The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Bill Barnwell returns to The Athletic Football Show as he and Robert Mays dissect the AFC East. What should we make of Cam Newton's release? Is Josh Allen in the MVP convo for 2021? Are we Tua Tagovailoa believers? And what about the Jets? The annual division previews continue on a new TAFS.

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice return to The Athletic Football Show with their annual division previews, kicking things off with Robert and Nate's favorite division, the NFC North. What x-factors could put those teams into the postseason? What are we most excited to watch in Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit? 

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What should NFL fans be watching for this college football season? The Athletic’s Andy Staples and Robert Mays discuss the QBs, coaches and other top talent to monitor this year. Plus, Giants reporter Dan Duggan joins the show to talk about Daniel Jones and the additions to the defense. Finally, could this year really be different for the Vikings? Chad Graff stops by to talk about it. 

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We've gone over the offenses to look out for this season, but what about the defenses? Nate Tice joins Robert as they each bring a list of teams they can't wait to watch take the field in 2021 - from Vic Fangio's horses, to the Packers and more. Then Robert sits down with Adam Jahns at Bears camp to discuss his hometown Chicago Bears, Justin Fields, Matt Nagy and more.

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Robert and Lindsay kick off the week catching up on NFL headlines, from the battle between Cam Newton and Mac Jones, Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Trey Lance and more. Then Robert welcomes Jake Ciely of The Athletic Fantasy Football Podcast to hunt for some value picks at QB, RB, WR and more. Then Robert catches up with Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman of The Athletic's Head of the Pack podcast to get the latest on the chaos with Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay.

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With Week 1 right around the corner, The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia joins Robert Mays to discuss the NFL’s top 10 offenses. Then, Bengals reporter Paul Dehner Jr. chats with Robert about Cincinnati’s offensive line, the questions on defense and much more. Finally, Bengals OC Brian Callahan talks about Joe Burrow’s progress this camp and how the team is looking to grow the offense around him this season. 

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice examine the most intriguing first-year play callers heading into the 2021 season. They predict how these coaches will shape the offense, the level of impact it will have on the team and much more. Plus, The Athletic’s Lions reporter Chris Burke joins the show to talk about Dan Campbell’s coaching staff, Penei Sewell and expectations for Detroit this year. Finally, Robert chats with Rams secondary coach/passing game coordinator Ejiro Evero about the wave of defensive evolution in the NFL and how offenses are responding. 

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What do teams on the cusp of a Super Bowl title like the Browns, Bills, Packers, Ravens, Seahawks and more need to do get over the hump? Robert and Lindsay Jones discuss the changes that have been made, or need to be made, with those teams headed into 2021. Then Robert catches up with The Athletic's Cowboys beat writer Jon Machota to talk all things Dak Prescott, Jerry Jones, CeeDee Lamb and America's Team.

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Matthew Stafford as a Ram. Sam Darnold as a Carolina Panther. Ryan Fitzpatrick in Washington. What can we expect from the veteran QBs with new homes in 2021 after the insane precedent Tom Brady set last season? Nate Tice joins Robert Mays to discuss how the old guys could stand out among the young guns + some rapid fire rookie QB talk, then Robert sits down with The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue at Rams camp to get the lowdown on Sean McVay and the new-look Los Angeles Rams.

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Robert Mays sits down with ESPN’s Bill Barnwell to discuss the teams stuck in the middle of the NFL power rankings. They present six teams, how they got in this position and why it’s difficult to see their path to the top. Plus, The Athletic’s Chargers reporter Daniel Popper joins the show to talk Brandon Staley’s first year on the job, expectations for the team in Justin Herbert’s second season and much more. 

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What affect do the Josh Allen, Darius Leonard and Xavien Howard contracts have on the rest of the league? How do we define success for first-year head coaches like Urban Meyer, Dan Campbell, Arthur Smith, Brandon Staley, Nick Sirianni, and Robert Saleh? Lindsay Jones and Robert Mays discuss, plus Robert welcomes Joe Person, Panthers beat writer from The Athletic to dive into Sam Darnold and what we could see out of Carolina in 2021.

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss the coaches at a crossroads heading into the 2021 season. Some of which have a lot to prove, others face a pivotal moment in their career. Plus, The Athletic’s Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney joins the show to talk about the team’s transitional year, the major questions on defense and first-round pick Kyle Pitts. Finally, Jaguars’ OC Darrell Bevell sits down with Robert to discuss the plan for Trevor Lawrence, what he’s seen so far in training camp and more. 

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice each bring 5 names to the table of players that could have breakout seasons in 2021, from a few different CBs to watch out for, potential defensive threats & more, they reveal their lists live on the show and dive into some of Robert's observations from Jets camp. Then The Athletic's Greg Auman stops through with Robert to dig into the Super Bowl champs' attempt at a back-to-back, Byron Leftwich brings us some insight on the offensive playcalling and Robert ends the show with a convo with Bucs head coach Bruce Arians.

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Which players have the most at stake in 2021? Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones are together in Miami to examine who has the most on the line this season. They also discuss their impressions from Dolphins camp, Carson Wentz’s foot injury and what the Colts will do at QB. Finally, The Athletic’s Bills reporter Matthew Fairburn joins the show to talk about Josh Allen, Buffalo’s questions at CB and much more. 

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss the latest news and notes across the league including Aaron Rodgers’ candid press conference, Xavien Howard’s trade request and more. Plus, Robert’s training camp tour has officially begun with stops in Indianapolis and Cleveland. The Athletic’s Colts writer Zak Keefer joins the show to talk about Carson Wentz and the question marks on defense. Also, Browns writer Zac Jackson stops by to discuss Baker Mayfield’s growth and the return of OBJ. Finally, Robert catches up with Browns’ TE coach Drew Petzing for a look inside camp. 

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Mike Sando's annual 'QB Tiers' has been a staple of the NFL beat for years. Now Mike joins our own Robert Mays for full reaction to the piece as it drops. Which QBs deserved to be tier 1? Who has no shot? Where do Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and more fall in 2021?

Read the entire piece at theathletic.com/qbtiers for the full tier reveal and let us know what you think!

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Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones return as training camps arrive with a fresh dose of Aaron Rodgers news in Green Bay, the Deshaun Watson situation taking a turn in Houston, QB battles taking shape in New Orleans and Denver, plus Robert and Lindsay dive into their individual under-the-radar players they're watching, biggest storylines around the NFL and more on a NEW Athletic Football Show.

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The Canton Court is officially open for session! Robert Mays and Nate Tice each present three players and why they believe they deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame. They back up their cases with stats, stories and much more. 

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Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy and Evan Silva of Establish the Run join Robert Mays for a special look-ahead to the fantasy football season. Which players should you take early? Where should you draft a QB? What value receivers will be available late? Get a head start in your league now and remember to stay locked-in to The Athletic all season for the best fantasy advice.

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New Falcons GM Terry Fontenot joins Robert Mays for the final installment of The Athletic’s Offseason Interview Series. Fontenot discusses his approach to Atlanta’s salary cap situation and why the term “rebuild” wasn’t in their vocabulary. They also talk about the decision to draft Kyle Pitts, the Julio Jones trade and the lessons he’s learned from his time in New Orleans. 

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Who are the 2021 versions of NFL standouts from 2020 like QB Josh Allen, coach Brandon Staley, the Cleveland Browns surprising season and more? Robert Mays and Nate Tice look ahead to 2021 through the lens of some potential replacements for 2020 storylines.

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Robert Mays continues the Offseason Interview Series by welcoming Colts GM Chris Ballard to the show. Chris details his time in Chicago, the move to trade for Carson Wentz, his biggest weakness as a general manager and much more.

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When the subject of potential Pro Football Hall of Famers come up, the response is sometimes "Nope, he belongs in the Hall of Very Good." So what would such a Hall actually look like? Robert Mays and Nate Tice each bring their inaugural inductions into the Hall of Very Good. Which players deserve a spot? Let us know on social media!

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SPOILER LIST REVEAL

HALL OF VERY GOOD Class of 2021

Nate - Kevin Williams DT Vikings

Robert - Charles Tillman S Bears

Nate - Matt Birk C Ravens

Robert - Brian Waters OG Chiefs

Nate - Mike Alstott RB Bucs

Robert - Nick Collins S Packers

Nate - Corey Dillon RB Bengals/Pats

Robert - Tony Romo QB Cowboys

Nate - Patrick Surtain CB Dolphins/Bears

Robert - Lance Briggs LB Bears

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Robert Mays continues the Offseason Interview Series with Chargers new head coach Brandon Staley. Staley discusses what has surprised him the most about his new role, the importance of conceptualization vs. memorization and the biggest influences on his defensive scheme. They also talk about how Staley is imprinting his values on the offense, his relationship with Justin Herbert and much more. 

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Which NFL rosters have improved the most headed into 2021? Which teams worry us the most? And which ones fall into our "What the Hell?" category? Nate Tice and Lindsay Jones both bring team names to the table as Robert Mays leads the crew through their 2021 Roster Doctor segment assessing the best and worst rosters in the NFL.

SPOILERS BELOW FOR THE FULL LIST

Best Rosters

Bucs, Packers, Chiefs, Browns, Bills, Packers

Worst Rosters

Texans, Lions, Jags, Panthers, Eagles

Best Offensive Depth Charts

Chiefs, Bucs, Browns, Cowboys

Sneaky Good Offenses

Rams, Vikings, Patriots, Washington

Offenses that Worry Us

Panthers, Bears, Steelers

Best Defensive Depth Charts

Ravens, Bucs, Broncos, Steelers

Sneaky Good Defenses

Washington, Packers, Giants

Defenses that Worry Us

Titans, Cowboys, Raiders

Best Position Groups

Washington’s Front 4, Bucs WRs, Browns RBs, Titans WRs, Patriots TEs, Browns O-Line, Steelers Defensive Front, Cowboys WRs

Most Improved Position Groups

Browns Secondary, Chargers O-Line

“What the Hell?” Position Groups

Broncos QBs, Steelers O-Line, Panthers O-Line, Giants O-Line

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Pro Football Focus' Diante Lee joins Robert Mays and Nate Tice for a wide look at NFL defenses. Which trends are taking the current league by storm, and which ones are the trends of the future? From defensive line to defensive backs, the guys discuss it all on a new Athletic Football Show.

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New Jets head coach Robert Saleh sits down with Robert Mays for the latest episode of The Athletic’s Offseason Interview Series. They discuss Saleh’s roster collaboration with GM Joe Douglas, the process of assembling a coaching staff and what stood out about Zach Wilson before the draft. Plus, hear what Saleh has to say about the importance of player feedback and how that can translate to success on the field. 

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The Offseason Interview Series continues as Robert welcomes Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry to discuss his philosophy on building a team, the draft, analytics and more. Plus Robert welcomes The Athletic's Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman to update us on the Aaron Rodgers situation and where things could be headed with his future as a Green Bay Packer.

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How would we rank the top coaches in today's NFL? Who are the best up-and-coming names? Who are the best play callers? Robert Mays welcomes Nate Tice and Lindsay Jones for part 3 of their list series as they bring their 2021 coaching superlatives to the table, plus everyone reacts accordingly to the Julio Jones trade from the Atlanta Falcons to the Tennessee Titans.

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What team would be the best fit for Julio Jones? Robert and Nate weigh in and discuss what it will take to land the wide receiver. Then they dive into five key lessons they’ve learned from studying the NFL’s best offenses. Hear what they have to say about an explosive run game, the ability to create at the quarterback position and more. 

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Wade Phillips, former coach for the Cowboys, Texans, Broncos, Rams, Chargers, Saints, Eagles, Oilers and more joins Robert Mays to talk all things defense. What was it like starting as a coach in the 80s and trying to adjust to today's offenses? How would he compare Aaron Donald to some of the legendary players he has coached like Reggie White? And did he ever hang out with Willie Nelson back in the day? These topics and much more as the Offseason Interview Series continues on The Athletic Football Show.

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After their Most Valuable QB Draft went down without a hitch last week, Lindsay, Nate and Robert return to draft the best non-QBs in the NFL. Who will be at the top of the list? Which positions could be completely left out? And could we even see a rookie make an appearance?

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Robert Mays continues the Offseason Interview Series with special guest Matt Ryan - Falcons QB, Pro Bowler & face of the franchise for a decade plus. How does he feel about the Julio Jones stuff? Was he consulted before the Falcons selected Kyle Pitts at pick 4? How does he feel about the Super Bowl loss now? These topics and more exclusively on a new Athletic Football Show.

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Part Three of The Athletic’s Origins story for Dell Technologies ‘Small Business Podference’ series. In this episode The Athletic’s co-founders Alex Mather and Adam Hansmann continue on about the company's expansion into the U.K., how the team got through the shutdown of sports and challenges that lay ahead. Writers, Marcus Thompson, Anthony Slater, Zach Harper and David Aldridge give their thoughts as well.

For the complete lineup of episodes, visit delltechnologiespodference.com

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Part Two of The Athletic’s Origins story for Dell Technologies ‘Small Business Podference’ series. In this episode The Athletic’s co-founders Alex Mather and Adam Hansmann continue on about the company's first steps into the marketplace. The challenges they met selling this idea to investors, and journalists they were trying to recruit, specifically with the expansion into the Bay Area. Writers, Marcus Thompson and Anthony Slater give their thoughts on that process as well.

For the complete lineup of episodes, visit delltechnologiespodference.com

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Part One of The Athletic’s Origins story for Dell Technologies ‘Small Business Podference’ series. In this episode we hear from The Athletic’s co-founders Alex Mather and Adam Hansmann about how they met, how an idea for better sports coverage materialized into a significant media player in the sports landscape and the spirit at the heart of The Athletic’s culture.

For the complete lineup of episodes, visit delltechnologiespodference.com

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On the first edition of The Athletic Football Show Offseason Interview Series, Robert Mays sits down with new Lions GM Brad Holmes. They discuss Holmes’ acclimation to the role and the state of Detroit’s roster before diving into the Matthew Stafford trade. Holmes also breaks down the decision to draft Penei Sewell, how the league has changed since he first became a scout and much more. 

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Based on age, contract and of course, traits, how will our panel of experts draft the league's best QB's? Nate Tice and Lindsay Jones both join the pod for a special Most Valuable QB Draft. Who will be the top 5? Bottom 5? Any QBs that were left out? Let us know on social media!

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Can the Chargers live up to the hype? How will Sam Darnold fit in Joe Brady’s offense? What price is too high for a proven QB? Robert Mays and Nate Tice answer your offseason questions. They also discuss long-shot MVP candidates, their biggest hits and misses on draft prospects and much more. 

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Robert Mays and Nate Tice return to The Athletic Football Show for a full reaction to the 2021 NFL Draft. Which teams hauls had us the most impressed? What areas still need to be addressed? Who were the favorite under-the-radar pickups that you might be hearing about later? TAFS discuss it all.

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Robert Mays, Nate Tice, Lindsay Jones and Dane Brugler bring you live reaction from the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. How shocked were we that the 49ers drafted QB Trey Lance? How excited was Robert that the Bears drafted QB Justin Fields?

Watch this episode on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBGVWXVtGZc

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What will the Falcons do at pick 4? What will the "non-pandemic" NFL Draft look like? Which teams trade into the top 10? Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones bring some final big questions to the air in their final podcast before the 2021 NFL Draft. Make sure you tune in to their round 1 coverage Thursday night at 9:30PM EST.

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The Athletic's NFL Draft podcast 'Prospects to Pros' with Dane Brugler and Lance Zierlein join Robert Mays to discuss some big takeaways from the process of scouting the 2021 NFL Draft class, from no combine to lack of game tape, weird measurables, intangibles and more.

Join our NFL Draft Night Special this Thursday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBGVWXVtGZc

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With the NFL Draft less than one week away, Robert Mays teams up with The Athletic’s beat writers for a top 10 mock draft. Which QB with the 49ers take at No. 3? Do the Bengals go WR or OL? Who will land Kyle Pitts? Tune in to hear Lindsay Jones, Connor Hughes, Matt Barrows, Tori McElhaney, Paul Dehner Jr., Josh Tolentino, Chris Burke, Joe Person, Nick Kosmider and Jon Machota break it all down. 

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Former Washington head coach and long-time NFL offensive coordinator Jay Gruden joins Robert Mays to discuss his role in the draft room, scouting prospects, finding players like Terry McLaurin, what happened with Dwayne Haskins & more as he sheds some light on how head coaches influence NFL draft decisions. Then Nate Tice and Robert discuss the process of developing players once they're drafted in their final pod together before the draft.

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We know most teams tend to draft either for value or position of need. But which player in the 2021 draft class could fit with certain teams because of their unique skillsets or the way they fit into certain schemes? Former NFL player & current ESPN-er Matt Bowen joins Robert Mays to bring you some special fits that could make huge sense on draft day. Then PFF's Mike Renner stops in to dig into the cornerback class & compare it to years past, current players & more.

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What can we learn from previous NFL Draft mistakes? Robert Mays and Nate Tice look back on past misses and the lessons teams can learn as the approach this year’s draft. Plus, The Draft Network’s Benjamin Solak joins the show to discuss the complicated edge rusher class and the misguided narratives around Justin Fields.

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Robert is joined by Trench Warfare owner Brandon Thorn to break down a deep 2021 NFL Draft offensive line class, from top guys like Penei Sewell, Teven Jenkins, Rashawn Slater, and Christian Darrisaw to second tier players, arm length concerns, potential positional shifts, and much more.

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Every offseason, we hear chatter like "they're just one draft away from a Super Bowl," or "All they need to do is hit on defense in the draft." But which teams are REALLY maybe only a draft away from contention? Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones each bring teams to the table, including the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and more. Plus they discuss Julian Edelman's Hall of Fame status as he retires during the recording session. Then, Robert welcomes Jourdan Rodrigue, Rams writer for The Athletic to share some insight on the unique approach the Rams are taking when it comes to the draft and player evaluation.

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Which teams have nailed the NFL Draft over the past five seasons? Which teams have not? Robert Mays and ESPN’s Bill Barnwell dive deep into the data to determine the best and worst drafting teams, some of which may surprise you. Plus, they debate who is the most valuable draft pick over that time period.

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