson a little leeway on his decision.
5:34On the other side of this game, the Eagles got to find their way, Jeff, on both sides of the ball.
5:40Now, offense is new. We did expect a few hiccups along the way as they learn Sean Mannion and he learns them.
5:47They scored enough to win the first two games.
5:50They did not score enough in this one. And maybe if Andy Dalton doesn't throw an interception while Jalen Hurts is out,
5:57perhaps this is a whole different ballgame from that standpoint.
6:00But it's been a little bit of fits and starts here with this offense.
6:05They ran the ball great in the first half and then nothing in the second half.
6:10But Jalen Hurts also looking for guys who couldn't find them in the second half as well.
6:15Defensively, this was a concern because that's supposed to be the strength of the team.
6:20Vic Fangio and the personnel they have on that side of the ball.
6:24That secondary at times looked lost. It looked like they needed some help with the safety position as well.
6:30We were on our show call earlier today. I said don't be surprised if Kenny Moore plays this weekend and is on the roster soon.
6:38Within a half an hour, he was on the roster.
6:41The Eagles had promoted him the defensive back. They signed formerly a Pro Bowl corner with the Colts.
6:47I'm expecting him to play both safety and nickel cornerback to add a veteran back there because they've got to be better on the back end.
6:55You can't have Case Keenum carving you up like that.
6:59This is a particularly fraught time for the Eagles to be trying to find their way on either side of the ball
7:06and certainly on both sides of the ball at the same time because they have the Rams coming up on a short week.
7:13And we know the Rams are going to be unhappy because they just lost their game and they can still score a lot of points.
7:21And then after the Rams, they have the Jaguars who have the number one scoring defense in the league.
7:27Then they have the Panthers who currently have the best passing offense.
7:31Then the Cowboys and of course the Cowboys we know can put up points.
7:35So the Eagles are going to be pressed to score points.
7:39They obviously couldn't do it last night. They scored just enough in the first two games even though those were nail fighter kind of games.
7:47But this is a tough time, a tough road for the Eagles at a time when they're still trying to get their way with this new offense.
7:55And as you pointed out, Mike, with now a defense that is suddenly a concern.
8:00Yeah, and look, as we talk about teams with no room for error.
8:04How about the Bucks who started 0-3 now with Baker Mayfield out for at least the next three weeks after the dislocated
8:11right thumb late in the loss to the Vikings.
8:14So Bucks entering week four looking for win one and turning to undrafted free agent quarterback Jalen Daniels out of Kansas to steady the ship in Baker's absence.
8:23Now, Ian, you know, going all the way back to August, this was one of the stories of cut down day, right?
8:30The Bucks choosing to go with the rookie, the undrafted player Jalen Daniels as opposed to a veteran as QB2.
8:37How does that kind of describe their confidence in him to play for an extended period of time here while Baker's out?
8:44Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were confident enough in Jalen Daniels to cut a couple veterans, including Jake Browning, who has played
8:51real snaps in the NFL and handed over to an undrafted free agent quarterback who had a $25,000 signing bonus.
8:57He was in the East-West Shrine game. Generally, we're talking about, okay, this guy had a good senior bowl.
9:03East-West Shrine game came into the Bucks facility, really impressed them on his visit.
9:07Personality-wise and football-wise, they ended up signing him after the draft.
9:11And, you know, there was an interesting moment in training camp during one of the preseason games.
9:16He was not supposed to play. Came in and relieved for one play.
9:21Ran it. A six-yard game. Ended up scrambling around a little bit.
9:24It was just a play. But the team left that being like, you know what?
9:29This might not be too big for him. We'll see what happens.
9:33But there is a lot of confidence in a player most of us have never heard of.
9:38With all due respect, you lost me to East-West Shrine game and won play.
9:43Ian, I think the problem here is that the Bucks are already pinned against the wall.
9:48They're already sitting here, even if they had Baker Mayfield healthy, looking at this saying, we've got to be better.
9:54And suddenly now they're relying on a guy who is an undrafted rookie with very little experience.
10:00This is going to be such an uphill battle for the Bucks.
10:04I'm going to be at this game. They're playing against another team that is dealing with their own issues in the Packers.
10:11So we'll see if one of them can perhaps find some momentum out of this.
10:15I love your optimism in the potential here, but I just feel like this Bucks team, Todd Bowles said it best.
10:22We've got 21 other guys surrounding him, but I just don't know if that's going to be enough for the Bucks right now.
10:29This is going to be a tough battle. Yep.
10:32You know what? I'll side with Ian a little bit there too on the optimism front.
10:37Bucks new quarterback coach Chandler Whitmer, a big part of Fernando Mendoza's quarterback development while at Indiana in 25.
10:43Meanwhile, more quarterback news here with J.J. McCarthy. Now officially a New York Giants as part of that trade in which Minnesota
10:50would receive a fifth round pick in return. Although Jameis Winston remains the starter this week as the Giants host the Cardinals.
10:57So Judy, the Giants won on Sunday, perhaps in spite of the quarterback play.
11:02How does this move kind of speak to where the Giants are going and how they feel about Jameis Winston as the quarterback moving forward?
11:10Well, after that game, that win, John Harbaugh said that Jameis Winston did what was required to win.
11:16And yes, what was required to win a game in a Nor'easter is not what you usually need.
11:21Right. They needed to run the ball. They needed to not turn the ball over.
11:26They needed to play field position. But they're really getting almost no production out of the quarterback position since Jameis Winston took over.
11:34He's now played almost two complete games. They haven't scored a touchdown in those games.
11:38They are 0 for 4 in the red zone.
11:41His completion percentage is like 51 percent. So that's just not sustainable in normal games when you're not playing in a Nor'easter.
11:48You're going to have to score points. You're going to have to score touchdowns.
11:53J.J. McCarthy also has a skill set, a physical skill set that is more akin to how Jase to how Jackson Dart
12:00can play and how the Giants planned to play with Jackson Dart.
12:03He can throw the ball and he can move.
12:06He can make plays with his legs. So he will fit in better to the style of offense that they really had
12:13planned to run much more so than how Jameis Winston can play.
12:17We will see, though, Mike, how long it takes Jackson, not Jackson, J.J.
12:21McCarthy to get on the field. That part's hard to predict because it's going to depend on how Jameis Winston plays.
12:28If he doesn't play well, that opens the door for McCarthy.
12:32All of a sudden, if he starts hitting it and running with it and being back in rhythm like he's been in
12:39the past, then that's not going to create the room there.
12:42But for the Giants to give up a draft pick in the spring and then have J.J.
12:48McCarthy on the shelf, that's not what this is about.
12:51I mean, when this first started to go down, we heard Jimmy Garoppolo and they did have conversations with him.
12:57We thought, OK, that's a one year in season type fix.
13:01When McCarthy's name came up, it was, well, why are you taking this guy on if he's going to be a long term project?
13:08They don't look at it that way. They look at it as a guy who is playing in a system of offense
13:15that's similar to what he played in Michigan. Judy talked about his legs and what he can do there.
13:21They wanted to add that element, if at all possible.
13:24They did. I'm expecting J.J. McCarthy to play in the relative near future.
13:29I can't put a time on it. John Harbaugh couldn't put a time on it.
13:33He's not lying when he says he can't. There's a few factors they're going to factor in, but I'm expecting him to play this year.
13:41All right. So let's play this forward a little bit.
13:45Let's say that at some point J.J. McCarthy goes out and plays and plays well.
13:49Giants are two and one. Got a roster that could potentially be a playoff team.
13:54If he goes out and plays at his high level, then that is conceivable.
13:59OK, so then let's go to the end of the year.
14:02Giants have a quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who helped them get to the playoffs.
14:07You have Jackson Dart who could potentially, theoretically, if all goes well, be healthy around the time of the playoffs.
14:13And then if that's the case, you have a decision.
14:16At the end of the year, if J.J. plays well, you have two 24-year-old quarterbacks who are both first rounders, who have
14:23both had success in the league, both on the same team.
14:27This is the best case scenario for the Giants.
14:30It might be messy. You might have to trade J.J.
14:33McCarthy and move forward with Jackson Dart. But if this is what the Giants are talking about, Jeff, at the end of
14:40this, this is the best case scenario. Right? Holy cow!
14:43Ian, I remember like 10 years ago when we were working together that you were the negative guy and I was like the rainbow glasses guy.
14:51What happened in the last 10 years? What have you been taking, man?
14:55Are you crazy? J.J. McCarthy? What have we seen from J.J.
14:59McCarthy yet in his NFL career to suggest that he deserves a chance to compete with Jackson Dart?
15:05Yes, listen, if it's a health concern, fine. But J.J.
15:08McCarthy? I mean, that is a... I will say that is the best case scenario.
15:13I will give you that, Ian. That is a best case scenario that J.J.
15:17McCarthy leads the Giants to the playoffs. And maybe this will be a clip that we play back in 16 weeks.
15:24But are we serious? J.J. McCarthy is going to lead the Giants to the playoffs and there's going to be a quarterback competition next offseason?
15:32Look, it's in the realm of possibility, isn't it?
15:35I mean... Yeah. So you're saying there's a chance.
15:37Yeah, I mean, look, we... There is a chance.
15:40We have seen crazier. And Jameis Winston, who did not play well, just led the Giants to a win on Sunday.
15:47J.J. McCarthy has to play regular. Anyway, I'm clipping this off.
15:51We're going to play this back and we'll see who is right and who is you.
15:56Who is right and who is you. Very good, Ian.
15:59Okay. Neither quarterback will have the services of Odell Beckham was released today.
16:03And so the reunion tour comes to a close after just 19 offensive snaps, one target and zero receptions in three games.
16:10Still to come on the insiders, Drake May narrowly missing his first league MVP last year.
16:15Took the Patriots to the Super Bowl. But boy, you couldn't tell by the way May and the Pats have started this season.
16:22Where is the fix? Nice. Three touchdown passes in each of his first three Raiders wins.
16:28Safe to say the Raiders' plan with Kirk Cousins, the quarterback, is coming to fruition.
16:32And with Brock Bowers back in the lineup, what could the future look like for Vegas?
16:37Thanks. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikama. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score?
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17:48The new NFL season is here, and you should be listening to NFL Daily as we march along to Super Bowl 61.
17:55Last year, we had Mike McDonald, Sam Darnold on the field after the game, but that was last year.
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18:11Matthew Stafford coming off his MVP season. On a dazzling dart from Matthew Stafford.
18:15Big time trades that shake up the NFL. AJ Brown is loose!
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18:24The Seahawks win Super Bowl 60! They are bringing the Lombardi back to the Northwest!
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18:46Williams, drifting, sprinting for space, in all kinds of trouble, putting it up for next.
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20:23And then there were five. Your look at the undefeated teams remaining in the NFL as we approach week four.
20:30And we've got two of them going head-to-head this week.
20:33The Raiders and the Chiefs as we welcome Cam Wolfe to the program here.
20:38Cam, obviously the Chiefs in the season. Certainly Mahomes' recovery and return to form has been a big headline.
20:44But, I mean, what we've seen from Kenneth Walker and K-9 in this offense has been certainly a subplot.
20:50Where has he impacted this offense the most? Yeah, Rhett, Kenneth Walker has been the most important free agent signing so far this season.
20:57He's completely changed this offense. Not just with the NFL high rushing yards and his ability to catch, but also what he's
21:04opening up for Patrick Mahomes in the play-action game.
21:07And I talked to Kenneth Walker right after this game, and he said he had a conversation with Andy Reid about really utilizing all of his package.
21:16He said, I can be a three-down running back, but I was limited sometimes.
21:20But showing myself as a receiver, as a bruiser, has really helped take off.
21:25And when you look at the numbers of this Chiefs offense, they went from last in the NFL last year in play-action yards to this year first.
21:33Patrick Mahomes was 14 of 14 off play-action last week, slicing and dicing, and it's really opened up this offense being a lot less predictable.
21:41So Kenneth Walker is an excellent running back, but also opening up so much more for Pat.
21:47And the scary part is they are just getting started.
21:50Eric Bien-Ami told me after the game, we're a young team.
21:53We got a lot to get cleaned up. That's a lot to say for the number two ranked offense.
21:59Yeah, how about Kirk Cousins on the other side of this matchup here?
22:04We said, how long would he hold off Fernando Mendoza?
22:07Well, it depends on how he plays. And right now, he's playing phenomenal, really.
22:11Maybe on the top end of what everybody expected.
22:14Not inside that building. They knew what they had, and they felt like they had a really good offseason summer with him leading into the regular season.
22:23He's seeing it really well. Seeing it maybe as good as he's seen it the last couple of years.
22:29He's vibing with this coaching staff, with Clint Kubiak, with the way that they're calling it.
22:34Everything on the up-and-up here. And now this is going to be the game.
22:38This is going to be the litmus test type game.
22:42A Raiders team that is 3-0, potentially on the way to 4-0, will then have to realize that they are for real if they pull this out.
22:50And if they do, it's going to be because this guy played well again.
22:55Well, it's going to be because Kirk Cousins finds Brock Bowers, as he did last week.
23:0013 targets, 10 catches, 116 yards, and a touchdown, all while playing the role of receiver.
23:05I mean, I know he's a tight end, but he is definitely a unique tight end with a crazy skill set.
23:12It actually compares more favorable to a receiver than anything else.
23:15The reason I say that is because when you look at the route charts of JSN and Brock Bowers, both with Clint Kubiak.
23:22This is in their first game with Kubiak as the play caller.
23:26It's actually really similar. This is all going to become a topic when we're talking about Brock Bowers with a massive contract extension.
23:34The Raiders are going to want to pay him like a tight end.
23:38He's going to want to be paid like a receiver.
23:41And that is going to be a massive discussion next offseason.
23:44Tight end or wide receiver. I think everyone in the Superdome on Sunday knew that Brock Bowers was getting the ball.
23:51So maybe the most impressive piece of that whole thing, Judy, is that the Raiders were still able to find ways to get him the football.
23:59As we continue moving forward here with the Bills, we've got some good play from Dalton Kincaid.
24:05They're tight end. Josh Allen, though, the quarterback dealing with some knee soreness after taking a hit late in that win over
24:12the Chargers, does not expect to miss time. Drake May, on the other hand, as they get set to battle, the Patriots
24:19was not expected to look like this in his third season.
24:22After throwing for 31 touchdowns and just eight interceptions a season ago, now already has six picks through two games.
24:29Judy, how are three games, rather? How are the Patriots assessing the struggles that we've seen to start this season?
24:35Well, you know, Mike Frable did a regular radio spot on WEEI, and he basically said he's pressing.
24:41They're all pressing, and you can see it. He is making difficult decisions, wrong decisions.
24:46He's careless with the football. We've been talking about it.
24:49Defenses are taking away deep passes. Anything over 10 air yards right now is giving him trouble.
24:54He's only got a 44% completion percentage, and he's thrown five interceptions and no touchdowns on passes that are going more than 10 yards in the air.
25:03He's been under pressure a lot, and he is struggling when he is under pressure.
25:08His offensive line has been banged up, so there's been some shaking up there.
25:12Of course, his wide receiver, he doesn't have A.J.
25:15Brown for a few more weeks. Stephon Diggs is gone.
25:18Romeo Dobbs has been struggling. Kayshawn Booty is gone.
25:21So there has been a lot contributing to this, but Drake May, Cam, is really struggling right now.
25:27He looks almost nothing like the quarterback we saw last season.
25:30Judy, bad news for Drake May is he has a Bills defensive line this weekend that is ready to feast.
25:37And let's start with Greg Rousseau, who is separating himself as a defensive player of the year candidate.
25:42He's got six sacks so far, and I had a conversation with Rousseau earlier this offseason.
25:47He said, my goal is 10. He may get that by Halloween.
25:51He really is thriving in Jim Leonard, their new defensive coordinator scheme.
25:55Rousseau talked about his ability to get one-on-one coverages within the scheme, the alignment and the angles they allow him to attack at.
26:02And how many years have we talked in January about the Bills not having the pass rush, not having the defense?
26:09If it's coming alive like we're seeing with Rousseau, with Deion Walker, with Bradley Chubb, Ed Oliver, they finally have a D-line
26:16as they build up to maybe help Josh Allen.
26:19When's the last time we saw a Bills team that had allowed 16 points and Josh Allen's five turnovers and still won a game?
26:27It's a sign of how this Buffalo Bills team feels different and maybe can get over the top this year.
26:33Yeah, Rousseau becoming a certified game wrecker for the Bills.
26:36And safe to say that Brian Flores and the Vikings defense are game plan wreckers.
26:41If you get a look at what they've done since week 14 of 2025, riding an eight-game win streak here.
26:47Points per game allowed first. Just under 12. Like, it is very difficult to deal with this defense.
26:53You know, we've known for a while Brian Flores has carried that reputation, but it seems to be taking it to another level this year.
27:01Yeah, you know, we spent a lot of time talking about the Vikings quarterbacks.
27:06We spent earlier talking about a trade. When is Kyler Murray going to be back?
27:10Now he is. What about Carson Wentz? Probably should have spent some time on the fact that Brian Flores has an absolutely
27:17nasty defense that is keeping them in games and helping them win it.
27:22As the Vikings sort out this quarterback situation, and you know that it is going to get better with Kyler Murray now in as the starter.
27:30The fact that Flores has got this unit balling and shutting down, basically everyone is going to keep this team afloat for
27:37a very, very long time this season. Well, it is a defense, I'm sure, that is the envy of the Dallas Cowboys, who had their chances in Rio.
27:46Goal to goal opportunity turned into a field goal that helped set up a game-winning field goal by the Ravens.
27:52Jerry Jones' thoughts are just ahead. Well, better late than never, I guess, is one way to describe the Broncos' start to this season.
28:00Another second-half surge. 30 points in the final 30 minutes as they were able to come back and beat the Rams and
28:07find their second victory of the season. Jeff Darlington back here with us on The Insiders.
28:12Jeff, play along here with me. They're in San Francisco to battle the 49ers this week.
28:17You know what time they kick off? 125 local.
28:20You think we should tell them? Should probably let them know.
28:23Listen, this is a problem that Sean Payton, by the way, also acknowledged, Rhett.
28:28And, you know, Payton's one of those guys, he plays mind games, but I actually believe him this time.
28:34He's talking about how this team cannot keep starting this slow.
28:37It's just unsustainable, his exact words. This is a team that he believes is talented, and he said, like, I'm not trying to tear the team down.
28:46Obviously, we're happy with the wins, but he's saying later in the season, we're playing good teams.
28:51This is just not going to be good enough.
28:54You cannot start this slow and then get to the second half.
28:58The question becomes, you know, will play calling, will the cadence of play calling pick up?
29:03As Sean Payton gives that play calling duties away.
29:06That's something we're going to be talking about all season.
29:09But for the moment, the Broncos can be very happy about the fact that even when they're not playing at their best,
29:16they are finding ways to win, and to your point, even if they don't show up on time, maybe they still get one.
29:24Yeah, I want to talk, Jeff, about the San Francisco 49ers and some of their injuries.
29:29Obviously, we have been watching, no doubt, their status all season.
29:32I'll start with Mike Evans, the star receiver. He is dealing with a rib injury.
29:37My understanding is a strain rib cartilage. He is considered day-to-day.
29:41Definitely has a chance to play this week, keeping an eye on that one.
29:45Trent Williams, the superstar left tackle dealing with the Stinger, also expected to practice, also has a chance to play.
29:51And then Dre Greenlaw, who obviously has a revenge game coming against the Denver Broncos, a bruised quad.
29:57He is someone they believe also will be out there.
30:00So we spent a lot of time this season talking about 49ers injuries.
30:04Seems like relatively good news here. Okay, guys, we'll keep an eye on that.
30:09Cowboys fail to capitalize inside the Ravens' 10 late in this game in Rio as Dak Prescott throws it away on third and goal.
30:17Cowboys would tie it, but Lamar Jackson only needs six of the final seven seconds to get the Ravens in field goal
30:24range with that 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers, which would set up Tyler Loop for the game-winning field goal as time expired.
30:31Jerry Jones giving an honest assessment of the Cowboys' end-of-game failures.
30:34There is no explanation you're satisfied with. None. Let's be sure that we all understand that.
30:39They don't have one that they're satisfied with. We made mistakes during that time.
30:44There's no question about it. So there is no explanation, but there's an evaluation of how not to make the same mistakes
30:51again, which is what you should be doing. You can't get that back.
30:55No way to get it back. What you can do is use it if there's any aspect of it that you want to just not even think happen.
31:04If there's any aspect of it, use it to get better.
31:07And that's what's being done. But the aspect of sitting here trying to change what happened on that field in Brazil, as we all know, is impossible.
31:16But it is possible to learn from it. And I'm going to assure you right now they are analyzing it with the intention of learning from it.
31:24Okay, Mike. So opportunity to learn from it, opportunity to get better somewhere here for the Cowboys, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
31:32How are they looking into that? Still looking for the defense to get better at under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
31:39And it seems like they are scouring the available players for the possibility of adding players in that secondary as well.
31:46I mean, they're looking at all angles. Now, that takes us to Joey Porter Jr., who is the best of the players available.
31:53But you'd have to trade for them, and then you'd have to pay him as well.
31:58The way that this is going right now, and you see those numbers down the bottom, they are not good.
32:05And they are not good for a team that made moves aggressively on the defensive front last year.
32:10Would not be surprised if the Cowboys, as we get closer to the trade deadline, if the production doesn't improve, assuming they're
32:17winning games somehow along the way and they're still in the mix, would be more aggressive on that front as well.
32:24Or not the front, the back of the defense, Joey.
32:27All right. Let's look at the other side of this matchup, the Texans.
32:31You know, I was at their season opener against the Bills, which they lost, of course.
32:37I would not have guessed, having watched that game and how they stayed with the Bills, that they were going to be 0-3.
32:44But here we are in that game. The defense could not stop the Buffalo Bills in their most recent loss.
32:50They really could not get the offense going until it was too late, very late in the game.
32:56The good news for the Texans is they started 0-3 last season and they still made the playoffs.
33:02The somewhat bad news is all of their losses so far this season have come against AFC opponents.
33:07So that's certainly not good when it comes to tiebreakers at the end of the year.
33:13And it wouldn't be great when you're looking at the wild card field if that's what it comes to.
33:19But more good news for the Texans, they expect wide receiver Nico Collins back this week for the game against the Cowboys.
33:26And that is particularly important for C.J. Stroud, who especially struggles, no surprise, when your star wide receiver is not on the field.
33:33C.J. Stroud really struggles without him. Again, the offense did not get going until very late in the game last week.
33:40So that should be a boost for an offense that has very much been up and down already this season.
33:46Judy, speaking of offensive struggles, the Mike McDaniel era leading the Chargers offense off to a very slow start.
33:52Just 44 points total through three weeks. This after falling 24-16 in Buffalo on Sunday.
33:57Justin Herbert, more interceptions than touchdowns so far as the Chargers remain looking for their first win of the season.
34:03Ian Harbaugh normally effusive in his praise for his quarterback Justin Herbert, but did offer some critique this past week saying that
34:10Herbert's decision making has to be better. How does this lead us to feel about where the Chargers see the struggles and
34:17the blame kind of lying for where this offense has gone thus far?
34:21Yeah, I remember this was the same Harbaugh that said Justin Herbert has the potential to be the greatest ever.
34:28Now saying he's got to be better. A couple of things come to mind here for me.
34:33One, it is a great way for a head coach to galvanize a team by going public and essentially criticizing the quarterback
34:40and the leader because it forces all the other players to take no and go, wow.
34:45If he's criticizing Herbert, then we all must make this better.
34:49The other thing I would say is that Mike McDaniel's offense is pretty complicated and there is a lot there.
34:55We sort of thought, and based on the positive momentum and positive discussion about it in training camp, that they would hit
35:02the ground running, they have not, with the complexity of the offense, wouldn't be surprised if they pare it down a little
35:09bit and just focus on what Herbert does well and get this thing moving a little bit.
35:15Yeah, that sub-60 completion percentage, certainly something to monitor as well.
35:18Things just not clicking for the Chargers. Ian, thanks.
35:21Still to come here on The Insiders, Michael Penix fought off a slow start to bring some life to the Falcons on
35:28Thursday night, earning win number one on the year.
35:31How that could change the calculus in the NFC South ahead of a big divisional showdown in New Orleans.
35:37Next. I'm Brett Coleman. And I'm Trevor Sikama. Have you ever watched a game and wondered what really made the difference beyond the final score?
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39:22All right, next up on Monday night, a special one.
39:25The Falcons heading to New Orleans to take on the Saints, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the rebirth of the Superdome in the city of New Orleans.
39:34You can watch it live Monday, 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN and streaming on the ESPN app.
39:39Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski now on what kind of atmosphere to expect on Monday.
39:44On this league, you go on the road, you get to experience some incredible crowds.
39:49And, you know, we've been in Pittsburgh, we've been at Lambeau, we go to the, you know, into New Orleans where it's just an electric crowd.
39:57It's outstanding. It's loud. It affects how you operate, obviously.
40:00But I think any competitor, you look around the league, you love to be in these type of situations.
40:06Okay, Judy, buoyed by a big-time performance from Bajon Robinson on Thursday night.
40:10The Michael Penix season debut was a success. Does that paint a picture of how the Falcons can operate moving forward?
40:17Well, they certainly hope so. First of all, I can't believe it's been 20 years since the Superdome reopened either.
40:23That is going to be a wild atmosphere. I can't wait to watch it.
40:28Certainly, the Falcons hope that that is what their offense is going to look like going forward.
40:33It was electrified by Michael Penix's return. He was super accurate, even though he was shaking off the rust there.
40:4072% of passes completed. You see him going downfield there.
40:43And, of course, the threat of the passing attack with Penix in the game opened up the running game.
40:49Dijon Robinson just went off 194 yards. He was all over the field.
40:53They could not stop him. This is, of course, how the Falcons hope they can play.
40:58And the Saints have been struggling to stop the run.
41:01They have yet to hold an opponent under 108 yards per game.
41:05So this is probably a tough test for the Saints.
41:08But, of course, that atmosphere is going to be wild.
41:11And it does make it very difficult for quarterbacks to operate.
41:15Yeah, it certainly is. So the New Orleans Saints are going to play the Atlanta Falcons likely without Travis Etienne, their running
41:22back, who they signed in for agency, dealing with a hamstring injury.
41:26Sounds like a multi-week hamstring injury for him, which could mean Alvin Kamara once again is thrust into the spotlight in the starting role.
41:33And remember, there were a lot of questions going into this offseason about whether or not Kamara would be back, what kind
41:41of deal he would take, ended up taking a pay reduction, kind of started off slow, then played pretty well last week,
41:48four yards per carry, and could flash some of that Kamara of old.
41:52If he can do it for a three- or four-game stretch here to keep this team running and keep them in the
41:59foot, will do an amazing, amazing thing for his offense, waiting for Etienne to come back.
42:04I know those Saints fans would love to see Alvin Kamara rocking and rolling down there on Monday night.
42:10J.C. Horn for the Carolina Panthers out indefinitely with a torn quad, as Panthers have dealt with a string of injuries here
42:17over the course of this early couple of weeks of this season.
42:21Mike Garofalo, how are they moving forward here? Hobbling forward, as the best that the Panthers can do at this point.
42:27J.C. Horn going to be out for an extended period.
42:31That is a tough one. Damian Lewis on the offensive line.
42:34We reported this one earlier today. Their best offensive lineman.
42:37He is down with an elbow injury, a torn UCL in his elbow or sprained.
42:42I sprained as a tear. It's the same thing.
42:45He did deal with the same injury a couple of years ago, missed only one game.
42:50Now he might miss only one game this time around because they have the bye week, as you can see, right after that Lions game right here.
42:59But they're potentially digging themselves a hole that they're going to have to get out of with players that, in the case of J.C.
43:06Horn, are not coming back for quite some time.
43:09So the Panthers, who have been dealing with injuries since the start of training camp, they were the team that came into camp.
43:16All of a sudden, guys were dropping left and right.
43:20Have to figure out a way to just get back on the right side of health here, Rhett.
43:25Okay, Mike, keep an eye on that for the Panthers this week.
43:29The NFC South struggling in the win-loss record right now as we get ready for the opening salvo of Week 4.
43:36On Thursday Night Football, Browns and Steelers renewing that AFC North rivalry.
43:40We dig into it next. Okay, so with the Colts and Commanders kicking off from London this week of Week 4 here
43:47in the NFL, the game day lineup begins with game day live at 1 o'clock Eastern, six and a half hours of
43:54highlights leading right into game day highlights at 730.
43:57And then game day final wraps up your Sunday, every Sunday, right here on NFL Network and also streaming on the ESPN app.
44:04Brooke Pryor giving us this tidbit of information from the Steelers locker room where Jalen Ramsey is saying today that his wrist
44:11is broken, but not ruling out an opportunity to play against Cleveland here on Thursday Night Football, saying it's going to be
44:18about seeing if he's able to protect himself and help his teammates in the process.
44:23Steelers and Browns both coming off wins in Week 3.
44:26Near 300-yard performance for Aaron Rodgers, while Deshaun Watson found Harold Fannin for a late touchdown to get past the Panthers.
44:33Browns head coach Todd Munkin on the challenge the Steelers present.
44:36He still has it in him to want to do it.
44:40And he said it last year, I mean, you know, to make the playoffs and play good again, you know, and play
44:47at a level he feels like he's capable of playing.
44:50And to me, that's just when you talk about life in general, to be at the top and have some of the
44:57frustrations that come in, you know, with the Jets and then to go there and play at the level he did.
45:04And really cool for him, you know, but one of the all-time greats.
45:08I mean, there's no way around it. I mean, just, and that's hard.
45:12Everybody in the NFL is elite. But to be an all-time great is, man, that's special.
45:17What about the hot start that T.J. Watt is off to?
45:21And just how good is he trying to pretend?
45:23Well, I mean, I think it's about time that he retires.
45:27I think he, to me, I mean, it's, and Hayward and all those guys.
45:31No such luck, Todd Monken. And really, when you look at it from an offensive perspective with the Steelers, 100-yard rushing game from Jalen Warren.
45:39Aaron Rodgers almost 300 yards, finds D.K. Metcalf for a touchdown.
45:43Does it feel like the Steelers are finding something to build on here?
45:47Yeah, that is how they want their offense to look.
45:50It was much more balanced and also much more explosive.
45:53They had seven plays that went for at least 20 yards, and two of those were Aaron Rodgers' touchdown passes.
46:00You mentioned Jalen Warren. Rico Dattle was out of this game.
46:03Jalen Warren was all over the field. He had 176 scrimmage yards.
46:07They changed the right side of their offensive line.
46:10It was much more physical. So that opened up the running attack.
46:14You can see him running here. Rodgers played really well and looked really confident with the passing attack.
46:20So that is how Mike McCarthy envisions his offense looking for the Steelers.
46:24We will see if they can repeat it this week.
46:27Yeah, I'm flipping around. I want to talk about the Browns' run game because, obviously, we've spent a lot of time talking
46:34about Deshaun Watson and his resurgent performance continues to be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
46:39But if he's going to keep going and this offense is going to keep being efficient, Quinshot and Judd gets to do
46:46what he was able to do last week, which is essentially gain four yards per carry, keep moving, and be able to get the ball a lot.
46:55First two games, it was a little bit slower up front.
46:58It was not quite as good. Last game, it was exactly what the Browns have been looking for.
47:04They should be a balanced offense. And Judd is a huge, huge part of it, Brad.
47:09Yeah, looking forward to getting him rolling there for the Cleveland Browns.
47:13How about two good teams here meeting up in the AFC in Cincinnati with the Bengals hosting the Jaguars as part of
47:20the early window fun in week four. Two high-quality quarterbacks squaring off in this one with Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, and look for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
47:29They're boasting the top-scoring defense in football right now.
47:32Cam Wolf, how do they assess the challenge of dealing with Joe Burrow and company?
47:36Rhett, this is my favorite matchup of the weekend.
47:39Two AFC contenders, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence playing great.
47:42But let's focus in on the Jags' defense. Remember the name Anthony Campanelli.
47:46Their defensive coordinator has been in his bag this year.
47:49As always, the Campanelli defense focuses on elite run defense, led by defensive tackle Devon Hamilton, and elite takeaway ability.
47:56Both of those things are the same. But one interesting change talking to people in Jacksonville, they played much more man coverage
48:03this year, and that's relying on their athletic playmaking cornerbacks like Travis Hunter.
48:07They played him a lot more on defense. He played a career high in snaps there.
48:12And that ability to play man has worked out great.
48:15They are the number one team in the NFL in opposing quarterback QBR against man coverage.
48:20Now they're playing a really good Bengals team with Jamar Chase, with Tee Higgins, with Joe Burrow.
48:26How much do they trust their cornerbacks to play against those elite receivers?
48:30That matchup could find the game, Rhett. Looking forward to it, certainly.
48:34Yeah, you hit the nail on the head. Two AFC contenders right there from Cincinnati.
48:39All right, well, if last week's game in Rio is any indication of what the international series has in Soar Forest in
48:46London, then get ready for a good one with the Colts and Commanders coming up next.
48:51All right, the Colts taking their first win of the season to London to battle the Commanders, coming off a win in
48:58which Marcus Mariota subbed in for the injured Jaden Daniels.
49:01Colts and Commanders, Sunday, 930 a.m. Eastern, live here on NFL Network and streaming on the ESPN app.
49:07Ian Rappaport back here with us. Marcus Mariota looked pretty good in relief of Jaden Daniels.
49:12What's the latest on Daniels with the elbow injury and the recovery on that front?
49:16I would say the likelihood is that Marcus Mariota starts at least one more game for the Commanders.
49:22But there is some good news. Jaden Daniels is on the flight, is going to London, and may actually practice this week.
49:29The Washington Commanders, there's a dislocated left elbow. He's going to have to play if he does play with a brace.
49:36And my understanding is the last time he had the same injury, missed three games.
49:41The hope and belief is that he is going to miss either three or fewer games.
49:46That probably means this one and maybe one more.
49:49Could have got a lot of reports on this one.
49:52This was good news for the Commanders, and they should welcome him back shortly, Judy.
49:57Commanders also have a top 10 rushing attack. That is going to be a test for the Indianapolis Colts, who in the
50:04first two games of the season, really struggled to stop the run, but really cleaned it up last week.
50:10Only allowed 70 yards rushing to the Texans. So what happened?
50:13Their yards per carry dropped by two yards, all the way down to 3.3.
50:18Their yards before contact went down to 1.3 yards before contact.
50:21The bottom line is they weren't missing tackles. The week before in the running game, they had 13 missed tackles on runs.
50:28Last week, only four missed tackles, so they have cleaned up their defense.
50:32Again, they are going to get a big test from the Commanders' running attack, especially because Jaden Daniels is not going to play.
50:40Okay, we'll keep an eye on that one, Judy.
50:43You said also for the Titans and the Ravens.
50:45And look, I think we know this league is often not kind to young quarterbacks, no matter whether you're drafted number one or 251.
50:53Cam Ward 3-17. And up there with Bryce Young and Troy Aikman for the worst record in the first 20 starts of
51:00the season after being drafted number one overall. Mike, how are the Titans kind of moving forward with Cam and assessing their
51:07workload that they put on him each and every week as we go forward here?
51:12The ending of the game the other day was disappointing.
51:15There's no doubt about that, especially because what they're doing with Cam Ward is teaching him in a way that Brian Dable
51:22wants his quarterback to operate, which is a lot on him.
51:26I mean, calls, checks of the line, the way that he's reading the field.
51:30It's not like the Shanahan-McVay system where the feet take the quarterback to where he needs to be.
51:36So they know that there's going to be some fits and starts here, but in their mind, the good thing is when
51:43he gets it, he'll be able to carry this offense.
51:46There'll be a lot on his shoulders. And then when you get into a situation like he was in the other day, he's ready to handle it.
51:55And he did move them down the field, then just made a poor decision at the end, thought he would get it
52:02over Holland, wasn't able to do that, then the pass was picked off.
52:06So it's a process. It's looking like this is not going to be a playoff season for the Titans.
52:12They just want Cam Ward to continue to progress there.
52:15Short-term struggles, long-term gains, the hope there for Cam Ward in Tennessee.
52:19All right, guys, that's going to do it for us here on this Tuesday edition of The Insiders.
52:25Appreciate all the insight throughout the course of the last hour.
52:28We've got a brand new episode coming your way tomorrow right here on NFL Network.
52:33We'll see you back here at 7 o'clock Eastern.
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