Tag / Derrick Henry

by Alex Fischbein

Ravens Run Wild, Eagles Lock Down, Commanders Doink, NFL Playoffs | #030

The NFL Playoffs are in full swing, and The Sideline Specialists are here to break down all the action with a side of humor. From defensive masterclasses to chaotic doink field goals, this week’s episode has it all. Let’s dive into the madness.

Houston Texans’ Defense Dominates

The Texans showed up and showed out, crushing their opponents 32-12 in a playoff defensive clinic. We break down how they shut it down and whether this team is built for a deep playoff run.

Ravens Soar Over Steelers

Baltimore laid the smackdown on Pittsburgh with a commanding 28-14 victory. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens look unstoppable—can anyone derail their momentum?

Bills Bulldoze Broncos

Buffalo didn’t just win—they obliterated Denver, 31-7. Josh Allen and Co. were firing on all cylinders, and the Broncos…well, they might still be looking for answers.

Commanders Win on a Doink

Washington’s playoff win came courtesy of a heart-stopping doinked field goal that somehow found its way in for a 23-20 finish. Was it luck, skill, or both? We’re analyzing every angle.

Eagles Lock Down Packers

The Eagles defense flexed their muscles, shutting down the Packers for a 22-10 win. Philly is looking like a Super Bowl favorite—can they keep the momentum going?

Extra NFL Playoff Takeaways

From surprise performances to questionable coaching decisions, we’re dishing out all the extra hot takes on what’s been an unforgettable playoff weekend.

The NFL Coaching Interview Period Needs a Revamp

Why does the NFL coaching interview period feel like a bad speed-dating event? We discuss the awkward timing, its impact on teams, and how the league can fix it for the future.

This episode is your one-stop shop for all things NFL Playoffs, with analysis, laughs, and maybe a few rants. Don’t miss it! Subscribe to The Sideline Specialists and leave us a review. Join the conversation on Threads or X using and share your playoff hot takes.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:33 What video games we’re playing
00:11:03 NFL Playoffs reactions
00:12:12 Commanders 23 – Bucs 20
00:28:54 AJ Brown’s Book 22 – Packers 10
00:37:48 Rams 27 – Vikings 9
00:48:09 Ravens 28 – Steelers 14
01:10:57 Bills 31 – Broncos 7
01:24:12 Texans 32 – Chargers 12
01:32:42 NFL Coaching rumors and searches
01:47:25 NFL Immaculate Grid
01:56:09 Messed up fingers and closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

Saquon Barkley vs Derrick Henry, Kyler Murray Discussion, Aaron Rodgers’ Rumors | #026

Welcome back to The Sideline Specialists! This week, we’re tackling a whirlwind of gridiron drama, from controversial hits to MVP-caliber performances. Plus, we dive into the latest updates across all major sports. Let’s break it down.

Saquon Barkley Leads Eagles Over Derrick Henry and the Ravens

It was a battle of the bruisers as Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry went head-to-head, but the Eagles came out on top. We break down how Barkley’s MVP-worthy season continues to shine and what this win says about Philly’s Super Bowl chances. Sorry, Ravens fans—this one stings.

Justin Tucker: The End of an Era?

Is the GOAT of kickers starting to miss his mark? Justin Tucker has had a rough stretch, and now the whispers of retirement are getting louder. We debate whether it’s time for Baltimore to find a new leg or if Tucker still has some magic left.

Kyler Murray: Franchise Savior or Misfit Leader?

The Arizona Cardinals are at a crossroads with Kyler Murray. Is he the right quarterback to lead this team, or is it time to explore other options? We analyze his performance, leadership, and the Cardinals’ long-term outlook in a league full of QB questions.

Should Aaron Rodgers Ride the Bench?

The Jets’ season is spiraling, and Rodgers isn’t looking like his usual self. Could a benching spark a turnaround, or is this the end of the line for the future Hall of Famer? We explore all angles of this Jets conundrum and what it means for their playoff hopes.

Trevor Lawrence’s Concussion and a Dirty Hit Debate

A controversial hit on Trevor Lawrence has him sidelined with a concussion, and we’re not holding back. Was it a dirty play, or just bad luck? We discuss the impact on the Jaguars’ season and the NFL’s ongoing battle with player safety.

NFL Week 13 Recap: Surprises, Standouts, and Letdowns

Week 13 brought plenty of chaos and unforgettable moments. We’re recapping the biggest games, key performances, and all the jaw-dropping storylines that have reshaped the playoff picture.

NFL Week 14 Predictions and Picks

As we gear up for Week 14, we’re making bold predictions and breaking down must-watch matchups. Whether it’s divisional rivalries or potential blowouts, we’ve got the insights to keep you in the know.

Updated NFL Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

The power rankings are shifting again after Week 13. Find out which teams are surging toward the playoffs and which ones are trending downward. Spoiler alert: some rankings might surprise you.

NFL Week 13 Power rankings from Sideline Specialists

News and Notes from Around the Sports World

To cap things off, we’re covering the latest updates from the MLB offseason, NHL action, NBA highlights, and more. From trade rumors to standout performances, this segment has a little bit of everything for sports fans.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:04:34 Was the hit on Trevor Lawrence dirty?
00:12:54 Ravens vs Eagles – Should Tucker retire?
00:28:16 Aaron Rodgers rumors
00:38:29 NFL Week 13 reactions
01:04:30 Power rankings through Week 13
01:27:41 NFL Week 14 Picks
02:02:39 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Daniel Jones Cut, Malik Nabers is Not Happy, Saquon Barkley for MVP | #025

The Sideline Specialists – Episode 25: Daniel Jones Out, Saquon Soars, and NFL Week 12 Recap

This week’s episode of The Sideline Specialists is jam-packed with all the football drama and sports updates you can handle. From shocking roster moves to MVP buzz, we’ve got the biggest storylines covered as we dive into Week 12 of the NFL season and look ahead to Week 13.

Daniel Jones Cut by the Giants: A Surprising End?

The New York Giants shocked fans by cutting Daniel Jones. Was it a necessary move, or could the team have handled it better? We break down the decision, how it impacts the Giants‘ QB situation, and whether this is the reset the franchise desperately needs.

Malik Nabers Sounds Off on the Giants’ Offense

It’s not just fans feeling the frustration—Giants wideout Malik Nabers had plenty to say about the team’s offensive woes. We discuss his pointed comments, whether he’s justified, and what this means for the locker room dynamic moving forward.

Saquon Barkley’s MVP-Level Season with the Eagles

In a plot twist for the ages, Saquon Barkley is thriving with the Philadelphia Eagles. We break down his electrifying performances, how he’s elevated the team, and whether this could be the year he takes home MVP honors. Giants fans, you might want to skip this one…

Aaron Rodgers’ Future with the Jets: What’s Next?

After another injury-plagued season, questions are swirling about Aaron Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets. Will he return for one last run, or is this the end of the road? We analyze the situation and discuss what the Jets should do if Rodgers decides to hang it up.

NFL Week 12 Recap: Key Moments and Surprises

Week 12 was full of action, drama, and plenty of surprises. We’re recapping the standout games, big plays, and unexpected outcomes that have us rethinking the playoff picture. Did your team impress or disappoint this week? Tune in to find out.

NFL Week 13 Predictions and Picks

As we look ahead to Week 13, we’re making our predictions for each matchup and highlighting the must-watch games of the week. From divisional showdowns to potential upsets, we’ve got all the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Updated NFL Power Rankings: Who’s Rising and Falling?

Our Week 12 power rankings are in! See which teams are surging at the right time and which ones are sliding as the postseason looms. Are your favorites on the rise, or is there cause for concern?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:04:24 Saquon Barkley for MVP?
00:18:55 Daniel Jones gets cut
00:30:26 Malik Nabers is frustrated
00:44:33 Jahmyr Gibbs tribute to Iverson
00:46:17 NFL Week 12 reactions
01:16:12 NFL Power rankings
01:26:58 NFL Week 13 Picks
01:53:10 Immaculate Grid
02:18:06 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Chicago Bears Stink Again, George Pickens is a Menace, Jerry Jones is the Worst | #024

Welcome back to The Sideline Specialists! Episode 24 covers it all, from the Bears’ ongoing woes to Jerry Jones’ unique take on stadium management, George Pickens’ antics, and which teams might be Super Bowl bound. Plus, we recap Week 10, make Week 11 picks, and update our power rankings. Let’s dive in!

The Chicago Bears’ Struggles: Can They Turn Things Around?

It’s been a rough season for the Chicago Bears, and Week 10 only piled onto the struggle. We explore what’s gone wrong—from injuries to inconsistent plays—and whether this storied franchise can regroup before the season’s end. Is it time for a total reboot? Bears fans, bring tissues.

Jerry Jones and His Stadium Shenanigans

In classic Jerry Jones style, the Dallas Cowboys’ owner is back in the headlines with more stadium-related drama. Between oddball policies and facility issues, Jones is making Cowboys games interesting for more than just the football. We talk about the impact of his management style on the team and the fan experience. It’s never dull with Jerry at the helm!

George Pickens: The Hilarious Menace

George Pickens has become a true menace on the field—and off! Known for his unfiltered, often hilarious moments, Pickens brings a mix of chaos and charm that keeps fans and teammates on their toes. We discuss his antics, the impact on team dynamics, and why he’s one to watch as the season heats up.

Eagles and Ravens: Super Bowl Contenders?

Could the Eagles or Ravens be Super Bowl-bound this season? We examine both teams’ impressive performances, highlighting their star players, tactical plays, and what sets them apart from the competition. Could we see either team in the big game? We’ve got thoughts, and we’re not holding back.

NFL Week 10 Recap: Highlights, Surprises, and Game-Changers

Week 10 didn’t disappoint with nail-biters, big upsets, and impressive comebacks. We recap the week’s biggest moments, key plays, and game-changing performances, breaking down how each one could shape the playoff picture. From underdog wins to standout stars, it’s all here.

NFL Week 11 Picks and Predictions

Looking ahead to Week 11, we’re giving our takes on every matchup, highlighting key players, and throwing in some bold predictions. Whether you’re betting big or just following the action, our preview gives you a leg up on what to expect in the NFL’s most exciting matchups this week.

Updated NFL Power Rankings: Who’s Leading the Pack?

With Week 10 in the books, it’s time to update the power rankings! We assess each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and playoff potential, adjusting our rankings based on recent performances. Find out who’s climbing to the top and who’s slipping in the standings.

NFL Week 10 Power Rankings

News and Notes from the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA

Finally, we bring you the latest headlines from across sports. Catch up on breaking news, standout performances, and surprising updates from the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA. We’re covering it all to keep you informed and entertained as each season heats up.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:01 NFL Week 10 Reactions
00:22:39 George Pickens is a menace
00:26:16 Jerry Jones and the sun
00:43:19 NFL Power Rankings update
01:10:04 NFL Week 11 Picks
01:26:19 NFL Immaculate Grid
01:43:31 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Joel Embiid and Jason Kelce Strike Back, Nick Sirianni Insanity, NFL Week 9 | #023

Welcome back to The Sideline Specialists! Episode 23 is loaded with bold takes and big headlines. We’re diving into some off-the-field drama featuring Jason Kelce and Joel Embiid, then shifting to our NFL coverage with a Week 9 recap, Week 10 predictions, and updated power rankings. Strap in for some hot takes, hearty laughs, and NFL insights!

📱 Jason Kelce’s Viral Moment: Spiking a Kid’s Phone

First up, we’re talking Jason Kelce’s unexpected viral moment. After a young fan dropped a slur about his brother Travis Kelce, Jason gave a lesson in respect…by spiking the fan’s phone. Was it a justified reaction? We break down the story, Kelce’s response, and what this says about fan interactions in the age of social media.

🏀 Joel Embiid vs. Marcus Hayes: The Confrontation

In NBA news, Joel Embiid made headlines after calling out Philly columnist Marcus Hayes for a scathing article. Did Hayes cross the line, or was Embiid’s reaction overdue? We dive into what Hayes said, Embiid’s response, and why we’re all about players standing up for themselves (especially if it’s Embiid). Philly fans, you’ll want to tune in for this one!

🏈 NFL Week 9 Recap: Wins, Losses, and Surprises

Week 9 in the NFL brought us some crazy moments, big upsets, and clutch plays. We’re recapping it all—from standout wins to disappointing losses, and a few surprises that shook up the standings. Catch up on the week’s best performances, biggest upsets, and key storylines that have us excited for what’s to come.

🦅 Nick Sirianni’s Playbook: What is the Eagles’ Head Coach Thinking?

Turning our attention to the Philadelphia Eagles, we’re analyzing Nick Sirianni’s play-calling and game strategy. From his unique sideline antics to his fourth-down decisions, Sirianni keeps us guessing. But is it genius, or just a gamble? We discuss his approach, what’s working, and where he might need a new play or two.

🔮 NFL Week 10 Picks and Predictions

Looking ahead to Week 10, we make our picks and predictions for each matchup. Can the Eagles keep rolling? Will we see another unexpected upset? We’ll break down each game, highlight key matchups to watch, and give our best bets for who’s coming out on top. Think of it as your Week 10 cheat sheet, and a chance to see if we’re as good at picking games as we think we are.

📊 NFL Power Rankings Through 9 Weeks

With nine weeks of the NFL season behind us, it’s time for an updated power ranking! We’re ranking every team, from the squads tearing it up to the ones still figuring things out. Who’s a lock for the playoffs, and who needs to make some serious changes? Find out where your favorite team stands and what we think it’ll take for them to climb the ranks.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:53 Jason Kelce smashes a cell phone
00:09:27 Joel Embiid confronts Marcus Hayes
00:18:15 NFL Week 9 reactions
01:04:31 NFL Power Rankings update
01:16:00 NFL Week 10 Picks
01:35:00 NFL Immaculate Grid
01:45:46 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, 4-0 Minnesota Vikings, The NFL is Crazy | SS18

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Sideline Specialists, where we break down the latest and greatest from the world of football, with a touch of humor and plenty of insight. This episode is packed with everything you need to know from NFL Week 4 and College Football Week 5, as well as our predictions and power rankings. Sit back, relax, and get ready for some hot takes!

First up, we talk about Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens’ massive win in Week 4. Lamar is back in MVP form, throwing dimes and making defenses look silly. It’s hard to stop this guy when he’s in his groove! We break down his game-winning performance and discuss what this means for the Ravens’ playoff hopes. Spoiler: they’re looking scary! With key stats to back it up, we talk about how Lamar continues to silence his critics and why the Ravens are real contenders.

Next, we gush over Jayden Daniels, the rookie sensation who’s making waves in the NFL. Talk about poise under pressure! This guy already looks like a franchise quarterback. His standout performance as a rookie is the stuff dreams are made of, and we can’t help but wonder—has he already secured Offensive Rookie of the Year? Tune in to hear how Daniels’ stats are stacking up against the competition, and why he’s already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s best.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have stormed out of the gates with a 4-0 start. Can anyone stop them? We break down the reasons behind their red-hot run, and if this team is built to sustain their early-season success. Kirk Cousins is balling out, but the real story might be the Vikings’ defense, which has been lights out. Are they the biggest surprise of the season so far? We think so, and we’ve got the stats to prove it.

Of course, we can’t forget the rest of NFL Week 4. It’s been a wild ride, with some unexpected twists and turns. We cover all the big news and notes, from breakout performances to shocking upsets. We also dive into College Football Week 5, where the race to the playoffs is heating up. Who’s trending up, who’s slipping, and who’s making a late-season push? We’ve got all the latest, with plenty of bold predictions.

Speaking of predictions, we make our picks for the NFL’s power rankings going into Week 5. Some teams are soaring, others are tanking, and we have strong opinions on who’s going where. Plus, we dish out some wild (but possible!) guesses for the rest of the season. As always, there’s a mix of logic and gut feeling here, so feel free to agree or roast us in the comments!

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
01:54 2024 MLB Playoff picture
10:10 NFL Week 4 Reactions
20:27 NFL Injury updates
30:42 NFL Power Rankings Through Week 4
40:14 Tom looks to Week 5
50:59 NFL Immaculate Grid

by Alex Fischbein

Jauan Jennings, Andy Dalton, and Derrick Henry Catch Fire | SS17

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Sideline Specialists, where we dive into all the action from both college and professional football! This week, we start with a recap of College Football Week 4, breaking down the biggest matchups and standout performances. Then, we shift our focus to the NFL, reacting to the results of NFL Week 3 and analyzing the top stories from the weekend, including some key moments from players like Jauan Jennings, Derrick Henry, and Andy Dalton. We also make our picks for NFL Week 4 and get into the Immaculate Grid Game for Monday. Finally, we wrap things up with a brand-new set of NFL power rankings through the first three weeks of the season. Let’s get into it!

College Football Week 4 Recap
We kick off this episode with a comprehensive recap of College Football Week 4. From thrilling finishes to surprise upsets, this past weekend had everything. We highlight the top performances, especially from teams that solidified their place as early contenders in the race for the College Football Playoff. Whether it was a dominant running game, a star quarterback, or a breakout defense, we cover the key takeaways from the biggest matchups around the nation.

Reactions to NFL Week 3
Next, we turn our attention to the NFL, where Week 3 brought plenty of surprises. We give our reactions to the close games, stunning upsets, and standout players that took the spotlight. Special focus goes to Jauan Jennings, who had a major breakout performance, Derrick Henry returning to his dominant form, and Andy Dalton showing he still has what it takes to lead an offense. We dive deep into the details of their performances and how they could shape the outlook for their teams moving forward.

Week 4 NFL Picks
After analyzing Week 3, we make our picks for NFL Week 4, choosing the games we think are going to be the most competitive and the teams most likely to come out on top. We discuss the key matchups to look for, which players might be poised for big performances, and whether any surprise upsets could shake up the standings. Will this be the week that the underdogs come through, or will the top teams keep rolling?

Immaculate Grid NFL Game
As always, we end Monday’s segment by tackling the Immaculate Grid NFL game. This week’s grid had some tricky clues, but we work through it together, making sure to highlight players from across NFL history who fit the criteria. It’s a fun way to test our football knowledge and relive some of the most iconic moments in the league’s history.

NFL Power Rankings Through 3 Weeks
Finally, we update our NFL power rankings after the conclusion of Week 3. Several teams have solidified their positions as early frontrunners, while others are falling short of expectations. We analyze the biggest risers and fallers in our rankings and predict how things might shift in the coming weeks. Who’s leading the pack, and who needs to turn things around quickly?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:19 College Football Week 4
00:17:17 NFL Week 3 reactions
00:46:59 NFL injury update
00:53:49 NFL Power Rankings
01:11:56 NFL Week 4 Predictions
01:38:30 NFL Immaculate Grid
01:48:09 Closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

NFL Opening Week and College Football Week 2 reactions | SS015

Welcome to episode 15 of The Sideline Specialists! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the latest action from the world of football, both at the college and professional levels. We kick things off with a full recap of College Football Week 2, where we break down the biggest games, highlight standout players, and analyze how the College Football Playoff picture is shaping up. Whether you’re following your favorite team or looking to catch up on the action, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know from Week 2.

Next, we shift our focus to the NFL, where NFL Week 1 brought a lot of excitement and surprises. From major upsets to impressive debuts, we share our reactions to all the key moments from the first week of the NFL season. How did the rookies perform? Which teams lived up to the preseason hype, and which teams stumbled out of the gate? Our analysis covers the good, the bad, and everything in between from Week 1.

As we move forward, we make our Week 2 NFL picks, giving you our predictions for the upcoming matchups. Which teams are poised to bounce back, and which teams will continue their momentum? We break down the key games to watch, highlighting matchups that could have a significant impact on the standings early in the season. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead in your fantasy league or just want to see how your team stacks up, these picks are must-listen content.

We also introduce a fun new segment: completing Monday’s immaculate grid game for the NFL! This trivia challenge puts our football knowledge to the test as we try to correctly fill out the grid with NFL players who meet specific criteria. It’s a great way to wrap up the show while testing our expertise on the league’s history and current players.

This episode is packed with insights, predictions, and a little bit of friendly competition. From college football to the NFL, we’ve got plenty to discuss, so whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just tuning in for the fun, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Don’t miss out on our breakdowns and predictions, and make sure to tune in next week for more expert analysis and entertaining segments!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:15 NFL Week 1 reactions
00:50:10 College Football Week 2 reactions
01:11:28 NFL Week 2 picks
01:46:24 NFL Immaculate Grid