Episode 247: Unapologetically Jerry Jones

The Underdog NFL Show

Introduction 00:00:33 – 00:02:12 Hosts Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines open the show with casual banter about how fast the week has gone. Mario mistakenly thought it was Friday instead of Wednesday and tells a humorous story about his awkward interaction with a security guard. Coaching Carousel & Mike Vrabel to Patriots 00:02:12 – 00:06:30 Discussion on the New England Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel as head coach. Both hosts agree it was an expected move, comparing it to an obvious draft pick. They discuss the Rooney Rule and how it seemed clear that Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton were interviewed as formalities before hiring Vrabel. Chris mentions that players like Taylor Decker praised Vrabel as a strong leader. Mario highlights that while Vrabel may not be a strategic genius, his leadership skills could work in New England. NBA Tangent: Victor Wembanyama and Basketball's Direction 00:06:30 – 00:12:50 Discussion shifts to Victor Wembanyama and his impact on basketball. Chris argues that while Wembanyama is incredibly talented, his three-point shooting habits reflect the modern NBA's flaws. Mario agrees that basketball has moved away from post-dominance, comparing Wembanyama to Shaquille O'Neal and discussing how centers should be more dominant in the paint. Debate about expanding the court and moving the three-point line back to improve the game. Chris critiques the current state of basketball, saying it lacks creativity and relies too much on isolation play. NFL Coaching Vacancies & Potential Hires 00:13:00 – 00:24:30 Breakdown of open head coaching jobs, including the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints. Speculation on Ben Johnson likely going to the Raiders. Discussion on whether Mike McCarthy is a good fit for the Bears. Debate about Deion Sanders being linked to the Cowboys: Mario finds it shocking but not impossible given Jerry Jones' bold personality. Chris believes Sanders' lack of focus on the lines could hurt him at the NFL level. Discussion on whether the Jets are the worst coaching job in football this year. NFL Divisional Round Matchups 1. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs 00:37:05 – 00:41:13 Chiefs favored by 8 points. Discussion of Patrick Mahomes' ability to turn it on in the playoffs. Debate on whether the Texans' win last week was due to their success or the Chargers' implosion. Chris brings up Justin Herbert's struggles, noting that he threw more interceptions in one game (4) than he had all of 2024. 2. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions 00:43:01 – 00:46:05 Lions favored by 9 points. Mario, as a Lions fan, acknowledges Washington's talent but highlights their struggles against the run. Discussion about Jared Goff leading all remaining QBs in playoff passing yards. Chris jokes about betting the Commanders' money line. 3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles 00:46:22 – 00:49:39 Eagles favored by 6 points. Debate over Jalen Hurts needing to stay on script and not force plays. Discussion on Lane Johnson being snubbed in the All-Pro voting and how he is using it as motivation. Chris provides a statistical comparison of Lane Johnson vs. Penei Sewell, highlighting Johnson's dominance. 4. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills 00:49:50 – 00:52:45 Bills are 1-point underdogs at home. Chris and Mario see this game as the best matchup of the weekend. Debate over whether this game decides the MVP race between Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Discussion of how Lamar Jackson was undervalued in free agency and how teams missed an opportunity to acquire a now three-time MVP. Closing Thoughts 00:52:45 – End Chris and Mario reflect on how NFL teams often overlook talent. They agree that Lamar Jackson deserves more recognition for his career achievements. Final thoughts on how the Divisional Round games could shape the Super Bowl picture.