Tackling the NFL

Josh speaks with Nathan Kalman-Lamb, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick, about the ways in which the processes of racial capitalism are reproduced by the NFL, how harm and exploitation are inherent to this system, and what the future of football would be in an ideal world. Theme by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam break down the ridiculous slate of games from the Divisional Round, and then preview the conference championship games. Topics include: how Kansas City's 6th round pick may have decided the Super Bowl, how DeMeco Ryans built a dominant defense without cornerbacks, and whether Sean McVay can finally out-coach Kyle Shanahan. Theme by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam return to discuss the 2021 season's biggest surprises before the playoffs. Topics include: the league's quarterback-less underclass, the most attractive coaching vacancies, and the rookie performances that shocked them. Theme by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam answer each team's most pressing question(s) heading into the season. Teams are divided by tiers based on how interesting they are, and the higher tiers get more discussion time in order to focus on the questions that will decide the Super Bowl. Find out where the Rams offensive ceiling is with Matthew Stafford, how disruptive the Washington defense needs to be, and what a Sean Payton offense will look like with Jameis Winston at QB! Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam return to an old favorite and go head-to-head to make somewhat reckless, 100% ridiculous, predictions about what will happen in the 2021 NFL season. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam complete an expansion draft for the hypothetical next NFL team! Click here and here to see the players they were picking from. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam go through prop bets for the 2021 season. They discuss whether a single division might have 4 playoff teams, the most likely Rookies of the Year, and the dumbest bets available. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam break down the most and least chaotic teams in 2021. They discuss whether the New York teams have a chance to be good, the teams that are doomed to mediocrity, and if the Cardinals are about to combust. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam break down the effects of the Julio Jones trade, and determine how it changes the trajectories of the Titans and Falcons in 2021 and beyond. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam break down which offenses and defenses are most likely to improve in 2021. They discuss how a new-look Ravens offense can terrorize the league, what the Patriots will do with all their new weapons, and the sneaky contender for a top-5 defense that you're not thinking of. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam break down locations where Julio Jones can be traded, including a city to pray that he end up in, and a team that he instantly makes the top threat to Kansas City. They also create the NFL's next expansion franchises, complete with new cities (and countries!), names, foundational players, coaches, and executives. Theme by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam fix the NFL rulebook by adding t-shirt cannons, extra players, negative points, and more! Theme music by Noah in the Open

Adam and Josh fill out their report cards for the AFC West! Topics include: who the Broncos QB will be, why the problems with the Raiders draft actually began in the 3rd round, and whether the Chargers deserve the hype.

Josh and Adam deliver awards to NFL teams (some good and some bad) for their drafts. Topics include: the least self-aware team, the strangest slide, and a heated competition for the draftee with the best name. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam hold a hot takes challenge for the NFL draft! With each level, their takes get progressively hotter. They also hold a predictive mock draft for the top 10 picks. Topics include: the one prospect who will fall much farther than you think, Bill Belichick gets his new quarterback - but it's not who you think it is, and is Trevor Lawrence actually NFL ready? Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam fill out their 2020 report cards for the AFC East. They're joined by Colin Mashkuri and Alex Hall (1:34) to break down what went wrong for the Jets and where they go from here. They also discuss how the Patriots's new-look offense may break NFL defenses, what needs to happen for the Bills to get better, and Josh gets way too optimistic about the Dolphins. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam fill out their report cards for the AFC North. They break down why the Steelers are doomed, the correct choice for the Bengals at #5, and how the Browns took such a huge leap in 2020 (and why they could take a bigger one in 2021). Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam fill out their 2020 report cards for the NFC North. Topics discussed include: why special teams play was so bad this year, guessing the Lions' top 3 receivers (let us know how many you got!), and why Josh's fascination with the Minnesota Vikings always comes back to their uniforms. They also break down the winners and losers of the Sam Darnold trade, and what it means for a Carolina franchise in traction.

Josh and Adam look at the 49ers's massive trade up from the perspective of every team affected by it. They also fill out their 2020 report card for the AFC South, discuss why they're disappointed in the Colts and Titans offseasons, and debate whether the Jaguars have a chance to go from worst to first.

Josh and Adam make a full team out of the best free agent signings! They discuss the best bargains that teams found, how players will fit in their new teams's systems, and show how it's important to look at a contract's fine print before judging it (hint: the Nelson Agholor contract is even worse than you thought). Also, Adam makes a mortal enemy.

Josh and Adam fill out their report cards for the NFC South. They discuss how the Saints can get under the cap and if they might be better in 2021 than in 2020, why Matt Rhule's failure to choose a philosophy cost the Panthers, and the player you might not have heard of who the Falcons shouldn't let leave.

Josh and Adam make their ideal free agent pairings for the best players hitting the market! They also discuss the players who were franchise tagged, as well as go over Dak Prescott's massive contract extension. Also, Adam forgets about the biggest deal of the offseason.

Josh and Adam fill out their report cards for the NFC West. Topics discussed include whether Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll can coexist, who the perfect low-cost free agent for the Rams is, how much the 49ers should give up to get Deshaun Watson, and why the Cardinals are the worst possible landing spot for JJ Watt.

Josh and Adam fill out their first report card of the offseason. This week, they break down the NFC East and are joined by Sean Iredell (15:35) to discuss the Eagles' 2020 season, what their offseason plans should include, and the Carson Wentz trade. Other topics include: Washington's QB hunt, the futility of trying to grade a team missing their 3 best players, and the opportunity cost of a 1st round pick.

Josh and Adam take a deep dive into the Super Bowl's X's and O's, discuss why Tom Brady wasn't the better QB on Sunday, and what Kansas City and Tampa Bay need to do over the offseason to get back to the Super Bowl next year. Theme music by Noah in the Open

Josh and Adam go over their preseason predictions and then discuss whether the Matthew Stafford trade makes the Rams Super Bowl favorites in 2021. Also, they hold their own awards ceremony to celebrate all of the things that the NFL doesn't consider. Who improved least in 2020? Which rookie has the best name? And which player contributed the least value to their team and/or society?

Josh and Adam dissect the Championship games and talk about why the Bucs and Chiefs won, and what it means for the Bills' and Packers' future. Also, they break down the Super Bowl matchup and pick their winners (or more accurately, how much the Chiefs will win by) for the big game.

Josh and Adam discuss the new class of coaches and how they feel about each hire. Also, they break down the divisional games and what went wrong for the losers, and analyze what work they need to do over the offseason. And of course, conference championship previews! Can Josh Allen step up, and is the key to the Bucs' success a defensive tackle?

Josh and Adam are joined by their friend Abby Kraden (23:39) to talk about how her Buffalo Bills match up against the Ravens, Josh Allen's leap to superstardom, and why Tyler Bass's eye black keeps him from missing field goals. Also, they break down all 6 divisional games (sorry Bears fans, only 10 seconds were spent on your game), and preview and predict the outcomes of this week's divisional match-ups.

Josh and Adam preview all six wildcard games and identify why each team will win, the most important match-up to watch for, and something fun about each game. Can the Ravens stop Derrick Henry from running through them, and is a private equity analyst the best QB for the Rams?

Josh and Adam share their spiciest takes after Week 16! Topics include: why the Dolphins should take a QB with the #3 pick (and also keep Tua), why the Rams should eat a huge dead cap hit to replace Jared Goff (and with who), and why a likely playoff team should fire their head coach. Also, they break down the most important games in Week 17 and what they think the playoff bracket will look like.

Josh and Adam discuss the most important trends and games from Week 15. Topics include: getting unreasonable angry about a Pro Bowl snub, making bets about Carson Wentz's 2021 home, and vindication for The Nerds™. Also, they look ahead to the most important games of Week 16 and debate whether Aaron Rodgers or Jones will carry the Packers, if Russ can start cooking again, and why every home in Honolulu will be tuned in on Saturday night!

Josh and Adam run through their Power Rankings with a few weeks to go until the playoffs! Find out which teams are true contenders and which teams' fatal flaws are too much to overcome. Topics include: the Bucs' dysfunction, comparing the Bills' and Packers' offenses, and what separates the Browns and Colts. Also, how large is the gap between the Chiefs and everyone else?

Josh and Adam break down Week 13's games and look ahead to next week's action. They discuss the worst special teams unit in the history of the NFL, the Eagles' quarterback change, and Josh looks to make more enemies by providing some harsh thoughts on Baker Mayfield and the Browns' win against the Titans. Also, listen to find out who will win the Steelers/Bills game, and why the key to the game might be a player you've never heard of!

Josh and Adam make their 2020 Pro Bowl picks. Find out which superstar wide receiver didn't make the cut, why the NFL's Pro Bowl voting is utterly ridiculous, and why Adam selected the human equivalent of a faultily-wired heat seeking missile!

Josh and Adam break down the 10 teams with the best chances to win the Super Bowl. They decide what each team's greatest strength is, the fatal flaw that'll cost them a championship, and the x-factor(s) who will determine each team's success. Can anyone stop Tom Brady's receivers, or will the Bucs running backs drop the trophy? Also, they take a moment to discuss the things in football that they're most grateful for this year. It turns out Adam Gase is good for something!

Josh and Adam design the best and worst possible teams that they can envision. However, there's a twist! Each position must be filled by players from the same team. Who's better: the Cowboys or the Buccaneers wide receivers? Who's worse: the Packers or the Eagles linebackers?

Josh and Adam review their bold predictions from the beginning of the year and check to see who's in the lead! Then, Josh raves about the Tua/Kyler showdown in the desert, and Adam breaks down Josh Allen's performance against the Seahawks. Also, they discuss what went wrong for the Bucs, and Josh explains why Antonio Brown doesn't yet deserve a second chance.

Josh and Adam broadcast on Election Night about their award predictions midway through the season. Josh goes full homer on Coach of the Year, and Adam explains why Ben Roethlisberger will win Comeback Player of the Year (and why he doesn't actually deserve to). Also, Josh explains what we learned from Tua Tagovailoa's first start and why this feels like a new era in Dolphins history.

Josh and Adam discuss every close game in a rollicking Week 7. They break down why the Seahawks and Cardinals are mirror images of each other, and each propose their own idea to improve the Titans (already good!) offense. Josh proposes that Joe Brady may be the perfect coach for the Jets, and Adam begs the Browns to redesign their uniforms and color scheme. That's it for this– Uh oh! Looks like we accidentally added a few more points, just like the Falcons!

Josh and Adam are joined by 3 guests this week! Will Kisor comes on (18:24) to discuss the Bears with some hot takes about their receiving corps. Then, Colin Mashkuri and Alex Hall (34:44) become Tackling the NFL's first repeat guests as they lament the Jets season and debate what sort of hex was cast on their team. Also, Josh and Adam break down the Packers and Bucs shocker, and explain why Alex Smith isn't the biggest comeback story in the NFL so far.

Josh and Adam rank all 32 teams, and each choose one statistic that best summarizes each team's season so far. There really isn't a single stat that shows how bad the Jets are, is there? Sorry about the audio issues on this episode, but at least we were able to get it out this time!

Josh and Adam discuss Week 3's most important events and teams, like the Adam Gase's Jets and Carson Wentz's Eagles! Also, they look at how the Brian Daboll's play calling has completely changed the complexion of the Bills offense, and how unstoppable the Chiefs are with Patrick Mahomes clicking on all cylinders. Also, Josh presents a sneaky contender for the biggest threat to the Chiefs this year.

Josh and Adam discuss the biggest stories after Week 2, beginning with the massive wave of injuries. Seth Novak comes on (36:40) to talk about social movements within the NFL and the Steelers. Also, Adam goes on a rant about his Falcons, and Josh breaks down the Patriots goal line offense and how it's the most unstoppable weapon in the NFL.

Josh and Adam react to the first week of the NFL season. They talk about every team that played through Sunday, sharing their boldest reactions and mildest takes. Does Adam take a way-too-early victory lap about Aaron Rodgers? Listen to find out!

Josh and Adam draft players to make an 11-man platoon team. Each player needs to play both offense and defense, so choose carefully! Somehow Adam drafts two players who have never played a snap in an NFL game! Also, an update on the Jadeveon Clowney sweepstakes and a trade that could've been.

Inspired by the Shutdown Fullcast, Josh and Adam make somewhat reckless, 100% ridiculous, predictions about what will happen in the 2020 NFL season. If you want to play and beat us at our own game, click here, make a copy of the document, highlight your own answers, and send it to us at josh4nats@gmail.com!

Josh and Adam share their favorite training camp storylines and rumors, and consider what it means when a coach treats grown men like middle schoolers. Then, they look at the NFC East and consider what's holding the Washington Football Team back from being this year's 49ers. Also, they discuss whether the Eagles should sign Jadeveon Clowney and if there's any hope for the Giants in 2020. Unsurprisingly, it gets heated when they argue about Dak Prescott and the Cowboys's offensive potential.

Josh and Adam are joined by two special guests on this episode! Colin Mashkuri and Alex Hall come on (48:45) to talk about their ill-fated love for the New York Jets and Sam Darnold's future with the team. Josh and Adam also play a game of Yea or Nay for contract extensions, and debate the value in paying up for DT's. Then, they argue about Josh Allen's future, why the Dolphins have the coolest player on the planet, and if New England is going to have their first losing record under Bill Belichick since 2000.

Josh and Adam are back with Adam's home division, the NFC South. They discuss whether his Falcons will get a defensive stop all season, and how they quietly have the GOAT on their team. Also, they talk about the Death Star that is the Saints entire roster, and the planet of Alderaan that is the Panthers roster. Finally, they wrap up with some TB (Todd Bowles) talk and less importantly, how their new QB fits into the Bucs offense.

Josh and Adam cover the players that have opted out of the season so far, and analyze trends among those who have chosen not to play. Then they dive into the AFC South, and discuss whether Philip Rivers is over the hill or Deshaun Watson will win MVP. Other topics include the Jaguars draft class (and their gross culinary habits), whether the Titans should have kept Jack Conklin instead of Derrick Henry, and of course, Bill O'Brien.