The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL - podcast cover

The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

The Athletictheathletic.com
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-host Derrik Klassen dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, tackle the ins and outs of roster building, follow the details of why we all love this sport, and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Episodes

2021 NFL All-Pro Team: Defense

The 2021 NFL All-Pro team discussion continues with the defense. Robert Mays welcomes back Trench Warfare’s Brandon Thorn to help select the defensive line. Then, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, Matt Bowen fills out the roster for linebackers and defensive backs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 05, 20221 hr 27 min

2021 NFL All-Pro Team: Offense

On a special two-part episode of The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays is joined by several guests to select the 2021 NFL All-Pro team. They begin with the offense and Nate Tice stops by to break down the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends. Then, Trench Warfare’s Brandon Thorn weighs in on the offensive line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 05, 20221 hr 18 min

Mailbag: Best football timezone, playing for bad coaches, Elway's ideal QB, trading Derek Carr for Russell Wilson & more

It's almost playoff time, and your emails & voicemails are flowing in. From teams in need of a refresh to playoff worries, the All-Pro himself Mitchell Schwartz is here to shed light on playing in sour situations, what a Derek Carr for Russell Wilson trade could do for the Seahawks and the Raiders, finding some help for Ravens and Broncos fans, which timezone is truly the best for football and more with Robert Mays as week 18 arrives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Jan 04, 202258 min

Week 17 Recap: Bengals-Chiefs doesn't disappoint, Antonio Brown quits, Cardinals handle Cowboys, playoff picture & could Matt Stafford doom the Rams?

It was a week of playoff clinching wins, confusing losses, and even more confusing behavior on the field as Joe Burrow and the Bengals wrap up the AFC North with a win over Patrick Mahomes the Chiefs , the Cowboys can't control of Kyler Murray, Antonio Brown literally quits on the Buccaneers, the Eagles stay alive, the Colts drop one to the Raiders, and could Matthew Stafford end up dooming the Rams' playoff run? Robert Mays and Nate Tice discuss these headlines and more from week 17 on a postga...

Jan 03, 20222 hr 40 min

Week 17 NFL preview + picks

There are several important matchups on the slate for Week 17 and Robert Mays and Nate Tice are here to preview what they are watching heading into the weekend. They discuss what’s at stake for the Bengals, if the Dolphins’ defense is for real, their excitement around the Cowboys and much more. Then, Sheil Kapadia looks to make a final push with his Week 17 picks against the spread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 31, 20211 hr 27 min

AFC & NFC wild card threat index

Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones start the show by discussing the latest COVID-19 changes across the NFL and the impact it could have on games as soon as this weekend. Plus, which wild card team poses the biggest threat heading into the playoffs? They rank who they believe could be the most dangerous teams from the AFC and NFC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 20211 hr 13 min

John Madden's impact & legacy with Bryan Curtis

The Ringer's Bryan Curtis and Robert Mays take some time to reflect on the impact of John Madden's career, from his larger-than-life personality in the broadcast booth to on the field and via our gaming consoles, hear how Madden's life impacted so many who love the game of football. Athletic subscription deal happening now @ theathletic.com/footballshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 29, 202136 min

Remembering John Madden + Mina Kimes on the future of the Pete Carroll-Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks

Robert Mays begins the episode by remembering NFL Hall of Fame coach and commentator, John Madden. Then, ESPN’s Mina Kimes joins the show to discuss the legacy and future of the Pete Carroll era in Seattle. How did the Seahawks get to this point? Will they trade Russell Wilson? How will the front office approach this offseason? They dive into all of that and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 29, 20211 hr 3 min

Mailbag: Giants keeping Joe Judge & Daniel Jones, trading Sean Payton, Cowboys’ draft success, active player Hall of Famers & more

The Super Bowl Champion Mitchell Schwartz returns to the Mailbag portion of the show to dig into some of your best week 16-17 questions, voicemails and emails like what we think of the Giants apparently sticking by Joe Judge and Daniel Jones, what the Jaguars would have to trade to acquire a Sean Payton, the Cowboys' recent draft history, rebooting the Bears and Washington Football Team, which coach-QB relationships are intriguing to think about and more with Robert Mays. Learn more about your a...

Dec 28, 20211 hr 17 min

Week 16 Recap: Joe Burrow makes history, Cowboys secure the NFC East, Baker Mayfield can't loosen up, Chiefs & Colts surging & more

Week 16 of NFL action is wrapping up, as Joe Burrow makes history against the Ravens, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys secure the NFC East thanks to Trevon Diggs and the defense, the Chargers drop a concerning game to the Texans, the Patriots stumble, the Chiefs and Colts look unstoppable and much more. Join Robert Nate and Nate Tice for their weekly postgame reaction discussing the highs and lows of Saturday and Sunday, including the Jaguars' confusing end-of-game sequence, the Bears' last-minute v...

Dec 27, 20211 hr 27 min

NFL week 16 preview & picks

Robert Mays and Nate Tice kick off the holiday weekend by previewing the highly anticipated rematch between the Bills and Patriots. They also discuss the Colts’ defense, if the Cowboys offense is really broken and the AFC North showdown between the Bengals and Ravens. Plus, Sheil Kapadia pulls ahead in the picks segment and Nate is riding with Ian Book? Tune in to hear their Week 16 picks against the spread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 24, 20211 hr 27 min

The MVP case for Cooper Kupp & Jonathan Taylor, should the Vikings want the playoffs & the Browns' Baker Mayfield conundrum with Zac Jackson

A lot is happening as week 16 in the NFL arrives. Lindsay Jones is here for her weekly visit as she and Robert dive into the MVP case for non-QB candidates Cooper Kupp & Jonathan Taylor. Will their historic seasons at their respective positions be enough to sway the committee? Plus, the Vikings are somehow Stayin' Alive, personnel updates across the league, appointment viewing for Thursday before The Athletic's Browns writer Zac Jackson joins the show to dig into the Baker Mayfield conundrum han...

Dec 23, 20212 hr 32 min

How the run game fits into modern NFL offenses with Mitchell Schwartz

What role does the run game play in a successful offense in 2021? Robert Mays is joined by Mitchell Schwartz to discuss what the numbers tell us, the impact on the quarterback and offensive line and the physical element it brings to the offense. Plus, Robert shares parts of his conversation with Colts’ head coach Frank Reich on the topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 20211 hr 1 min

Mailbag: The most star heavy teams, Jaguars coaching swings, the myth of "too tall" QBs, how Bengals fans should feel & more

Our own Senior Writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame Voter Mike Sando returns for this week's mailbag, diving into your voicemails and emails coming out of week 15. How should Bengals fans feel right now? What makes a coaching "rerun candidate" like Dennis Allen a good one? What's the deal with "too tall" QBs with guys like Justin Herbert out there? Who are the most star-heavy teams in today's NFL aside from QB? If the Jaguars swung for the fences, which head coach would be the most intriguing fo...

Dec 21, 202156 min

Week 15 Recap: Saints silence Tom Brady, Lions shock the Cardinals & explaining the AFC playoff picture

The NFL's week 15 was full of sloppy play, backup starters, and unexpected wins. Robert Mays and Nate Tice run down the biggest headlines coming out of Sunday, from the Saints shutting out Tom Brady and the Bucs, to the Lions shocking the Cardinals to get their second win under Dan Campbell and more + Robert and Nate attempt to bring some clarity to the AFC playoff race following the Ravens loss and wins by the Bengals and Steelers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 20211 hr 1 min

Colts outlast Patriots, Jonathan Taylor is inevitable, Frank Reich & Carson Wentz in the spotlight with Zak Keefer

Jonathan Taylor is inevitable. Following the Colts' big win over the AFC rival Patriots, Robert Mays is joined by Athletic NFL / Colts writer Zak Keefer to discuss the win, Carson Wentz and Frank Reich's communication, Darius Leonard's Peanut Punches, and of course, Jonathan Taylor. How dangerous is this Colts team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 202133 min

NFL week 15 preview & picks

What’s next for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars? Robert Mays and Nate Tice begin the episode by discussing what needs to happen in Jacksonville over the next few months. Then, they examine Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur’s success this season, how the Rams have figured things out on offense and the 49ers’ adjustments on defense. Finally, Sheil Kapadia shares his Week 15 picks against the spread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 17, 20211 hr 26 min

More Urban Meyer reactions: Effect on Trevor Lawrence, coaching candidates & what's next for the Jaguars with Sheil Kapadia

Robert Mays and Sheil Kapadia bring some more context to the Urban Meyer situation with some bonus podcast coverage covering the coach's affect on Trevor Lawrence's development, what direction the Jaguars should go in for their next head coach, & whether or not the Jags as they are today can even be trusted to get things right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 202137 min

Urban Meyer fired in Jacksonville, league meetings, NFL's response to rising cases & 49ers long term plans with David Lombardi

Urban Meyer is out in Jacksonville after multiple reports surface about a hostile situation in the Jaguars locker room. Lindsay Jones and Mike Sando react to the breaking overnight news before Robert Mays and Lindsay shift their focus to the league meetings are happening in Dallas as teams around the league continue to shift rosters around. Lindsay has updates on what teams and players are doing to keep the season going, the reveal of the 2022 salary cap number, how the Broncos continue to Stay ...

Dec 16, 20211 hr 21 min

Kurt Warner on Mac Jones, cerebral QBs & the state of quarterback play in 2021

Robert Mays is joined by Hall of Famer Kurt Warner to break down the different styles of quarterback play we are seeing across the NFL in 2021. They discuss how Mac Jones has been successful this season, the art of reading the defense’s body language and the offenses that are doing a good job at making things easy on the quarterback. They also talk about footwork, technique and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 15, 202143 min

Mailbag: Best QB arms, college vs. NFL coaching, current Hall of Fame trajectories, rookie transitioning & more with Nate Tice

Nate Tice returns for the 2nd show in a row as we open the Athletic Football Show Mailbag. This week's it's full of questions regarding ranking some of the best QB arm talent in recent memory, who some Hall of Fame candidates are in today's NFL, making the transition from coaching in college to coaching in the League, what approach the Falcons should take this coming offseason and much more with Robert Mays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 20211 hr 5 min

Tom Brady outduels Josh Allen, Micah Parsons enters the DPOY convo, Urban Meyer chaos in Jacksonville, Chiefs are back & more with Nate Tice

Buccaneers-Bills lives up to the hype, the Cowboys defense has our attention, Urban Meyer is wearing out his welcome in Jacksonville, and those are only a few highlights from week 14. How should Bengals fans feel after the loss to the 49ers? What about Bears fans and another loss in Green Bay? Is Micah Parsons really the MVP favorite? What is going on with the Panthers, Cam Newton and their QB situation? Nate Tice and Robert Mays have all the postgame reaction on a new Athletic Football Show. At...

Dec 13, 20211 hr 26 min

Bills-Buccaneers preview, the Browns and Ravens’ offensive struggles & the resurgence of the Chiefs’ defense with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 14 picks

Robert Mays and Nate Tice preview the game of the week between the Bills and Buccaneers. They also examine the Browns and Ravens’ struggles on offense before breaking down how the Chiefs have fixed their defense over the course of the season. Then, Sheil Kapadia is back to talk about his Week 14 picks as Nate inches closer to taking the lead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 20211 hr 28 min

NFL teams out of the playoff race, can the Dolphins remain hot & questions for the Bills with Lindsay Jones + a Philadelphia Eagles team visit with Bo Wulf

Robert Mays and Lindsay Jones start the show by discussing which teams are out of the NFL playoff race and which franchise they believe has the most hope over the next several years. They also talk about the Dolphins’ postseason chances and the Bills’ important matchup with the Buccaneers. Finally, Bo Wulf joins the show to discuss how the Eagles have turned things around this season, Jalen Hurts’ future in Philly, their 2022 NFL Draft picks and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Dec 09, 20211 hr 20 min

Examining the parity of the 2021 NFL season with Mike Sando

Why has this NFL season felt so unpredictable? Where are all the elite teams? Robert Mays and Mike Sando examine why we are experiencing more parity than ever before across the league. They discuss what the numbers tell us, how the quarterbacks are playing a role, the increase in penalties and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 09, 202154 min

Updated playoff picture, Lions finally win, Cardinals' defense flying, Gronk defying logic & more with Nate Tice

As week 13 nears an end, it's time to take a step back and look at the AFC playoff picture in the context of Sunday's results as the Colts keep on winning, the Chargers blow out the Bengals, and the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens might be done + Rob Gronkowski keeps defying logic with how he's playing in Tampa Bay, an early Hall of Fame campaign speech for Andrew Whitworth, the Niners fall to a poor Seahawks team, the Vikings hand the Lions their first win under Dan Campbell and more wit...

Dec 06, 20211 hr 19 min

Patriots’ dominant defense, why Washington’s offense is working & how bad are the Jaguars failing Trevor Lawrence with Nate Tice + Sheil Kapadia’s Week 13 picks

Robert Mays and Nate Tice begin the “Friday Five” by discussing how the Patriots’ defense is bullying offenses this season. They also examine why Washington’s offense is working with Taylor Heinicke, the Chargers’ offensive game plan and how bad the Jaguars are failing Trevor Lawrence. Finally, Sheil Kapadia hopes for a big Week 13 as Nate gains ground in the picks segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 03, 20212 hr 32 min

MVP favorites, Washington is Stayin' Alive, rebooting the Steelers & more with Lindsay Jones & Mark Kaboly

Lindsay Jones and Steelers writer Mark Kaboly of the Athletic are this week's guests as Robert and Lindsay discuss their current picks for MVP and discuss candidate odds of Tom Brady, Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, Jonathan Taylor, Dak Prescott and more before discussing the Washington Football Team's refusal to exit the playoff conversation, the most intriguing games this weekend and more + Kaboly joins the show for an extended convo on the current state of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisbe...

Dec 02, 20212 hr 31 min

Dane Brugler’s 2022 NFL mock draft 1.0

Mock draft season is officially underway as Robert Mays welcomes The Athletic’s Dane Brugler to discuss the 2022 NFL Draft. Dane explains who he has at No. 1, the overall talent this year and where things get interesting for the Jets, Giants and Eagles. Plus, they also dive into the top quarterbacks and what to watch heading into the conference championship games this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 01, 20211 hr 16 min