American football coach
POPULARITY
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze Jimmy Haslam's recent comments regarding a 2027 playoff target and the team's refusal to "punt" on the current season. They discuss the impact of Todd Monken's leadership and the logistical challenges of building around a future rookie quarterback like Shedeur Sanders. The conversation also touches on recent hypothetical trades and the overall synergy within the Browns' front office. 01:20 - Catching Up On Fano 02:00 - Haslam's 2027 Playoff Goal 04:57 - Todd Monken's Coaching Style 07:14 - Deshaun Watson Future Debate 12:00 - Rookie Quarterback Success Timelines
Browns rookie left tackle and No. 9 overall pick Spencer Fano joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about his first training camp in the NFL, what success looks like for him in his rookie year, Todd Monken's coaching style, and more.
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze Deshaun Watson's training camp performance alongside college standouts like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. They also debate which NFL quarterbacks, including C.J. Stroud and Jaxson Dart, are most likely to shift their professional reputations this season. 01:00 - Salisbury on Watson 02:06 - Training Camp Practice Observations 08:21 - Shifting QB Perceptions
Sean Salisbury, former NFL quarterback and the host of Unpaved, joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about where Deshaun Watson stands in the Browns organization, how Todd Monken could get Watson over the hump, quarterbacks with the most to prove around the league, and more.
Jeff and Tom listen to Todd Monken's press conference live in Berea and talk about Dillon Gabriel's role when he's not a part of the QB competition.
Hour 3 of Baskin and Phelps with Tom Withers filling in for Andy Baskin
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze Deion Sanders' visit to training camp and offensive coordinator Todd Monken's reaction to the high-profile guest. The discussion focuses on Monken's ability to handle the media spotlight and his insights into Shedeur Sanders' competitive nature as national narratives begin to shift. 01:00 - Deion Sanders Visits Browns Camp 04:28 - Todd Monken Discusses Shedeur 10:15 - Monken's Professionalism and Tactics 13:00 - National Narrative on Shedeur
They analyze the quarterback battle at Browns training camp and whether Shedeur Sanders is realistically challenging Deshaun Watson for the starting spot. The discussion covers Mike Florio's insights on Todd Monken's influence and whether Winston's charisma is winning over the locker room. 01:00 - Training Camp Offensive Struggles 03:00 - Shedeur Sanders' Professional Development 05:36 - Winston's Work Ethic Narratives 09:38 - Analyzing Quarterback Performance Statistics 12:46 - Browns Quarterback Competition Battle
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze the Cleveland Browns' roster building strategy and the debate between tanking for a franchise quarterback versus establishing a winning culture. They highlight Todd Monken's influence on the offense and how the team can remain competitive despite concerns at the quarterback position. The conversation also explores media cynicism and the tendency to write off the Browns before the season begins. 01:00 - Cleveland Draft Strategy 03:12 - Trading for Top Picks 06:47 - Todd Monken Mentality 08:52 - Evaluating Quarterback Rooms 15:34 - Dealing With Media Cynicism
Andrew Berry's comparison of Todd Monken to a character in the television series Landman sparks a heated debate regarding whether consuming show clips on TikTok constitutes actually watching the program. They analyze the differing temperaments of Monken and Kevin Stefanski while considering how Monken's blue-collar relatability fits the Cleveland Browns organization. Callers weigh in on the show's quality and the legitimacy of following a series through social media highlights. 01:13 - Andrew Berry's Landman Analogy 02:43 - Watching TV Through Clips 10:23 - Monken Vs Stefanski Temperament 12:20 - Cleveland Browns Vibe Check 14:56 - Listener Feedback From Jim
Nick and Jonathan react to Andrew Berry's high praise of Todd Monken, and they talk about LeBron's eventual retirement documentary.
Jeff and Tom listen in on Todd Monken's press conference from Browns training camp and they discuss Deion Sanders' legacy in both football and baseball, and whether or not Shedeur can live up to it.
Jeff and Tom share their takeaways from Andrew Berry's press conference and talked about the GM's hilarious comp for Todd Monken.
Hour 3 of Baskin and Phelps with Tom Withers filling in for Andy Baskin
Lima and Nick Pedone react to Nick Wilson floating a Baker Mayfield reunion if the Browns land in the seven-win range next season and miss out on a top quarterback prospect, debating whether Todd Monken's arrival makes that fantasy any more realistic. Lima argues the Browns already told the fanbase how they felt about Baker in 2022, calls the recent nostalgia revisionist history, and points out Tampa Bay would only be able to let him walk if he plays poorly, since a strong season likely means a $55 million franchise tag. Both hosts trace the Baker saga back through Nick Chubb's contract holdout regret and the Myles Garrett tension that preceded the Deshaun Watson trade, with Lima declaring himself "out of the Baker business" while still craving any quarterback who gets the franchise off its current carousel.
Lima and Nick Pedone continue their reaction to Zac Jackson's take, debating whether the Browns' Denzel Ward extension undercuts a tanking strategy, with Lima arguing there's no real organizational upside to starting Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders in 2026 beyond helping Todd Monken's own track record as a first-year head coach. They revisit Watson's disastrous 2024 season as the clearest evidence he's not the answer, and preview how Monken's hands-on, demanding coaching style will contrast sharply with Kevin Stefanski's approach once camp opens. A caller, Marcus from Aurora, credits Andrew Berry for last year's under-the-radar tank job and asks how fans would react if the Browns start hot with Watson at quarterback, prompting Lima to argue Cleveland's win streak last year was fueled by Myles Garrett and Rocket Sanders rather than good quarterback play.
Anthony Lima and Nick Pedone react to Denzel Ward becoming the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history and evaluate how it fits the Cleveland Browns' roster construction. They also debate Lima's controversial stance on booing LeBron James after he reportedly chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. Finally, they discuss the start of training camp and the optimism surrounding the team's new offensive identity under Todd Monken. 02:14 - Berry's Aggressive Office Style 05:25 - Todd Monken's Quarterback Competition 08:26 - Ward's Record-Breaking Extension 12:20 - Jackson Critiques Browns Spending 18:51 - Lima Plans To Boo LeBron 24:23 - Why LeBron Chose Philadelphia 33:02 - Possible Baker Mayfield Return 40:17 - Pedone Likes Rocket Sanders
Lima and Nick Pedone dig into why Todd Monken's original plan to name a starting quarterback before camp fell apart, speculating that both Deshaur Watson and Shedeur Sanders showed enough good and bad moments in spring practice that the staff couldn't confidently settle the job early. They predict the real answer won't come until after the lone joint practice against Buffalo, arguing that joint practices against a real opponent offer a more honest measuring stick than the relentless optimism of solo camp reps. The conversation then shifts to Tony Romo's DUI arrest following a rough round of golf, breaking down dash cam audio of the traffic stop and debating whether his familiar on-air cadence will help him avoid public backlash or a CBS suspension.
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze the early training camp performances of Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson during opening drills. The discussion shifts to the weight of preseason games in determining the starting quarterback and Todd Monken's approach to practice physicality. They also weigh Watson's injury history against the potential of a young standout like Sanders. 01:00 - Sanders vs Watson Battle 03:43 - Monken On Preseason Importance 06:38 - Watson's Career Burden 10:03 - Comparing Deshaun To Pickett 14:10 - Monken's Training Camp Rules
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin react to the latest Cleveland Browns news, including Grant Delpit's contract extension and Denzel Ward's early training camp performance. They discuss Todd Monken's comments on the quarterback competition and debate how fans should approach the battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. 01:26 - Denzel Ward Contract Analysis 06:32 - Grant Delpit Extension Reaction 10:25 - Monken On QB Competition
92.3 The Fan's own Daryl Ruiter joins Afternoon Drive. He breaks down the first practice of Browns training camp, the timeline for Todd Monken to name a starting quarterback, recent extensions for Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit, and more.
Nick and Jonathan react to Todd Monken's comments about using preseason games to evaluate the quarterback competition. Then, they're joined by Ashley Bastock of Cleveland.com, and they discuss Kevin Stefanski's QB situation in Atlanta.
Browns legend Joe Thomas joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about the quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, how Cleveland has set up Todd Monken for success, his expectations for the 2026 season, and more.
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin discuss Todd Monken's comments about the quarterback competition in training camp. Then, they react to sound bites and storylines from around the sports and entertainment world.
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze reports of Deshaun Watson throwing multiple interceptions during a challenging practice session and debates the performance of Shedeur Sanders. They discuss Jadeveon Clowney visiting Berea for a potential reunion and how Todd Monken might influence the defense. The conversation also covers Denzel Ward's contract extension and what it signals about the team's competitive timeline. 01:11 - Watson Practice Struggles 02:05 - Shedeur Sanders Performance Debate 07:42 - Jadeveon Clowney Visiting Berea 13:29 - Denzel Ward Contract Extension 16:15 - Browns Winning Timeline Strategy
Hour 3 of Baskin and Phelps
Jeff and Tom listen in on Denzel Ward's press conference from training camp in Berea and share their takeaways to his comments on his contract, the new-look defense, and Todd Monken's first year as head coach.
Jeff and Tom listen in on Todd Monken's press conference ahead of Browns practice in Berea.
Anthony Lima is joined by Lance Riseland to analyze the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation as training camp approaches. They discuss the potential for cap circumvention involving LeBron James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers. The discussion explores how Todd Monken's offensive philosophy might cater to the strengths of both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. 03:13 - Coach Riz Introduction 09:06 - LeBron To The Sixers 13:14 - Alleged NBA Cap Circumvention 21:11 - Browns Quarterback Battle Begins 25:15 - Ross Tucker On Browns 32:52 - Watson Training Camp Hype 41:31 - Monken's Player Led Offense
Lima and Lance riff on Deshaun Watson's hype video before Reisland breaks down what he's actually seen from Watson in camp: clean movement, extending plays, and a noticeably different spin on the ball, though he cautions none of it matters until there's live contact. They debate whether Shedeur Sanders "earned" his starts last year given he only played due to a chain of injuries and trades up the depth chart, with Lance grading his rocky, gutsy, inconsistent 2024 tape. Reisland explains Todd Monken's new offense is player-driven rather than system-driven, favoring both quarterbacks' ability to extend plays and get the ball to Judkins and Fannin.
Lima presses Lance on why he refuses to just hand the starting job to the younger Shedeur Sanders, and Lance argues that judging Deshaun Watson based on his past struggles ignores that he's never taken a live snap in Todd Monken's new scheme, calling it confirmation bias in action. They debate whether draft status should earn a quarterback more leash, with Lance insisting Monken only cares about winning games in Jacksonville, not protecting a former first-round investment or appeasing a front office. Caller Chuck defends Shedeur's rough rookie stats by pointing to a shredded offensive line and a nonexistent receiving corps, and Lance agrees, saying he's not writing Shedeur off based on seven ugly games and expects him to take a real step forward this year. The two also praise Monken as an uncompromising, non-puppet coach who won't let front-office politics dictate who starts.
Lima and Lance debate a Ross Tucker take suggesting Deshaun Watson should start the year with a short leash before handing the job to Shedeur Sanders, with Lima admitting he's already bracing for a wave of excuses if Shedeur struggles behind a rebuilt offensive line. Lance calls that thinking confirmation bias, insisting good coaches don't assume injury or failure and that whoever plays best wins the job, full stop, regardless of past baggage. Lima presses on whether any real Browns fan wants Watson to play well enough to earn a contract extension, and Lance admits it wouldn't bother him personally since he only cares about wins. A caller suggests intentionally starting Watson to "get his butt kicked" so Shedeur can take over on a settled line, which Lance rejects outright before breaking down how Todd Monken's run-first, man-versus-zone approach could help Shedeur take his next developmental step.
Coach Rizzo and the team explore the brewing quarterback controversy in Cleveland, debating whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders gives the franchise the best chance to win now. They evaluate Todd Monken's influence on the offense and reflect on Kevin Stefanski's track record with quarterbacks. The conversation concludes with an investigation into the Guardians' failure to sign second-round draft pick Logan Schmidt. 02:51 - Browns Quarterback Competition 06:45 - Deshaun Watson's Baggage 10:01 - Monken's Coaching Philosophy 12:35 - Stefanski's System Success 17:15 - Carson Wentz's Career 20:15 - Ross Tucker's Take 24:23 - Watson's Trade History 30:03 - Analyzing Offensive Schemes 35:44 - Logan Schmidt Draft Scandal
Anthony Lima and Lance Reisland dig into how Reisland will actually cover Browns training camp, with Reisland arguing that stat-line graphics and charted throws mean nothing without practice context, since scripted reps, defensive coverage, and drill type all skew the numbers. They warn against confirmation bias shaping the Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson quarterback battle before pivoting to a Ross Tucker soundbite calling the Browns' young core promising but still unproven at quarterback. Reisland pushes back on "future is bright" framing, insisting Todd Monken's only real focus is winning in Jacksonville, not age, draft capital, or 2027 quarterback prospects.
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin examine the potential for a physical, run-heavy offensive identity for the Cleveland Browns under Todd Monken. They discuss the implications of starting Shedeur Sanders behind a transitioning offensive line and highlight the importance of playmakers like Quinshon Judkins and Isaiah Bond. 01:36 - Shedeur Sanders Quarterback Debate 03:06 - Todd Monken Offensive Identity 07:29 - Establishing Power Run Game 12:35 - Offensive Line Injury Concerns 13:59 - Monken Versus Kevin Stefanski
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin break down the Guardians' narrow victory and the impact of Jose Ramirez's base-running. They also debate the length of Deshaun Watson's leash in Cleveland and how Todd Monken's offensive philosophy serves as a comparison for the Browns' quarterback situation. 01:00 - Guardians Win Recap 04:22 - Deshaun Watson's Leash 09:50 - Browns Offensive Philosophy
Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin examine the evolving quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, questioning the narrative surrounding Watson's return to the field. They critique Watson's recent social media claims about 'Year Five' being his time to shine despite years of underperformance. The discussion also touches on Todd Monken's coaching approach and the fans' desire to see a return on the team's massive financial investment. 01:11 - Naming the QB Battle 05:02 - Analyzing Browns Media Propaganda 06:43 - Watson's Year Five Video 13:03 - Todd Monken's Offensive Philosophy
Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen evaluate the hierarchy of pressure within the Cleveland Browns organization as training camp kicks off. The conversation explores why general manager Andrew Berry maintains strong job security while the coaching staff and a struggling quarterback room face immense scrutiny. 01:01 - Ranking Browns Pressure 06:50 - Andrew Berry Security 14:07 - Evaluating Browns Quarterbacks
Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen discuss the latest updates as veterans report to Berea, including the offensive philosophy of Todd Monken. They evaluate standout college prospects like safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and linebacker Justin Jefferson, analyzing their paths to the professional level. The conversation also explores how tight ends like Joe Royer and Carson Ryan fit into Monken's adaptable offensive systems. 01:00 - Camp News and Monken 02:47 - Defensive Prospect Evaluations 08:30 - Offensive Skill Position Analysis
Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen analyze the current state of the Cleveland Browns as they head into training camp. They discuss Jalen Carter's record-breaking contract and examine the high stakes for the Browns' quarterbacks and front office. 01:00 - Jalen Carter Extension News 04:21 - Browns Offense Outlook 08:42 - Cleveland Quarterback Competition 14:27 - Coaching Staff Pressure 21:46 - Front Office Evaluation
Lima and Daryl Ruiter pivot from previewing Todd Monken's blunt, no-filter coaching style in Browns training camp to breaking down why the Cavs' offseason has stalled, explaining that the new CBA's second apron makes signing Jonathan Kuminga to the money he wants nearly impossible without a sign-and-trade. They debate whether trading away Max Strus, whom Lima compares to a young Matthew Dellavedova and Anderson Varejao, is worth it to get a needed athletic upgrade, while acknowledging the roster desperately lacks explosiveness and defensive versatility. The two also work through their complicated feelings on Donovan Mitchell's max contract, agreeing he's a needed scorer but not a true number one, and lean on the idea that 41-year-old LeBron and 37-year-old James Harden wouldn't have solved the team's youth and athleticism problem anyway.
Lima and Daryl examine LeBron James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers and why the fit might turn into a disaster for the veteran superstar. They also preview Browns training camp in Berea, focusing on new offensive coordinator Todd Monken's intense coaching style. Finally, they discuss the Cavaliers' roster construction challenges under the new CBA and recent social media posts from current players. 02:10 - LeBron's Philadelphia Move 05:54 - LeBron's Knicks Plan A 09:14 - Cleveland's Post-LeBron Future 16:08 - Browns Training Camp Preview 19:25 - Todd Monken's Coaching Style 24:55 - Cavs' Offseason Trade Rumors 34:31 - Mocking Cavs Reunion Photos 39:45 - Comparing Altman and Gansey
Ross Tucker joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about the Browns ahead of training camp, why it makes sense to play Deshaun Watson to start the season, his expectations for Todd Monken's first year as head coach, and more.
The hosts on 92.3 The Fan preview the upcoming Cleveland Browns training camp and the fierce quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. They debate how head coach Todd Monken will handle the decision and examine how fans might react depending on who gets the Week 1 nod.
The hosts on 92.3 The Fan preview the upcoming Cleveland Browns training camp and the fierce quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. They debate how head coach Todd Monken will handle the decision and examine how fans might react depending on who gets the Week 1 nod.
The hosts on 92.3 The Fan preview the upcoming Cleveland Browns training camp and the fierce quarterback battle between veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. They debate how head coach Todd Monken will handle the decision and examine how fans might react depending on who gets the Week 1 nod.
Ken defends dropping Joe Burrow from his elite quarterback tier after years of inclusion, arguing that injuries and a 9-8 season with the Bengals show he can no longer single-handedly carry the team, even while acknowledging Burrow's talent and blaming some of Cincinnati's struggles on Zac Taylor's coaching. He and Anthony then dig into the Browns' quarterback competition, placing Shedeur Sanders in the unproven bottom tier while praising his toughness in a rough rookie situation and keeping Deshaun Watson in the journeyman category. Both hosts admit they expect Watson to open the season as starter based on insider reporting and new head coach Todd Monken's likely preference for a veteran, even though they'd rather see Sanders get the job.
Ken and Anthony revisit their QB tiers bit, placing Jackson Dart alongside Shedeur Sanders in the unproven rookie category while pushing back on accusations that Ken is trolling Shedeur's fanbase by grouping him with unestablished names. They play cuts of Brady Quinn on Afternoon Drive arguing Watson is a better scheme fit for Todd Monken's offense than he was for Kevin Stefanski's, and that financial investment and experience make Watson the likely Week 1 starter, though Quinn leaves the door open for Shedeur if things go sideways. The hosts riff on the history of teams trying to fit a system to a player versus a player to a system, citing Tom Landry's two-quarterback experiment and Pat Shurmur's West Coast scheme as cautionary tales, and conclude Monken bears real responsibility for putting either quarterback in position to succeed.
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze Shedeur Sanders' potential fit in Todd Monken's offense and whether he or Deshaun Watson is the better long-term choice. They debate the feasibility of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers and potentially recruiting stars like Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving. The conversation also covers a wild travel story involving a rental car ride from Detroit and recent NCAA eligibility decisions. 02:14 - Steven Kwan and Shedeur Sanders 07:05 - Shedeur Sanders and Todd Monken 10:53 - Adapting Systems to Players 14:00 - NCAA Eligibility and Personal History 19:12 - Chasing LeBron and Star Teammates 25:49 - LeBron James Decision Speculation 34:55 - Hitching Rides with Strangers
Ken and Lima debate whether Todd Monken would face Kevin Stefanski-level backlash if he names Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders, agreeing he'd get "a nasty reaction" but noting Watson would actually get first-team reps this time, unlike last year's setup. They revisit Brian Baldinger's take that coaches want 24/7 football from their quarterbacks and wrestle with how fair it is to hold Sanders' outside interests against him if he struggles, drawing a comparison to how Myles Garrett's hobbies were scrutinized before the draft. There's also a debunking tangent on the Keanu Reeves-Ravens tryout rumor, plus a preview of camp's pass-charting culture, where fans will grade throws without knowing what the actual play call was.