Tag / Houston Texans

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

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

Spencer Strider done, Jrue Holiday Extended, NFC/AFC South Previews | #004

Welcome to episode four of Sideline Specialists, where we cover the thrilling playoff races in both the NHL and NBA, Jrue Holiday’s recent contract extension, Spencer Strider’s injury update, and previews for the upcoming NFL season. Join us as we dive into the latest news and insights from the world of sports.

This week’s topics:

  1. 2024 NHL and NBA Playoff Races: We kick off the episode by delving into the intense playoff races unfolding in both the NHL and the NBA. From wildcard battles to divisional showdowns, we provide updates on the teams vying for postseason berths and analyze their chances of making a deep playoff run.
  2. Jrue Holiday Signs Extension with Boston Celtics: Switching gears to basketball, we discuss Jrue Holiday’s decision to sign a contract extension with the Boston Celtics. We analyze the impact of this move on the Celtics’ roster and their prospects for success in the upcoming NBA season.
  3. Spencer Strider Injury Update: Get the latest on Spencer Strider’s injury as we discuss the news of his UCL injury and subsequent season-ending surgery. We examine the implications of Strider’s absence for his team and the challenges they may face moving forward.
  4. NFL Team Previews: We provide comprehensive previews for several NFL teams gearing up for the 2024 season, including the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans. We analyze each team’s roster, offseason acquisitions, and expectations for the upcoming season.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:17 NHL Playoff Picture drama
00:22:00 NBA Playoff Picture
00:41:30 Jrue Holiday signs contract extension
00:55:06 Spencer Strider ruled out for the season
01:08:02 NFC South and Carolina Panthers 2024 Preview
01:31:10 Atlanta Falcons 2024 Preview
01:43:12 New Orleans Saints 2024 Preview
01:49:58 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 Preview
01:57:02 Indianapolis Colts 2024 Preview
02:02:58 Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 Preview
02:08:53 Tennessee Titans 2024 Preview
02:17:43 Houston Texans 2024 Preview
02:27:37 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Stefon Diggs Traded, Final Four Madness, AFC/NFC West Analysis | SS003

Welcome to episode three of Sideline Specialists, where we cover a wide array of topics ranging from player trades and controversies to team previews for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Join us as we dive into the latest developments in the NFL, including trade rumors, player news, and insights into team strategies for the upcoming season.

Topics:

  1. Stefon Diggs Trade to Houston: We kick off the episode by discussing the recent trade that sent wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. We analyze the implications of this move for both the Texans and Diggs’ former team, the Buffalo Bills, and evaluate how Diggs’ addition will impact the Texans’ offense.
  2. Rashee Rice Controversy: Delve into the controversy surrounding Rashee Rice as he faces legal trouble off the field. We provide updates on the situation and discuss the potential consequences for Rice and his team.
  3. Caitlyn Clark and UConn in March Madness: Switching gears to college basketball, we provide insights into standout performances from players like Caitlyn Clark and teams like UConn in the March Madness tournament. We analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and prospects for advancing in the tournament.
  4. Phillies City Connect Uniforms: We share our thoughts on the Philadelphia Phillies’ City Connect uniforms, discussing the design, symbolism, and fan reactions to this unique addition to the team’s wardrobe.
  5. 2024 Team Previews: Get ready for the upcoming NFL season as we provide previews for several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs. We analyze each team’s roster, key players, offseason acquisitions, and expectations for the season ahead.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:49 Stefon Diggs Traded To Houston
00:17:17 Rashee Rice in trouble
00:25:16 Caitlyn Clark, UConn, March Madness, etc
00:53:59 Thoughts on Phillies City Connect Uniforms
01:05:16 Arizona Cardinals 2024 Preview
01:12:57 Los Angeles Rams 2024 Preview
01:22:19 Seattle Seahawks 2024 Preview
01:31:30 San Francisco 49ers 2024 Preview
01:37:38 Denver Broncos 2024 Preview
01:42:49 Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Preview
01:47:28 Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Preview
01:50:37 Kansas City Chiefs 2024 Preview
01:55:23 Outro