The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Where do we look for NFL head coaches and GMs? What qualities should the candidate possess? Robert Mays begins exploring those questions with former NFL executive and current analyst for CBS Sports, Amy Trask. They discuss the business side of finding a GM, the importance of collaboration and her experience with the Raiders. Then, former NFL player and current ESPN writer and commentator, Domonique Foxworth joins the show to talk about how head coaches set the culture within a team. Finally, Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry explains why he knew early on that Mike Tomlin, Sean McVay and Brandon Staley would be successful head coaches. 

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The Playoffs are here, and we've got a recent Super Bowl Champion in the house to shed some light on how players prepare for playoff games vs. the regular season, which QBs could be on the move this offseason, an NFL uniform fact you might not know and more courtesy of this week's Athletic Football Show mailbag as Robert Mays leads Mitchell Schwartz through your voicemails and emails concerning the Browns, Raiders, Chargers, Colts and more.

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Robert Mays and The Athletic’s Mike Sando break down all of the NFL firings on Black Monday. They begin by discussing the Bears’ decision to move on from Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace and the end of Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman’s tenure in Minnesota. They also talk about the surprise firing of Brian Flores and why the Giants are sticking with Joe Judge. They wrap by examining potential head coach candidates.

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Following a chaotic ending to the 2021 NFL regular season, which almost appropriately ended in a tie between the Chargers and Raiders, Robert Mays and Nate Tice sift through the mess and discuss the most intriguing playoff matchups, from the 49ers & Cowboys renewing an old rivalry to the Bills facing the Patriots & more. Plus, the Colts season ends in embarrassing fashion at the hands of the Jaguars, Vic Fangio is out in Denver and more breaking headlines following the final whistle of week 18.

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Week 18 is officially here! Robert Mays and Nate Tice preview the matchups with the most at stake. They break down Chargers-Raiders before discussing why the Rams have struggled against the 49ers’ offense. Plus, can Nate rebound after going 0-3 in his picks last week? Sheil Kapadia is back to explain his favorite lines heading into the final weekend of the regular season. 

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We're rounding out the 2021 NFL season by handing out some awards of our own, from Most Improved Player to WTF Moment of the Year and more before Lindsay Jones and Robert Mays dive into MVP talk, Coach of the Year, Exec of the Year and all the rest - then Saints writer for The Athletic, Katherine Terrell, stops by to weigh-in on Robert's Sean Payton trade hypothetical, the fans' desire to make a playoff run and more Saints talk.

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The 2021 NFL All-Pro team discussion continues with the defense. Robert Mays welcomes back Trench Warfare’s Brandon Thorn to help select the defensive line. Then, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, Matt Bowen fills out the roster for linebackers and defensive backs. 

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On a special two-part episode of The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays is joined by several guests to select the 2021 NFL All-Pro team. They begin with the offense and Nate Tice stops by to break down the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends. Then, Trench Warfare’s Brandon Thorn weighs in on the offensive line.

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It's almost playoff time, and your emails & voicemails are flowing in. From teams in need of a refresh to playoff worries, the All-Pro himself Mitchell Schwartz is here to shed light on playing in sour situations, what a Derek Carr for Russell Wilson trade could do for the Seahawks and the Raiders, finding some help for Ravens and Broncos fans, which timezone is truly the best for football and more with Robert Mays as week 18 arrives.

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It was a week of playoff clinching wins, confusing losses, and even more confusing behavior on the field as Joe Burrow and the Bengals wrap up the AFC North with a win over Patrick Mahomes the Chiefs , the Cowboys can't control of Kyler Murray, Antonio Brown literally quits on the Buccaneers, the Eagles stay alive, the Colts drop one to the Raiders, and could Matthew Stafford end up dooming the Rams' playoff run? Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss these headlines and more from week 17 on a postgame Athletic Football Show.

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There are several important matchups on the slate for Week 17 and Robert Mays and Nate Tice are here to preview what they are watching heading into the weekend. They discuss what’s at stake for the Bengals, if the Dolphins’ defense is for real, their excitement around the Cowboys and much more. Then, Sheil Kapadia looks to make a final push with his Week 17 picks against the spread.

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Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones start the show by discussing the latest COVID-19 changes across the NFL and the impact it could have on games as soon as this weekend. Plus, which wild card team poses the biggest threat heading into the playoffs? They rank who they believe could be the most dangerous teams from the AFC and NFC.

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The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and Robert Mays take some time to reflect on the impact of John Madden's career, from his larger-than-life personality in the broadcast booth to on the field and via our gaming consoles, hear how Madden's life impacted so many who love the game of football.

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Robert Mays begins the episode by remembering NFL Hall of Fame coach and commentator, John Madden. Then, ESPN’s Mina Kimes joins the show to discuss the legacy and future of the Pete Carroll era in Seattle. How did the Seahawks get to this point? Will they trade Russell Wilson? How will the front office approach this offseason? They dive into all of that and much more. 

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The Super Bowl Champion Mitchell Schwartz returns to the Mailbag portion of the show to dig into some of your best week 16-17 questions, voicemails and emails like what we think of the Giants apparently sticking by Joe Judge and Daniel Jones, what the Jaguars would have to trade to acquire a Sean Payton, the Cowboys' recent draft history, rebooting the Bears and Washington Football Team, which coach-QB relationships are intriguing to think about and more with Robert Mays.

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Week 16 of NFL action is wrapping up, as Joe Burrow makes history against the Ravens, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys secure the NFC East thanks to Trevon Diggs and the defense, the Chargers drop a concerning game to the Texans, the Patriots stumble, the Chiefs and Colts look unstoppable and much more. Join Robert Nate and Nate Tice for their weekly postgame reaction discussing the highs and lows of Saturday and Sunday, including the Jaguars' confusing end-of-game sequence, the Bears' last-minute victory in Seattle and more.

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice kick off the holiday weekend by previewing the highly anticipated rematch between the Bills and Patriots. They also discuss the Colts’ defense, if the Cowboys offense is really broken and the AFC North showdown between the Bengals and Ravens. Plus, Sheil Kapadia pulls ahead in the picks segment and Nate is riding with Ian Book? Tune in to hear their Week 16 picks against the spread. 

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A lot is happening as week 16 in the NFL arrives. Lindsay Jones is here for her weekly visit as she and Robert dive into the MVP case for non-QB candidates Cooper Kupp & Jonathan Taylor. Will their historic seasons at their respective positions be enough to sway the committee? Plus, the Vikings are somehow Stayin' Alive, personnel updates across the league, appointment viewing for Thursday before The Athletic's Browns writer Zac Jackson joins the show to dig into the Baker Mayfield conundrum hanging over Cleveland, the offseason plan, Myles Garrett's DPOY campaign and more. 

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What role does the run game play in a successful offense in 2021? Robert Mays is joined by Mitchell Schwartz to discuss what the numbers tell us, the impact on the quarterback and offensive line and the physical element it brings to the offense. Plus, Robert shares parts of his conversation with Colts’ head coach Frank Reich on the topic. 

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Our own Senior Writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame Voter Mike Sando returns for this week's mailbag, diving into your voicemails and emails coming out of week 15. How should Bengals fans feel right now? What makes a coaching "rerun candidate" like Dennis Allen a good one? What's the deal with "too tall" QBs with guys like Justin Herbert out there? Who are the most star-heavy teams in today's NFL aside from QB? If the Jaguars swung for the fences, which head coach would be the most intriguing for them to hire? These questions and more on deck from YOU on this Athletic Football Show.

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The NFL's week 15 was full of sloppy play, backup starters, and unexpected wins. Robert Mays and Nate Tice run down the biggest headlines coming out of Sunday, from the Saints shutting out Tom Brady and the Bucs, to the Lions shocking the Cardinals to get their second win under Dan Campbell and more + Robert and Nate attempt to bring some clarity to the AFC playoff race following the Ravens loss and wins by the Bengals and Steelers.

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Jonathan Taylor is inevitable. Following the Colts' big win over the AFC rival Patriots, Robert Mays is joined by Athletic NFL / Colts writer Zak Keefer to discuss the win, Carson Wentz and Frank Reich's communication, Darius Leonard's Peanut Punches, and of course, Jonathan Taylor. How dangerous is this Colts team?

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What’s next for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars? Robert Mays and Nate Tice begin the episode by discussing what needs to happen in Jacksonville over the next few months. Then, they examine Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur’s success this season, how the Rams have figured things out on offense and the 49ers’ adjustments on defense. Finally, Sheil Kapadia shares his Week 15 picks against the spread. 

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Robert Mays and Sheil Kapadia bring some more context to the Urban Meyer situation with some bonus podcast coverage covering the coach's affect on Trevor Lawrence's development, what direction the Jaguars should go in for their next head coach, & whether or not the Jags as they are today can even be trusted to get things right.

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Urban Meyer is out in Jacksonville after multiple reports surface about a hostile situation in the Jaguars locker room. Lindsay Jones and Mike Sando react to the breaking overnight news before Robert Mays and Lindsay shift their focus to the league meetings are happening in Dallas as teams around the league continue to shift rosters around. Lindsay has updates on what teams and players are doing to keep the season going, the reveal of the 2022 salary cap number, how the Broncos continue to Stay Alive in the playoff hunt & more + The Athletic's David Lombardi, who covers the 49ers, joins in on the conversation to bring some insight as to why the 49ers didn't start Trey Lance in year 1, the plan for Jimmy Garoppolo in 2022, playoff hopes & more as week 15 arrives.

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Robert Mays is joined by Hall of Famer Kurt Warner to break down the different styles of quarterback play we are seeing across the NFL in 2021. They discuss how Mac Jones has been successful this season, the art of reading the defense’s body language and the offenses that are doing a good job at making things easy on the quarterback. They also talk about footwork, technique and much more. 

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Nate Tice returns for the 2nd show in a row as we open the Athletic Football Show Mailbag. This week's it's full of questions regarding ranking some of the best QB arm talent in recent memory, who some Hall of Fame candidates are in today's NFL, making the transition from coaching in college to coaching in the League, what approach the Falcons should take this coming offseason and much more with Robert Mays!

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Buccaneers-Bills lives up to the hype, the Cowboys defense has our attention, Urban Meyer is wearing out his welcome in Jacksonville, and those are only a few highlights from week 14. How should Bengals fans feel after the loss to the 49ers? What about Bears fans and another loss in Green Bay? Is Micah Parsons really the MVP favorite? What is going on with the Panthers, Cam Newton and their QB situation? Nate Tice and Robert Mays have all the postgame reaction on a new Athletic Football Show.

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice preview the game of the week between the Bills and Buccaneers. They also examine the Browns and Ravens’ struggles on offense before breaking down how the Chiefs have fixed their defense over the course of the season. Then, Sheil Kapadia is back to talk about his Week 14 picks as Nate inches closer to taking the lead. 

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Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones start the show by discussing which teams are out of the NFL playoff race and which franchise they believe has the most hope over the next several years. They also talk about the Dolphins’ postseason chances and the Bills’ important matchup with the Buccaneers. Finally, Bo Wulf joins the show to discuss how the Eagles have turned things around this season, Jalen Hurts’ future in Philly, their 2022 NFL Draft picks and much more. 

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Why has this NFL season felt so unpredictable? Where are all the elite teams? Robert Mays and Mike Sando examine why we are experiencing more parity than ever before across the league. They discuss what the numbers tell us, how the quarterbacks are playing a role, the increase in penalties and much more. 

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Time to open the Athletic Football Show Mailbag following some big moments from week 13, from Joe Brady's firing in Carolina, to the decision to go for 2 in Pittsburgh and more, Mitchell Schwartz is Robert Mays' guest to dive into your emails and voicemails + Mitchell reveals his starting Fantasy O-Line!

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As week 13 nears an end, it's time to take a step back and look at the AFC playoff picture in the context of Sunday's results as the Colts keep on winning, the Chargers blow out the Bengals, and the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens might be done + Rob Gronkowski keeps defying logic with how he's playing in Tampa Bay, an early Hall of Fame campaign speech for Andrew Whitworth, the Niners fall to a poor Seahawks team, the Vikings hand the Lions their first win under Dan Campbell and more with Robert Mays and Nate Tice.

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice begin the “Friday Five” by discussing how the Patriots’ defense is bullying offenses this season. They also examine why Washington’s offense is working with Taylor Heinicke, the Chargers’ offensive game plan and how bad the Jaguars are failing Trevor Lawrence. Finally, Sheil Kapadia hopes for a big Week 13 as Nate gains ground in the picks segment. 

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Lindsay Jones and Steelers writer Mark Kaboly of the Athletic are this week's guests as Robert and Lindsay discuss their current picks for MVP and discuss candidate odds of Tom Brady, Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, Jonathan Taylor, Dak Prescott and more before discussing the Washington Football Team's refusal to exit the playoff conversation, the most intriguing games this weekend and more + Kaboly joins the show for an extended convo on the current state of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger, the draft and all the chaos that Steelers fans are currently experiencing.

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Mock draft season is officially underway as Robert Mays welcomes The Athletic’s Dane Brugler to discuss the 2022 NFL Draft. Dane explains who he has at No. 1, the overall talent this year and where things get interesting for the Jets, Giants and Eagles. Plus, they also dive into the top quarterbacks and what to watch heading into the conference championship games this weekend. 

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Mitchell Schwartz returns to share his Super Bowl Champion perspective as we open this week's Mailbag, full of talk about Matt LaFleur not getting enough credit, why NFL teams don't hire former agents as GMs like the NBA does, how players choose to spend their bye week, which positions are the hardest to come by in today's NFL, Micah Parson's role in Dallas and much more with host Robert Mays.

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After a wild week 12 of NFL action, we're taking a closer look at how the results affect the NFC playoff picture. How convincing was Tom Brady and the Bucs' win over the Colts? Have the Packers become the NFC favorite? What about what's happening out in San Francisco with Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers? Nate Tice joins Robert Mays to discuss it all + a surprising win for the Dolphins, BIll Belichick and the surging Patriots, what the hell is up with Ben Roethlisberger and more on a postgame Athletic Football Show.

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss the top things they are watching heading into the weekend slate. They begin by examining what is wrong with the Rams’ offense before talking about the Eagles’ path to the playoffs. They also discuss what is different about this version of the 49ers’ offense and how the Patriots have built their game plan around Mac Jones. Finally, Sheil Kapadia is back to break down his Week 12 picks. 

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There is plenty to be thankful for this NFL season. Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones discuss what tops their list. They talk about the return of the fan experience, the Manningcast, the new group of wide receivers and much more. 

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Before the turkey and mashed potatoes, Robert Mays sits down with Sheil Kapadia and Nate Tice to preview the Thanksgiving games. They find ways to get you excited for Bears-Lions, before diving into the Cowboys’ offense against the Raiders’ defense. Finally, Sheil explains why he’s not worried about the Bills as they break down Buffalo’s matchup against the Saints. 

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Super Bowl champ Mitchell Schwartz returns to open this week's Mailbag with Robert Mays as the taunting rule reared it's ugly head again in week 11. Hear a player's perspective on the impact on the game, plus Tom Brady's value vs. Bill Belichick's value, Bills concerns, Justin Fields' development, where Frank Reich ranks in the coaching hierarchy & more before Mitchell and Robert rank their favorite Thanksgiving foods, with a few surprises along the way.

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Another Sunday down, and we're left with more questions than answers. What do we make of the Chiefs defense shutting down Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense? Should Bills fans be freaking out more than Colts fans are celebrating? What has happened to the Titans and Seahawks that we used to know? Nate Tice joins for the weekly postgame edition of The Athletic Football Show, discussing these topics and more including Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, Steve Spagnulo and more. 

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice start the “Friday Five” with a full preview of Chiefs-Cowboys. They also examine the Colts’ run game, the Titans’ defensive success and the Ravens’ struggles against the blitz. Then, Sheil Kapadia dresses as Bill Belichick and Nate wears a pirate costume for their Week 11 picks. 

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Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones kick off the episode by discussing the Week 11 matchup between Ron Rivera and Cam Newton. They also talk about what’s at stake for the Bengals, the highly anticipated showdown between the Cowboys and Chiefs, and the big questions surrounding the AFC playoff picture. Plus, The Athletic’s Greg Auman joins the show to discuss the Buccaneers' two-game skid, the injury issues and Tom Brady's MVP caliber season.

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Robert Mays welcomes MatchQuarters’ Cody Alexander to break down the rise of two-high defenses across the NFL. They dive into what we’ve seen on film over the last several years, what teams are implementing it the most, how it’s impacted the run game across the league and much more.

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Mitchell Schwartz is here for this week's Mailbag special, answering your voicemails and emails coming out of week 10 with Robert Mays. How should Browns and Colts fans feel about their QB situations with Baker Mayfield and Carson Wentz? When will Seahawks fans know it's time to move on from Pete Carroll? Which players did Mitchell play against with the Chiefs that he dreaded facing? This and much more on a Tuesday Athletic Football Show.

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Week 10 in the NFL was full of high-scoring blowouts, a shutout, a tie, the return of a franchise QB, and more headlines that felt oddly right for this 2021 season. Nate Tice and Robert Mays react to Sunday's biggest stories, from Mac Jones' ascension in New England & the Browns' issues, Cam Newton being BACK in Carolina, the argument for Dak Prescott the MVP, the Minnesota Vikings being contenders, curious losses for the Buccaneers and Seahawks and more!

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice start the show by discussing the top news in the NFL. They examine how Odell Beckham Jr. will fit into the Rams’ offense as well as the Panthers’ decision to bring back Cam Newton. Then they dive into the film and discuss whether or not the Broncos have shown the blueprint to slowing down the Cowboys. Finally, Sheil Kapadia’s lead in the picks segment dwindles as Nate looks to make a comeback.

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Where will Odell Beckham Jr. land? Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones break down the best teams for the wide receiver. They also talk about the spotlight on Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys coaching staff, Russell Wilson’s return and the Titans’ dominant defense. Then, The Athletic’s Packers writer Matt Schneidman joins the show to talk about Aaron Rodgers’ status for Week 10 and Green Bay’s COVID-19 violations. They also discuss Jordan Love’s debut, David Bakhtiari’s activation and the surprising stars on defense.

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