Steelers could cut Russ, Best WRs Duos & LeBron compares Curry to Mahomes | NFL | First Things First
Summary
TLDRThe transcript discusses the potential future of Russell Wilson with the Pittsburgh Steelers, comparing his situation to that of Justin Fields. It explores the likelihood of Wilson starting the full season, the possibility of him being cut, and the implications of a potential quarterback competition. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of quarterback personalities and the impact of Patrick Mahomes on the NFL, drawing parallels with how Stephen Curry changed the game of basketball.
Takeaways
- π The discussion revolves around the potential performance and future of Russell Wilson in the Steelers, with debates on whether he will start the full 17 games or face a possible cut in training camp.
- π Russell Wilson's stats from the previous season are highlighted, including 26 touchdowns and 8 picks, and his sixth highest passer rating in the league, despite not looking as good as the numbers suggest.
- π€ There's speculation about the Steelers' intentions with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, with the team's actions indicating higher hopes for Wilson initially.
- π The conversation touches on the idea that if there's a quarterback competition, and Fields wins, the Steelers might not want Wilson as a backup due to his persona and desire to start.
- π― The opinion is expressed that Wilson doesn't need to be unplayable to be cut, but rather, if he's not the starting quarterback, the team may not want him as a backup.
- π A ranking of AFC wide receiver duos is discussed, with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman from the Chiefs being considered the best, followed by other notable pairs like Amari Cooper and Jerry Judy.
- πͺ Patrick Mahomes' workout and preparation are mentioned, with a focus on his new wide receiver tandem and how it might impact the Chiefs' performance.
- π A comparison is made between the impact of Stephen Curry on basketball and Patrick Mahomes on football, with Mahomes potentially changing the quarterback position in the NFL.
- π The influence of mobile quarterbacks like Mahomes is highlighted, suggesting a shift in the NFL towards more athletic passers who can make plays both with their arms and legs.
- π The script also discusses the importance of catch rate and drop percentage for wide receivers, using Hollywood Brown's stats as an example to analyze the impact of quarterback play on receiver performance.
- π€ The idea that certain quarterbacks, like Russell Wilson, may be 'starters only' due to their market value and persona is explored, with the possibility that they may seek a trade if they are not named the starter.
Q & A
What was the expectation for the show on Monday?
-The expectation was that everything would be fixed by Monday, indicating a previous issue or problem that needed resolution.
What is the significance of 'March Madness' in this context?
-In this context, 'March Madness' refers to a show or event that has its own version of the popular college basketball tournament, likely a competition or series of events with a similar atmosphere of excitement and unpredictability.
Who is Brew and what is his role in the show?
-Brew is a long-time member of the show, referred to as the 'Russ guy.' He is expected to provide statistics and insights, particularly about the player Russell Wilson.
What was the bad news mentioned in the transcript?
-The bad news was that the person addressed had to sit through 15 seats of 'takes,' which likely refers to having to listen to a number of opinions or commentary segments.
What was the discussion about Russell Wilson's performance?
-The discussion revolved around Russell Wilson's performance, specifically his stats of 26 touchdowns and eight picks, and his passer rating. While some argued his stats were good, others noted that he didn't look as good as the numbers suggested.
What were the speculations about Russell Wilson's future with the Steelers?
-There were speculations that Russell Wilson might not start the full 17 games, or might only play one game in Pittsburgh before being cut or replaced. However, the general consensus was that unless he couldn't play well, it was unlikely he would be cut in training camp.
What was the Steelers' strategy in acquiring Russell Wilson over Justin Fields?
-The Steelers chose to acquire Russell Wilson over Justin Fields, despite knowing Fields was available. They gave up a six-round pick for Wilson, indicating they had higher hopes for him than for Fields, who they didn't trade up to acquire.
What was the argument about the potential backup quarterback situation for the Steelers?
-The argument was that if Russell Wilson was not named the starting quarterback, the Steelers would not want him as a backup, as he would likely not accept that role. There was also a discussion about whether Wilson would be willing to be a backup at this stage in his career.
What was the comparison made between Patrick Mahomes and another sports figure?
-Patrick Mahomes was compared to Stephen Curry in terms of their impact on their respective sports. Just as Curry changed basketball with his three-point shooting, Mahomes is changing football with his ability to make any lead feel unsafe with his late-game comebacks.
What was the ranking of the Chiefs' wide receiver duo in the AFC?
-The Chiefs' wide receiver duo was ranked as the third best in the AFC, with the expectation that having Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback would significantly boost their performance.
What was the discussion about the wide receiver rankings in the AFC?
-The discussion involved ranking the top wide receiver duos in the AFC. The top five were discussed, with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman being the top-ranked duo, followed by others like Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson, showcasing the strength of the NFC in terms of wide receiver talent.
Outlines
π NFL Quarterback Speculation
The paragraph discusses the potential future of Russell Wilson in the NFL, particularly his role in the Pittsburgh Steelers. It explores the possibility of Wilson not starting the full 17 games, his performance, and the team's interest in Justin Fields. The conversation also touches on the Steelers' draft strategy, the potential for a quarterback competition, and the likelihood of Wilson being traded or released.
π Quarterback Competition and Team Dynamics
This paragraph delves deeper into the quarterback competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields within the Steelers organization. It discusses the implications of Wilson not being the named starter, the team's commitment to Wilson, and the potential impact on team dynamics. The conversation also considers the market for Wilson and the likelihood of him accepting a backup role.
π AFC Wide Receiver Duo Rankings
The focus of this paragraph is on the rankings of wide receiver duos in the AFC. It presents a top five list, discussing the strengths and potential of various combinations, such as Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, Amari Cooper and Jerry Judy, and others. The paragraph also includes a brief analysis of the Chiefs' receiving corps and how the addition of Patrick Mahomes could elevate their rankings.
π Wide Receiver Performance and Quarterback Impact
This paragraph continues the discussion on wide receivers, comparing the performance of Rashid Rice and Hollywood Brown. It examines the catch rate and drop rate of these players, the influence of quarterback play, and how these factors contribute to their rankings. The conversation also touches on the potential of other receiver duos and the impact of individual talent on team success.
π The Evolution of the Quarterback Position
The final paragraph shifts focus from football to basketball, drawing a comparison between the impact of Stephen Curry on the game and the potential influence of Patrick Mahomes. It discusses how Mahomes' style of play is changing the quarterback position in the NFL, with a move towards more athletic and mobile passers. The conversation also reflects on the legacy of Tom Brady and the evolving dynamics of the sport.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘March Madness
π‘Russell Wilson
π‘Steelers
π‘Justin Fields
π‘Quarterback
π‘Training Camp
π‘Passer Rating
π‘Draft Pick
π‘Backup Quarterback
π‘Starting Quarterback
π‘Wide Receiver Duo
Highlights
Discussion on Russell Wilson's performance and future with the Steelers.
Debate on whether Russell Wilson could be cut from the team or not.
Speculation on the possibility of Russell Wilson not starting the full 17 games.
Comparison of Russell Wilson's stats and his actual performance.
Discussion on the Steelers' decision-making process in acquiring Russell Wilson over Justin Fields.
Opinion on Justin Fields' potential and his fit within the Steelers.
Debate on the likelihood of a quarterback competition between Wilson and Fields.
Analysis of the potential impact of Russell Wilson's persona on his role within the team.
Discussion on the Steelers' strategy with their quarterback depth chart.
Comparison of Patrick Mahomes' impact on the game similar to Stephen Curry's influence on basketball.
Debate on the effectiveness of different quarterback styles in the modern NFL.
Ranking of wide receiver duos in the AFC with the Chiefs' new tandem.
Discussion on the potential of the Chiefs' wide receiver duo with Patrick Mahomes.
Comparison of the Chiefs' wide receiver duo to other notable AFC duos.
Analysis of the impact of quarterback play on wide receiver statistics.
Discussion on the evolution of the quarterback position in the NFL.
Transcripts
that was the worst one you got in my
head Monday it's going to be all fixed
it better be Monday it'll be all by from
New York we're sto it's a show that has
their own version of March Madness Yeah
March Madness of takes that is don't
remind who will reveal o well I've got
bad news you're 15 seat of takes today
well I do think it's on the board but I
I listen Brew is the Russ guy he has
been for years and years on this show so
I usually I just haven't written any off
I just say 26 touchdowns and eight picks
is good that's all I
say wild listen when we do momes topics
you usually give me the respect of
letting me go first so when we do Russ
topics we should give Brew the respect
let counch so go ahead no but he's
wanted to go first we said it for the
show you were too busy fixing your hair
so I don't know who this executive is
it's just scuttlebutt it is hogwash
Scuttle butt Bal Dash it's Tommy rot if
I ever heard of that all right Tom look
it up cuz that's what this is all right
really now look I'm gonna be fair
because I'm I'm not like in love with
Russell Wilson but I'm just gonna be
fair is there a chance he doesn't start
the full 17 games sure is there is he
possibly or likely even one and done in
Pittsburgh sure is he going to get cut
in training camp no way way all right
there's no way that's happening unless
he goes out there and really just can't
play professional football so there is a
way that's no that's not going to happen
because you can talk about how bad he
was and I've even admit it he wasn't as
good as the stats suggest why do you
keep but they are stats I mean they are
kept for a reason that's generally how
we measure people and so he didn't look
quite as good as the numbers but he did
produce those numbers of 26 and8 and the
six highest passer rating in the League
all right the fact of the matter is
this the Steelers have more hope for
Russell Wilson next season or this
upcoming season than they do for Justin
field based on what based on who they
bring in first Russell W they knew
Justin Fields was available that wasn't
a secret but they went out and brought
in Russell Wilson what' they give up for
Justin Fields a six round pick when it
was a fourth round pick when it was a
third round pick they weren't interested
what did they give up for give up no let
me finish they gave up a six round pick
and reportedly there are four other
teams interested in Justin fields and
the Steelers still didn't say okay we'll
go up to five we'll go up to four they
still kept it at sixth round or nothing
we don't know what he can do bring him
in why Fields want to go there well
Fields it's a good opportunity for him
why because he can learn under Russell
Wilson and it's a good you don't think
that but you don't know it's because he
he we think he I think he want to learn
under Russell Wilson and he he wants he
knows it's a good situation hold on so I
didn't I got to let me finish my tape
I'm sorry oh I I thought we I thought
you no I'm saying they they I think they
have higher hopes for Russ than they do
for Justin Fields now Justin Fields I'm
sure they want him to be their
quarterback in the future if it goes
well but no this notion that Russell
Wilson's not going to be there in
training camp and you know how bad he'd
have to look or act in training camp for
them to cut it think that's NE that that
last supposition is necessarily true but
I want to go back to what you were
saying which is why Justin wanted to be
there thank you because all of the
reporting that I heard was he wanted to
be there was not because he could learn
because that was of the teams that
wanted him his best chance to play it's
a it's a who who were the other teams
that wanted him I think New Orleans
potentially was on the list and he
wasn't going to supplant Derek Carr I
had Philadelphia was on the list he
wasn't going to supplant but it's not
but Pittsburgh is a very good team too
absolutely support your this is the
quote from Courtney Cronin there were
five teams that reached out to the Bears
to gauge their interest on a Fields
trade but the majority of those teams
Invision Fields as a backup and but
Justin wanted to go there and Ryan poles
is a great guy and did right by him by
sending him to be have come out and said
there is no reason for the Steelers to
come out and say Russell Wilson's going
to be our starter Russ is on Hard Times
Russ had a West was benched in Denver
why' they have to do it because I think
they say a lot of guys are going to
start so now now we think so listen said
it so the reason I I so strongly
disagree with what you're saying is I I
don't think Russell Wilson needs to be
unplayable in order to be cut I I think
that if Russell Wilson is not the named
starting quarterback they will not want
him as the backup I think that if if in
I think the idea behind this is not oh
he could be cut in training camp because
he's going to come out there and not be
able to throw a football I think what
they are talking about is if there is
any semblance of a competition and
Justin wins it which by the way I am not
certain he would but if he were that
they would not won want Russell Wilson
as the backup quarterback because
Russell Wilson would not want to be the
backup quarterback the the reporting as
of yesterday was in his meeting with the
Giants they wouldn't certify to him
you'll be the starter that's one of the
reasons he didn't want to be there but
the Steelers did certify yes before they
had this player have they have we seen
any reports since they got this player
no but those reports no they are right
now still Towing the line and keeping
the line that Russ is the starter and I
think Brew they're plan is for Russ to
be the starter but that can CH if that
changes I think that it is then very on
the board that Russ asks them then cut
me please you guys have no investment in
me to wait for a quarterback to get hurt
and to see where he could go but if
Justin doesn't play well he could end up
starting in Pittsburgh right no I
understand that piece of it and if I
were the Steelers I might tell Russell
Wilson no we're not doing that actually
we need did three quarterbacks last year
you're going to be a good soldier so I I
am not predicting Brew he will so you
kind of agree okay no I am I'm
predicting he's the weak one starter but
I am
saying the question buying he might not
make the Steelers I am 100% buying that
it is on the board that Justin wins the
competition and Russ is not the guy they
want to be the backup that is not the
the bet I would make but do I think that
is a greater than 1% like not just Given
Sunday type of chance do I think there's
a 10 to 20% chance that that happens yes
absolutely and I I just I I don't know
why we have this hangup he he had less
of a market than Gardener muu if Gardner
mchu were in Pittsburgh and Justin
Fields was brought in would we go in
there saying well yeah there's a chance
guard that Justin wins that competition
would we be saying that I don't think
the Steelers would be saying Gardner V
shoose our starter if they had signed
him before they had Justin fields and
named him the starter of course they
would why of course they would what do
you mean why not say we got a
competition G Mitchell is a career
backup so we got let's we got a
competition the the Steelers I think
they could have said that with Russ to
be honest that but come in and compete
but when they signed him and named him
the starter they didn't have anyone on
the Justin was not on the team yet so I
don't think they're going to now have
like hey sent out a press release saying
by the way it's now open competition
they're going to have practice decision
you're going to see who the better
player is to Bru point the reason the
reporting on why Kenny picket left is
because Kenny picket was promised uh
opportunity to compete found out Russ
was basically the starter and then said
hey I feel lied to or the situation
changed I need to leave so that would
support your point but the question I
have for you is this Brew do you think
there are some
quarterbacks who are starters only and
I'll give you the example when Cam
Newton started the full Brady Bridge
year to M Jones M Jones won the
competition and BJ cut Cam Newton a
little bit as as a solid to him it's
like man you're not a backup right
you're just not you're you're the man
you're not going to thrive as a backup
you have to go and he went to Carolina
he did the cool like I'm back it didn't
go well in Carolina CU nothing goes well
in Carolina but it was almost like doing
him a favor to go find another starting
job I I think yeah yes I think there are
quarterbacks like that but Russ at this
stage of his career I think I mean the
quarterbacks like that have huge
personas and he does have a huge persona
but I also think where is he going where
was C going well cam eventually accepted
being a backup in other places you know
what I mean and I think cam would accept
being a backup now oh yeah right so I I
just think he went back didn't he go
back to Carolina went to Carolina and
was the starter and then and was out of
I I just I there there is a lot that
goes along I don't we all say I
shouldn't say we all say Shawn pton came
in and said you know Russ is not having
his office and his parking spot and all
those things because Shawn pton changed
how he wanted R like the Broncos do
business does not mean Russell Wilson
changed how he views himself how he
views you know what I mean his position
as the face of the franchise no matter
what the and I'm sure the salary stuff
is Justified understandably by it would
make no sense you're getting this amount
of money no matter what so he's like the
only player in the league that is not
you can't look at his salary as his
value I understand that piece of it
because he's getting his 39 million from
Denver I just think there is a lot of
Personality stuff that is attached to
Russell Wilson that if he is your not
your starter you might not want to deal
with
that you might not want to have in
the was kind of like like I said a a
backup quarterback that draws a lot of
attention the stuff is not what you want
the stuff we heard when when cap was
being black balled and people were
trying to you know what I mean try to
act like you can't bring him in be a
backup there it's all different things
but the answer really what it all came
down to was the backup quarterback
supposed to be either a young player
learning or Anonymous and Russell Wilson
would be none of the above I just think
he's going to start week one I think
he's going to win or has the job and
will keep it that's why I think it won't
happen here's Mahomes hitting the gym
I've worked out on that thing at equinox
you stretch out I have you're an equinox
member I was I wow why that's just
congrats buddy you're doing well maybe
you work out there your bones will get
oh wow
wow shots fired I call you rich you call
me weak that Ms uh latest workout he's
doing awesome stuff and here he is with
uh his one new wide receiver one old
wide receiver rashie rice there with the
T-shirt of shirtless Mahomes with the
dadbot uh last year this Duo had 130
receptions and 11 touchdowns now where
do you think this new tandem ranks in
the AFC in the AFC is interesting
because while the AFC has far more great
quarterbacks than the NFC does I think
the NFC has better wide rece more
excellent wide receiver Duos you know
what I or a deeper group of wide
receiver Duos so can I interest you in a
top five Brew oh yes coming in at number
five this will thrill Brew Wilson and
Williams so I think Garrett Wilson's
really good Mike Williams has actually
only had one awesome season but his
highlights are so good and his
athleticism all of that and so we I
think Wilson and Williams Come
at number if he's healthy he's an
excellent number two which is by the way
what he was in I would argue was the
number two in with the Chargers he was
all right coming at number
four young guys Nico Collins and tank
Dell now I'm nervous about tank Dell not
because you're not going to recover from
the broken leg but because the knock on
him one of the reasons he fell on the
draft was you worried about his body
holding up in felt so slight of frame
and then he got hurt in his first season
but I loveed them at number three three
these guys Rashid rice and Hollywood
Brown so Rashid rice I think what we saw
him do over the second half of the Year
showed once he got more targets how good
he could be he was he had one of the
most productive rookie playoff seasons
of any player other than Jamar Chase and
I think Hollywood Brown stylistically
fits what the Chiefs want particularly
if they add another wide receiver in the
draft at number two Chason Higgins and
these you know these top two are pretty
obvious the only reason you can't even
argue chasing Higgins for number one is
because it feels like Higgins
disposition might not be great if they
just keep him on the franchise tag sure
and but even if he were totally happy
number one still might be number one
Tyreek and Wadd you have arguably the
best receiver in the league definitely
the best receiver in the AFC and Woo is
great so I think the Chiefs go from
having the wide receivers were the
reason they weren't going to win the
Super Bowl and then they won the superow
anyway to the third best duo in the
AFC they got the best quarterback
obviously thrown the ball to him so
that's going to be huge um but right now
I had them much lower than third I
didn't have him in my top five uh I had
those other four well I I didn't have I
had DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley
okay that's a terrible really cuz they
both were over a thousand yards last
year I think that's a bad I I they don't
have as good of a quarterback but
DeAndre Hopkins is better than any of
those was great he still was really good
last year so I disag okay you can
disagree um Calvin rley still very good
so I'm going with Amari Cooper and Jerry
Judy Jerry Judy's bad ask Steve Smith
he's bad buddy okay okay we'll see you
disag you think Jerry Jud I think he's a
good number two yeah he could number
fres start right I I think he he had
some issues but I think you'll be a good
held back by quarterback play last year
to be fair well look those the Chiefs
receivers got the best quarterback so
that's going to be big for him I like
khil Shakir and Stefan Diggs needs a
better year I I got that I'm not that
high on your boy it's still an
improvement you have them at seven I got
them at nine Devonte Adams and jacobe
Myers mainly because of Devonte mainly
because of Devonte and Myers is a good
number to so that but on the Devonte
Adams jacobe Myers the other ones you
listed I think are insane just my take
Hopkins insane four years ago I'd be
with you um but the Devonte Adams was a
tough one because it's almost like he's
so good is as long could you put him
with anybody and it's an excellent Duo
Myers will be a good two he wasn't a one
no but we saw we saw that last year that
with the and it was last year um I think
you're under selling rash rice here's I
I am so here's r Rice but he might be
overselling Hollywood Brown I'll give
you a glass half full this is a
reception percentage CH rice caught 77%
of his balls uh Hollywood Brown only 50%
now we can dig into why he was last in
the NFL one part perhaps his trying to
hit more home runs deep balls uh the
other reason might be quarterback play
yeah uh but even if I don't expect him
him to be last so if he brings that up
also if he has the benefit of having
other pass catchers around him so maybe
they're going to play well because of
momes I'm just looking at the receivers
in a vacuum so no and I and I'm with
that and but I just I think that the was
that stat right there can't be looked at
in a vacuum because I don't think
Hollywood I don't think Rashi rice was
the the most sure-handed receiver in the
league last year but that stat would
tell you he was with that to me that is
a quarterback stat that is a how
catchable is the ball and with the guys
playing quarterback for a lot of the
year for Arizona last year if that you
know a Target to Hollywood Brown that
landed eight yards out of bounds counts
as a Target to him you know and so
that's a and they're just hard catches
the level of difficulty of his routes
are and correct and he had he had some
very notable drops but his drop
percentage was 3.4% The League average
3.2% but he just he had some bombs that
he dropped so it stood out he's not a
high drops player all right let's check
in on I like the signing brw do you like
this Steph momes comparison I do it's
right on the money I mean there's no
doubt about it now you know Steph
changed the game we know
stylistically I don't know if he's
single I guess LeBron's saying because
Steph changed the game and now
three-pointers are so prominent that's
why no lead is safe but with momes I
mean 13 seconds isn't safe like in
before that 13 second Drive no one ever
would have thought you could win a game
like that or come back in 13 seconds and
now it's not it's mainly momes he's the
obviously the the face of it but most
quarterbacks now a minute left 45
seconds left just to drive and get a
field goal like that is viewed as oh
they got plenty of time left you know
and now the the other team has to you
know worry about the clock and how you
know so yeah I think it's right on the
money so here's so I I kind of agree
with you I want to give credit I think
the first quarterback to make it feel
like if he got the ball back no matter
how much time was left he was going to
find a way was Brady yes Brady Brady to
me I think momes is going to end up
being better at it than Tom and he
already if you look at percentage of
opportunities what on up to this point
he's on a far better Pace but to be fair
to Tom Tom was the guy that it felt like
always came through in those moments and
in a way that pton did it that Aaron
didn't that Big B the other great
quarterbacks of his era where I do think
this comp is accurate I just think we
haven't had enough time to see it yet is
just like Steph chain the way you watch
aaou or high school or college
basketball is played as far as range
threes I think more of the off platform
arm angle run around make the play
downfield rather than play with your
legs you are going to have an influx of
and Caleb is the first one to play and I
know Aaron Rogers did that to an degree
but that was a long time between Aaron
and momes and so I think he is going to
change the way the quarterback position
is played for a lot of guys as the
league moves away from the statuesque
pocket passers and more to the athletic
quarterbacks where you see guys play a
lot it's like oh he's a poor man's
Patrick Mahomes oh he's trying to be
Patrick Mahomes like we kind of say Trey
Young's trying to be step in certain I
think to your point Rogers did it Brady
did it but they were two of the few
really the only ones kind of doing it
now others are it feels like other
quarterbacks have a better chance of
doing it now than ever before and that's
where I think Steph is In N good
answerers actually just deeper field
goals was what we were looking for it's
just Justin Tucker can hit 65 yard field
goals now buter can hit long I mean it's
not fun to talk about but it's just
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