CJ is joined by Chad Brown and Brandon Krisztal for a wide-ranging playoff conversation centered on what’s truly at stake for quarterbacks this postseason. The group dives deep into the Broncos–Bills Divisional Round matchup, examining the pressure on Josh Allen, the evolution of Bo Nix, and how Denver’s defense must approach one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks. The discussion expands across the playoff landscape, breaking down how legacy, perception, and career trajectories hang in the balance for quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, CJ Stroud, Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, and Matthew Stafford. The episode wraps with a look at the College Football Playoff National Championship, including Indiana–Miami, physicality up front, and why this season’s title game could be closer than many expect.
CJ, Chad Brown, and Brandon Krisztal open with an in-depth breakdown of the Broncos–Bills Divisional Round matchup, focusing on why this game represents a defining moment for Josh Allen and how Denver’s defense must balance pressure versus containment. Chad explains why wins and losses ultimately shape quarterback legacies, while CJ challenges how narratives are formed when quarterbacks lose games they aren’t favored to win. Brandon details Buffalo’s depleted receiving corps and why Denver may be able to trust its secondary while aggressively attacking Allen.
The conversation then widens to the rest of the playoff field, examining how this postseason could permanently reshape the perception of several quarterbacks. Caleb Williams’ rise, Bo Nix’s ceiling, Brock Purdy’s limitations and upside, CJ Stroud’s inconsistencies, and Sam Darnold’s chance to finally rewrite his career narrative are all dissected through the lens of pressure, legacy, and opportunity.
The episode closes with a College Football Playoff National Championship preview, as the group debates Indiana’s efficiency versus Miami’s physical dominance and why this matchup could be far more competitive than the point spread suggests.
00:00:01:13 - 00:00:20:21
CJ
Welcome to the Big Al and C.J. show. It's your boy, C.J.. Listen, I got my man, Chad Brown in the house. He's coming to us live from Phoenix areas. Make that Scottsdale. You know, the Scottsdale folks. They get kind of funny when you say they're in Phoenix. You know, that's a that's a step down from where they're coming from.
00:00:20:21 - 00:00:50:15
CJ
And of course, my man BK brand new crystal, in the house is well, you know, it's the Big Al and C.J. show, but with two guest host, we're still probably 50 pounds lighter. Anyway, listen, man, it's going to be a great show. Broncos bills coming up NFL divisional playoffs, national championship. It's all coming to you next.
00:00:50:18 - 00:01:08:12
CJ
Chad I don't know what it is, man. But every time I'm on with you I'm taking shots at my man Big Al and I listen, that's not who I am. It's something about that rivalry that exists between you guys that just brings it out of me. I want to apologize right out the gate because, you know, that's not who I am.
00:01:08:12 - 00:01:13:29
CJ
I bring, you know, I come with with niceties and love, man.
00:01:14:02 - 00:01:15:29
Chad Brown
I call bull crap on that. That's that's.
00:01:15:29 - 00:01:18:08
CJ
First. Oh.
00:01:18:10 - 00:01:23:06
Chad Brown
And, be careful, BK, don't laugh too hard because you might catch a few strays yourself. So.
00:01:23:09 - 00:01:24:07
CJ
Yeah.
00:01:24:09 - 00:01:43:23
Brandon Krisztal
Well, I know that. I know that comes with the territory. It's funny that that's where C.J. started because we didn't talk about it, but that's exactly the thought that went to my head. Was you had me and Chad together, and we almost equal Big Al in terms of his weight class. I saw him Tuesday, and maybe it's because I knocked him out of poker that he, he got out of town because he was.
00:01:43:23 - 00:01:44:22
Brandon Krisztal
He was hurting a little bit.
00:01:44:22 - 00:02:13:04
CJ
Yeah, well, hey, you know what? Good for him. Hey, look, man, this is the weekend I've been waiting for. I'm. I'm. I couldn't be more excited about football. I guess I could be if my Detroit Lions had taken care of business. But given where we are, man, I'm. I'm, I'm excited about this. We got. I think the Broncos Bills game is the most fascinating, the slate of playoff games this weekend, in part because we're right here in Denver.
00:02:13:05 - 00:02:38:16
CJ
I, you know, amid that. But there's so much at stake in this game. And just looking at the framing of it, you know, I wanted to get your thoughts right off the bat on what's at stake here. I'm overplaying this thing. Or do you feel like, like, you know, the the loser of this game loses more than just a playoff game?
00:02:38:17 - 00:02:40:04
CJ
You thought on that? BC?
00:02:40:06 - 00:02:58:13
Brandon Krisztal
Well, I think the easiest way to look at it real quick is simply look at the point spreads and the bills start about a point, point and a half favorite. The Broncos are now a point and a half favorite. That's still the closest you've got a division rivalry matchup coming right after the Broncos with San Fran against Chad Seahawks.
00:02:58:15 - 00:03:16:24
Brandon Krisztal
And that's still A33 and a half point game. Same with in New England three and a half four points and then seven for I maybe I'm getting it wrong. Maybe the Bears and Rams. One of those is setting maybe the Rams or seven. Whatever it is. You know Seahawks or seven either way seven three and four and then one one and a half.
00:03:16:26 - 00:03:34:04
Brandon Krisztal
So just right there that tells you in Vegas they think it could go either way. And so because of what's at stake maybe for Sean Payton a little bit and for Josh Allen I know we're going to get to it Chad. It's easy to see on paper. Everyone thinks this is the best matchup because it's the closest. It just happens to be first out of the gate, because the way the schedule works.
00:03:34:06 - 00:03:59:29
Chad Brown
Yeah, I think this is going to be a tremendously close game. And when you've got a close game like I'm expecting, then it comes down to some of these small coaching decisions there, or a player choosing to play out of his mind as Josh Allen has been able to do. And so while Josh Allen supporting cast isn't the same what it's been in the past, he has can has an ability to go full Superman mode all by himself.
00:04:00:01 - 00:04:30:02
Chad Brown
But to answer your question, Craig, I think the best football for the Broncos is coming up in the future. They've assembled a young team, George Payton and Sean Payton. And so the opportunity for them to keep making a run is still out there. If Buffalo can't get it done this year with no Joe Burrow, no Lamar Jackson, no Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs ahead of of damn in his name quarterback for Josh Allen.
00:04:30:02 - 00:04:35:15
Chad Brown
There we go. I'm not sure why I struggle with that one there with. No, no, those guys, they had a job.
00:04:35:18 - 00:04:41:01
CJ
I got some ideas. Chad, if you want me to share with the public why you might have struggled with that at that moment.
00:04:41:03 - 00:04:42:19
Chad Brown
But that's okay. That's okay.
00:04:42:19 - 00:04:44:07
CJ
Okay, okay.
00:04:44:10 - 00:04:48:22
Chad Brown
I shouldn't talk about my my my use of flour and substances. Oh, that's what.
00:04:48:25 - 00:04:56:12
Brandon Krisztal
I was like. What I was like about your head. I was talking about your head ring in from hitting. Hitting opposing players your entire life.
00:04:56:14 - 00:05:13:20
Chad Brown
I got so many quarterbacks in my head. All right. So Josh Allen, because he's got doesn't have those guys in front of him. This could be the best opportunity for him. So I think the opportunity lost if the belt if the bills lose this football game is more on the bills than it is on the Broncos. The Broncos can still continue charging the playoffs.
00:05:13:20 - 00:05:39:09
Chad Brown
The bills would have to do a bit of a remake. They've still got to remake their wide receiver room. They got a number of guys banged up there whose availability could be questioned going into next year. They've got some older guys as well they've got to make some decisions on. So I think the onus is on the bills to see this opportunity more than the Broncos, cause I think the Broncos will have a stretch of good football in front of them over the next couple of years.
00:05:39:11 - 00:05:59:12
Brandon Krisztal
Well, and so you talk about the wide receivers banged up to catch people up. They don't know Josh Palmer who they got coming over from the Chargers. We know who can get down the field. He went on air last week before the Jags game. Then both Gabe Davis and Terrelle Chambers tear their ACL. It's only three active wide receivers in that room Khalil Shakir who's been their most reliable.
00:05:59:13 - 00:06:22:13
Brandon Krisztal
Keon Coleman, a former first rounder that's been up and down and been bench for really is off field behavior. And then Brandin Cooks, he's older than he once was but can still get behind you. And then today was announced officially Curtis Samuel comes off air. So he's now on the 53. Also Ed Oliver comes off air and then their elevations I'm blanking on one because I don't think it's as important as it might.
00:06:22:13 - 00:06:40:22
Brandon Krisztal
Oh it's Mecole Hardman. So that is important. A guy that's obviously played plenty of football certainly against the Broncos. Same with the Chiefs. So there's your fifth receiver that you're going to see this week. It's a bunch of little guys. And I don't know who Pat follows. Maybe one of the tight ends. And then Ty Johnson who of course had that big fourth down touchdown catch last year in Buffalo.
00:06:40:24 - 00:07:04:28
Brandon Krisztal
He may not be going because Frank Gore Jr is their other elevation. And then surprisingly for the Broncos, Elijah Moore who's been here for six eight weeks played nine games for the bills. They're activating him. So I don't know if they think he can operate against that defense. And how about this one? Chad Caleb Lohner, the seventh round tight end, the basketball player who only caught four passes last year in college.
00:07:04:28 - 00:07:16:23
Brandon Krisztal
His lone year college football for four touchdowns for the Utes. He is being elevated for the very first time. So I'm curious of all of those. What's your reaction to Caleb Lohner being active on the on the game day last year?
00:07:17:00 - 00:07:22:21
CJ
I'm glad you asked that question because I'd be like, I heard, I don't give a shit. Is it just Caleb going there?
00:07:22:21 - 00:07:38:07
Brandon Krisztal
It's but but A67 basketball player, four years of basketball, one year football project Jimmy Graham traits to activate him for a playoff game. I think it's got to be red zone short yardage only, right. You're not put him in to be an extra blocker. He didn't know how to block yet.
00:07:38:10 - 00:08:04:07
Chad Brown
Yeah he's a basketball player. So considering Sean Payton is off the Bill Parcells tree and so Bill Belichick comes off that tree as well. If you had a game day activation for the New England Patriots when I was there you had a role to play in the game. At least it was thought of. And it was predicted that you would have a role to play during the game, that it's just an activate guys to activate a guy who, well, let's give them, some playoff experience.
00:08:04:14 - 00:08:29:07
Chad Brown
No, you got a role to play. And so I can't imagine another role other than being a red zone, 5050 ball target that he would fulfill because clearly, as a former basketball player, his ability to be a road grader in the run game just simply isn't there. Do they have some worry about if we put Courtland Sutton on one side, we're not going to have a 5050 ball on the other side because the bills have enough height or length to take that away from Courtland Sutton.
00:08:29:10 - 00:08:46:23
Chad Brown
So we've got to put another 5050 threat on the field at the same time. That could be it. And so for Sean Payton looking to turn over every rock for victory, maybe there will be a 5050 ball in the end zone from an unexpected guy who's getting his first action of the year. That would be bananas.
00:08:46:25 - 00:09:03:14
Brandon Krisztal
Or two more thoughts to block a long field goal with late against Josh Allen. If he can get you in a field goal range, you score, but a field goal for them, get some chance to tie it or win it. You got a 6 or 7 guy with a basketball background that is in there. Maybe that or a Hail Mary situation.
00:09:03:20 - 00:09:12:05
Brandon Krisztal
Same thing. 6 or 7 basketball guy instead of bringing Courtland Sutton over but I, I agree with you. It's it's a peculiar activation.
00:09:12:09 - 00:09:46:05
CJ
Well, I mean, listen in you're right. And when we get to this level and point in the playoffs, you know, is this a, is this a situation where, you know, have a, a coach and it may just may be necessary? Who knows? Right. You're over there more than anyone, so it just may be a necessary move. I don't think it's a sign of desperation in any regard, but I do think it's it's in character to it, particularly for offenses where coaches, they obsess over every potential scenario.
00:09:46:07 - 00:10:09:21
CJ
Right. It's the funny thing about, offensive football. And so, you know, the mere fact that we've spent three minutes talking about loner is probably, you know, to the point they're like, why the hell would they make that move? Here's the fascinating thing about this game. And Chad, you kind of alluded to it. What's at stake for Josh Allen is legacy stuff.
00:10:09:21 - 00:10:40:03
CJ
Right. And we'll talk about because I think I do think these this year's playoffs are unique in that you have so many quarterbacks who depending on the outcome of this weekend, their sort of positioning in terms of how they're viewed in this league will either be elevated or probably knocked down a notch. Unlike most of the playoffs that we are accustomed to where you already have, you know, at this stage, 4 or 5 of them are Hall of Fame bound.
00:10:40:03 - 00:11:09:22
CJ
You know, they're the usual suspects. I think there are only two now that I can say are surefire Hall of Famers, and that's Matthew Stafford and, of course, Josh Allen. Everyone else is playing for legitimacy. I think in the in the I don't want to get to the segment before we get to it. But just let's take Josh, on one hand, this is probably the worst team that he's played on since he's been the Josh Allen that we know.
00:11:09:25 - 00:11:30:27
CJ
And on the other hand and so you know so that's a factor here. They're a little they're a slight underdog in this game. But yet the pressure is on him. If he loses this game that's a knock on his legacy again despite the fact that he's not favored to win it. And he doesn't play on the best team.
00:11:30:29 - 00:11:57:14
CJ
There's always been something fascinating about the quarterback position that despite whether or not his team is favorite to win the impact on that quarterback, it doesn't matter. He either wins it or he loses it. And in this case, with Josh Allen, there's a big there's big pressure on him to win it because of the names that are not participating in the playoffs this year.
00:11:57:17 - 00:12:02:19
Chad Brown
We'll leave it to a quarterback to steer the conversation to quarterbacks. How about that? What a.
00:12:02:19 - 00:12:06:10
CJ
Surprise. Hello. Is there to talk about Chad? I mean moment.
00:12:06:12 - 00:12:22:12
Chad Brown
All right. Just to touch on the the loner thing just a touch more back to you. We had Greg Thomas, good friend of CJ and I who blocked field goals. Six for free safety who could elevate. So when he left school, we brought in Rodel guest.
00:12:22:15 - 00:12:23:00
CJ
That's right.
00:12:23:00 - 00:12:34:23
Chad Brown
You basketball team to be our field goal blocker and house. Got to a few of those. That was real. Dell's nickname house. He got to a few of those. He was a backup outside linebacker. Definitely not his skill set.
00:12:34:23 - 00:12:37:25
CJ
Never back up that he back up to the backup. Yeah.
00:12:37:27 - 00:12:41:12
Brandon Krisztal
I've been to houses house in South Florida. Big al took me in the house.
00:12:41:12 - 00:12:41:22
CJ
Especially.
00:12:41:23 - 00:12:44:28
Brandon Krisztal
When we were out there for the Super Bowl back in oh 6 or 7. Yeah.
00:12:44:28 - 00:13:01:06
Chad Brown
So, you know, he never spent enough time on the football field to get that skill set down, but to elevate and block a field goal, he could do that. So I think it's astute thought by you BK. So sometimes you'll catch your stride and sometimes you'll catch a tip of the cap. That time you got a tip of the cap.
00:13:01:12 - 00:13:24:27
Chad Brown
All right, back to your point, C.J.. Quarterbacks talking about quarterbacks. Yeah. Quarterbacks are given wins and losses. No other position on the football field. Just given wins and losses. The quarterbacks are expected to win playoff games when a quarterback is nominated for MVP, which is to become a quarterback. Award wins and losses are discussed when a quarterback is in the conversation for the Hall of Fame.
00:13:25:00 - 00:13:51:01
Chad Brown
We talk about his number of championships before we talk about his completion ratio. So it's clear that quarterbacks are judged by wins and losses. So despite despite him not having Josh Allen the cast around him as he's had in the past, if the bills lose this game, this is a negative mark on Josh Allen's record and people will go into next season talking about has Josh Allen fallen off?
00:13:51:03 - 00:14:15:10
Chad Brown
You know, is the window closed? We're going to have all these absurd conversations when he's still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And looking at the AFC picture and even looking at the NFC picture outside of Matt Stafford, I think you could say Josh Allen is clearly the best quarterback in this playoff picture right now. But despite all of that, if the bills lose this game, this will all fall upon his shoulders.
00:14:15:12 - 00:14:33:05
Chad Brown
And we will be forced to talk about, his. Is a Super Bowl window close? Can he still get it done? Is it you know, all those things? You know, this is a guy who can actually turn into Superman on the football field. He can turn a tush push into a nine yard carry. I can't think of any other quarterback who can do that.
00:14:33:08 - 00:14:57:18
CJ
Yeah, yeah. Now, listen to things from from that. Yeah. Absolutely right. The quarterback is the most relevant, position on the field. And two fans and you football experts, can be just like fans in how irrational. The analysis is, right? They're not the better team. Everybody on this set right now, I'm going to predict the bra.
00:14:57:21 - 00:15:16:18
CJ
I'm making the prediction that you all are going to predict that the Broncos are going to win, and yet you'll say when Josh loses, he's going to his legacy is going to take a big hit, and people are going to be talking about the demise of Josh Allen again. Just and consistent irrational sort of analysis from US experts.
00:15:16:20 - 00:15:20:12
CJ
And you're right. What a back position. It's just it's what matters.
00:15:20:12 - 00:15:39:09
Brandon Krisztal
Well what's what's interesting about Josh Allen's playoff run so far is the other day was either his first or second ever road win in the playoffs because of just the way it set up. One was certainly in Kansas City. I guess the loss in Kansas City. So a lot of losses in Kansas City. So I think it was just his first or second road win.
00:15:39:14 - 00:16:04:15
Brandon Krisztal
They've won some games at home. Won one last year of course. But he's never been the reason they've lost in the playoffs including that one in Kansas City with 18 seconds 13 seconds. Were Patriots able to get down the field and end up getting the game winner? But when you look at how the game plays out, because his numbers 26 touchdowns throwing four interceptions, no fumbles, another nine rushing touchdowns in the playoffs.
00:16:04:18 - 00:16:26:09
Brandon Krisztal
So 35 touchdowns accounted for and just four turnovers. That is all time stuff. And his numbers are as good as anyone's. But the the worst game he's played this year. I think for a lot of people's money or a game, the Broncos can look at Texans. He was sacked eight times and he turned it over twice. And I saw in games where he's just hit six times or more, he's 1 in 6.
00:16:26:12 - 00:16:44:06
Brandon Krisztal
And in the other games he's 11 and one in in this season. So if the Broncos can hit him and beat Josh up versus if Josh plays great and they still lose 3431 I think they're like, look, he's doing it with a bunch of guys that shouldn't even be out then. So I think how he loses Will.
00:16:44:08 - 00:16:50:16
Brandon Krisztal
If he loses will put a little footnote on his legacy. And if he wins, he's going to get all the credit.
00:16:50:19 - 00:17:11:10
CJ
No, I think you're right. And I think you're absolutely right to point to that. That Texans game early, because I think that's the blueprint for the Broncos. If they're going to win this game, I do think the matchup listen Bo Nix Sean Payton the quarterback, the coach that takes up 99% of the oxygen in room for good reason.
00:17:11:10 - 00:17:43:19
CJ
We understand why. But this game is going to come down to the Broncos. That defense is VJs ability to contain. And I'm really interested to see how they is it more of a mush rush to contain Josh? I don't think the Texans viewed it that they went after Josh. They hit him a lot. They sacked him. Or do you take that route which the Broncos have been the most proficient team in the league at pressuring the quarterback and getting the quarterback on the ground?
00:17:43:22 - 00:18:03:20
CJ
I like the I like the latter myself. Go get the guy and put put hat on them. But it's I think that's the test match and I'm most looking forward to Chad in this game. And as one of the best to ever do it in terms of, messing with and bothering quarterbacks. What's your, what's your thought about how the Broncos should approach this?
00:18:03:22 - 00:18:11:18
Chad Brown
So you're saying, well, I got joke's on you. I'm one of the best to ever do this, considering you played quarterback, right? Am I am I getting this correct here?
00:18:11:20 - 00:18:14:24
CJ
Listen, man,
00:18:14:26 - 00:18:22:18
CJ
Hey, look. What? Look, I come in peace. I don't know why you keep trying to poke me, man. I'm. Listen, Come on, chat.
00:18:22:20 - 00:18:25:17
Chad Brown
All right? I am. For my part.
00:18:25:19 - 00:18:31:23
CJ
I said nothing about it. No, man, I'm not even.
00:18:31:25 - 00:18:52:16
Chad Brown
From rushing the quarterback perspective, yeah, we just got to do this right. Because if you want to go aggressive, then commit your football. Wisdom would dictate that you have a spy. In order for to deal with Josh Allen. If he breaks the pocket. Now, that spy just spying on Josh Allen, or does he have some underneath coverage responsibility?
00:18:52:17 - 00:19:09:29
Chad Brown
Is he trying to get underneath crossing routes? Is he responsible for the back who may be in protection, then leaks out? Is he a dual threat kind of, guy. Because if you have that guy, then that gives you the possibility of keeping your ears back from a password perspective and getting half the quarterback because you got somebody there, but who's that?
00:19:09:29 - 00:19:32:08
Chad Brown
Somebody who is going to be able to run with Josh Allen one that's a and then two, once he gets there to be able to bring him down. Because we've seen teams put spies on Josh Allen. And he stiff arms him in the face and picks up the first down or he runs right past him. So the spy thing is smart, but do you have a player who can pull that off?
00:19:32:11 - 00:19:51:07
Chad Brown
Because if it's Alex Singleton, I think I take my money on Josh Allen open field over over Alex Singleton and a one on one situation. I don't think Alex has the foot speed. It's probably not going to be a physical contest. Josh Allen probably won't stiff arm him in the face as he typically does that the safeties and DBS, but from a linebacker, he'll just run right past him.
00:19:51:13 - 00:20:08:09
Chad Brown
So who's this guy that the Broncos can put into the box that's going to be able to run with them and bring them down? Because if you don't have that guy, then you got to go with Muscle Rush, and now you're taking one of the best parts of your defense, as evidenced by the sack numbers. And you're asking those guys to not do what they do.
00:20:08:16 - 00:20:38:24
Chad Brown
You're asking Nick Benito, who leads the league in quick pressure effectiveness to not do that, because what if you get pushed by the quarterback? What if you open up a lane for Josh Allen to run through? So I think has got to do both. He's got to mix it up. He's got to give his guys enough to keep them hungry and their ears pinned back and can have the quarterback, but also in some situations, throwing a curveball, going with a mush rush and forcing Josh Allen to look downfield and find an open receiver and go through his progressions.
00:20:38:26 - 00:20:56:13
Brandon Krisztal
Well, and I think it also ties in. Are you in zone or are you in man? You know, there's a combination of both. Because if you're in man you're turning your back to Josh Allen, which I think can be dangerous. And you're not necessarily worried other than cooks can get behind you. But yeah. And I guess Hardman could do you're not really worried about those guys as much.
00:20:56:13 - 00:21:13:26
Brandon Krisztal
And the reason I think you can get after him, assuming you can keep track of James Cook because he hurt you catching the ball in the backfield and it 200 yards rushing. But I like the idea. Last year in the playoffs, I like the idea of just getting after him and trusting the guys in your secondary to be able to cover their lesser receivers, and they're pretty good tight ends.
00:21:13:26 - 00:21:28:00
Brandon Krisztal
Although Kincaid has been banged up, he's still obviously made plays in that. In that game against the Jaguars. So it is going to be an interesting, you know, chess game for Joe Brady the offensive coordinator and how and how BJ handles it. Cause you've got to think you know third and long. Oh that's when they're bringing it. And where's the pressure coming from.
00:21:28:06 - 00:21:43:15
Brandon Krisztal
Or is that when you're rushing to just kind of keep them contained and and muddy things up. It's going to be fun to watch all day. But when you look at the numbers of if you hit him, he doesn't play as well, similar to Tom Brady, I think it's just hit him and then figure it out. You can't get to him, then you then you change it up.
00:21:43:15 - 00:21:44:12
CJ
Yeah. You know what?
00:21:44:12 - 00:22:07:10
Chad Brown
What is one more call C.J. Before before we move on to the next topic here. So when the Broncos played Jacksonville, Jacksonville did not go with Max protect. They knew that the Broncos pass rush was going to get there. They I think they conceded that they gave up for sacks. So Broncos able to get to two Trevor Lawrence okay what the Jacksonville Jaguars decided we're going to throw the ball down the field.
00:22:07:10 - 00:22:26:23
Chad Brown
And I think they had 5 or 620 plus yard completions in that game six. So they were they were fine to hey you're going to get your seven yard sacks. But we're going to get our 20 plus yard completions. And by the time you add up the math on that, our completions are going to be way more impactful than your seven yard sacks.
00:22:26:25 - 00:22:44:21
Chad Brown
So I think Buffalo is going to take something from that as well. Recognizing we can't just go into a shell and go, Max, protect and keep both tight ends in because with our limited receivers, we got to get those guys out on routes. We got to get our back out on routes as well. So we can't go max protect and hold everybody in.
00:22:44:28 - 00:22:50:24
Chad Brown
These guys are going to get theirs if that's what we do, but we will also get ours with explosive plays down the field.
00:22:51:00 - 00:23:20:23
CJ
And I think that's advantage Denver because I don't think and BC just did a great job of running down the list of of, you know, an inconsistent perimeter. You know player from an offensive perspective for Buffalo. I just don't think they're that good on the perimeter and we are that good on the back end. In fact I think the gamble will be at times you bringing those safeties down, you even leaving your perimeter guys a little bit on the island.
00:23:20:23 - 00:23:36:01
CJ
Because the X factor in this game is the running back for Buffalo. I think if you contain him, you contain this offense and you make it a game where Josh Allen has to be Superman on multiple possessions in order for Buffalo to stay in the game.
00:23:36:02 - 00:24:01:15
Brandon Krisztal
Well. And Sean Payton was asked about it this week specifically because they ran the ball so well. You made two very obvious moves in signing Dre Greenlaw, and we know he's been inconsistent between injuries. Is that a suspension? And obviously Hufanga, who's played at an All-Pro level, second team All-Pro I think specifically for a game like this, to be able to stop teams with dominant running backs like Derrick Henry and Lamar with the Ravens out attack, rushing attack and this rushing attack.
00:24:01:23 - 00:24:26:23
Brandon Krisztal
So if you're going to bring him down means you're playing PJ Locke, but you're also trusting that Pat, whoever he ends up being on, Riley Moss, whoever he's on, and maybe most importantly, Jay Mack, the times he's on Shakir. Because the difference, I guess, is the Jags had Brian Thomas and Jacoby Myers, who certainly are more accomplished, more talented wide receivers, but Parker Washington's who lit them up and he ends up, of course, being a leading receiver.
00:24:26:26 - 00:24:42:02
Brandon Krisztal
But you ain't going to go like, oh, we got to stop Parker Washington. It's it was strange a tight end in those wideouts and Etienne, but it was Parker Washington. So now Shakir we know he's in the slot. And maybe that means you're flipping every now and then putting Pat on him. But if not, that's the matchup. And in more than one that you're at least keeping an eye on.
00:24:42:02 - 00:24:47:06
Brandon Krisztal
If you're Josh, you're looking at Shakir, and if you're Jay Mack, you know that they're going to be they're going to be looking your way.
00:24:47:09 - 00:25:04:25
CJ
And by the way man, before we go any further I give it's up to you not in studio. You again in Scottsdale doing you know what what snowbirds do in the in the winter time. You know, when I grow up, that's all I have to say when I grow. But I got to give a shout out to our folks over at, Furniture Row.
00:25:04:27 - 00:25:24:03
CJ
The furniture in the studio, the way they set the studio out is off the charts. And the only complaint I got is we got to get some taller chairs, because BK sitting over here sitting on this on his child booster. We're living the exact same. He's still a good man, but we got to figure out if we can get one from a man from a good this much taller.
00:25:24:05 - 00:25:25:16
Brandon Krisztal
You know? You know, post me up.
00:25:25:18 - 00:25:28:27
CJ
Hey, man, I'm not taking a shot. I'm just. I'm just, you know, I'm looking out for you.
00:25:28:29 - 00:25:32:03
Brandon Krisztal
I appreciate that, and we appreciate our friendship. Furniture up.
00:25:32:03 - 00:25:32:20
CJ
Yeah.
00:25:32:22 - 00:25:38:28
Chad Brown
That's top of the cap furniture. Okay, both you guys feet is on the ground. I don't think that was the case on the last set.
00:25:39:00 - 00:25:46:07
Brandon Krisztal
That's true. The chairs were a little deeper. So, you know, this is. They're comfortable. They look great. Tables, chairs. They do a great job.
00:25:46:07 - 00:26:00:06
CJ
Chad, we talked about before the show. But you breaking all the all the rules we had, man. We said no short jokes. And I'm feeling like a footer in here because BK is in the studio and I'm, I'm the I'm jumping center on this.
00:26:00:09 - 00:26:04:16
Brandon Krisztal
Let's go. Let's go find a basketball goal. I guarantee you I be just find my post offense.
00:26:04:17 - 00:26:10:06
CJ
Hey, listen, we got to get to predictions, man at the end of the show here, but, I, did you want to.
00:26:10:13 - 00:26:12:13
Brandon Krisztal
Get into the other seven quarterbacks?
00:26:12:16 - 00:26:36:25
CJ
That's exactly what I want to get into here. I want to I want to talk about. And I sort of, set it up a little bit at the beginning. I think I'm fascinated with the playoffs this year because, one, there's not an outcome that would surprise me this week yet, I think I think it's fair to say there's again, we're obviously rooting for the Broncos, the home team, but there's not an outcome that would actually shock me or even surprise me.
00:26:36:27 - 00:27:22:00
CJ
But I do think what's fun about this weekend or interesting about it, is for every quarterback that's participating, there is something, they're playing for something beyond the win. And I think of a guy, for example, like Caleb Williams. Right. I think Caleb emerged. People had gone from maybe he'll be okay as the first overall pick in the draft a year ago to do this guy is is a you know, he's he's a potential superstar on this league to get beyond the divisional round to get to the NFC championship game at home potentially, I think this thrusts him into like the conversation we're having about Jayden.
00:27:22:06 - 00:27:30:18
CJ
He's now in the Jayden Daniels next tier. Next generation superstar quarterback with success this weekend.
00:27:30:20 - 00:27:54:12
Chad Brown
Well, we've been looking for this next crop of superstars to emerge. And, you know, just like in the NBA we're magic. It hands it to Michael Jordan who attitude LeBron or Kobe. And then Kobe hands LeBron. We were looking for that transition at the NFL quarterback spot. So this crop of playoff quarterbacks I expect Bo next to have lots of playoff games over his career.
00:27:54:15 - 00:28:14:26
Chad Brown
I expect Drake May to have lots of playoff games over his career. C.J. Stroud the same thing. Brock Purdy the same thing. Caleb Williams the same thing. Know obviously Matt Stafford is at the end of his career. So those two guys, Matt Stafford and Josh Allen are kind of the old guys here. But this young crop, they've got a chance to create some solidity around themselves.
00:28:14:26 - 00:28:33:22
Chad Brown
And Caleb Williams I think you shortchange this story a bit because after, his year one folks were concerned that he was a bust, that he was behind all those other quarterbacks who were drafted in that same class as him. And look at this team. They went to the playoffs. How come Caleb Williams couldn't do that? And it well, all the talk was about fingernail painting.
00:28:33:25 - 00:28:53:09
Chad Brown
What color earrings he has in his ear and not about his quarterback play. Turns out you get a quarterback with a good coach. Now he has that. Caleb Williams has started to thrive this year, particularly in fourth quarters, particularly in the last five minutes of fourth quarters. So this is a group here, a bunch of young guys who can solidify their stance.
00:28:53:12 - 00:29:13:00
Chad Brown
Matthew Stafford can add another check mark to an incredible legacy. And perhaps win the MVP award. I know it's supposed to be a regular season award. I know for a while he was the number one odds on favorite to win that. You know, Drake may surge late there. But if he wins this week, maybe that gives him a leg up on that.
00:29:13:02 - 00:29:30:18
Chad Brown
So there's a narrative around all these guys, but for all the young guys, I put them in the same batch of, they can firmly put their foot down as I am part of the elite, and I am a guy who was going to lead his team to the playoffs every year as the quote unquote franchise guy.
00:29:30:20 - 00:29:34:29
CJ
I don't know what's up with the fingernail polish in the, ear rings, but go ahead.
00:29:35:02 - 00:29:37:04
Brandon Krisztal
And just living his life, he's playing in touch.
00:29:37:08 - 00:29:44:19
CJ
I mean, I don't know. Chad emphasized the super hockey scene, nail polish and the earring. I didn't I didn't.
00:29:44:21 - 00:29:53:17
Brandon Krisztal
It doesn't it doesn't seem to bother me, especially when he's finding ways to come back and and beat the Packers, who have him dead to rights to two of the last four weeks.
00:29:53:24 - 00:29:55:16
CJ
You going to add some fingernail polish and some.
00:29:55:18 - 00:29:57:02
Brandon Krisztal
I'm not right now, but.
00:29:57:02 - 00:30:00:05
CJ
Why didn't you? I mean, they're just not there yet. Okay.
00:30:00:08 - 00:30:16:26
Brandon Krisztal
Well, I'm saying never. You never say never, but it's not. It's not in the plans. I'll say this because you really you talk about the young guys, but I think there's three kind of categories because we always talk about quarterback tiers. Matt Stafford will be in the Hall of Fame and we can't. We have to kind of project it beyond just this weekend.
00:30:16:28 - 00:30:35:22
Brandon Krisztal
Rams win in Chicago Matt Stafford wins the Super Bowl. He becomes a first ballot Hall of Famer because his numbers are off the charts. His yardage all those years in Detroit where they were terrible. But a second Super Bowl is going to make him a first ballot Hall of Famer. Whereas one Super Bowl you're like, well, Eli Manning has two and he's not a first ballot Hall of Famer.
00:30:35:22 - 00:30:54:15
Brandon Krisztal
His numbers were still pretty good. Even those wins and losses were right at 500. Josh Allen is certainly on that trajectory a league MVP. But a Super Bowl then puts him in a different category than Lamar and Joe Burrow. Lamar Hunt even got in there. So those guys are they're the group of second year guys. Drake May was playing well, but they were bad last year.
00:30:54:19 - 00:31:11:23
Brandon Krisztal
Like oh he's come in. And now look maybe maybe the MVP winner. But candidate for sure Bo same thing better than people expected. But you know kind of has followed it up Caleb. And then the other group and I guess I'm missing one of them. Oh C.J. Stroud two and two in the playoffs. But he's in that group with those guys.
00:31:11:23 - 00:31:31:06
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. Sam Darnold who has rewritten his career now a couple of times. If he not only wins but can get to a Super Bowl or win a Super Bowl. That changes his trajectory. And then all of a sudden, does he end up on a Matthew Stafford like. And I know he's a lot younger. I mean, I think still only 29, but the Super Bowl changes who you look at or he's Joe Flacco potentially the one Super Bowl.
00:31:31:06 - 00:31:50:27
Brandon Krisztal
And then eight more years of just nice numbers but no wins. And then for Purdy who got there and made those throws against Detroit, if they could go on and win, especially where they're banged up now he does have Trent Williams back. Yes he mack not great wideouts. That changes. All of a sudden we're like oh he needs to be in the conversation with Lamar and Burrow and and those guys because he would have then won it.
00:31:51:02 - 00:31:59:02
Brandon Krisztal
I guess there's a world where he becomes Joe Flacco also. But I think Purdy really changes his legacy, especially as Mr. Irrelevant last pick. The rest of those guys all first rounder.
00:31:59:03 - 00:32:23:15
CJ
Yeah I think the ceiling for Purdy is is being a really good quarterback in this league. When we talk about Josh and Lamar and Patrick, when you talk about those guys, those are guys that are the kind of force multipliers, right? I mean, they can put a team on their back and win. I don't think we'll ever see Josh Purdy in that regard.
00:32:23:17 - 00:32:46:11
CJ
Purdy is a guy who can effectively manage offenses and be, I mean, in a very productive way. It's not a pejorative by no stretch. The guy who I most that's most intriguing to me when he mentioned Bo Nix because I think Bo goes from, being a guy where there's still some question as to where who is Bo Nix and where is he sort of in the hierarchy.
00:32:46:12 - 00:33:02:16
Brandon Krisztal
So how does he play if they win 1916 and there's four field goals in their defensive touchdown. He didn't have any touchdown passes. You know they go Bo got him. You know maybe I'll turn it over. But if he has 180 yards and no touchdowns rushing or throwing he doesn't change anything other than they keep winning.
00:33:02:16 - 00:33:08:17
CJ
Right. Which is which is which is in bad I trust me. I think Broncos fans would take.
00:33:08:20 - 00:33:08:23
Brandon Krisztal
A.
00:33:08:23 - 00:33:10:01
CJ
1613 win.
00:33:10:02 - 00:33:11:16
Brandon Krisztal
It doesn't change the way he's viewed.
00:33:11:16 - 00:33:37:25
CJ
Right? Right. Yeah. Right. Exactly. Right. But also but the guy to that, that I think most intrigues me here and I think the biggest potential win, the bonanza is probably most available to Sam Darnold because we've been waiting for a long time. In fact, I think the diet cast for most people like okay we know who Sam Darnold is.
00:33:37:27 - 00:34:04:17
CJ
This playoff run I think gives him the most benefit of breaking out of the the the box that he's been placed in as a quarterback. Serviceable. You know actually over the last two years kind of broke beyond the serviceable guy. But that's these a regular season you know good quarterback. Can he change the narrative again to say, okay, I've gone from that to an elite quarterback in this league?
00:34:04:17 - 00:34:08:00
CJ
I think that's what's that's like, what's at stake for Sam.
00:34:08:03 - 00:34:32:11
Chad Brown
Outside of his multiple turn out a turnover games. Yeah. He's he puts together elite quarterback play. But we just don't think I'm in that way. Part of it is because we are clouded by his time with the Jets and bounced around from team to team that last year Minnesota. He caught fire early, but then late in the season it looked like the roster attrition in Minnesota, but also the rest of the league caught up with him a bit.
00:34:32:11 - 00:34:57:17
Chad Brown
And so he had multiple multiple turnover games at the end of the season, which, you know, kind of clouded his, you know, future or thoughts about what he was going to do in Seattle. And so for the most part he's played clean. But, you know, if it's if we're going to play ten games and he's going to have a game and a half where he's the Sam Darnold that we are all afraid of with multiple turnovers and seeing ghost and all those kinds of things.
00:34:57:19 - 00:35:06:28
Chad Brown
Heck, even the Thursday night game against the Rams where I went out to Seattle and raised a 12th man flag, he had multiple turnovers in that game. I was sitting in the Seahawks.
00:35:06:28 - 00:35:08:03
CJ
Suite.
00:35:08:05 - 00:35:33:22
Chad Brown
In folks in the Seahawks suite, we're like, here we go with Sam again. So it's a it's a narrative that he can't escape even from his own team because they've seen it with their own eyes. They've experienced it. So they've seen tons of good from Sam in Seattle, particularly this year. But again, I'm in a Seahawks suite. And folks who work the Seahawks were like, oh man, here we go again.
00:35:33:25 - 00:35:35:04
CJ
That's horrible.
00:35:35:06 - 00:35:55:18
Chad Brown
That's always going to be out there. I think he's that's we know that I think his coaches know that as well. So to your point C.J., if he can put together a clean three game run here, that he gets a chance to change that narrative and maybe put those ghosts behind him in next year if he has a turnover or two in a game, it's not the same thing over.
00:35:55:24 - 00:36:11:06
Chad Brown
It's just a blip on the radar. It's a bad game for him, not, oh, here we go again with Sam because that's where he's at, right now. People are waiting for that to happen, and if it doesn't happen over the next three games, then he completely changes the narrative about him, at least for the next couple years. The future.
00:36:11:08 - 00:36:28:03
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. And you want to talk about rewriting a narrative, because I had to think for a second, oh, Sam Brown's been around. It was Jets, it was Carolina. It was some rehab, quarterback rehab in San Fran before he ends up in Minnesota, if he were to win and play well because we know how good that defense is. So it's kind of the same with Bo if they win.
00:36:28:03 - 00:36:43:11
Brandon Krisztal
But he has 3 or 4 turnovers and they win 1916 because they shut down. The Niners D this week and or nine years old. And then do the same thing next week against Bears or Rams, then it's not necessarily about Donald, but if he plays well and I'll go back to Joe Flacco. But he's the reason why they're winning.
00:36:43:11 - 00:36:59:01
Brandon Krisztal
These games are a big part of it. He not only is rewriting his narrative, he's also changing or pushing back two guys that were in his draft class. That's what I'm saying. Baker was ahead of them. But so it's three. So Baker is ahead of him. Josh Allen a few picks behind him. He went three to the Jets.
00:36:59:01 - 00:37:18:18
Brandon Krisztal
Josh went seven. And by the way Lamar with his two Mbps went 32. So all of a sudden Sam Darnold becomes the guy of those four. We know about Josh Rosen. But of those four that has the ring and is a big reason why his team has. If he ends up really helping them win it or doesn't do too much to hurt them, that that's a true narrative.
00:37:18:18 - 00:37:19:00
CJ
A good point.
00:37:19:06 - 00:37:21:08
Brandon Krisztal
Re you know, rewriting.
00:37:21:08 - 00:37:40:16
CJ
Yep. No, that's a very good point. And by the way guys, you know, Chad, we talked about this. Just let's just for the record, it's probably not going to happen. But if ever there was a year where it should happen and I hope it does. The league's MVP and plan in the playoffs I'm sorry plays for the Cleveland Browns.
00:37:40:16 - 00:37:43:02
CJ
Unfortunately. But that's Josh.
00:37:43:05 - 00:37:44:17
Brandon Krisztal
Sanders.
00:37:44:20 - 00:37:48:10
CJ
I knew you were going to say that. I mean you're going to say that.
00:37:48:10 - 00:37:49:08
Brandon Krisztal
Guy Shelby Harris who we.
00:37:49:08 - 00:37:53:10
CJ
Love SLB, I like I like that one as well. The three Harris is you to.
00:37:53:12 - 00:37:58:10
Chad Brown
Go up against the wall. We were going to measure you to confirm if you were actually five eight or not.
00:37:58:13 - 00:38:02:21
CJ
I think that's the case. I think BK is just just short of that.
00:38:02:23 - 00:38:04:29
Chad Brown
Okay. Well.
00:38:05:02 - 00:38:07:28
Brandon Krisztal
I'm five eight with shoes on or more. I'm always wearing shoes.
00:38:08:00 - 00:38:19:26
CJ
But, I mean, listen, man, you know, we got to get out of this, this, sort of testosterone filled world as as if. And look at five, five BC, you still got a whole man and an.
00:38:20:03 - 00:38:20:07
Brandon Krisztal
It was.
00:38:20:07 - 00:38:22:13
CJ
Right. I mean, that dude. What? This is.
00:38:22:15 - 00:38:26:19
Brandon Krisztal
I'm five eight, and I'm okay with that. Either way. You think Myles gets the MVP?
00:38:26:19 - 00:38:28:11
CJ
Yeah I guess the MVP. Yeah yeah.
00:38:28:15 - 00:38:53:08
Chad Brown
So we can't. He mentioned this last time we got together. And of course gorilla does a great job. The team behind the scenes put together a clip of that conversation between C.J. and I. And Twitter rightfully blasted him because yes, that's not realistic. Myles Garrett put together a great season. He can be Defensive Player of the year. But as we talked about, MVP is a quarterback award.
00:38:53:08 - 00:39:02:17
Chad Brown
As much as I hate quarterbacks getting all the attention all the time and all the conversation, Myles Garrett ain't he's not going to win. The MVP is not consideration. It ain't going to happen to me.
00:39:02:17 - 00:39:04:01
CJ
Ask you yeah let me ask you guys if.
00:39:04:01 - 00:39:05:08
Brandon Krisztal
Aaron Donald couldn't win it.
00:39:05:11 - 00:39:08:16
CJ
Well let me ask you guys. Should he win it.
00:39:08:19 - 00:39:12:11
Chad Brown
No no he shouldn't because.
00:39:12:11 - 00:39:14:12
CJ
Because he's not. Because he's not a quarterback.
00:39:14:20 - 00:39:37:11
Chad Brown
No, not because he's not a great player or not because he's the best player in leaps and bounds. I've had. I've had of almost anyone who shares the same position. This because it's the most valuable player. And if you're going to have value to your team, your team should win because of your contributions. The Browns don't win enough based off of his contributions to get that.
00:39:37:18 - 00:39:45:26
Chad Brown
So, that's why it's become a quarterback award outside of AP, what, ten, 12 years ago was the last non quarterback to get this thing.
00:39:45:28 - 00:39:47:21
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah 2012 Peyton Manning's first year.
00:39:47:21 - 00:40:04:15
CJ
But also it's you guys I see you guys are slow. But that's what everybody Twitter Twitter and on Twitter and punked you Chad because Twitter said an exit it can't be him you I mean you come out and you couldn't wait for me to bring up Garrett because you're like, guess what X. I mean, come on, man, I know.
00:40:04:15 - 00:40:22:21
Chad Brown
I'm just backing up my opinion. My opinion on the podcast was clear. X back me up and now I get a chance to say it again and I'm gonna say it with my chest. You know what I'm saying? I put my chest into this one. As much as I would love to see a defensive player win MVP, chances are you might want to be on a team that makes the playoffs.
00:40:22:21 - 00:40:24:09
Chad Brown
To make that a little bit easier.
00:40:24:15 - 00:40:24:18
CJ
And.
00:40:24:26 - 00:40:26:03
Chad Brown
Beyond just the digest.
00:40:26:03 - 00:40:27:12
CJ
That's just beyond his control.
00:40:27:12 - 00:40:48:11
Brandon Krisztal
And I know every sport is different, but the question is always is the MVP the most valuable player to their team or to the league? So like Alex Rodriguez one on one year with the Rangers, they didn't make the playoffs, but his numbers were off the charts. The NBA we see even when your numbers are the best like jokers have been the last five years, he's only won it three times because Suga's team won so many more games and Embiid won a popularity contest.
00:40:48:18 - 00:41:01:26
Brandon Krisztal
But wait wait wait wait wait saying if you take Myles Garrett off of the Browns right now, they still only win four games and they still are firing their coach. Whereas with him they won four games. You take Matt Stafford off the ramp. They man.
00:41:02:00 - 00:41:02:10
CJ
They won.
00:41:02:10 - 00:41:18:03
Brandon Krisztal
Five. They might have won five. You take Matt Stafford or Drake May off the their respective teams. They're not necessarily playoff teams. I don't think the Patriots are at all. And the Rams as good a coach as Sean is I don't know if they're if they're winning enough games to get in the playoffs. Not as hard as it is.
00:41:18:03 - 00:41:25:15
Brandon Krisztal
So whether it is most valuable player to the entire league or to the team, I guess you need to come up with a new award of just best player.
00:41:25:22 - 00:41:26:24
CJ
Best player in the league.
00:41:26:26 - 00:41:43:20
Brandon Krisztal
If you want the best player award, then that becomes more interesting because like people said last year about Patrick certain JR that Pat is the best non quarterback in the league right now with how well he was playing. But because quarterbacks are in their own special tier, almost always unless you get a 2000 yard rusher are you get your all.
00:41:43:20 - 00:41:45:03
Brandon Krisztal
You're going to get a quarterback because you're MVP.
00:41:45:04 - 00:41:58:13
CJ
Well this is how we should evaluate it. I'm going to change how we evaluate it. You're right. If you took Josh Allen off of Buffalo's team all right. But the question isn't just you can't just do that. Who do you replace him with.
00:41:58:18 - 00:41:58:23
Brandon Krisztal
Is.
00:41:58:23 - 00:42:10:19
CJ
Risky. What. Well no. See that's that's different because Mitch Trubisky is the backup. But are we saying that there's no one who you could replace him with just flip him.
00:42:10:22 - 00:42:15:28
Brandon Krisztal
So you flip him and Bo Nix a Bo Nix is a quarterback in Buffalo. Josh Allen is the quarterback here.
00:42:16:00 - 00:42:21:13
CJ
Well you flip them with with with with with Jackson.
00:42:21:16 - 00:42:24:28
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah okay. Film with a more Jackson. So two teams where two guys are having or.
00:42:25:00 - 00:42:35:13
CJ
Probably a push right. You got a push. So you know it's not just taking a guy off the team. It's who you replacing them with. Listen I don't I don't want to go down the rabbit hole. I just got.
00:42:35:13 - 00:42:49:00
Brandon Krisztal
Your side side note for you guys. It matters in this market. And you saw the numbers last night or two nights ago when the when the nuggets go into Dallas and win. Now Cooper flag hurt his ankle without Joker. Now for nine games you see what their record is.
00:42:49:02 - 00:42:49:29
CJ
Like six and 3 or.
00:42:49:29 - 00:43:05:10
Brandon Krisztal
6 and three without the best player in basketball. So he they're hurting. They're hurting. Joker's MVP case. Even though his numbers are all world and he's ahead of schedule and all that. So every now and then there's even. But same thing SGA could could miss some games for OKC and they would keep winning.
00:43:05:12 - 00:43:34:12
CJ
Yeah. So that's that's that strengthens my case I appreciate you because I've always loved you man. I do think Stroud is another interesting one because he came in like gangbusters. There's been some cooling of his I think how we how we evaluate him. Who exactly is he I think, and it's interesting with that dominant defense, I thought he was more at best in the game against.
00:43:34:16 - 00:43:37:23
Brandon Krisztal
Pittsburgh Steelers for three quarters. Chad, he was trying to lose the game.
00:43:37:23 - 00:43:46:02
CJ
He was trying to lose the game. And so here he has an opportunity once again to to to add to whatever his legacy might be.
00:43:46:02 - 00:43:48:06
Brandon Krisztal
But no, Nico Collins officially ruled out.
00:43:48:09 - 00:43:54:11
CJ
Is he out of this game? Wow. That's a big that's a big hit for, for the Texans. No doubt about it.
00:43:54:18 - 00:44:19:09
Chad Brown
Yeah. I think if the Texans somehow make a run of this thing, it's going to go the credit and praise is going to go to Michael Ryans. And that defense before goes to C.J. Stroud. CJ's got to reestablish himself as a true top flight quarterback. And again, nothing we saw against Pittsburgh outside and some glimpses in the fourth quarter would say he is that he seemed to be more of a drag on his team than a benefit to his team.
00:44:19:09 - 00:44:43:08
Chad Brown
So, even if you find a ways to win this year, the narrative is going to be about that defense. That defense is not going to suddenly fall apart. They're not going to fail. I've got them winning their game this weekend. So if you know, I know, I'm sure we're going to get to our Broncos predictions later. But whoever I've got winning this Bronco game will be playing the Texans in the AFC Championship game and that C.J. Stroud.
00:44:43:08 - 00:44:45:23
Chad Brown
It'll be because of that Texans defense.
00:44:45:26 - 00:45:02:03
CJ
Well, look, before we get to the, to our predictions, I do want to mention and by the way, Chad, I challenge you last week, man, and I know you've been on the road. Maybe you've been because you were in Scottsdale last week, so maybe you didn't have a chance to drop by golf. Dan, have you had a chance to hit golf?
00:45:02:05 - 00:45:12:06
Brandon Krisztal
No. I because the Broncos schedule set up the way I did, and I didn't go to Kansas City Christmas. I haven't been in the airport and in about a month, and I'm not getting on a plane until Super Bowl week.
00:45:12:10 - 00:45:38:02
CJ
Look, man, the mezzanine level of the, concourse, a golf den is the place to be. Listen, I spent too much time in the airport, and, when I'm there, you know, you have nothing to do. You eat bad food, you look at goofy people and you think about nonsense. Get over to golf, then golf dash den.com and get your game ready for this upcoming, spring and summer.
00:45:38:04 - 00:45:45:12
CJ
Chad, he's he's already committed to, you know, working on his game because it's been horrible and because I know that I had.
00:45:45:12 - 00:45:47:23
Brandon Krisztal
A rough go of it, two weeks ago at Raccoon Creek.
00:45:47:23 - 00:46:07:15
CJ
I've seen you swinging then, and and it's gotten better. Perhaps you should take it. Anyway, I need to go the golf again, man. And, check him out again. Golf-den.com. It is the best simulation spot in the city. And it's over at, concourse A at Denver airport. And on the mezzanine level. You don't want a jacket up.
00:46:07:15 - 00:46:14:29
CJ
And, you know, here's here's your boy right there, man. That's a big back. Big back. So.
00:46:15:01 - 00:46:21:21
Chad Brown
I see they got clubs for people who are Big Al size. Is that a kids club you swing in there.
00:46:21:24 - 00:46:22:24
CJ
You got kids going where.
00:46:23:00 - 00:46:24:19
Chad Brown
You're getting ready for that.
00:46:24:19 - 00:46:25:00
CJ
Are we.
00:46:25:06 - 00:46:25:21
Chad Brown
Using that?
00:46:25:21 - 00:46:30:18
CJ
Because we mean they can swing through or BK would be interested in that.
00:46:30:18 - 00:46:35:06
Brandon Krisztal
And I'll bring my seven year old and he can even use JJ's club arm.
00:46:35:09 - 00:47:03:15
CJ
Anyway, get over to Golf Den. When you over at the airport, a concourse, mezzanine level. You won't regret it. You'll call me and thank me later. Hey, Miami versus Indiana, which is, you know, you know how you have all the sports shows at the end of the year, and they give the awards to the best? This the best that Indy Indiana is probably the best story in sports over the course of the 2025 calendar year.
00:47:03:18 - 00:47:27:14
CJ
They could cap it off with a win. And, Monday night in the Orange Bowl, which is the home field of the Miami Hurricanes. I mean, so many cool storylines to this. I think this game, despite how dominant Indiana has been, will be a lot more interesting and a lot more competitive than most people think. And the reason I say that is because Miami is extreme.
00:47:27:14 - 00:47:48:28
CJ
Surprisingly, I've watched them 3 or 4 times this year. I didn't realize they were that good up front. Their violent sides of they are violent up front, which I think has been Indiana's, strength as well. I, you know, I almost sound foolish to say I'm picking Miami to win this game because Indiana, despite everything I just said, has been so dominant.
00:47:49:00 - 00:47:55:12
CJ
But I wouldn't be surprised if the hurricanes came out, of this thing as national champions.
00:47:55:15 - 00:48:17:21
Chad Brown
There's something to be said for being the most physical team on the field. And that's the way Miami has played lately in the playoff and the finish the season. They've been the most physical team. So that formula that Mario Crystal ball brought from his time in Alabama in the SEC, getting, you know, the the physics of the offense and defensive lining and getting that battle one up front.
00:48:17:23 - 00:48:36:02
Chad Brown
It's paid dividends for them. But I haven't seen anybody in college football. And I saw pretty much everyone play this year with my own two eyes. Be as efficient, as sharp and as clean as Indiana. Indiana doesn't make mistakes. They don't. You know, there's no defender on the field going. I didn't get the call. What was the call?
00:48:36:04 - 00:48:52:28
Chad Brown
They don't blow pass routes. The quarterback and the receivers aren't having a conversation. No. You were supposed to go this way. Well I thought I was going to go that way because they don't make mistakes because they don't get penalties, because they allow the other team to be the team that makes mistakes, gets those penalties. They find ways to come up top even in close games.
00:48:53:01 - 00:49:09:27
Chad Brown
So the game and the Big Ten championship, the game against Oregon, which came down to the and so it was a couple of games this year where they had to show their football character to get the win. I love Miami's approach. I think it's going to bring them dominance over the next couple of years in college football.
00:49:10:04 - 00:49:31:02
Chad Brown
I just think it's going to be impossible to get past the efficiency in which Indiana plays, and which the Kirk's and Yeti coach Hoosiers play with week in and week out, game in and game out. I have yet to see them off their game, and hard to imagine after this entire season and gantlet they've gone through that somehow they're going to be off their game in the national championship on Monday.
00:49:31:05 - 00:49:50:13
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah, Indiana's eight point favorites. I saw I was there looking at ticketing breakdown, and tickets are still north of 1500 to get in, and that is the lowest anyone can can find. Our boy Dan Jacobs has been trying to get trying to get in there, and find a pair, but you just can't right now, 44% of the tickets have been bought by people in the Miami area.
00:49:50:13 - 00:50:10:18
Brandon Krisztal
21% have been bought by people in Indiana and Illinois, which, you know, Chicago, Indiana grads. And they've got the biggest alumni base of any university. We found that out last week. You know, living alumni base. But I look at Indiana, I think, why not us? I went to Kansas. You guys, of course, starred at Colorado. We've seen the excitement with Coach Prime.
00:50:10:18 - 00:50:26:07
Brandon Krisztal
We've seen what you know, they've done in Lawrence. Point being anywhere should be able to say, why not us if Indiana closes out or just the run they've gone on the last two years. The right you have to have the right coach, but the right mix and spending the money the right way and getting the right guys and you have a chance to win.
00:50:26:12 - 00:50:41:06
Brandon Krisztal
Carson. Carson. Beck's been here before, though, so the moments I can be too big for him. I mean, he's won a couple with Georgia. So nonetheless, I'm still taking Indiana to finish the Cinderella story. Especially with Mendoza being a kid that grew up a mile from the campus. His dad played high school ball with Mario Crystal ball.
00:50:41:06 - 00:50:50:07
Brandon Krisztal
He's from South Florida. The canes, one of them. I think Indiana finishes his magical run and it becomes maybe the best turnaround we've ever seen in the history of sports. So I'm going.
00:50:50:07 - 00:51:14:02
CJ
Indiana. No, that's that's a good point. Nothing to, to your point. Something uncharacteristic would have to happen in this game. Indiana is displayed clean football. And you said it best. They don't beat themselves. And unless somehow you can force Mendoza into a couple of turnovers or you get, a fumble, you know, as you win the turnover battle, perhaps you have a chance.
00:51:14:08 - 00:51:31:24
CJ
But it's so interesting in the in the, quarterfinal game last week against the Oregon first played a game. It's a pick six. And it's like my goodness from that point on you could have just turn the TV off. And when win did whatever you're going to do because it was it was just a preview of what was to come.
00:51:31:26 - 00:51:45:23
CJ
But I think all three of us stand out on the same page on this Indiana game. And so with that, I want to turn our attention back to the National Football League and the game that's taking place right here at Mile High 80.
00:51:45:24 - 00:51:48:09
Brandon Krisztal
First, we do them in chronological order.
00:51:48:11 - 00:51:52:28
CJ
Listen, man, I would I'll tell you what. You, however you want to do it because, you know, the other.
00:51:53:00 - 00:51:59:22
Brandon Krisztal
You should build the the Broncos like you should do the game right after Sunday and then come back to. But that's just.
00:51:59:25 - 00:52:04:28
CJ
Your show, okay. No, no. Go ahead man. You you. That's the. That's good. Get it. Set it up, set it up. Be all right.
00:52:04:28 - 00:52:26:23
Brandon Krisztal
In the Windy City. That Sunday. So in Seattle where your your guy Sam Darnold has an oblique. They say he's going to play not Drew Lock. The Seahawks at last check. And they got it right here seven point favorites. Touchdown favorites. Who do you like Chad your beloved Seahawks or the Niners.
00:52:26:25 - 00:52:27:22
CJ
Oh. Do we
00:52:27:25 - 00:52:45:04
Chad Brown
Nope I'm I'm back. All right. So here we go. I got the Seahawks in this game. I know the Niners. Kyle Shanahan and Roberts, all of them. Tremendous job putting that, keeping that team together, winning games with dudes who were on their couch a couple of weeks ago. They brought Eric Kendricks in to play linebacker.
00:52:45:07 - 00:53:02:24
Chad Brown
He was you know, big and made big plays in that game last week. But for Guy who was off his couch was quite impressive. But I think the luck runs out here. The Seahawks are two healthy. The Seahawks are playing two great of a defense. They're going to force the 40 niners to be one dimensional. They have yet to give up 100 yard rusher all season long.
00:53:02:24 - 00:53:17:18
Chad Brown
Talking about the Seahawks defense. So Christian McCaffrey's not going to find any lanes to run the football. He's going to have to get these yards in the passing game. I just don't think there's going to be enough for the 40 Niners. Good team, incredibly well coached. But the Seahawks are going to win this one now.
00:53:17:19 - 00:53:36:11
CJ
And I have to go. I have to agree with Chad on this one. I think the Seahawks this is where it all I think all the injuries and the loss of that incredible talent that's not available in this playoff game will catch up with them. There's only there's one caveat. Now, there's one caveat. And we talked about it.
00:53:36:13 - 00:53:59:20
CJ
If Sam Donald is the worst version of himself, then that will allow, I think, the 40 niners to be in the game late with an opportunity to win it. I don't anticipate that. I do think that defense is too good and Seattle is sneaky good running. They got two good running backs, let's put it that way. And I, I don't know that they've always committed to it, but it's too too good a team to balance a team.
00:53:59:22 - 00:54:03:09
CJ
I don't think San Fran has enough enough weapons to win that game.
00:54:03:16 - 00:54:20:08
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah, and I don't know if Fred Warner has taken, but now we're going to activate. I mean, if we saw him running on that side field. So I'm with you. I got to go Seahawks at home knowing how big that 12 man can be and how undermanned the Niners are, I don't think any of us will be surprised if the Niners especially in the division game, pull off the upset.
00:54:20:08 - 00:54:23:05
Brandon Krisztal
But I think we all have to pick the Seahawks okay.
00:54:23:05 - 00:54:27:11
CJ
So we have all three on the Seahawks. We have next. Who we have next. Who we have next game I.
00:54:27:11 - 00:54:45:18
Brandon Krisztal
Think we got to go to New England Texans. Patriots we go. The Pats have been all week long kind of a three point favorite. So weather's not going to be an issue. Like we know it can be at times in Foxboro. It's going to be in the 30s just like it was for the game. On Sunday against the Chargers as opposed to being frigid and gross.
00:54:45:20 - 00:54:51:13
Brandon Krisztal
So weather is not an issue. Chad, again you you said you're on the Texans. So what's the game like? I tell you.
00:54:51:13 - 00:54:56:16
CJ
Who Chad's going to pick. And I can tell you who you're going to pick to okay. But I'm gonna let you guys do your work.
00:54:56:21 - 00:54:57:19
Brandon Krisztal
Chad you want to go first.
00:54:57:19 - 00:54:58:10
CJ
You're not going to do it.
00:54:58:10 - 00:55:20:27
Chad Brown
I'll go first here. I'll go first here. If the Texans. It's a year too early for the Patriots to flip the script, as they have done regular season wise of last year. This year, Mike Vrabel done a tremendous job. He's implanted this Patriots organization with who he was as a player. Incredibly smart, incredibly tough, physical. We'll find a way to win.
00:55:21:00 - 00:55:41:11
Chad Brown
But the Patriots aren't excellent. Just like Mike Vrabel wasn't an ex. He wasn't an all pro player. He won with other parts of the game rather than just pure skill. So this Patriots team has brought that mindset to the football field. And it's great greatness. Got them this far. I just think that Texans defense is a bit more savvy.
00:55:41:13 - 00:55:51:09
Chad Brown
The Texans team is a bit more playoff ready than the Patriots team are. And so it's a year too early for the Patriots. They'll go on deep runs in the coming seasons. It ain't gonna happen this year.
00:55:51:11 - 00:55:52:23
CJ
Okay.
00:55:52:25 - 00:55:59:04
Brandon Krisztal
I want the Patriots to win only so the Broncos can beat them. Which is a weird reason to pull for them because the Texans certainly have put.
00:55:59:04 - 00:56:00:02
CJ
The cart before the horse of.
00:56:00:02 - 00:56:17:28
Brandon Krisztal
The four hours of, of the four best units that'll be in play, take special teams out of it. The Texans D is the most dominant by by a mile. As well as Drake Maye has played this version of Stefon Diggs who was in Houston a year ago. Doesn't scare you. The run game is a nice two headed monster with Stevenson and Henderson.
00:56:17:28 - 00:56:32:04
Brandon Krisztal
That didn't scare you. If you're the Texans Texans D we saw what they did to Josh Allen. You know they kept the Broncos in check. Even in a game where C.J. Stroud gets knocked out I'm going to pick the Patriots. But it's only because of the narrative I won't be surprised at all. The Texans weigh this in.
00:56:32:06 - 00:56:54:29
CJ
I thought I would pick the Texans. I thought you would pick the Patriots. When are you guys all right. You're right. And it's interesting 14 and three. It's the Patriots are one of those teams where we almost just sort of take for granted. Or overlook the fact they've won 14 games this year. They're not the sexiest team and not the funnest team to watch necessarily.
00:56:55:01 - 00:57:27:22
CJ
They're just perhaps the most complete team. And given the listen, I stipulate the fact that the Texans defense might be the best defense left. Now, of course, Broncos fans have something to say about that. Seattle fans may have something to say about that as well, but the Texans are going to have to do something offensively. And I think while the Texans defense is the best unit in this game, I think by far the Texans offense is the worst unit in this game.
00:57:27:28 - 00:57:44:27
CJ
And if you can't get I don't see New England being a team that's going to beat itself. And so that the Texans or the, the Texans offense is going to be better than they've been here lately. I don't see it happening in the road. And and as they said in Foxborough, they.
00:57:44:27 - 00:57:45:25
Brandon Krisztal
Are in Foxborough.
00:57:45:27 - 00:57:51:04
CJ
Listen New England wins this game. Said I'm sorry but that's okay.
00:57:51:07 - 00:57:55:29
Chad Brown
I pay tax on you know Texans don't give me a paycheck. Needed the Patriots. So
00:57:56:02 - 00:58:00:13
CJ
The way the way you were advocating for the Texans I'm sure they will send you a check that.
00:58:00:15 - 00:58:13:23
Chad Brown
I just love defense and defense troubles. Defense wins playoff games where weather could be a factor. Defense shows up. Offense finds things more difficult to to do so because the Texans clearly have a better defense. That's why I'm leaning that direction.
00:58:13:28 - 00:58:14:28
CJ
Okay.
00:58:15:01 - 00:58:33:08
Brandon Krisztal
Well then when you're talking about whether it's going to be cold, maybe some snow, but definitely cold, frigid weather by the lake, I think right around zero ten degrees zero and feeling like the wind chill well below. I mean, this is how you grew up, okay. That's right. Chad played all those years in Pittsburgh. But this is what you grew up in.
00:58:33:08 - 00:58:56:01
Brandon Krisztal
That's right. Love it there in Detroit. So very similar to to some cold January days that you're used to, which is why they have a dome in Detroit. That's right. They do not have a dome. The new place in Chicago will the Rams nonetheless, though are four point favorites going on the road to Chicago. And I'm curious because the Rams aren't technically playing a dome, but they're playing in a covered stadium and it's always warm.
00:58:56:01 - 00:59:18:04
Brandon Krisztal
Their whole division's pretty warm except Seattle. The you know, Stafford played all those years in Detroit, some games in Chicago, some in green Bay. But he played inside. How much how much Chad is is the weather factor. And is it just you talk about defense traveling. Can the Rams defense which hasn't been great. I mean they get 30 points to Carolina a couple times and we've seen them give up a lot of points here and there.
00:59:18:06 - 00:59:28:03
Brandon Krisztal
Nonetheless, people were talking about Chris Shula like he's his grandpa or something. But but right. How do you see it playing out in Chicago? Chad?
00:59:28:06 - 00:59:47:17
Chad Brown
I think the bears, it's a year too early for them as well. I think the Rams and Matt Stafford, they're multiple tied in offense. I have yet to see anybody solve that. People may have slowed it down. The Rams may make a mistake, but the, you know, no one has solved the difficulty of what do we do when these multiple tight ends are on the field, we go with Nicole, the Rams run the ball.
00:59:47:20 - 01:00:03:29
Chad Brown
You go with base. The Rams throw the ball. No one has solved that just yet. And so the bears defense is not really good. They get a lot of turnovers but they're not really good. So all the Rams need to do is just be clean with the football and survive the last five minutes of the fourth quarter and they can beat this bears team.
01:00:04:01 - 01:00:20:24
Chad Brown
I think the bears are another team where their best football is in front of them. Clearly with a rookie head coach, a second year quarterback, things are going to improve as time goes along. This just isn't the year for them. Sean McVay, Matt Stafford that multiple Titan offense going to be too much for the bears.
01:00:20:26 - 01:00:45:13
CJ
You know I would say look West Coast team great weather coming into these adverse conditions. The last I think few games the bears have played have been in weather similar to what they're going to experience, this weekend. But if I'm not missed, my memory serves me correctly. The Rams almost went into Philly last year and won that game.
01:00:45:13 - 01:01:06:10
CJ
They almost won that game and the weather was horrible, if I recall correctly. Having said that, I think the bears again, one of those teams that we they're like the mystery meat team of the playoffs is you look at it and you say, now what exactly is that? Like? Ted, you made the point. Defense isn't dominant, but they turn you over.
01:01:06:12 - 01:01:18:28
CJ
Yeah. Offensively you have this second year quarterback who everyone thought might have been a bust a year ago. He flips it around and he's he looks like John Elway right. He's he's the savior of every game in the last five minutes.
01:01:18:28 - 01:01:21:27
Brandon Krisztal
After kind of playing poorly throughout and having kind of a low.
01:01:21:29 - 01:01:22:21
CJ
That that's.
01:01:22:23 - 01:01:27:23
Brandon Krisztal
Percentage. And then he goes out and it's almost like the pitcher that blows the save but gets the win.
01:01:27:26 - 01:01:50:15
CJ
That's exactly right. However, having said all that, there's something about this bears team that I think were missing one. They will run the ball down you I mean they run the ball well and you can see where their head coach has, you know, the the fingerprints that he left all over the Detroit offense. You can see being picked up with the Chicago team.
01:01:50:17 - 01:02:07:05
CJ
I think in this weather, the team that runs the ball and controls the game from running the football wins this game. And it appears to me that Chicago is best equipped to be that team at home against the Rams. Give me Eric being a me and the Chicago Bears.
01:02:07:06 - 01:02:19:19
Brandon Krisztal
Well, although I will say this, when you look at some of the players that are going to be key in this game, Blake Corum, who we know is a big part of the running game, played his college ball at Michigan weather and going to bother him. Davante Adams played the bulk of his career in green Bay. Plenty of cold weather games.
01:02:19:19 - 01:02:19:25
Brandon Krisztal
Is he.
01:02:19:25 - 01:02:20:16
CJ
Healthy?
01:02:20:18 - 01:02:37:25
Brandon Krisztal
Healthy enough to play. And he played the other day. Had a couple catches. We don't know who is the focal point. And then I think Chad's right. I don't think whoever wins any of these games, all eight teams, no one's gonna be like, oh, I can't believe exactly. And that's not. Yeah, not this weekend. That's what divisional round we and we got it in wildcard weekend two.
01:02:38:02 - 01:02:52:02
Brandon Krisztal
Every game was mostly close to the Chargers. And that game was kind of ugly to watch. But it's still close right. And so and the Steelers and the Texans was ugly for three quarters then it wasn't technically close but it was entertaining. And so I think we're going to get four more entertaining games. We got one left to pick though.
01:02:52:03 - 01:02:57:24
CJ
Can you guys mind if we get to it? I mean, I wanted I wanted to get to it immediately, but yeah.
01:02:57:25 - 01:02:58:21
Brandon Krisztal
Well let the drama build.
01:02:58:22 - 01:03:03:28
CJ
Yeah. Pick it the other way to this. But but go ahead, go ahead. Do do your thing.
01:03:04:00 - 01:03:25:27
Brandon Krisztal
I think the Broncos I think the Broncos defense. Chad, I think the Broncos defense is going to be too much for Josh Allen. I think they're going to knock him around. And I think those numbers are going to come to fruition. If he gets it six times. Broncos made him six times in the first quarter. As long as they're disciplined and I know it's say protect the football turnover battle matters more in the playoffs than than it ever does in the regular season, even game to game.
01:03:25:29 - 01:03:37:28
Brandon Krisztal
And so I think if the Broncos can just control it on offense and stay committed to the run, I don't think Sean Payton cares about style points and running it up. He'll be fine when in this game, 11 to 10.
01:03:38:00 - 01:04:01:10
Chad Brown
I see this going one of two ways. Either a a large win by Buffalo, but my pick is going to be a one point win by the Broncos. I got this thing 2120, a one point game where the Broncos red zone defense, one of the best in the league. Bills move the ball because it's Josh Allen.
01:04:01:10 - 01:04:20:01
Chad Brown
They're going to do that. But in the red zone the Broncos defense stands up twice for the debacle of the bills and kick two field goals. And that ends up being the difference in the game. So it's not necessarily a dominant performance by the Broncos. It's a back and forth seesaw game. But the third down stops in the red zone.
01:04:20:04 - 01:04:35:12
Chad Brown
Two of those will be the two plays that make the difference and get the Broncos a very close, close win. That does not change the national perception of the Broncos, but gives the local Denver fans enough belief to go into the championship game against the Houston Texans.
01:04:35:14 - 01:05:04:23
CJ
Now Chad just threw me a curveball. I thought for sure, given his analysis of two of the other teams that we talked about, he was going to say the same thing about the Broncos. They're a year away. I don't know what got them off that, but I'm pleased to see that you got the prediction prediction right. Although the inconsistency and the you know, them being a year away didn't show up in this, and your prediction here, I got the here's here's the crazy thing about this game.
01:05:04:25 - 01:05:38:21
CJ
I think the Buffalo Bills of all the teams in the playoffs, I think from from top to bottom, they're probably the worst team. They got the best player right. And that player could is is it's what's making this such an intriguing game. What he what we've all seen him do and what we know he's capable of doing. The counterbalance that I don't think he can do it enough against this Broncos defense.
01:05:38:23 - 01:05:57:01
CJ
He's going to make some spectacular plays and it's going to be I think they'll be the type of spectacular plays that get them to 17 points, but it's not enough to win the game. I like you, Chad. I think it's a close game, but I think the Broncos win this game 2117, 24, 17, something like that.
01:05:57:02 - 01:06:20:00
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah, I said they're fine winning an 1110. I gave the prediction on Fox 31 and channel two this morning, as well as on my football Friday show with Chris Harris. I said 2320 or 2017. So I'm right there with y'all. But the Broncos defense stands up and and makes the plays late. When they have that lead, they don't have to drive down to kick the game winning or game tying field goal to go ahead or score that game winning, game time touchdown.
01:06:20:00 - 01:06:35:22
Brandon Krisztal
And Joe, let me ask, is it as simple as the Patriots didn't play in the playoffs last year? They had a different head coach with that rookie quarterback. The bears didn't play in the playoffs last year. Different head coach, rookie quarterback. Both those guys got fired. And the Broncos did play in the playoffs against the same bills team.
01:06:35:24 - 01:06:50:14
Brandon Krisztal
Got there. They didn't really get their breaks beat up. The final score, 31 seven was not indicative. You know Chris Harrison I looked at it today. That fourth down touchdown pass to to Ty Johnson who we don't think is playing was with three minutes left. It was 13 to 7 with three minutes left. That is a that is a close game.
01:06:50:14 - 01:07:06:16
Brandon Krisztal
If the Broncos get off the field on a previous fourth down on that drive where there's a penalty, maybe the outcome is at least closer. I don't know if the Broncos were better. I don't think they were. So is that is that what went into the calculus? They've already played in the playoffs, this group. And they added a couple guys who know how to play in the playoffs.
01:07:06:19 - 01:07:25:16
Chad Brown
Until you've been in the playoffs, you don't understand what playoff football is like. You don't understand the intensity. You don't understand the passion. You don't understand the physicality. So if you are new to the playoffs, you spend the first three series like trying to catch up to the speed of the game. It's crazy to think that there is multiple speeds to NFL football.
01:07:25:23 - 01:07:44:05
Chad Brown
There's early preseason, there's late preseason, there's early regular season, there's mid-season, there's divisional races at the end of the season at the temple of football, and then with each round of the playoffs, the tempo goes up. So if you've never been there before, you cannot believe how fast this game is moving and it takes you a time to adjust to that.
01:07:44:13 - 01:07:56:15
Chad Brown
The Broncos have been there. They've done that. You got to knock on the door before you can kick your way in. I'm not saying the Broncos can go all the way to the Super Bowl this year. They're going to kick the door all the way open, but they will at least get past this Buffalo Bills team this week.
01:07:56:15 - 01:07:58:29
Chad Brown
Again, the very, very close game.
01:07:59:02 - 01:08:19:21
CJ
No I think I think you two got got it right on this one right here. I think the Broncos win this game and advance to the next round of the playoffs. And Chad you've already made the prediction. When they do so it will be the Texans coming in. And and not the New England Patriots. So I'm looking forward to it, man.
01:08:19:21 - 01:08:27:16
CJ
It's going to be a fun time. And amen. Before we get out of here, Ted, are you, and Kristen doing the post-game show?
01:08:27:19 - 01:08:49:25
Chad Brown
We will be on the post-game show tomorrow thanks to modern technology. So, I'll be here in Arizona. Kristen is, taking care of our baby girl. Who's 30 years old, by the way, in Austin, Texas. After some medical stuff for her. So we will be stitching this thing together digitally, but there will be a post-game reaction show from Chad and Kristen Brown.
01:08:49:25 - 01:08:52:09
Chad Brown
Broncos live on Gorilla Sports.
01:08:52:11 - 01:08:53:13
CJ
I'm loving that.
01:08:53:16 - 01:09:08:26
Brandon Krisztal
And I'll I'll do my best to hop on as quickly as I can. Postgame. Once they shut the postgame press conferences and and locker room down like I've been able to do every week with these guys. So yeah, make sure you're locked in. You can keep an eye on what's going on with the with the Seahawks and the Niners.
01:09:08:26 - 01:09:13:01
Brandon Krisztal
But you want to see especially the Broncos win what everybody from the locker room has to say.
01:09:13:01 - 01:09:20:14
CJ
And by the way if you haven't caught it yet football Fridays with my man BK and Chris Harris who the future ring of Famer definitely.
01:09:20:14 - 01:09:25:06
Brandon Krisztal
The Denver former All-Decade All-Decade player for time Pro Bowler. Yeah future Ring of.
01:09:25:06 - 01:09:46:15
CJ
Famer and a very very good man of Omega Psi five fraternity. Chris Harris is so, tuned in to that as well right here on Gorilla Sports. Have you not had a if you've not had a chance to, to do so already? Hey, look, for my boy Big Al, I'm your boy, C.J. of course, Chad and Scottsdale is everybody's boy.
01:09:46:15 - 01:09:49:22
CJ
And bk. You're my boy now, my man.
01:09:49:24 - 01:09:50:24
Brandon Krisztal
Your prior to this.
01:09:50:24 - 01:09:52:10
CJ
But, Yeah, I mean, but you, my boy.
01:09:52:10 - 01:09:53:10
Brandon Krisztal
Boy. Now it's official.
01:09:53:11 - 01:09:54:10
CJ
It's official now.
01:09:54:10 - 01:09:58:03
Brandon Krisztal
Well, I never got to go into the barbershop because it ended right before I moved to town 20 years ago, so.
01:09:58:04 - 01:10:07:01
CJ
Well, who knows what's in the future for us, right? Maybe we strike that thing. I think it's just this. Hey, man, have a great weekend. Go, Broncos, and we'll do it again next week, everybody.
01:10:07:04 - 01:10:07:24
Chad Brown
See you guys.