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Football

Episode 247: Unapologetically Jerry Jones

Mario Hines January 16, 2025

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This week on The Underdog NFL Show:

 

Introduction

  • 00:00:33 – 00:02:12
    • Hosts Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines open the show with casual banter about how fast the week has gone.
    • Mario mistakenly thought it was Friday instead of Wednesday and tells a humorous story about his awkward interaction with a security guard.

Coaching Carousel & Mike Vrabel to Patriots

  • 00:02:12 – 00:06:30
    • Discussion on the New England Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach.
    • Both hosts agree it was an expected move, comparing it to an obvious draft pick.
    • They discuss the Rooney Rule and how it seemed clear that Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton were interviewed as formalities before hiring Vrabel.
    • Chris mentions that players like Taylor Decker praised Vrabel as a strong leader.
    • Mario highlights that while Vrabel may not be a strategic genius, his leadership skills could work in New England.

NBA Tangent: Victor Wembanyama and Basketball’s Direction

  • 00:06:30 – 00:12:50
    • Discussion shifts to Victor Wembanyama and his impact on basketball.
    • Chris argues that while Wembanyama is incredibly talented, his three-point shooting habits reflect the modern NBA’s flaws.
    • Mario agrees that basketball has moved away from post-dominance, comparing Wembanyama to Shaquille O’Neal and discussing how centers should be more dominant in the paint.
    • Debate about expanding the court and moving the three-point line back to improve the game.
    • Chris critiques the current state of basketball, saying it lacks creativity and relies too much on isolation play.

NFL Coaching Vacancies & Potential Hires

  • 00:13:00 – 00:24:30
    • Breakdown of open head coaching jobs, including the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints.
    • Speculation on Ben Johnson likely going to the Raiders.
    • Discussion on whether Mike McCarthy is a good fit for the Bears.
    • Debate about Deion Sanders being linked to the Cowboys:
      • Mario finds it shocking but not impossible given Jerry Jones’ bold personality.
      • Chris believes Sanders’ lack of focus on the lines could hurt him at the NFL level.
    • Discussion on whether the Jets are the worst coaching job in football this year.

NFL Divisional Round Matchups

1. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

  • 00:37:05 – 00:41:13
    • Chiefs favored by 8 points.
    • Discussion of Patrick Mahomes’ ability to turn it on in the playoffs.
    • Debate on whether the Texans’ win last week was due to their success or the Chargers’ implosion.
    • Chris brings up Justin Herbert’s struggles, noting that he threw more interceptions in one game (4) than he had all of 2024.

2. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

  • 00:43:01 – 00:46:05
    • Lions favored by 9 points.
    • Mario, as a Lions fan, acknowledges Washington’s talent but highlights their struggles against the run.
    • Discussion about Jared Goff leading all remaining QBs in playoff passing yards.
    • Chris jokes about betting the Commanders’ money line.

3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

  • 00:46:22 – 00:49:39
    • Eagles favored by 6 points.
    • Debate over Jalen Hurts needing to stay on script and not force plays.
    • Discussion on Lane Johnson being snubbed in the All-Pro voting and how he is using it as motivation.
    • Chris provides a statistical comparison of Lane Johnson vs. Penei Sewell, highlighting Johnson’s dominance.

4. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

  • 00:49:50 – 00:52:45
    • Bills are 1-point underdogs at home.
    • Chris and Mario see this game as the best matchup of the weekend.
    • Debate over whether this game decides the MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
    • Discussion of how Lamar Jackson was undervalued in free agency and how teams missed an opportunity to acquire a now three-time MVP.

Closing Thoughts

  • 00:52:45 – End
    • Chris and Mario reflect on how NFL teams often overlook talent.
    • They agree that Lamar Jackson deserves more recognition for his career achievements.
    • Final thoughts on how the Divisional Round games could shape the Super Bowl picture.

 

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Mario Hines

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