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Sports

Episode 408: Turducken Budget

Matt Crone January 25, 2025

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This week on The Underdog:

 

Introduction

  • 00:00:33 – 00:02:12
    • Matt jokes about the cold weather but considers going for a walk.
    • Chris shares a story about the bug company visiting his house but facing issues with frozen water pipes.

Pizza Debate & Local Favorites

  • 00:02:12 – 06:36
    • Chris and Matt discuss favorite pizza toppings and local pizza places.
    • Matt praises a bacon pizza and a chicken bacon ranch slice from a nearby shop.
    • A debate about pickle pizza leads to Chris calling Matt an “adventurous pizza eater.”
    • They discuss Domino’s (“Dom’s”) vs. Papa John’s and Matt’s regret about eating too much of it.
    • Chris, a former pizza employee, shares behind-the-scenes info about the cleanliness of different chains.

NFL Conference Championship Preview

1. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders

  • 07:11 – 08:12
    • Eagles are favored by 6 points.
    • Matt is mentally preparing for the Commanders’ challenge, but he’s not impressed by their season.
    • They discuss how Jaden Daniels’ poise has been a game-changer.
    • Chris believes the Eagles are a better team, but media narratives favor Washington.

2. Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs

  • 08:12 – 09:40
    • Chiefs favored by 1.5 points.
    • Matt and Chris discuss how hard it is to pick against Patrick Mahomes.
    • They acknowledge Buffalo’s strong season, but Kansas City’s playoff experience is unmatched.

NFL Coaching Carousel: Pete Carroll to the Raiders

  • 09:40 – 12:17
    • The Las Vegas Raiders hire Pete Carroll as head coach.
    • Carroll, 73 years old, gets a three-year deal.
    • Chris jokes that by the time Carroll’s contract is up, he’ll be the right age to run for president.
    • Discussion of how the Raiders turned to Carroll after Ben Johnson chose the Bears.

Baker Mayfield’s Coaching Carousel Struggles

  • 12:17 – 14:38
    • Baker Mayfield is about to enter his 8th NFL season with his 9th offensive coordinator.
    • The only time he had back-to-back years with the same OC was 2020-2021 in Cleveland (Alex Van Pelt).
    • Discussion on how difficult it is to succeed when constantly learning new systems.

Liam Cohen Controversy & Jaguars Front Office Drama

  • 14:38 – 17:25
    • Liam Cohen signed an extension with the Buccaneers, then suddenly left for the Jaguars.
    • This coincided with Jaguars owner Shad Khan firing GM Trent Baalke.
    • Matt and Chris discuss how Trevor Lawrence’s development has been hindered by instability.

Nick Sirianni’s Lack of Recognition in NFL Awards

  • 17:25 – 20:24
    • Nick Sirianni was not listed as a Coach of the Year candidate despite leading a 14-win Eagles team.
    • Chris argues that Sirianni’s lack of media friendliness hurts his reputation.
    • Comparison to coaches like Kevin O’Connell, Dan Campbell, and Andy Reid who are receiving more praise.

Media Bias Against the Eagles

  • 20:24 – 23:40
    • Discussion of how sports shows focus on clickbait rather than real analysis.
    • Matt criticizes media members still talking about A.J. Brown reading a book on the sidelines.
    • They compare Eagles criticism to how the Commanders’ schedule isn’t scrutinized.

NFL MVP Race: Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen

  • 23:40 – 26:55
    • Lamar Jackson is the heavy favorite at -225; Josh Allen is +175.
    • Chris and Matt debate whether Allen deserves it more based on value to his team.
    • They acknowledge Lamar’s consistency, but Allen had a breakthrough year.

Pro Bowl & Fun Alternate Ideas

  • 26:55 – 28:12
    • Chris suggests an NFL vs. College All-Star Game instead of the Pro Bowl.
    • They joke about relegation, where the two worst teams play to stay in the league.

Pickleball Commentary Idea

  • 28:12 – 32:18
    • Chris and Matt talk about their willingness to become the lead commentators for professional pickleball.
    • They imagine nicknaming players on the fly and making the sport more entertaining.
    • Chris proposes recording a podcast while announcing a pickleball match.

Final Thoughts 

  • 32:18 – End
    • Chris and Matt conclude by discussing how media narratives affect awards and team reputations.
    • They emphasize how experience matters in the playoffs, especially for the Chiefs.

 

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Matt Crone

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