The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima

Former Browns QB and Fox College Football Analyst Brady Quinn joins Ken and Anthony to break down whether Deshaun Watson really won the Browns' QB job fair and square, explaining how limited media access to practice makes it hard to judge the competition from the outside and previewing how Todd Monken's system could actually fit Watson's skill set. Quinn doesn't hold back on Watson's postgame comments either, calling out the lack of self-awareness from a player getting paid big money to perform. He also offers advice for how Shedeur should carry himself as QB2 while the drama plays out.

Ken pushes back hard on the Browns' decision to leave Shedeur Sanders inactive for the preseason finale while sending Deshaun Watson out in rain-delayed third-quarter mop-up duty against third-teamers. He tears into the double standard of judging Watson's shaky performance against backups while writing off the results as meaningless, and takes aim at fans and media obsessing over a completion-percentage tracker that no real coach would ever use. Anthony pushes back throughout, setting up a heated back-and-forth over whether this is Ken's first real shot at the coaching staff.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com joins Ken and Anthony to break down why Deshaun Watson won the Browns' QB competition, revealing Todd Monken admitted for the first time that Watson was clearly ahead early on. Ken pushes back hard, unable to separate Watson's rocky preseason outing from what he represents to a fan base still bitter over the trade, while Cabot defends the process and explains why Shedeur wasn't even active for the finale. The conversation also touches on Jerry Jeudy's roster security and whether Dillon Gabriel could be dealt.

Ken and Anthony react to the Seahawks' record $9.6 billion sale and what it means for franchise valuations league-wide, including the Browns' jump to $8.6 billion. They debate whether the Haslams will ever actually sell, weigh the tradeoffs of an individual owner versus a corporate boardroom, and question whether a private equity group would even have taken a chance on Johnny Manziel back in the day. They close by wondering if tonight's preseason game is really a showcase for Dillon Gabriel with the QB competition already decided.

Ken and Anthony recap the Guardians tying their season-long win streak at seven after sweeping the Angels, with Steven Kwan's remarkable turnaround since the All-Star break taking center stage. They marvel at his climb from under .200 to .270 with a red-hot road trip, question whether Cleveland will actually pay to keep him, and take some shots at the Angels' organization along the way. The show wraps with a look at Ohio State's controversial new $150K premium suites blocking student sightlines and the NFL officially scrapping the Pro Bowl.

Ken and Anthony tackle the wild west of NIL and the transfer portal, debating whether Jeremiah Smith might be the last player fans can truly fall in love with before free agency-style movement kills that connection for good. They wrestle with the fairness of players finally getting paid against the loss of tradition and hometown loyalty, using examples from Vince Young to Jamar Chase to make their case. The conversation spirals into whether coaches are overpaid relative to players and whether regulation is coming to clean up the chaos.

Ken and Anthony wrestle with how to frame the Browns' upcoming season, with Ken revealing his five-win prediction and both hosts agreeing they'd rather call it a "season of evaluation" than use the dreaded tanking word. They dig into the tension between playing to win now versus positioning for next year's draft class, using Denzel Ward's injury history as a flashpoint for how far that logic should go. The two also needle each other over mock drafts and how early is too early to start eyeing next year's quarterback prospects.

Ken and Anthony dig into whether Jerry Jeudy is actually a cut candidate for the Browns, weighing his up-and-down camp performance against the addition of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the receiver room. They debate whether his friendship with the starting quarterback factors into his roster spot, revisit last year's "disaster" of a season for him, and argue over whether Cedric Tillman is the more likely one on the chopping block instead.

Ken and Anthony dive into Ryan Fitzpatrick's detailed breakdown of why Deshaun Watson actually won the Browns' QB competition, pointing to timing and pocket presence as the difference-maker over Shedeur Sanders. The two go back and forth on whether the "embarrassment" narrative is fair, debating fifth-round pedigree, fan pity parties, and what happens if Watson stumbles out of the gate. Things get heated as they clash over just how quickly the leash might come off in Week 3.

Ken and Anthony break down the Guardians' improbable comeback win, rallying from an early 3-0 deficit to sweep their road trip and extend their winning streak to seven straight. They dig into Joey Cantillo's bizarre outing (seven walks, still a quality start), Steven Kwan's red-hot second half, and Jose Ramirez heating up at the perfect time as Cleveland closes the gap on the White Sox in the AL Central. The conversation then shifts to a heated debate over the Browns' backup quarterback fan controversy, with the guys sparring over bot accounts, fan sentiment, and whether the QB competition was ever really close.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima break down the Cleveland Guardians' six-game winning streak and debate if making the postseason is enough for the franchise. They discuss the controversial decision by Todd Monken to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders despite recent preseason struggles. Joe Thomas joins the conversation to analyze offensive line development and the immense pressure on the Cleveland leadership group. 02:15 - Guardians Win Of Year 07:00 - Cleveland Playoff Standards 12:40 - Ralphy Velasquez Debate 20:20 - Watson Named Starting Quarterback 27:50 - Shedeur Sanders Controversy 34:20 - Watson Performance Critique 41:50 - Roster Continuity Issues 47:30 - Jameis Winston Trade Talk 55:30 - Browns Rebuild Outlook 01:02:30 - Secondary Depth Concerns 01:11:30 - Shedeur Fan Base Influence 01:17:50 - Guardians Winning Streak 01:23:30 - Akron Play Calling Promotion 01:29:40 - Ravens Training Camp Update 01:37:30 - Bengals Super Bowl Hopes 01:43:30 - Steelers Quarterback Situation 01:51:30 - Deshaun Watson Presser Backlash 02:00:30 - Shedeur Sanders Support Analysis 02:07:40 - Joe Thomas Interview 02:19:00 - Spencer Fano Evaluation

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Cleveland Guardians' six-game winning streak and debate whether simply reaching the postseason constitutes a successful year for the young squad. They also analyze comments from Todd Monken regarding the Browns' quarterback situation, specifically why Deshaun Watson remains the starter over Shedeur Sanders. The conversation highlights the operational challenges of starting a rookie versus sticking with a veteran. 01:50 - Guardians Win of the Year 05:10 - College Football Comparisons 09:00 - Playoff Expectations Debate 17:40 - Postseason Success Standards 21:40 - Todd Monken QB Update 27:00 - Monken on QB Competition 36:15 - Watson vs Sanders Analysis 40:40 - Locker Room Dynamics 43:40 - Joe Thomas Interview Tease

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima debate whether trading for Jameis Winston is a viable solution for the Cleveland Browns' struggling quarterback room. They also analyze the Cleveland Guardians' recent success and the merits of promoting prospect Ralphy Velazquez. The conversation shifts to a heated discussion regarding the University of Akron's decision to let a fan call offensive plays during a game. 01:50 - Browns Quarterback Crisis 05:25 - Jameis Winston Trade? 10:42 - Browns Rebuild Strategy 18:51 - Fans Talk Monken 22:19 - Watson's Performance Outlook 28:40 - Guardians Win Streak 36:07 - Ralphy Velazquez Debate 39:42 - Akron Fan OC Contest

Ken Carmen and Anthony Lima evaluate the AFC North with reporters from Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. They explore a hypothetical scenario where Shedeur Sanders and Dylan Gabriel are part of the Browns' quarterback room alongside Deshaun Watson. The conversation focuses on the fallout of Watson's recent performances and the growing fan preference for Sanders as the starter. 02:11 - Ken Weinman on Ravens Training 06:25 - Tony Pike Analyzes Bengals Roster 10:35 - Chris Mueller on Steelers Quarterbacks 14:42 - Deshaun Watson vs Shedeur Sanders 20:15 - Chris Simms on QB Competition 24:57 - Comparing Watson and Sanders 28:38 - Ownership Ego and Roster Decisions 33:54 - Backup QB Popularity in Cleveland 40:50 - Joe Thomas Segment Preview

Joe Thomas joins the program to critique Deshaun Watson's response to fans and analyze Todd Monken's choice to start him over Shedeur Sanders. They evaluate rookie Spencer Fano's development and the offensive line's performance in joint practices. The discussion concludes with a look at the Guardians' season using college football analogies. 02:38 - Joe Thomas on Watson 05:32 - Monken's Quarterback Decision 12:43 - Spencer Fano Evaluation 18:01 - Hall of Fame Jerky 22:42 - Watson Versus Shedeur Sanders 35:08 - Guardians and College Analogies

Ken tries to justify why he's rooting for the Guardians "in a vacuum" this year, separate from the frustration surrounding the Browns and Cavs, and workshops a series of college football comparisons—first Purdue, then Minnesota, then Arkansas—to capture a scrappy, low-budget team overperforming against big spenders like the Dodgers. Lima and the rest of the room shoot down every comparison as a stretch, with Ken eventually conceding he's just trying to find a way to be excited about a low-payroll team making the playoffs without sounding like he's making excuses for ownership. The segment closes with a quick preview of Sunday's Browns game and reminders about the AFC North catch-up and Ralphy Velasquez chatter from earlier in the show.

Ken argues that everyone actually inside the building during camp—coaches, staff, and even opposing teams—consistently rated Deshaun Watson ahead of Shedeur Sanders, and that diehard Sanders fans are simply refusing to accept a reality that doesn't match their expectations. He floats the idea that Todd Monken benching Sanders for a few weeks could actually help him develop behind an inexperienced offensive line, but admits fans will never give Monken credit for that reasoning if it doesn't pan out immediately. Ken also updates his early 2027 quarterback draft watch list, swapping in Darian Mensah, before pivoting to a preview of his take on this year's Guardians team on its own merits.

Hall of Famer Joe Thomas joins Ken and Lima to unpack Deshaun Watson's fan-facing comments, explaining that going after your own fan base is a cardinal sin in pro sports and puts teammates in an awkward spot with media. He offers real insight into Todd Monken's thinking, arguing the coach values Watson's ability to run RPOs and extend plays with his legs, and predicts Cleveland will pivot to Shedeur Sanders by the week three home opener if Watson stumbles on the road first. Thomas also gives an optimistic read on the young, revamped offensive line, singling out rookie left tackle Spencer Fano's early growth and praising the run-blocking lanes opened up in joint practices.

Ken defends why he and Lima keep talking about Shedeur Sanders even as the backup, pointing to Cleveland's long history of beloved backup quarterbacks and arguing Deshaun Watson's postgame comments on Saturday flipped even skeptical fans firmly into Sanders' corner. He advises Sanders to keep a low profile with the media and stay ready, drawing parallels to Charlie Frye's quick benching in 2007 and predicting Sanders could see the field as soon as week three given Watson's track record in bad weather. The segment wraps with a preview of Hall of Famer Joe Thomas joining the show at 9 to break down the offensive line.

Ken and Lima push back on Chris Simms' theory that Shedeur Sanders lost the quarterback competition by playing it too safe in practice, arguing Simms barely follows the Browns and is likely working off secondhand reports rather than real evidence. They point out the irony that Deshaun Watson, not Sanders, is the one who looks afraid to push the ball downfield, and question why so many local hosts are pinning the decision on ownership ego when the front office's own moves—stockpiling quarterbacks, scrubbing Watson's signage—already read as an admission the trade was a disaster. The segment closes with a preview of Albert Breer's claim that Watson may not even be viable as a backup, teeing up more discussion at 9 with Joe Thomas.

Ken and Lima check in around the division, with Baltimore's Ken Weinman previewing the Ravens' joint practice with Washington and calling Deshaun Watson "delusional" after his post-game press conference, and Cincinnati's Tony Pike breaking down Ja'Marr Chase's hyperextended-knee scare along with a stacked Bengals roster he ranks as Joe Burrow's best yet. Pittsburgh's Chris Mueller previews a crowded quarterback room and a contract standoff with Joey Porter Jr., but it's his blunt take on the Browns that stands out—arguing owner-driven pressure, not football logic, is really behind starting Watson over Sanders. Multiple guests agree Sanders looked better in preseason, setting up a tease for a former NFL QB's theory on why he lost the job anyway.

Ken and Lima bring in producer John to recap the Guardians' wild comeback win, highlighting Jose Ramirez's three doubles and five RBI, Steven Kwan's 5-for-5 night, and Angel Martinez robbing Mike Trout of a go-ahead homer, then dig into whether Ralphy Velasquez's hot streak in the minors makes him worth calling up despite lockout-related roster risks. They also break down the fan and industry reaction to Akron letting a season-ticket-holding alum call plays in an upcoming game, debating whether the stunt could catch on with bigger programs looking to cash in on similar buzz.

Callers weigh in on the Browns' quarterback situation, with one predicting Todd Monken won't last long in Cleveland and another arguing the team created its own controversy by marketing Shedeur Sanders as the face of the franchise while starting Watson. Ken pushes back on the idea that Watson was signed purely for star power, though he admits the front office will never openly admit that. The conversation then turns to whether the Guardians would be "unserious" not to call up hot prospect Ralphy Velasquez given their six-game win streak, weighing the risk to his development against the upside of adding a spark for the playoff push.

Lima pushes Ken on Albert Breer's idea of the Browns trading for Jameis Winston, but Ken won't budge, refusing to give up any more draft capital for a quarterback while the roster is this depleted. He runs down just how thin Cleveland is at safety, linebacker, and offensive line, and frames this season as a bridge to 2027 rather than one worth mortgaging future picks to patch. Ken also contrasts his younger, more combative self with where he's at now, saying he's resigned to "cleaning up" a mess he didn't create instead of chasing a short-term fix.

Ken plays Todd Monken's explanation of the quarterback competition again and pushes back hard, arguing the "operational" excuse doesn't hold up when Shedeur Sanders has clearly outplayed Deshaun Watson. Lima counters that the total silence from inside the building—no leaks, no complaints from teammates or receivers—suggests the coaching staff genuinely believes Watson gives them the better chance to win, whatever the tape shows fans. They also bring in Albert Breer's reporting that sources in Buffalo, Chicago, and inside the Browns organization all still have Watson rated ahead of Sanders, setting up a preview of what Joe Thomas will be asked about at 9 AM.

Ken Carman plays a clip of Todd Monken explaining his reasoning for starting Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, and he and Anthony Lima break down whether that explanation actually holds up. They dig into why, if the decision really comes down to "operational" reps, Sanders isn't getting a real shot to prove it in the preseason. Carman and Lima also wrestle with the fan backlash toward Watson and lay out why they still expect Sanders to end up playing more than Watson before the season is out.

Cleveland rallies from down 5-0 with a 10-inning, no-home-run comeback behind Jose Ramirez's five RBIs and a highlight-reel catch from Angel Martinez, pushing their playoff odds to 56%. That win sets off a debate about whether just reaching the postseason still means anything for a team that's made it eight of the last 11 years, with one host comparing the Guardians' underdog run to a scrappy college football program getting by on heart instead of money. The conversation gets heated over how much slack a low-payroll team deserves versus bigger-market rivals like the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and whether anything short of an ALDS win will actually feel like a real accomplishment this October.

Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans react to the Browns naming Deshaun Watson as their starting QB for Week 1 and why Shedeur Sanders should still stay ready.

Ken Carman discusses his recent golf outings and struggles on the course before transitioning to the Ohio State football outlook. He and Anthony Lima analyze the Buckeyes' 2024 schedule, the high cost of tickets for the Texas matchup, and the possibility of Marcus Freeman eventually coaching at his alma mater. They also share memories of iconic college football stadiums and game-day atmospheres across the Big Ten. 01:40 - Ken Carman's Golf Renaissance 06:43 - Golf Etiquette and Scores 13:07 - Ohio State Playoff Outlook 17:13 - College Football Ticket Costs 23:00 - Iconic Football Stadium Memories

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the controversial decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. They discuss the mounting fan protests at the Jim Brown statue and analyze Watson's recent apology to the city. They also welcome Mike Tannenbaum and Jason Lloyd to break down organizational dysfunction and the Cleveland Guardians' recent success. 01:55 - Watson Named Starter 10:15 - Ownership Interference Debate 17:45 - Deshaun Watson's Apology 26:50 - Trusting Todd Monken 34:55 - Player Fan Disconnect 43:05 - Haslam Ownership Scrutiny 53:05 - Mike Tannenbaum Interview 01:04:25 - NFL Performance Meritocracy 01:11:15 - Guardians Winning Streak 01:20:05 - Adam The Bull 01:30:15 - Season Win Predictions 01:39:05 - Shedeur Sanders Future 01:50:55 - Jed York Scandal 02:00:30 - Jason Lloyd Analysis 02:11:45 - Underestimating Fan Outrage 02:21:55 - Hostile Browns Relationship 02:35:45 - Tampa Bay Backlash

Ken and Lima react to the polarizing news that Deshaun Watson will start for the Browns despite heavy fan backlash and poor preseason play. They debate the unprecedented possibility of fans rooting against their own team to force a change at quarterback. They also break down Watson's recent apology to the city and why it might not be enough to mend the fractured relationship. 01:50 - Watson Named Starter 05:10 - Monken's Faith In Watson 08:40 - Fans Rooting Against Browns 13:25 - Watson's Broken Confidence 19:45 - Watson Apologizes To Fans 23:30 - Ken Rejects Watson's Apology 27:15 - Trusting Monken's Decision 34:45 - Potential Player Backlash 39:30 - Disconnect With The Fans

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima react to the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson the starter despite heavy criticism from the fanbase. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum explains why he would lean toward a younger quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, and they examine the Cleveland Guardians' recent success on the diamond. 01:50 - Deshaun Watson Named Starter 06:36 - Defining A Football Decision 14:25 - Mike Tannenbaum Interview 24:16 - Watson's Relationship With Fans 34:02 - Guardians Sports Update 40:26 - Lane Kiffin Story

The discussion covers the decision to name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback, sparking fan protests at the Jim Brown statue and calls for Shedeur Sanders. They analyze roster depth issues and the impact of leadership versus stats, while the Neutral Zone segment details legal troubles for Jed York and injury woes for the Chargers. 01:50 - Fan 15 Event Details 05:01 - Jim Brown Statue Protests 08:40 - Browns Win Total Discussion 12:41 - Watson Named Starting QB 18:00 - Shedeur Sanders Comparison 24:04 - Shedeur Trade Market Discussion 32:11 - Jed York Legal Trouble 37:33 - Browns Roster Foundation Debate

Jason Lloyd joins Ken Carman and Anthony Lima to discuss the "legitimate backlash" from fans after the Cleveland Browns named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback. They analyze whether the decision came from offensive coordinator Todd Monken or ownership following Watson's controversial post-game comments toward the fan base. The conversation explores the future of backup Shedeur Sanders and why some fans are now openly rooting against the team to teach the organization a lesson. 02:55 - Watson Named Starter 08:03 - Head Coach Authority 13:12 - Shedeur Sanders Future 18:20 - Intensifying Fan Backlash 27:40 - Frustrated Listener Calls 36:16 - Teaching Browns Lessons

Ken and Anthony close out the show fielding a stream of angry caller voicemails and phone calls venting about Deshaun Watson, including one loyal fan who vows to drive to Tampa just to boo him in person during Week 2. Ken admits for the first time in fifteen years he understands why some fans might be quietly rooting against the team, framing it as fans wanting the organization to finally learn its lesson. The show wraps with a nod to the Guardians, who remain in the playoff hunt as their opponent's season came to an end.

Ken and Anthony argue the post game presser, not the starter decision itself, is what turned a bad situation into an outright revolt, pointing to protests at the Berea facility and posters on the Jim Brown statue as proof. Ken admits he never thought this would go well but is stunned by just how bad it's actually gotten, and doubles down on refusing to accept Watson's apology no matter what happens on the field. Callers pile on with grim predictions for Week 1, and the show closes by bracing for what happens to the locker room if the losing continues into Week 3.

The Athletic's Jason Lloyd joins the show and doesn't hold back, saying the Browns brought this backlash on themselves and admitting the organization clearly underestimated how angry fans would be. Lloyd explains why he still believes the Watson decision was genuinely Todd Monken's call, walks through how the failed 2026 quarterback draft class left Cleveland stuck, and lays out why he thinks Shedeur Sanders' path in Cleveland is narrowing no matter how this season plays out. Ken and Anthony also press him on the growing fan backlash outside the Berea facility and what it could mean if the losing doesn't stop soon.

Ken and Lima bring in producer John to break down the Jed York arrest in East Palestine, Ohio, questioning how a billionaire owner ends up shopping the undercover ad menu and pointing out there's basically no real punishment coming his way. They also dig into the Chargers' offensive line injuries and what it means for Justin Herbert's Super Bowl odds, plus whether the Falcons' surprise breakout undrafted quarterback could ever be more than a training camp story.

Ken and Anthony can't figure out why Todd Monken is holding Shedeur Sanders out of Thursday's game, floating two competing theories: an ownership directive to protect the more marketable quarterback from injury, or a front office quietly trying to preserve his trade value. They also dig into whether there's any real trade market for Shedeur right now, and rip into his camp, specifically agent Quincy Avery, for online behavior they think is actively hurting his image. A caller pushes back, arguing the real reason is simpler: Monken can't afford to have Shedeur outplay Watson again before Thursday.

Ken drops his season win total after weighing the Browns' thin depth at edge rusher and secondary, landing on five wins even as he admits part of him wants to believe in more. A caller pushes the case for tanking outright, and Ken lays out why fans should always want the number one pick over a few meaningless late season wins, using a hypothetical Arch Manning breakout as the example. The show also touches on the Jim Brown statue getting used as a protest site against the Deshaun Watson decision, plus a debate over which other Browns legends deserve their own statue.

The Guardians ride their longest winning streak since May back to a .500 record and into possession of the final American League wild card spot, with Jo Adell and Austin Hedges both delivering big nights against the Angels. Ken and Anthony debate whether Hedges is having a career year fluke on par with Brady Anderson's famous power surge, and dig into the service time calculus holding back red hot prospect Rafael Velasquez, who has torched Triple-A pitching lately. The show closes out with a Lane Kiffin gag involving Todd Monken and a mysterious phone call about Dae'Quan Wright.

Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum joins Ken and Anthony and admits he would not have picked Deshaun Watson to start, while explaining why he still trusts Todd Monken's read on the situation. Tannenbaum breaks down why he'd never trade Shedeur Sanders, calls Dillon Gabriel's Thursday game a big audition, and drops the line that the NFL is "a ruthless meritocracy," a phrase Ken immediately pushes back on. After the interview, Ken and Anthony debate whether fans will actually boo Watson at home if the Browns somehow start 2-0, and Ken can't even remember any of Watson's supposedly good performances over the last five years.