Ben and Steven continue their offseason deep dive into some of the biggest questions around the league. This week, they examine why play-action is underutilized in the NFL. They start by looking into what makes play-action so successful (01:32), the concept of “play pass” (17:37), and why play-action might not be as big of a cheat code as we once thought it was (36:20). Hosts: Ben Solak and Steven Ruiz Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Music...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz return to rank the teams in the AFC South from best to worst. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Musical Elements: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 06, 2023•44 min
In a new special offseason series, Ben Solak and Steven Ruiz dive deep into some of the biggest questions around the league. This week, Ben and Steven debate which team is the biggest threat to the Chiefs: the Bengals or the Bills? They start by looking into the state of the Bills, including their defense against quarterbacks, the impact of Josh Allen’s UCL injury, and if the addition of Dalton Kincaid is a needle-mover (03:29). Then, they discuss the Bengals, Lou Anarumo’s defense, Joe Burrow n...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Sheil and Ben let loose and have some fun with predicting three NFL headlines that will happen in 2026. Who will the Patriots move on from first: Bill Belichick or Mac Jones? Which current NFL coach will be highly sought after for the broadcast booth? Will there be a new division formed overseas? Hosts: Ben Solak and Sheil Kapadia Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Music Composed By: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 4 min
With the draft completely in the rearview, Sheil and Ben now look forward to the offseason and which headlines we’ll likely hear the most from now until the start of the season. When will Tom Brady appear in the booth? Which players will be in “the best shape of their life”? Which San Fran QB will be flourishing in Kyle Shanahan’s system? Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Ben Solak Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Music Composed By: Devon Renald...
May 15, 2023•58 min
Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz open by discussing the agreement to sell the Washington Commanders to Harris Group and what this means going forward. They go on to recap the 2023-24 NFL schedule and discuss their favorite and least favorite moments from the schedule release. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Musical Elements: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch...
May 12, 2023•47 min
Are the Packers in love with Jordan after not picking up his fifth-year option? Even though the Panthers and Saints added Bryce Young and Derek Carr, respectively, to the division, could the Falcons still rise to the top in the NFC South? Russell Wilson had an abysmal season with the Broncos in 2022, but is he poised for a bounce back with Sean Payton as the head coach? Hosts: Ben Solak and Sheil Kapadia Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Supervision: Conor Nevins and Arjuna Ramgopal...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz open by discussing the news of Randall Cobb reportedly signing with the Jets and then pick which teams were the biggest winners during the offseason. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Musical Elements: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min
The dust has settled from the 2023 NFL draft and some major moves were made before and during the draft. Ben and Sheil give three observations that were either good or perplexing. With Lamar Jackson now locked in with the Ravens, did they propel themselves to the top of the AFC? Where will Kyler Murray be playing in 2024? Those and more on 'Extra Point Taken'! Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Ben Solak Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Supervision: Conor Nevins and Arjuna Ramgopal Music Com...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Nora, Steven, and Sheil discuss their winners and losers of the 2023 NFL draft, including what the Patriots’ class means for the future of Mac Jones, the Eagles drafting a trio of Georgia Bulldogs defenders, the Cardinals gaining draft capital for next year, and more. Hosts: Nora Princiotti, Steven Ruiz, and Sheil Kapadia Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Musical Elements: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...
Apr 30, 2023•1 hr 15 min
Nora and Steven discuss their biggest takeaways from the first round of the draft. However, they start with the news of Lamar Jackson signing a massive five-year extension with the Baltimore Ravens. They also cover the Ravens’ draft performance on night one, when they added another offensive weapon for Lamar (1:45). They discuss the Texans trading up to get an additional pick in the top three (9:25), Kentucky quarterback Will Levis sliding out of the first round, the Falcons and Lions drafting r...
Apr 28, 2023•57 min
Nora Princiotti, Steven Ruiz and Sheil Kapadia open by discussing the latest in the news cycle, and then have their own draft by picking the most intriguing draft positions heading into the NFL Draft on Thursday. Hosts: Nora Princiotti, Steven Ruiz and Sheil Kapadia Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Aaron Rodgers is finally headed to the Big Apple after it was announced a couple months back that he intended to play for the Jets. Sheil and Ben are back for Part 2 of ‘Extra Point Taken’ to discuss the breaking news and what this means for both the Jets and the Packers. Did the Jets give up too much for the aging four-time MVP, or is the small window of opportunity worth it? Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Ben Solak Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor...
Apr 24, 2023•31 min
The 2023 NFL draft week is finally here! Sheil and Ben have finally ground out the tape of every player possible and have each come up with three big draft predictions about what they think will happen this year. Which teams will be trading up or down to secure more players or more picks? Plus, draft over-unders are always fun. Find out which players gamblers should keep an eye on to place their wagers with. Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Ben Solak Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Superv...
Apr 24, 2023•55 min
Nora and Sheil discuss the latest in the news cycle, including Trey Lance on the trade block, and finish by dissecting what's recently been churned out by the rumor mill. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Sheil Kapadia Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 10 min
Sheil and Nora received the breaking news during the podcast that Jalen Hurts agreed to a five-year, $255 million deal, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at an average of $51 million per year. The contract includes $179.3 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause, the first in franchise history. Will Hurts’s deal have any effect on Lamar Jackson’s contract situation? Plus, we play lie detector with some burning topics around the NFL, including Patriots QB Mac Jones, and who wil...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Nora and Steven return to discuss Josh Harris’s bid to buy the Commanders and break down how the playoff teams of the NFC can improve through the draft and free agency. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 14, 2023•45 min
Nora and Steven return to break down how the non-playoff teams of the NFC can improve through the draft and free agency. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 19 min
Odell Beckham Jr. has finally found a home, in Baltimore, after sitting out the 2023 season because of a torn ACL. The big question remains: Will the disgruntled Lamar Jackson be his QB when the 2023 season kicks off? Also, the draft is oh so close, and rumors are heating up that the Arizona Cardinals will be trading the no. 3 pick. Who are the teams looking to make the jump up to no. 3? Could it be the Titans? Or a dark horse team that had a good run toward the end of 2023? Hosts: Sheil Kapadia...
Apr 10, 2023•58 min
Nora and Steven return to break down how the playoff teams of the AFC can improve through the draft and free agency. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 07, 2023•46 min
Nora and Steven open by discussing the news surrounding Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill. They then break down how the non-playoff teams of the AFC can improve through the draft and free agency. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 26 min
The 2023 NFL draft is quickly approaching, and Sheil and Ben have dissected where teams are picking, and what they’re going to do with their picks. Who are three most interesting teams heading into the draft? Could it be the Ravens, who might have to replace Lamar Jackson this offseason? The Texans, who currently hold the no. 2 pick, or the Lions, who had an amazing end to the season and hold a plethora of picks? Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Ben Solak Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production S...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Reintegrating the NFL was only the first step. In this episode, we look at the long arc of the league’s complicated relationship with race, including positional discrepancies, coach hiring, front office representation, and the stark absence of Black owners. And we consider what it will take to effect real change. Host: Chelsea Stark-Jones Co-reporter: Lex Pryor Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Mike Wargon, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Sound Design and Original Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Mixing and M...
Mar 30, 2023•52 min
Nora and Steven return to discuss the news out of the owners meetings, the latest on the contract fiasco between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson, Robert Kraft’s comments on Bill Belichick, and the latest rule changes for the upcoming season. Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 9 min
By reintegrating pro football, Kenny, Woody, Bill, and Marion achieved what once seemed unthinkable. But the harder part was actually playing in a mostly white league. In this episode, we’ll look at the personal costs of integration for Kenny, Woody, Bill, and Marion. Host: Chelsea Stark-Jones Co-reporter: Lex Pryor Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Mike Wargon, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Sound Design and Original Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about yo...
Mar 28, 2023•48 min
The Lamarathon continues! Lamar Jackson told his Twitter followers on Monday that he’d requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens after being franchise-tagged and not reaching a long-term deal. Sheil and Ben discuss whether Jackson will be granted his wish or be back with the Ravens. Sheil and Ben also discuss what teams should be pursuing Jackson, and what the fallout will be if a team doesn’t trade for him. Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Ben Solak Producer: Cliff Augustin Additional Production Supe...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 12 min
In 1946, four men reintegrated pro football. In this episode, we look at how each of them ended up at the precipice of history, as they prepared to cross the sport’s color barrier. Host: Chelsea Stark-Jones Co-reporter: Lex Pryor Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Mike Wargon, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Sound Design and Original Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 23, 2023•46 min
Nora and Steven return to discuss the best remaining free agents, but with a twist. From "How Did the Niners Do This Again?" to "Most Likely to Become a Pro-Bowler on the Pats," they give awards for the top talent on the market. Nora concludes the show by speaking with Chelsea Stark-Jones to discuss The Ringer’s new narrative podcast, ‘Blackballed,’ a story about the four men who reintegrated pro football in 1946, after a 13-year span during which Black players were secretly banned from the NFL....
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Six years ago, Colin Kaepernick took a knee, and it cost him the rest of his football career. It’s a modern story that hearkens back to the NFL’s original sin: a secret agreement among team owners to stop signing Black players almost a century ago. Host: Chelsea Stark-Jones Co-reporter: Lex Pryor Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Mike Wargon, Justin Sayles, and Vikram Patel Sound Design and Original Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Mar 21, 2023•44 min
Sheil and Ben discuss the current winners and losers of the offseason and free agency. The Dolphins have made some key additions that Ben really loves, including Jalen Ramsey, but does this put them at the top of the AFC East? The AFC West was overall disappointing last season and could still trend in that direction with the acquisitions, departures, and spending that the Raiders and Broncos have done so far this offseason. Sheil and Ben also predict the way too early division winners. Hosts: Sh...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min
