

/
NFL Week 15 Weekend has completed, a few clinches, and a few hopefuls for the NFL Postseason
Contributors
Joe Toscano – @joeybagovdonuts
NFL Week 15 Weekend Recap
BILLS 48, BRONCOS 19
Wins the AFC East
Allen threw for 359 yards, hitting Stefon Diggs 11 times for 147 yards before he suffered a foot injury in the fourth quarter, and Cole Beasley eight times for 112 yards.
PACKERS 24, PANTHERS 16
With Saturday evening’s 24-16 win over the visiting Carolina Panthers, the Green Bay Packers moved to 11-3, increased their lead atop the NFC and moved ever closer to clinching homefield advantage for the first time since 2011.
The Packers enjoyed a dominant first half against Carolina, reaching the end zone on their first three drives and entering halftime with a three-score 21-3 lead. But Green Bay’s offense stalled in the later frames, going three-and-out on three second-half drives and enjoying just one march of at least five plays, a 10-play drive that ended with a field goal outside the Panthers’ red zone. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense allowed Carolina to sneak to within one possession by the early fourth quarter, and the Panthers had the ball with the chance to tie the game late in the proceedings.
BUCCANEERS 31, FALCONS 27
Rallying Tampa Bay from a pair of 17-point deficits, Brady recreated his Super Bowl miracle by leading the Buccaneers on five straight scoring drives in the second half Sunday for a 31-27 victory over Atlanta.
COWBOYS 41, 49ERS 33
Tony Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys gave Ezekiel Elliott a reason to come back next week after the two-time rushing champion missed a game because of injury for the first time in his career.
Pollard ran for two touchdowns with Elliott sidelined by a calf issue he’s been battling for weeks, and the Cowboys kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 41-33 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Andy Dalton threw for two touchdowns, and Greg Zuerlein kicked a tiebreaking field goal early in the fourth quarter after the second interception by Nick Mullens, who was replaced by C.J. Beathard after losing feeling in his elbow.
TITANS 46, LIONS 25
Ryan Tannehill accounted for a career-high five touchdowns passing and running, and Derrick Henry ran for 147 yards and a score to move the Titans closer to clinching their third playoff berth in four seasons Sunday routing the Detroit Lions 46-25.
COLTS 27, TEXANS 20
T.Y. Hilton owns the Houston Texans.
The Colts receiver broke their hearts again Sunday as he has done so many times in his career. Having a fairly quiet game, Hilton caught a 41-yard pass to the Houston 3-yard line at the 2-minute warning in a tie game.
DOLPHINS 22, PATRIOTS 12
The Miami Dolphins’ grinding ground game sent the New England Patriots into full retreat and out of the playoff picture for the first time in 12 years.
Undrafted rookie Salvon Ahmed and veteran Matt Breida combined for 208 yards rushing Sunday to lead the Dolphins to a 22-12 victory over the Patriots, who were eliminated from postseason contention.
The Dolphins (9-5) bolstered their wild-card chances and are assured of a winning record for only the second time since 2008.
BEARS 33, VIKINGS 7
David Montgomery burst through a big hole in the defense and carried most of Minnesota’s secondary with him across the goal line. That 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, his second score of the game, put Chicago ahead again by double digits.
Every time the Vikings made a push, this once-flailing Bears offense had an answer.
Montgomery rushed 32 times for a career-high 146 yards as Chicago trampled Minnesota’s depleted defense and hung on for a 33-27 victory on Sunday to stay in the hunt for the expanded playoffs.
SEAHAWKS 20, WASHINGTON 15
Russell Wilson asked Carlos Dunlap to make a play to get the Seattle Seahawks into the playoffs, and the veteran defensive end was all too eager to deliver.
Dunlap shook off a lingering foot injury and sacked Washington’s Dwayne Haskins to shore up a 20-15 victory Sunday that clinched a playoff spot. It’s Seattle’s ninth berth in 11 seasons under coach Pete Carroll but Dunlap’s first crack at the postseason since 2015 and safety Jamal Adams’ first in his NFL career.
RAVENS 40, JAGUARS 14
No drama, no comeback and, thankfully, no cramps.
Instead, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens enjoyed a feel-good, confidence-building blowout that boosted their chances of reaching the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Jackson threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score, and Baltimore built a 26-point halftime lead against helpless Jacksonville in a 40-14 victory Sunday.
JETS 23, RAMS 20
Sam Darnold and the New York Jets could have been forgiven for forgetting the victory formation, yet everybody knew where to stand when they got the chance at SoFi Stadium.
After 51 weeks and 13 games without a win, the Jets finally earned the chance to celebrate with pride.
“It’s the greatest feeling in sports to be able to ice the game out and know we had it,” Darnold said. “It’s the best.”
The Jets (1-13) knew their 23-20 victory over the embarrassed Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was never pretty. Everybody realized it also came with a major drawback: New York is no longer in position for the top pick in the NFL draft.
CARDINALS 33, EAGLES 26
DeAndre Hopkins had a rare fumble early in Sunday’s game and immediately knew the problem. Arizona’s leading receiver usually wears gloves that are size 5 XL, but the ones he tried early in the game were only 4 XL.
Once that problem was rectified, the three-time All-Pro was back to filling up the highlight reel. Hopkins and his huge hands had a season-high 169 yards receiving — including a spectacular 20-yard touchdown catch for the go-ahead score — and the Cardinals improved their playoff position by beating the Philadelphia Eagles 33-26 on Sunday.
CHIEFS 32, SAINTS 29
Patrick Mahomes’ repertoire of side-arm throws, basketball-style push passes, underhanded flips and renowned improvisation humbled yet another highly regarded defense.
Mahomes passed for 254 yards and three touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs extended their winning streak to nine games with a 32-29 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday
BROWNS 20, GIANTS 6
Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns have their first 10-win season in a while, and they’re on the verge of ending the NFL’s longest playoff drought.
They’re thinking much bigger than all that after a dominant 20-6 win over the New York Giants on Sunday night.
Mayfield led two 95-yard touchdown drives and was sharp all night, helping the Browns (10-4) bounce back from a 47-42 loss to Baltimore last Monday night.
The victory got the Browns closer to clinching their first playoff spot since 2002, the NFL’s longest drought. They also matched their highest win total (10-6 in 2007) since their 1999 expansion rebirth. An 11th victory next Sunday, against the 1-13 New York Jets, and a combination of losses by others could clinch a postseason berth.
Standings
AFC EAST
1). Z-Bills (11-3)
2). Dolphins (9-5)
3). Patriots (6-8)
4). Jets (1-13)
AFC NORTH
1). X-Steelers (11-2)
2). Browns (10-4)
3). Ravens (9-5)
4). Bengals (2-10-1)
AFC SOUTH
1). Titans (10-4)
2). Colts (10-4)
3). Texans (4-10)
4). Jaguars (1-13)
AFC WEST
1). Z-Chiefs (13-1)
2). Raiders (7-7)
3). Broncos (5-9)
4). Chargers (5-9)
NFC EAST
1). Washington (6-8)
2). Giants (5-9)
3). Cowboys (5-9)
4). Eagles (4-9-1)
NFC NORTH
1). Z-Packers (11-3)
2). Bears (7-7)
3). Vikings (6-8)
4). Lions (5-9)
NFC SOUTH
1). X-Saints (10-4)
2). Buccaneers (9-5)
3). Falcons (4-10)
4). Panthers (4-10)
NFC WEST
1). X-Seahawks (10-4)
2). Rams (9-5)
3). Cardinals (8-6)
4). Rams (5-9)
Z = Clinched Division
X = Clinched Playoff berth
Prediction
Steelers at Bengals
Joe: Steelers 24-6
Transcript
Santiago Leon 0:14
The sports cast December 21 2020, it’s Christmas week. If you haven’t yet, please subscribe in all our channels YouTube, Periscope and Apple podcasts. And if you’re listening on Apple podcast, please leave a rating and review it will help us out tremendously. And we’re also on online radio, he listened to the online radio, if you go to our website, the sports cast net or on our on our app, and it’s called the sports cast, you can’t beat that. And follow us on Twitter at the sports cast one we were live tweeting this past weekend, breaking news stories and we’re hopefully going to break the Auburn. Coach, gay cool, who be hired for Auburn that could be announced this week. So anyways, we’re talking to a person that is also applying for the job is Joe Toscano all the way from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Welcome back to the sports cast.
Joe Toscano 1:10
Thanks for having me again. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s pretty good.
Santiago Leon 1:17
That’s pretty good out. Wow. And it cannot be done in the shower. It was done here. So well, this week is Christmas. It feels like it’s coming. I mean, I mean, I’m done. Like with my shopping. How are your crib? Your Christmas preparations, Joe?
Joe Toscano 1:36
I don’t know I have a bunch of packages. I don’t remember what I bought. I haven’t checked my orders. So I could be done. Or I could be screwed. I don’t know. I could be I see a late night run to a store. In my near future.
Santiago Leon 1:55
Worst case scenario. You could always buy them a gift card on your phone and send an email but which is not which is kind of a ghetto way to do it. But hey, you know if it’s $100 gift cards of the Banana Republic, I mean, I can’t say no to that. Same Okay. Well,
Joe Toscano 2:14
I think I just I just I finished my Christmas shopping for you, bro.
Santiago Leon 2:19
Which by the way, during this show, I might have Amazon delivery come in and they might leave the package. So but but I but I don’t think I have to step away. So keep that in mind. We’ll see what happens. Anyways. NFL week. 15 was great, a few clinches and a few hopefuls for the NFL postseason. Haven’t spots on each conference. So there’s more there’s more wiggle room. And of course there’s some spots being fought for to the last minute. And a few teams that well one team in particular got eliminated from the from the playoffs. First time and I think 21 years and I think Joe knows who that is.
Joe Toscano 3:04
Yeah, I’m so excited.
Santiago Leon 3:06
I can’t believe it either. Anyways, are you ready? To recap? NFL week 15.
Joe Toscano 3:13
Yes, sir.
Santiago Leon 3:15
Okay, first game on Saturday. There was a Saturday game the buffalo freakin bills, defeated the Broncos 48 to 19. Josh Allen through for 359 yards great for fantasy hitting stefon Diggs 11 times for 147 yards before he suffered a foot injury in the fourth quarter, Cole Beasley eight times 400 yards and you know what that means, Joe, the clinch the AFC East we got a new AFC East champion.
Joe Toscano 3:47
First time in 25 years 1995 I don’t want to say what I was doing in 1995. But just congrats to the bills. Good for them. Their team is solid as heck but yeah. Division champs That’s awesome.
Santiago Leon 4:05
I was 10 years old at 9095. I can you know elaborate say that. And the bills team that we haven’t seen them you know, when the AFC East in a while probably during those Jim Keller era. They probably win the AFC s back then. I imagine.
Joe Toscano 4:22
Probably I mean, yeah, they dominated the early 90s. And then a yet unnamed team came along Yeah, for the past 20 years but still, you know, a bills bills are looking really
Santiago Leon 4:36
good. This year. We’ll discuss Who’s that team later on. The Green Bay Packers clinched the a the NFC north by defeating the Panthers 24 to 16. I’m Aaron Rodgers. Another great performance Panthers Of course fire their GM this morning. But packers are looking good job.
Joe Toscano 4:58
They’re there. Getting that number one seed. Very important tip because I get that they’re the only team with the first round by looking really good. Yeah, saints losing help them out a lot so they’re on their way that number one seed
Santiago Leon 5:14
and then number one seed is very important guys because think about it playing greenbay in January is not that easy. Seattle can’t pull it off in Green Bay, so I would not want to go Wisconsin and like the middle of January so but that’s a huge home field advantage. If Packers DO IT guys show I think their chances to go Super Bowl increases by a lot.
Joe Toscano 5:38
Yeah, I think it matters a lot for the saints. I think of the saints got that number one seed, it would help them a lot just because they will be in the dome. And you know, there’s a huge difference between playing in a dome and playing outdoors and Lambeau Field in January. So yeah, cute. This is a huge deal. We’ll see how it goes. But it’s looking really good for the Packers.
Santiago Leon 6:06
It’s Tom Brady that went to Atlanta. He was down about 17 points came back in the Buccaneers. 131 a 27 What is it with Tom Brady and playing in Atlanta he he well, which is a good thing, usually down the first half couple points but then comes back and wins. Falcons always, you know, blow leads But hey, buccaneers had a good performance yesterday.
Joe Toscano 6:31
Atlanta having a big lead on a tom brady team and then blowing it I’ve never I’ve never heard of this before. is very, very reminiscent of the other times But yeah, I mean, this was this was a must win for the for Tampa. So, yeah, and then Atlanta. Yep. It’s what they do. They blow leads.
Santiago Leon 6:57
Yes, that’s what they do. And not just against Tom Brady but several teams and the first half of the season. The defense had a great performance a that. Evan white had a great performance on fantasy actually helped out one of my guys win his playoff game. So the Buccaneers had a good defense had a good game yesterday. And Tampa Bay’s inching towards another playoff. Tom Brady performs well in December. I’m not sure if Joseph is a fan of Tom Brady or you’re just not a fan of the Patriots. But I mean, I mean, what’s your deal with Brady? I mean, what’s what’s what’s your what’s your thing with him now?
Joe Toscano 7:37
If I list all the things in the world that I hate, I would list the Patriots number one Bill Belichick number two, but but Brady would be a third.
Santiago Leon 7:46
Okay, so he’s he’s the least like guy, but I mean, I like the most. I don’t know how to work it anyways. cowboys defeated the 40. Niners 41 to 33 Tony Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys gave Zico Elliott a reason to come back next week at the after the two time rushing champion Mr. game because of injury for the first time in his career, Pollard ran for two touchdowns with Elliott sidelined by calf issue. This game was kind of tricky because last week here at the sports guys we were having issues it can be the Cowboys or it can be the niners I think Joe was going for the Cowboys
Joe Toscano 8:26
Yeah, I’m not sure what’s going on with the 40 Niners honestly i think i think what this whole situation with COVID and not beat not having a home anymore. I think it affects them. But uh, you know, the Cowboys showing some life I don’t think they have a chance to make the playoffs or they have a very tiny chance. But still, Tony Pollard look good. I was really surprised that he was that good. You know, z galley didn’t play, but they didn’t miss a beat.
Santiago Leon 8:55
Any Delton deltin any Doulton throw for two touchdowns he’s definitely got warmed up with the Cowboys, but I think that’s still the favorite, but that could leave. I’ve been hearing those rumors for the past couple of weeks. The Titans Wow. They’re hot in December, the defeating the lions 46 to 25% of team any team can beat the lions 46 to 25. Ryan tannehill counted for career high five touchdowns passing and running. And a guy named Derrick Henry ran for 140 404 he says seven yards. Not as good as last week but still good. I’m Titans. They’re a threat maybe for the Steelers.
Joe Toscano 9:36
Titans are a threat to a lot of teams in the playoffs. Yeah, Derrick Henry is an absolute beast. We say that every week. He is amazing.
Santiago Leon 9:45
But he’s a beast. More rubies than ever.
Joe Toscano 9:47
Easy. Yeah, he’s, he’s amazing. He’s absolutely amazing that he had that stiff arm of that guy that he threw him into another continent. I think that guy is in Europe. Right now he got stiffed I’m so bad. Yeah, the tines are a major threat in the playoffs. I have a feeling if it’s a Titans against chiefs in the playoffs. I don’t know if the chiefs are gonna make it out of that.
Santiago Leon 10:11
Oh my gosh, I like that. Thank you for saying that. Because I know at times it feels like the Chiefs don’t have a challenge. So this might be the team. I don’t think the Steelers are gonna do it to be honest. But it can be the bills. Enemy.
Joe Toscano 10:28
Could be the bills could be the Titans could be the Ravens if they can slow
Santiago Leon 10:32
down the Titans, you know, I mean, I mean, assuming slow down the Chiefs if don’t bill check was a defensive coordinator for the Titans. It’s over, but that’s not the case right now. Anyways, the Colts defeated the Texans AFC South t y Hilton. Unbelievable game. Also the tight end as well. The Colts has sealed it. I think they won that division. Joe
Joe Toscano 11:02
Yeah, the Colts are another team that I think is. I don’t know, can’t be they could be really good. But they also could falter in the playoffs because i think i think they’re a team that needs a home they needed they need to be in that dome. I think they’ll do best there. They have to play out in the elements. I’m not sure though. They’ll do so great. So they really need as many home home games as they can.
Santiago Leon 11:25
Exactly. I mean, it’s gonna be tough to a to win in Kansas City. But anyways, the dolphins have a have a routine. It’s become a tradition now to beat the Patriots every December and they did it yesterday. 22 to 12 eliminating the New England Patriots show pretty excited. First time in 25 years. It was was it two? Or is because the Patriots are that bad?
Joe Toscano 11:54
Both I mean that yeah, I think I think that dolphins, you know, with a with the coach of the dolphins being with the Patriots, I think that helped a lot. He knows him pretty well. Yeah. patriots aren’t making the playoffs. Oh,
Santiago Leon 12:13
what a glorious day, man. You know, something I’ll celebrate. I’m thinking is built the check. I mean, was he a good coach all these years because of Tom Brady. Or was it because you know, Tom Brady was that good and made Bill Belichick degnan It’s a
Joe Toscano 12:29
weird year. I mean, not only did they lose Tom Brady, they lost like, like, I don’t know, like eight people or something like that. That just opted out of the season for COVID. You had all the situation even even Cam Newton had COVID during the year. He came in like he didn’t have much practice. I mean, there’s all kinds of things. So it’s too early to say whether you know Belichick was laughing with that, Brady, we’ll see what they do in future years with a quarterback and a person or something like that. But it’s kind of a kind of an off year to write off Belichick.
Santiago Leon 12:59
Are you giving him the benefit of the doubt?
Joe Toscano 13:03
Yeah, let’s let’s just just give that poor guy a chance. Maybe he’ll make it in this league.
Santiago Leon 13:09
Let’s go on to Minnesota bears defeated Minnesota 33 to seven, David Montgomery, burst through a big hole in the defense and carried most of Minnesota’s secondary with him cross the goal line. That 14 yard touchdown run in the in the game, his second score of the game put Chicago ahead again by double digits. This is a weird division. Joe. I mean, at first you think the Vikings are like in the role the bears are not trubisky is playing better. Um, but I mean, but at the end of the day, I believe neither team will make the playoffs.
Joe Toscano 13:48
I don’t know. But this basically was a playoff game because it’s basically eliminated the Vikings from playoff competition. And, you know, they they just have to hope that the the the Cardinals falter. And if the Cardinals lose, then maybe the bears can sneak in. So I mean, it’s possible that the bears can make the playoffs but yeah, they basically eliminated the Vikings.
Santiago Leon 14:18
Yeah, it was like a playoff game. Pretty cool. We won’t see the Viking Stadium in the playoffs. That’s what you’re trying to say.
Joe Toscano 14:25
Probably not. No weird noises.
Santiago Leon 14:30
Washington football team wanted to have their third win against the Seahawks. They came close but they lost by five points. 20 to 15 Russell Wilson had a great game. Carlos. You know, Russell Wilson shine again. But Washington came close. Not enough. Washington’s kind of winning ugly, but they’re winning
Joe Toscano 14:58
Washington, I think really needs Alex Smith,
Santiago Leon 15:01
healthy there, unfortunately, right Dwayne Haskins played.
Joe Toscano 15:06
Yeah. So I mean, if Washington had Alex Smith, they can maybe eke out some wins. But I mean, this was this is really a game for the Seahawks to get right again, our defense was better. And they needed us. They were there. They’ve been looking there. They’ve been looking really bad past few weeks. So, you know, maybe the Seahawks got back on the right track. The Seahawks,
Santiago Leon 15:29
of course, on the NFC West. They clinched the NFC West with that win. And of course, why was that? Well, the reason why because the Rams loss against the Jets 23 to 20. Joe, the Jets are kind of regretting it because now I don’t think then I believe they don’t have the first round draft pick anymore. Goodbye, Trevor Lawrence.
Joe Toscano 15:58
I said this yesterday. They are going to make a documentary on December 20 2020. This is the day that the Jets franchise just got screwed. Probably for the next 10 to 15 years. How do you do that? Jeff? How How are you so stupid as to win this game? This game meant nothing to you. And now you just lost out on Trevor Lawrence. How stupid are you?
Santiago Leon 16:26
Exactly. Of course. Like Joe says that’s 15 years of your franchise right there flushed down the toilet because you lost against I mean, because you beat the rains. I know when the when it feels great. But this is huge. Like the Rams. How about the Rams? What’s going on with them, Joe?
Joe Toscano 16:42
Wow. Yeah, yeah, but what is what happened to the Rams? Good defense. And I don’t know what is going on with that offense, which is it’s really mystifying because Sean McVeigh is such a genius. He’s so smart. How can this be happening? He’s so much smarter than everybody else not to be not that I’m bitter or anything but yeah, something’s wrong with that Rams offense. They’re just they just haven’t been right all year.
Santiago Leon 17:10
Something’s happening. Of course, the Jets. I believe the Jaguars have the number one pick is a loss against the Ravens. They did their job. They’re losing and they lost to a great ravens team that score 40 points. The jaguars score two touchdowns. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are warming up like the Titans. Joe, are you worried about these ravens peaking at the right time?
Joe Toscano 17:34
Yeah, yeah, I am. The Ravens can do a lot of damage in the playoffs. Regardless of who they play, they’re, uh, they’re printed together. I mean, they are what they are. They’re, they’re, you know, Lamar Jackson, they’re running. Their defense has to be good enough. So, I mean, right now, they’re not in the playoffs. It’s, it’s, it’s the dolphins that have that spot. So in theory, if the dolphins went out, they’re going to make the playoffs and the Ravens are going to miss but probably what’s going to happen is that the dolphins are going to lose at some point. The Ravens have a pretty easy schedule going forward. So but yeah, the Ravens are going are looking scary, and they’re they might be peaking at the right time for the playoffs.
Santiago Leon 18:20
So definitely look at Of course ravens has that for as Lamar Jackson, he’d be a threat. Now everyone knows ravens are not the best. Or let’s just say Lamar Jackson has not been the best in the playoffs itself. So we’ll see what the Ravens do. There’s hope there was hope in the beginning of the season. The homes went down there was doubt now there’s the homes are going back up. So we’ll see if they’re going through a bull market here. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 33 to 26 in great performance by Hurts. Jalen hurts had a great performance but Johns Hopkins had had a great game as well. Um, of course, there’s been rumors about Carson Wentz does not want to be a backup probably wants to get traded. But let’s focus back on this game. Cardinals beat the Eagles 33 to 26 a game that a Cardinals had when Eagles kept it close then they
Joe Toscano 19:18
was a great game a lot of fun. Yeah, a must win for the Cardinals. There’s a basically eliminates the Eagles, you know from from trying to win that division. But yeah, big point for the Cardinals. But she got Jalen hertz. You know, God, he’s, he’s looking good. He has confidence. He’s inspiring confidence and the whole team. That’s gonna be a really interesting situation. I know we talked about this last time. I don’t know what they’re gonna do with Carson Wentz. I have a feeling it might be an ugly divorce and maybe they’ll just cut him if he doesn’t want to be the backup. But it’s just going to be really, really interesting. I think right now. Jalen hertz has his little honeymoon period. You know, just because you start off hot, eventually teams are going to catch up to you, they’re gonna have film on you. They’re gonna figure you out, then let’s see how you adjust to that. So we’ll see, we’ll see. Or maybe not, maybe he’s just good. I don’t know. But right now he is, he is confident, and he’s inspiring confidence in the team. And they almost pulled this off. So it’s gonna be really interesting to see what happens in Philly.
Santiago Leon 20:26
I do agree with Joe. Sometimes when you start off hot, doesn’t mean you’ll be hot forever. A lot of these teams can figure you out. I’m Carson Wentz. I actually heard the rumor this morning, that he’ll be a good fit for the Patriots.
Joe Toscano 20:43
He needs to go away. I don’t, I don’t wanna say he needs to go away. He needs to change teams. He needs a change of scenery right now. Just mentally as a confidence. He just needs another coach or another team or something like that just for a fresh start. So I don’t know if it would be the Patriots. I don’t know. I don’t know what’s a good team for him right now because he’s just his confidence is shot. He’s He’s like good for anybody right now. But he needs he needs a nice change of scenery. Clear his head start over somewhere else.
Santiago Leon 21:13
Too bad. He started a couple years ago and now. Well, he started back in 2014. So things have gone a little bit different. But it’s okay. Jalen hertz. The comments from Justin Riley says Jalen hertz should have been a starter A long time ago. Do you agree with that?
Joe Toscano 21:31
Yeah. You’ve got to think it’s like, well, what would have happened if they went to hertz earlier in the season? Yeah, yeah. I mean, that they, you know, you can’t blame them for holding on to your franchise quarterback You can’t blame them for for seeing if it’s going to work with him. But yeah, I mean, if they weren’t with him earlier, they probably would have won some games they probably would have made the playoffs.
Santiago Leon 21:53
I totally agree with Joe. But of course, Jalen hertz is looking good. We’ll see if he could play for that franchise quarterback position in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love the Chiefs saints the game of the weekend was a three point game 3229 chiefs Patrick mahomes you know with his was throwing arms had 254 yards and three touchdowns. This game you know was thinking about it yesterday that I think they I mean this could be a possible Super Bowl matchup maybe but what are your thoughts about this one?
Joe Toscano 22:33
Yeah, I think the main thing was Drew Brees came back from all those broken ribs all those all those injuries he had he looked rusty You know, I think that’s one of the issues is he’s kind of old So yeah, I mean, but but still they made it real close. A really good game. I agree. This might be we might be seeing this matchup again in the Superbowl. So just just like a really good game between two good teams, but I mean, hey, and into the Chiefs however, big problem they possibly lost Clyde Edwards a layer. Oh, no, that is huge.
Santiago Leon 23:14
Don’t say that. Yeah, it’s gonna be huge. Of course, they don’t really depend on the running game as a whole lot, of course have other weapons Tyree kill and their tight end. So we’ll see what happens. We’ll see what happens. chiefs have had great backups and has a very deep squad. You know, when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs, let’s go to Sunday Night Football. The Cleveland Browns defeated the Giants 20 to six in the Meadowlands anyone could be the giants, I could be the giants. On a Sunday Night Football, Baker Mayfield and the Browns had their first 10 win season in a while. And they’re on the verge of making the verge on making the NFL playoffs. I think they probably will, Joe, a team that you’re very familiar with a threat to your division. How do you see the Browns?
Joe Toscano 24:08
got to hand it to them? They keep winning cancer. I don’t like them. But they they look good. Baker Mayfield just, he’s, he’s accurate. He’s, he’s not messing up. I gotta hand it to them. I don’t want I don’t I don’t want to praise them. But but you got it. They keep winning. You know, this giant seems a little better than we thought that their defense is getting better. You know, their offense is a bit of a mess. But still, hey, you can’t argue with results. The Browns beat them handily. So kudos to them.
Santiago Leon 24:45
It’s interesting. You’re saying that because there’s people been saying that the Browns could be super bowl contenders this year. You think that’s way too early to talk about that? No, I don’t think so. This way.
Joe Toscano 24:57
The Browns are gonna make the playoffs. I am hoping I mean that I mean and the Steelers have conscious spot. I am hoping that the Steelers play either the Browns or the dolphins in the playoffs because those are I don’t wanna say easy wins but those would be those would be wins I’d much rather play the browns and the dolphins than the Titans or the Ravens.
Santiago Leon 25:17
Something we’ll definitely look at now. Have you seen Baker Mayfield? I mean, Mayfield? Is he getting comfortable in the pocket is he jiving with the squad?
Joe Toscano 25:28
Apparently he is. I’ve been down on him I thought that you know he has his little cycle of having a good game and then saying a bunch of stupid stuff and then having a bad game. Well, hey, he’s he’s putting together he’s accurate. He’s uh, he’s moving the ball. It’s working so you know, I want to trash him but I can’t
Santiago Leon 25:55
definitely look at Mayfield had a great performance 95 yard touchdown drives. And then right now they’re 10 four I believe the victory gets them closer to the playoffs. Their next game is against the Jets. It should be an easy one. Should be an easy one. So you would think unless the Jets don’t want
Joe Toscano 26:22
really and and get out of that second overall spot maybe they’ll like they’ll just keep winning and have lousy your draft position.
Santiago Leon 26:34
Yeah, something that definitely look a lot going on. Let me read you the the NFL playoff picture as of right now. In the AFC the Chiefs have clinched it Steelers. bills are clinching it in the south AFC. South. Tennessee is vying for that spot. Um, and then you got the Browns that are in the hunt as well. And then the Colts and then the dolphins in the bubble. teams that are vying for that wildcard spot are the Ravens and the Raiders. I’m Joe How do you see this? You’d see the Ravens Raiders squeezing in? Or do you see anyone squeezing out from the dolphins called Browns or? Yeah, how do you see it?
Joe Toscano 27:24
I predict the Ravens will make the playoffs and the dolphins will not Oh no, no I
Santiago Leon 27:30
none of this show
Joe Toscano 27:33
the Ravens have an easy schedule moving forward now one thing that’s interested in is the dolphins play the bills at that point I think it’s the last game at that point the bills aren’t going to care you know they’re they’ll have their position so they might not play any starter so it might be an easy win for the dolphins But yeah, I think the Ravens are going to squeeze in and they’re and they’re going to squeeze the dolphins that’s our trick is
Santiago Leon 27:58
that is that’s quite interesting yeah cuz ravens is still for us out there. I believe dolphins pay the bills and buffalo right. I think doesn’t matter. I don’t think it matters because buffalo will probably resting their starters or they’ll just take it easy and not get injured if they’ve clinched the AFC East what else is to prove? Let’s look at the NFC. The Packers clincher this past weekend the saints are in the Seahawks are arcia clinched the playoffs they’re in win their division in the hunt. Oh my gosh, Washington football team. The LA Rams. The Buccaneers and the Cardinals in the bubble. Is the Chicago Bears as we were talking about before the Vikings are still in the bubble apparently, according according to nfl.com. And the Cowboys, the giants in the Eagles, that’s a lot of team in the bubble. Joe, how do you see this? And if you had to predict your final NFC playoff clinchers? Who would it be?
Joe Toscano 28:57
The Giants if they won last night, they would have been the first they would have had that. That first spot in the NFC East. So that was a huge loss for them that they that I don’t wanna say it knocked him out of the playoffs, but it made it a lot harder for them. So it’s probably gonna be Washington out of the NFC East way. Yeah, it’s probably be the Rams and the Cardinals in the NFC West making it along with the Seahawks. No, I don’t I mean, it’s it’s gonna be real interesting between the Cardinals and the bears to see. You know how that all works out. You know, I mean, the the bears are seven and seven. Arizona’s eight and six. We’ll see. I think that’s that’s the only drama I think everybody else is eliminated. Vikings really don’t have a chance neither to the Cowboys or the giants of the Eagles. It’s really, it’s really just Cardinals or bears now, spot.
Santiago Leon 29:50
I mean, I personally would rather see the Cardinals in because they’re more exciting the bears who would you rather see the Cardinals or the bears in the playoffs?
Joe Toscano 30:00
Either one would be interesting, but I mean, I could you imagine Kyler Murray and in Hopkins in the playoffs, just what they could do that that sounds really interesting. I would like to see what Kyler Murray can do to you know, cuz he gets sometimes they can just take over a game by himself. So I mean the bears will be interesting to see what they would do with trubisky in that defense, but I think it would really be cool to see what Kyler Murray can do
Santiago Leon 30:26
not easy to defend Of course, Arizona is loaded and if they’re going to the playoffs it could be a dark horse but the NFC is pretty pretty tight. So we’ll definitely keep you guys up to date MC is kind of like the tricky one because the NFC ees is like the weakest of course I don’t see those guys giving me any deep beyond the first game. So we got about two more weeks Joe and a lot could happen and Black Monday is going to happen in two weeks well it’s actually become like the Sunday itself when they kind of fire coaches like that, that that night and they’ve been firing some gems today. The Panthers fired their GM so we’ll see how it goes. I’ll be applying for that job. No, I’m kidding. Anyways, tonight, the Steelers visit the Bengals it’s a must win for the Steelers to get back their momentum again. I know the Steelers had a rough couple of weeks their scheduling has kind of veered them off a bit injuries as well. But how important is tonight’s win Joe?
Joe Toscano 31:31
It’s important not so much for I mean yes, the the Browns are kind of on their, you know, on their heels sort of. But really it’s important just for their psyche because they’ve looked really bad the last three games they really need to just get back they need that they need to look good again, especially on offense or offenses just not working right now. So and this is a perfect opponent. The Bengals are just an absolute mess. And they’re they’re down to their third string quarterback. It’s just a it’s just a disaster. This should be a Steelers blowout. Not sure if it will be no definitely be a Steelers win I’m just not sure if it’ll be a blowout
Santiago Leon 32:11
and give us a score
Joe Toscano 32:14
24 to 624 to
Santiago Leon 32:16
six that’s a pretty conservative score and that and what do you want to see in this game you want to see more raw this burger you want to see more y receiver action like what do you want to see things solidified tonight.
Joe Toscano 32:31
I want to see Roethlisberger connect with the wide receivers. I want to see right now what he does is he throws a quick he throws those quick little checkoff passes. He needs to throw deeper passes. And hopefully maybe get the running game going. That would be nice. I don’t think that’s going to happen. But it would be nice to to to actually run the ball too because the running game has been horrible lately can’t just do it on passing. So let’s see if they can run it a little bit but I just the offense needs to be to look better.
Santiago Leon 33:02
And James Connor will be in the running side of things.
Joe Toscano 33:07
Maybe I think he’s hurt.
Santiago Leon 33:09
I think he’s hurt too. Anyways. Well, tonight’s Monday Night Football Steelers and Bengals not a very exciting matchup. But if you’re bored on a Monday night, definitely watch the game and see how Steelers will see the should when they don’t have the starting quarterback Joe burrow. He’s injured off the season. So we’re gonna see, we’re gonna see a lot going on tonight. A classic AFC, AFC matchup in the north. So looking forward to it Joe, what is the best way to reach you online to talk to you about the best way to handle last minute Christmas shopping?
Joe Toscano 33:44
It’s Joe bag of doughnuts V and seven f I’ll also message me I’ll send you send me I’ll send you my Venmo information if you want to send me gifts. You know I’ll you could access my Amazon wishlist. You know if you want to if you want to buy me stuff, you know,
Santiago Leon 34:01
not too expensive stuff. I bet they’re they’re pretty. Pretty affordable, aren’t they? Sure. Okay. And you can reach us at the sports cast one on Twitter or at the sports cast net. Tomorrow. Tonight we got Tyler Turner and guest Chris Courtney from the whole flock of ducks tonight they’ll be talking about recapping the PAC 12 championship game, which Oregon won against USC, Oregon’s winning back to backpack to championship. So looking forward to the recap tonight. And also talking about the big 10 and how how Ohio State beat the the won the big 10 championship this past weekend. And of course it probably dabble into the college football playoffs which we had the big show you can rewatch that on YouTube or on Apple podcasts. We saw a lot of action there’s a lot going on this week. Tomorrow of course is a Riley in constant They take no breaks and they’re going to talk about Alabama’s sec when was huge a lot going on a whole lot going on with Alabama and tomorrow that the whole Alabama 1992 squad and national championship so it’s gonna be a loaded one and in reminisce what happens in the back in the late 90s. And how this Alabama team is looking good by the way, so it feels like they’re gonna win it. But of course the games have to be played right? The games have to be played. Anyways, um, that is it. I’ll be having I think this is my last show the week I might there could be a Friday show. Wednesday show will be airing a special interview with Fernando flere from Univision, so we’ll see how that goes. But I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Maybe Ryan crystal might come in for a noon cast or something. And we’ll keep you up to date because it’s a lot going on. Anyways, Joe,
any closing words any any Christmas message before we end the show?
Joe Toscano 35:59
Happy Holidays, everybody. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. I hope everybody stay safe. hope everybody has as good of a holiday as you possibly can. You know, I know. Things suck for a lot of people. You’re not going to not be able to see family and stuff like that. So, you know, we will get through this and I hope it’s as good as it possibly can be for you. There you have it. Merry Christmas, Joe.
Santiago Leon 36:25
Thanks for very much and I’ll see you next week before the New Year. Let’s do it. Do it.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai