Episode 278: Soto, The Attitude Era, and NFL Week 15

Intro

00:00 – 0:31

The episode begins with hosts Chris Horwedel and Greg Crone exchanging casual banter about their personal lives and sports interests. Chris sets up the agenda for the show, including discussions about NFL Week 15, MLB free agency, college football news, and a quiz.

0:31 – 1:49:

• MLB Free Agency Highlights:
• Discussion about Juan Soto’s record-breaking 15-year, $765-800 million contract with the New York Mets. The hosts analyze its implications for the team and MLB’s competitive balance.

1:49 – 20:58:

• College Football Insights:
• Heisman finalists and controversies are discussed, including the merits of players like Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty. Speculation about Bill Belichick’s potential move to college coaching also arises.

20:58 – 36:29:

• WWE Quiz Segment:
• Chris administers a WWE Attitude Era trivia quiz to Greg, covering notable matches, wrestlers, and storylines from the era.

NFL Week 15 Discussion

37:31 – 37:48:

• Game: Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers
• The hosts introduce the Thursday Night Football matchup with the 49ers favored at -2.5. The game’s implications for both teams are briefly touched on.

37:49 – 38:19:

• Game: Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants
• The Ravens are favored at -14.5. The hosts discuss the Ravens’ tendency to play down to weaker opponents but express confidence in their ability to dominate defensively against New York’s struggling quarterback situation.

38:20 – 39:08:

• Game: Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans
• The Titans, at +5, are described as being in “draft pick mode,” while the Bengals are portrayed as needing to win to stay in playoff contention after a disappointing season.

39:28 – 40:49:

• Game: Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers
• Despite the Cowboys being listed as favorites, the discussion revolves around their recent inconsistency. The Panthers’ improved play post-Bryce Young’s benching is noted.

41:14 – 42:14:

• Game: Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns
• Chiefs favored at -4. The hosts highlight the Chiefs’ season-long habit of winning games narrowly without covering spreads, emphasizing their defensive strength against a struggling Browns offense.

42:30 – 43:45:

• Game: Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans
• Texans are -3 at home. The discussion touches on Miami’s desperate playoff push and Houston’s inconsistent offense. The Dolphins’ recent struggles are contrasted with their need to perform better offensively.

45:17 – 46:41:

• Game: New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars
• Jaguars are +3. The hosts criticize both teams, highlighting Mac Jones’ limited performance for the Jaguars and the Jets’ struggles with poor offensive play and management.

47:12 – 48:10:

• Game: Washington Commanders @ New Orleans Saints
• Saints are listed at +7. Discussion focuses on the Saints’ tumultuous season, including injuries and quarterback changes. Commanders are noted as having an edge post-bye week.