The Monday Morning Quarterback

19 January, 2018

For Pete's Sake 024 - 2018.01.17 - The NFL is Down to Four, and the Giants ain't One of them

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:24 PM

[ HAT-TIP: FOR PETE'S SAKE: THE PODCAST ]

[ PHOTO: SPORTS INTERACTION ]

JANUARY 19, 2018

The Monday Morning Quarterback

The latest episode of For Pete’s Sake: The Podcast is now available on iTunes, TuneIn, Soundcloud, Google Play, The Internet Archive, Podomatic, For Pete’s Sake, and right here on The Monday Morning Quarterback!

If I would've told you at the start of the season that the Jaguars, Vikings, and Eagles would be playing on championship Sunday, you would've thought I was crazy, but here we are. In episode 24, Pete Solari examines Sunday's two big games, and explains exactly why the Jaguars have a puncher's chance in New England, and why he's reluctantly pulling for the Vikings to become the first NFL team to play a Super Bowl on their home field. Also, Pete keeps it local, and breaks down the New York Giants' circus, including the #2 overall pick, and why Penn State's Saquon Barkley (or any running back) could be a big mistake there! Finally, Pete discusses Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmer, who is expected to be named the Giants' next coach as soon as Minnesota's season ends. Is he the most exciting guy out there? No! But that doesn't mean Giants fans shouldn't be optimistic about their future! All this and much more on episode 24 of For Pete's Sake, from KMAZ Radio!

Austin Interviews to become Cowboys WRs Coach

The Monday Morning Quarterback 2:53 PM

[ PHOTO: NBC 5 DALLAS-FORT WORTH ]

The Dallas Cowboys could be bringing back a familiar face as Miles Austin interviewed for the vacant wide receivers coaching job. Derek Dooley was the Cowboys' wide receivers coach before accepting the offensive coordinator position at Missouri.

LaMarcus Aldridge Asked Spurs For Trade

The Monday Morning Quarterback 2:42 PM

[ PHOTO: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ]

Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, there were rumors that the San Antonio Spurs were shopping LaMarcus Aldridge. Those reports seem to make more sense now that head coach Greg Popovich has admitted the power forward asked to be dealt.

ESPN's Hasselbeck to Call Pro Bowl in Potential MNF Audition

The Monday Morning Quarterback 1:58 PM

[ PHOTO: NEW YORK POST ]

Matt Hasselbeck will replace Jon Gruden on ESPN's telecast of the Pro Bowl, the network announced Friday. Hasselbeck will join play-by-play broadcaster Sean McDonough as well as sideline reporter Lisa Salters for the game on Jan. 28.

Yet Another NFL Playoff Team has Fired their Offensive Coordinator

The Monday Morning Quarterback 1:51 PM

[ PHOTO: THE BUFFALO NEWS ]

January has been unkind to NFL offensive coordinators and another met a lackluster fate on Friday morning. After the Carolina Panthers parted ways with Mike Shula and the Seattle Seahawks did the same with Darrell Bevell, the Buffalo Bills announced that OC Rick Dennison will be on the outs.

NFL Investigating Whether Raiders Broke Rooney Rule

The Monday Morning Quarterback 12:26 PM

[ PHOTO: THE SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD ]

The NFL has launched an investigation into whether the Oakland Raiders violated the Rooney Rule during their hiring of Jon Gruden as head coach. The Fitz Pollard Alliance, an advocacy group that promotes diversity in NFL front offices and coaching staffs, asked the NFL to investigate whether the Raiders reached an agreement with Gruden before interviewing minority candidates.

Reports: Panthers Reel in Turner as OC

The Monday Morning Quarterback 12:19 PM

[ PHOTO: THE WASHINGTON POST ]

Norv Turner has agreed in principle to become the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator, multiple outlets reported. Turner interviewed with the team last week and will take over for Mike Shula, who was fired on Tuesday.

Zach Johnson Seizes Share of PGA Sony Open in Hawaii Lead

The Monday Morning Quarterback 8:03 AM

[ PHOTO: THE DETROIT NEWS ]

Two-time major winner Zach Johnson rolled in a five-foot birdie putt at the 18th on Thursday to seize a share of the first-round lead at the US PGA Tour Sony Open in Hawaii. Johnson, the 2009 winner at Waialae in Honolulu, had seven birdies in his seven-under 63, joining early pace-setter Chris Kirk atop the leaderboard…

Timberwolves Look to Stay Defensive vs. Knicks

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:55 AM

[ PHOTO: NEW YORK POST ]

MINNEAPOLIS -- After winning their third straight game, the Minnesota Timberwolves are 11 games above .500 for the first time in a long time. Minnesota (27-16) enters Friday's game with the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, and Timberwolves fans are taking note. Wednesday's win over Oklahoma City was a sellout, Minnesota's fifth in a row…

Wizards Look to Avert Letdown vs. Magic

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:51 AM

[ PHOTO: THE WASHINGTON TIMES ]

WASHINGTON -- The Washington Wizards open the second half of the season dealing with the issue that plagued the Eastern Conference contending hopefuls over the opening 41 games: Losing to teams with losing records. The latest frustrating setback for the Wizards (23-18) came Wednesday with a 107-104 home loss to the Jazz. Utah played without two…

Celtics Rally to Down Sixers in London

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:44 AM

[ PHOTO: EVENING STANDARD ]

The Boston Celtics climbed off the mat at London's O2 Arena on Thursday, rallying from a 22-point first-half deficit to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-103. Star guard Kyrie Irving scored 20 points with seven assists and six rebounds for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown scored 21 points and Marcus Morris had 19 with eight rebounds as the…

Giants Reportedly Trim Coaching Search to Three

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:36 AM

[ PHOTO: THE BERGEN RECORD ]

The New York Giants narrowed their coaching search to Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia and Pat Shurmur, according to a report by the New York Post on Thursday. According to the newspaper, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks did get past the first round of interviews. The report also said former Denver Broncos running backs coach Eric…

Peyton Manning Emerges as Clear Favorite to Replace Jon Gruden on Monday Night Football

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:27 AM

[ PHOTO: INDIANAPOLIS STAR ]

Former NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion quarterback Peyton Manning is an even favorite to replace Jon Gruden as the color commentator for Monday Night Football during the 2018 regular season, according to Odds Shark. Per @OddsShark — Peyton Manning is the betting favorite to replace Jon Gruden in the booth next season on Monday Night…

Le'Veon Bell Threatens to Sit out if Steelers Franchise Tag him

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:18 AM

[ PHOTO: NEW YORK POST ]

It is always difficult to know whether players' threats are just negotiating ploys, but Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell told ESPN.com that he is willing to sit out a season, and perhaps even retire, if the franchise tag is placed on him for the second year in a row. "I hope it doesn't come to…

Final Four Legend Responsible for One of the Most Iconic Moments Passes Away at 51

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:09 AM

[ PHOTO: PROVIDENCE JOURNAL ]

Ernie “Pop” Lewis, a former Providence Friars co-captain etched in history for the program’s 1987 Final Four run, has passed away at age 51. Lewis, who played for Rick Pitino while with the Friars, hit one of the most iconic shots in the program’s history. His three-point bucket to beat nationally ranked Georgetown in a Big…

Divisional Playoff Round Game Scout: Saints at Vikings

The Monday Morning Quarterback 7:00 AM

[ PHOTO: THE NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE ]

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (12-5) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-3) GAME SNAPSHOT KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:40 p.m., U.S. Bank Stadium, TV: FOX, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews (field reporter), Chris Myers (field reporter) SERIES HISTORY: 33rd all-time meeting, fourth playoff meeting. Vikings lead overall series, 21-11 and 12-3 in Minnesota, including a 29-19 victory in the season opener…

Divisional Playoff Round Game Scout: Jaguars at Steelers

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:53 AM

[ PHOTO: PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE ]

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (11-6) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (13-3) GAME SNAPSHOT KICKOFF: Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET, Heinz Field, TV: CBS, Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn (field reporter). SERIES HISTORY: 25th all-time meeting. Jaguars lead series, 13-11, and beat the Steelers, 30-9, during the regular season. That was the Jaguars' first victory in the series since beating the…

Divisional Playoff Round Game Scout: Titans at Patriots

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:47 AM

[ PHOTO: WORCESTER TELEGRAM ]

TENNESSEE TITANS (10-7) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-3) GAME SNAPSHOT KICKOFF: Saturday,8:15 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, TV: CBS, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson (field reporter), Jay Feely (field reporter). SERIES HISTORY: 42nd all-time meeting. Patriots lead series, 24-16-1, and the teams have split two playoff games. The Titans have never won at Gillette Stadium, with…

An Old Danny Kanell Tweet has Come Back to Haunt him After the National Championship Game

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:40 AM

[ PHOTO:https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/look-youll-never-guess-danny-kanell-supports-national-champions/ SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH ]

Danny Kanell already had one bad tweet come back to haunt him about the Cotton Bowl blowout of USC by Ohio State. He said that USC was superior at the skill positions on offense and the Buckeyes ended up crushing the Trojans 24-7 in that game. He also reacted pretty quickly to Alabama changing its quarterback…

Divisional Playoff Round Game Scout: Falcons at Eagles

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:19 AM

[ PHOTO: THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER ]

ATLANTA FALCONS (11-6) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (13-3) GAME SNAPSHOT KICKOFF: Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field, TV: NBC, Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya (field reporter) SERIES HISTORY: 35th all-time meeting. Eagles lead series, 18-14-2. They last met in Week 10 of the 2016 season at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won the game, 24-15.…

Jags Have Tools To Upset Steelers

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:13 AM

[ PHOTO: NEWSDAY ]

It was three months ago when the Jacksonville Jaguars made the rest of the league truly take notice and treat them as a serious playoff contender, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in embarrassing fashion at Heinz Field. The AFC South champions return to Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon, hoping to pull off yet another upset, this time in the…

LaMelo Ball Makes History for American Basketball Players in his First Game as a Pro

The Monday Morning Quarterback 6:05 AM

[ PHOTO: THE DENVER POST ]

As LaMelo Ball made his professional debut in Lithuania earlier this week, he made history in the process. Ball, 16, became the youngest American basketball player to play a professional game when he took the court for Prienai Vytautas on Tuesday. History. Today, LaMelo Ball will become the youngest American basketball player to play a professional…

Report: Kirk Cousins would ‘Seriously Consider’ Playing for the Browns

The Monday Morning Quarterback 5:56 AM

[ PHOTO: IOSCO COUNTY NEWS-HERALD ]

The Washington Redskins did not operate at a level that many expected in 2017, finishing with a 7-9 record that left many with an empty feeling. One such person could be quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was paid handsomely by the team under the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, and the established starting quarterback seems…

Miller: Patriots Gambled with Danger of Hanging on Too Long

The Monday Morning Quarterback 5:45 AM

[ PHOTO: BOSTON HERALD ]

Reports of the New England Patriots' palace intrigue have faded into the background since everyone involved was so quick to deny them, but the Patriots will be front and center again in the playoffs this weekend, and all those denials notwithstanding, it doesn't take the Hubble Telescope to see that the NFL's first 21st-century dynasty is…

Stephen A. Smith Takes a Strong Stance on ESPN’s Battle with Donald Trump

The Monday Morning Quarterback 5:37 AM

[ PHOTO: BREITBART SPORTS ]

ESPN has had a lot of coverage of President Donald Trump over the past year, some of which has been to the dismay of the viewers. Trump’s own war of words with the NFL has forced ESPN’s hand on the matter, but at least one prominent employee believes that some of his colleagues might be doing…

17-year-old College Prospect Arrested on Capital Murder Charge

The Monday Morning Quarterback 5:15 AM

[ PHOTO: DAILY MAIL ]

Jessie Altman, a three-star college football prospect, has been arrested on a capital murder charge. The arrest happened on Wednesday, according to Donna Thornton of the Gadsden Times. Altman was one of three men arrested. According to the report, it is believed the three charged men are suspects in last week’s murder of 18-year-old Aaron “A.J.”…

Putin's Sochi Price Tag Cost Winter Games Dearly

The Monday Morning Quarterback 10:56 AM

[ PHOTO: THE GUARDIAN ]

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics skewed the future of the Games because the estimated $50 billion budget bankrolled by Russian President Vladimir Putin's government has put off future bidders. The view is shared by Hugh Robertson, the then British sports minister responsible for delivering the 2012 London Summer Games and former International Olympic Committee (IOC) marketing director Michael Payne, speaking ahead of next month's Pyeongchang Games.

'Global Shift' as Olympics Set Up Shop in Asia

The Monday Morning Quarterback 10:47 AM

[ PHOTO: CHANNEL NEWSASIA ]

When the cauldron ignites in Pyeongchang on February 9, it will open a sequence of three Olympic Games in Asia over the next four years -- highlighting the region's growing clout, and also the declining interest among Western powers in holding the multi-billion dollar events.

Who Dat? Saints, Vikings Different from First Meeting

The Monday Morning Quarterback 10:36 AM

[ PHOTO: THE NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE ]

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- In most cases, the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings would take a strong look at their Week 1 matchup as they prepare for Sunday's NFC playoff game. In this case, what happened in that Sept. 11 opener is indicative of the teams meeting in Minnesota for the second time this year.…

Mariota, Henry Key for Titans vs. Pats

The Monday Morning Quarterback 10:25 AM

[ PHOTO: THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS ]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If the Tennessee Titans are to have any chance at all of upsetting the New England Patriots, it will probably take some formula similar to what worked in Kansas City in the AFC wild-card game.

Falcons Favored to Break Philadelphia Curse

The Monday Morning Quarterback 10:17 AM

[ PHOTO: FORBES ]

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons have never won in the playoffs in Philadelphia. The Falcons are 0-2 in Philadelphia in the playoffs and 1-0 at home. The Falcons (11-6) and Eagles (13-3) will meet for the fourth time in the postseason in a NFC divisional round playoff game at 4:35 p.m. on Saturday at…

Steelers Primed for Rematch with Jaguars

The Monday Morning Quarterback 10:09 AM

[ PHOTO: THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER ]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars don't have near the playoff experience as the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jacksonville, though, has winning experience at Heinz Field. The champions of the AFC South (Jaguars) and AFC North (Steelers) will meet Sunday in the divisional round with the winner advancing to the AFC Championship Game against Tennessee or New England…

Bulls Top Knicks Again, this Time in Double Overtime

The Monday Morning Quarterback 9:54 AM

[ PHOTO: NEW YORK POST ]

NEW YORK — Kris Dunn always talks about playing with a swagger. Is there any other way to explain being able to bank home the eventual game-winning basket on a night he shot 4 for 18? Dunn, who had missed his previous six shots, sank a runner over Kyle O'Quinn with 58.8 seconds remaining in the Bulls' wild 122-119 double-overtime victory over the Knicks Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Jets CB Robinson Arrested with Pot-laced Candy

The Monday Morning Quarterback 9:44 AM

[ PHOTO: THE SACRAMENTO BEE ]

New York Jets cornerback Rashard Robinson was arrested for possession of edible marijuana after he was pulled over for careless driving last month. According to the Hanover Township (N.J.) police ...

Matt Patricia Frontrunner for Giants' Coaching Gig

The Monday Morning Quarterback 9:34 AM

[ PHOTO: NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ]

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is believed to be the frontrunner for the New York Giants’ head coaching job, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News ...

College Basketball Star Diagnosed With Leukemia

The Monday Morning Quarterback 9:17 AM

[ PHOTO: THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS ]

After missing time with an undisclosed illness, Texas Longhorns sophomore guard Andrew Jones will step away from basketball to recover from leukemia. Jones’ family confirmed Wednesday that the Longhorns’ top scorer was diagnosed with the disease after several recent medical tests, ESPN reported.

For Pete's Sake 023 - 2018 01.10 - The Futures (and Pasts) of the Saints, Chiefs, and Giants

The Monday Morning Quarterback 9:37 AM

[ HAT-TIP: FOR PETE'S SAKE: THE PODCAST ]

[ PHOTO: USA TODAY ]

January 9. 2018

The Monday Morning Quarterback

It’s a new year and with the holidays and the Wild Card playoffs behind us, Pete Solari looks back at this past weekend’s action, more specifically, two teams on very different paths: the Chiefs who suffered another heartbreak, and the Saints who could be on their way to the Super Bowl. Also, Pete examines the circus that is the New York Football Giants. With a new GM in a place, a new head coach on his way, and the #2 overall pick in April’s draft, Giants fans should be excited and optimistic, but are they? And with the Divisional playoffs upon us, Pete looks ahead to this weekend’s action and gives you his picks for all the games. All this and so much more on episode 23 of For Pete’s Sake!

Lions Fire Coach Caldwell After Four Seasons

The Monday Morning Quarterback 1:26 PM

[ PHOTO: DETROIT FREE PRESS ]

The Detroit Lions fired coach Jim Caldwell after four seasons at the helm, the team announced Monday. The move comes less than one year after he signed an extension. Caldwell posted winning seasons in three of his four years as coach of the Lions, however, the team missed the playoffs twice in the last three seasons -- including this year following a 9-7 mark.

Bears Fire Fox After Third Straight Last-Place Finish

The Monday Morning Quarterback 1:21 PM

[ PHOTO: CHICAGO DAILY HERALD ]

The Chicago Bears fired coach John Fox, multiple outlets reported on Monday. The Bears finished in the cellar of the NFC North for the third consecutive season under Fox, who was hired by the team in January 2015 after a four-year stint as the Denver Broncos' coach.

Kim Says North Korea could Participate in South's Winter Olympics

The Monday Morning Quarterback 12:32 PM

[ PHOTO: THE KOREA HERALD ]

Kim Jong-Un on Monday gave the first indication that North Korea could participate in next month's Winter Olympics in the South, despite tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. "I sincerely hope the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics will be staged successfully," said Kim, the North Korean leader, in his new year's address to the nation. "We are willing…