Joe & Evan – CBS New York: Recent Episodes
NEW YORK (WFAN) — WFAN host Joe Benigno and Daily News reporter Manish Mehta had a serious difference of opinion on Monday afternoon.
The two engaged in a heated back and forth over a recent column Mehta wrote comparing Todd Bowles’ 10-6 season with the Jets in 2015 to the 10-6 mark engineered by Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone looks on during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Steelers on Jan. 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Following the 2014 season, Marrone exercised an out clause in his contract to leave his position as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and interviewed for the Jets’ opening. New York ultimately hired Bowles on Jan. 14, 2015, six days before Jacksonville hired Marrone as its assistant head coach and offensive line coach.
Marrone was named the Jaguars’ interim head coach on Dec. 19, 2016, following the firing of Gus Bradley. Jacksonville split the final two games of that season and the interim tag was removed from Marrone’s title on Jan. 9, 2017.
MORE: Jets Announce Contract Extensions For Maccagnan And Bowles
Since hiring Bowles, the Jets have gone 20-28, including back-to-back 5-11 records, while Marrone, in his first full season, has the Jags one win from the Super Bowl, thanks to their 45-42 upset win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Benigno made it clear he believes the Jets would have been better off hiring Marrone, while Mehta maintained that Bowles isn’t nearly as bad a coach as some believe.
Please click on the audio player above to hear all the fireworks.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Colin Kaepernick wants out of San Francisco because he has “a lot of hurt feelings,” said the New York Daily News reporter who broke the story that the 49ers quarterback would like to join the Jets next season.
Kaepernick, who led San Francisco to the Super Bowl three years ago, was benched for backup Blaine Gabbert after a 2-6 start this past season. Two weeks later, the 49ers placed Kaepernick on season-ending injured reserve with a hurt shoulder, reportedly at the quarterback’s request.
“He’s not happy with the organization, and he has professional and personal reasons for wanting to play for the Jets,” the Daily News’ Manish Mehta told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Wednesday. “The Jets are not the only team that he would be happy playing for. It’s just the team he would prefer.”‘
It’s unclear how the Jets might feel about the possibility, but one hurdle is that Kaepernick is under contract through 2020 and is due more than $77 million in base salary over the next five seasons. If the 49ers want to trade Kaepernick, his new team might demand his contract be restructured. Whether they trade him or release him before June 1, the 49ers would save $8.5 million against the salary cap but be hit with $7.4 million in dead money.
It also remains to be seen whether San Francisco wants to sever ties with the 28-year-old quarterback. The 49ers hired Chip Kelly as their new head coach last month, and his offensive system seems ideal for a mobile quarterback like Kaepernick.
Mehta was asked about rumors that Kaepernick was eyeing the Jets because his girlfriend lives in the area.
“I think he does have a girlfriend that lives in the New York area,” he said. “I can’t speak to his motivation behind wanting to play on the East Coast.”
NJ Advance Media, citing a source familiar with the situation, reported there is no truth to the Daily News article.
“No,” said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Nothing. No idea where it came from. Random, strange article.”
Meanwhile, the Jets have said they hope to re-sign free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who passed for 3,905 yards and a team-record 31 touchdowns while leading New York to a 10-6 record in 2015.
Fitzpatrick, however, is 33 years old.
“They are happy with the way Fitzpatrick played,” Mehta said. “They are optimistic that he can get better working with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker in Chan Gailey’s system for a second year. But they don’t have a long-term answer at quarterback, and they’re smart enough to know that. So it’s not like they’re not looking at other options. They’d be foolish if they weren’t looking at other options.”
Comparing Fitzpatrick to Kaepernick is not easy. Fitzpatrick is a cerebral, hardworking veteran who is coming off his best statistical season but who is also entering the twilight of his career. Kaepernick is a flashy, athletic specimen with bigger upside, but who has regressed since bursting onto the scene in 2012.
“You can raise a fair question about whether Colin Kaepernick can be a leader in the locker room,” Mehta said. “I can’t speak to what he was in San Francisco, but I think there are some fair concerns about whether he can truly be a leader, whether he can adapt and grow as a quarterback because he started off so hot in his second and third seasons. The team did so well. He has taken a step back. Can he adjust and adapt? Can he be fixed, for lack of a better phrase?”
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It might be a long shot, but it’s not impossible that Yoenis Cespedes could return to the Mets in 2016, CBSSports.com/WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman said Wednesday.
Heyman told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts that he’s heard the Mets are staying in contact with the slugger.
A free agent, Cespedes has yet to sign a long-term, big-money contract with another team. The Mets appear to be open to working out a two- or three-year deal with him if he doesn’t find the deal he’s seeking elsewhere, Heyman said.
“I think the Mets are doing the right thing staying in touch,” Heyman said. “They’re probably bottom feeding. They’re probably just nibbling around, and it’s probably a hundred-to-one shot. But they’re one of the teams that’s still in touch.
“To me, he’s a guy (who) brings a jolt to the franchise — the power, speed, arm. He’s a star.”
Heyman said he finds it surprising that three teams were offering at least $180 million to sign outfielder Jason Heyward, now a Cub, but Cespedes and Justin Upton, who Heyman considers better players, are still on the market.
Just last week, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson downplayed the possibility of Cespedes returning to Queens.
“Look, we know that Cespedes was instrumental to us getting to the postseason,” he told reporters. “We know Daniel Murphy was instrumental in us getting to the World Series. But I think along the way we learned a few things about ourselves, about the team, and I think the way we approached the offseason, we put some of those lessons into play.”
Murphy signed with the Washington Nationals.
The Mets struck a trade-deadline deal with Detroit in July to bring Cespedes on board. He instantly gave the team’s lagging offense the infusion it needed, batting .287 with 17 homers and 44 RBIs in 57 games.
Cespedes, 30, however, went cold during the postseason, especially in the NLCS and World Series, in which he hit .194 with no home runs.
The White Sox, Orioles, Giants and Angels are among the teams rumored to be interested in Cespedes.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The Jets’ season-ending loss Sunday to Buffalo, which cost Gang Green a trip to the playoffs, ranks among the most gun-wrenching defeats in team history, WFAN host Joe Benigno said Monday.
The Jets (10-6) needed either a win over the Bills or a Steelers loss Sunday to clinch a postseason spot for the first time since 2010. Instead, Jets fans saw “on every level, a collective failure” in a 22-17 defeat, Benigno said. Pittsburgh sealed the Jets’ fate by beating the Browns.
PHOTOS: Jets’ Season Ends In Disastrous Fashion
“This was as tough a loss, as a guy who’s watched this team now since 1965 — and there’s been many brutal losses — this one is right up there,” he said. “I mean, when you consider how well this team was playing, when you consider how wide open the AFC looks right now — certainly the Patriots look like a very vulnerable team, there’s no great team in that conference — when you consider all that, it couldn’t be worse.
“To me … every aspect of this team deserves criticism. From the coach to the offense to the defense to the special teams, this was a team-wide disaster.”
Benigno’s partner, Evan Roberts, agreed. “From top to bottom, they sucked,” he said.
Roberts criticized the coaches for not getting running back Chris Ivory more involved, Brandon Marshall for a big early dropped pass, the defense for failing to put pressure on Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor, cornerback Darrelle Revis for his soft coverage and the special teams for a couple of costly miscues.
But Roberts’ saved his biggest criticism for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was 16-of-37 with three interceptions.
“The quarterback, at least yesterday, it looked like the fairytale ended,” he said. “Ryan Fitzpatrick had a great season, maybe the best season we’ve ever seen from a Jet quarterback. Yesterday, he stunk. And I don’t want to hear about the wind. … This was his moment to not only put the exclamation point on a tremendous season, but he was going to go to the playoffs. It was all right in front of him, and he stunk.”
NEW YORK (WFAN) — The Jets have gone into a tailspin.
After starting the season 4-1, New York (5-5) has lost four of five and finds itself at .500 with six games left to play.
LISTEN: BENIGNO GOES ON EPIC JETS RANT
The latest setback was this past Sunday, when Gang Green lost to the Texans by a touchdown at NRG Stadium.
It was a game that the Jets expected to win, and head coach Todd Bowles — who keeps his composure as well an anyone in sports — was furious after the defeat.
FITZPATRICK IS STILL THE STARTING QUARTERBACK
“Coach Todd, after the game, went off on us and told us, ‘Losing is not acceptable,'” defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson told WFAN hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts during his weekly spot on Tuesday. “He doesn’t like losing, as well. I’m pretty sure that everybody in the locker room definitely needs to have that spark lit under them this week, and we need to get these wins rolling quickly.”
Bowles is the antithesis of Rex Ryan, the Jets’ head coach from 2009-14. Ryan was known for his guarantees, his boisterous personality and his humorous sound bites.
Bowles, on the other hand, gives off the impression that he’s cool, calm and collected at all times.
But maybe the first-year head coach isn’t as stoic as we thought.
REVIS, MANGOLD QUESTIONABLE AGAINST MIAMI
“He’s an emotional guy,” Wilkerson said of Bowles. “He yells at us when things are not going as they should on the field, and they’re not looking the way he expects it to be. He definitely gets on us.”
The Jets are in ninth place in the AFC, though the Colts, Chiefs, Texans and Bills — all teams ahead of them — have identical records.
New York will play the AFC East-rival Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Joe Benigno lives and dies with his New York Jets.
So, as could be expected, he wasn’t in the best of moods on Monday morning.
The WFAN host, alongside partner Evan Roberts, destroyed Gang Green to open his program following New York’s ugly 24-17 loss to the Texans on Sunday.
“Bro, where do we start with yesterday’s disgrace by the Jets?” Benigno asked to open the show. “Where do we start? Want to start with the coaches? Want to start with that? Want to start with Devin Smith, who stinks and shouldn’t even be in the league? What do you want to start with? Want to start with the horrific defense and maybe the worst game I’ve ever seen Darrelle Revis have? Want to start with that?
JETS WAIVE QUINTON COPLES
“You want to start with the offensive line, who couldn’t block J.J. Watt all day? Could we start with that? Where do we want to go? You want to start with Brandon Marshall dropping a couple more passes? Where are we going? Tell me where.”
You can imagine where the conversation went from there. Benigno and Roberts ripped everything — from the play calling to the coaching to the execution — for the next 20 minutes.
KEIDEL: SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE, AS THE JETS ALWAYS PROVE
After opening the season 4-1, the Jets have lost four out of five and are back at .500.
LICHTENSTEIN: BOWLES IS TO BLAME
New York will take on the AFC East-rival Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in Week 12.
NEW YORK (WFAN) — On Monday morning, Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz announced that he was going to undergo season-ending surgery and miss the rest of the season.
The video announcement was posted on Bleacher Report.
Later on Monday, Carl Banks joined WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts in his weekly spot, and he told the radio duo that he wasn’t a big fan of how the former Pro Bowler disclosed the information.
“It’s a new era, so forgive me, but I’m not making the announcement that I’m not coming back due to surgery after a loss like this,” the legendary Giant told Joe & Evan. “That news is not bigger, in my opinion, than any other guy who’s missed the entire season … The team releases that stuff anyway. And listen, maybe it’s not my generation. Maybe this is how they do it.
“But I do understand the process, and I don’t know if there’s a right or wrong on it. I’m just saying I don’t think it was the best decision … You’re formally making an announcement. You’re not retiring. You’re formally making an announcement that your season is over with. Well you haven’t played. Again, I love Victor Cruz, and I think he’s committed to getting better and helping his football team.
“But I don’t think that was the best decision he could have made, in holding a press conference or making a video announcement on social media. I don’t think he did himself any favors. Certainly, the medical staff probably wanted to handle it the way they wanted to handle it. It is what it is, but I thought he could have made a better decision. He’s still my dude. I don’t think that was a good choice.”
Cruz hasn’t played since Oct. 12, 2014, when he suffered a torn patellar tendon.
The Giants lost to the Patriots, 27-26, in heartbreaking fashion in Sunday.
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Mets play-by-play man Gary Cohen joined Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday afternoon following New York’s Game 4 loss in the National League Division Series.
Cohen broke down the game and the series with Joe & Evan, and then the trio moved on to the future.
As for Daniel Murphy, the SNY broadcaster does not want to see the Mets re-sign the infielder after the season.
“I have no interest,” Cohen told Joe & Evan. “I’ve got (Wilmer) Flores and (Dilson) Herrera, both of whom can play second base. I have no interest in bringing back Daniel Murphy. Joe, you watch this guy play every day … He’s a nice hitter, and he’s hit some home runs lately, but he’s not a high on-base percentage guy.
“He’s not a big power hitter. He’s a good hitter, he’s a good hitter. He’s a good sixth or seventh hitter in a good lineup. That’s what he is. And he hurts you so badly in the field and on the bases, and with all the craziness I think it’s time to move on … Murph is a lovable guy, but I think he’s a net negative, and I’ve always felt that way.
“Knowing Sandy Alderson and his view of the situation, I don’t think there’s any chance they re-sign him.”
Cohen would love to see Alderson re-sign slugger Yoenis Cespdes, but he doesn’t think that’s very realistic.
“No, no,” Cohen said. “You know, you never know because it’s up to the people who write the checks, if they wanted to break the bank. They broke the bank for David Wright. Would they do that for Cespedes? He’s (going to be) 30 years old, he’s a tremendously dynamic player.
“But you want to give him six or seven years? I just don’t see it happening. I’d be surprised … I think it would be a tremendously pleasant surprise if it happened, but I’m very doubtful.”
The deciding Game 5 of the National League Division Series will be played on Thursday night in Los Angeles.
NEW YORK (WFAN) — There’s no other way to say it: The Giants collapsed this past Sunday night in their season opener against the division-rival Cowboys.
Brutal clock management and poor decisions late cost Big Blue an upset in Arlington, but Prince Amukamara is trying not to let the defeat get him and his teammates down.
Rather, the cornerback is trying to use the loss as a learning experience than can help the Giants as the season progresses.
Prince Amukamara
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Muhammad Wilkerson is satisfied with how the Jets opened the season.
The big defensive end spoke to WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday and touched on various aspects of the 31-10 victory over Cleveland in Week 1.
Wilkerson said the key to allowing just one touchdown was third down defense and forcing turnovers. The Jets were one of the worst teams in the NFL last season forcing turnovers, but on Sunday pressured the Browns into five.
Muhammad Wilkerson
NEW YORK (WFAN) — As we all know, it doesn’t take much to set Joe Benigno off. And as listeners found out on Friday, the stuff doesn’t even need to be real.
The WFAN host fell victim to a clever prank by co-host Gregg Giannotti, producer Brian Monzo and associate producer Chris McMonigle that quickly degenerated into audio gold.
Benigno isn’t the biggest fan of advanced stats, or sabermetrics to you stat geeks online, so Giannotti, Monzo and McMonigle put together a fake story about a new stat said to be used in Major League Baseball to assess pitchers.
The FLUMP story written by @GioCBS, @CMacWFAN and myself to mess with Benigno. Will post audio shortly. pic.twitter.com/GiAjt2lCgX
— Brian Monzo (@BMonzoWFAN) August 21, 2015
It’s called “Femoral Leverage Under Max Pressure,” and Benigno quickly took the bait, launching into a tirade against all the baseball officials mentioned in the article, including Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo and former Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson.
FLUMP, the gift that keeps on giving. Have a listen:
Joe Benigno Falls For FLUMP
NEW YORK (WFAN) — It’s that time of year again!
WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts broadcasted live from Giants training camp in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday.
Training camp! pic.twitter.com/bwnNJm39Kz
— Evan Roberts (@JoeandEvan) July 31, 2015
Big Blue is looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2011 — when the team won Super Bowl XLVI over the Patriots — and expectations are high.
The offense should be excellent, with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Odell Beckham Jr. teaming up with Victor Cruz to form a dynamic wide receiver duo. Eli Manning is coming off a huge year and free-agent signee Shane Vereen should give the running game a boost.
On the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is aiming to fix a unit that finished 29th in the NFL in yards per game in 2014.
Welcome to #GiantsCamp 2015! pic.twitter.com/tJJ95B7DgE
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 31, 2015
Some of the biggest names in the organization were on hand to chat with Joe & Evan, and you can find all of the audio below.
If this doesn’t get you pumped for the upcoming football season, nothing will.
RUNNING BACK SHANE VEREEN
Shane Vereen
Andre Williams and Ereck Flowers
Rueben Randle
Prince Amukamara
Weston Richburg
Paul Dottino
Jon Beason
Carl Banks
Rashad Jennings
NEW YORK (WFAN) —Michael Pineda has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right flexor forearm muscle strain.
Yankees place RHP Michael Pineda (right flexor forearm muscle strain) on 15-day DL. @CC_Sabathia will make tonight’s start.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 30, 2015
According to CBSSports.com/WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees’ starting pitcher has a Grade 1 strain and could miss up to a month.
word is pineda has a grade 1 forearm strain, about like miller had. up to month. nova seems to be ok.#yankees
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 30, 2015
Manager Joe Girardi told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts that CC Sabathia would take Pineda’s turn in the rotation on Thursday night against the Rangers. However, as for who will occupy Pineda’s spot for the duration of his time sidelined, Girardi said no decision has been made.
WFAN host Mike Francesa first reported that Pineda is injured and would not pitch on Thursday.
“I hear Pineda’s hurt,” Francesa told WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts just after 1 p.m. on Thursday. “He’s not pitching tonight, and he might be badly hurt. And I hear (starting pitcher Ivan) Nova’s hurting.”
Mike Francesa
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The Mets are not satisfied.
Just a game behind the first-place Nationals in the National League East, general manager Sandy Alderson is looking to acquire a big bat before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
According to CBSSports.com/WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, the Mets are still targeting Justin Upton, Carlos Gonzalez, Carlos Gomez, Gerardo Parra and Jay Bruce.
Jon Heyman
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Ahhhhhhh, good afternoon everybody! How are you today?!
You might remember that greeting. It’s the one Chris “Mad Dog” Russo used on the WFAN airwaves until his departure in the summer of 2008.
Russo, of course, partnered with Mike Francesa for nearly 20 years on The FAN. “Mike and the Mad Dog” was one of the most loved and listened-to sports radio programs in the country during its illustrious run.
Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred thinks baseball may need to consider moving the trade deadline back to give teams in the hunt for a wild card more time.
A second wild card in each league was added in 2012, keeping more teams in playoff contention long past the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. And those clubs may not have enough time to evaluate whether their rosters are good enough to get one.
“I think that the July 31st deadline is something that we may want to revisit in the context of the revised playoff format,” Manfred said Wednesday. “Obviously when you have two additional opportunities to be in the playoffs, you have more teams in the hunt and they may want to wait a little longer before they make decisions.”
Brian Cashman
NEW YORK (WFAN) — He will keep all of his options open, literally.
That was the message Wednesday from general manager Brian Cashman as the first-place Yankees consider ways to improve themselves prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
In a wide-ranging interview with WFAN’s Evan Roberts, Cashman reiterated reports from earlier this week that he won’t rule anything out, and that includes everything from doing nothing to perhaps trading away key pieces of the team’s future.
But it will all depend on how things shake out as the deadline draws near.
“We’ve always felt if we were healthy we’d be a contender for the division and much more,” Cashman said of his 51-41 club. “Right now we’re healthy, so we’re able to hit our capabilities. I’m not surprised because we have good players. I am happy with this club.”
Brian Cashman
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Might we see top prospect Michael Conforto in Queens this season?
It’s certainly not out of the question.
mets havent absolutely ruled out calling up OF michael conforto (.925 ops at double-a). at this point, it's a consideration
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 21, 2015
The Mets have scored the fewest runs (319) in the National League — only the White Sox have scored fewer — and own the worst batting average in baseball.
Left fielder Michael Cuddyer is expected to be placed on the disabled list in the next day or two, which will necessitate a roster move.
General manager Sandy Alderson has reportedly been hesitant to call up the highly touted Conforto, though his club’s lack of offense might force his hand.
Ed Coleman
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Brook Lopez has been with the Nets his whole career and didn’t want to look anywhere else.
Thaddeus Young has been here just a few months and felt the same way.
Lopez and Young said Thursday they both quickly committed to re-sign with Brooklyn, wanting to stay together after they played well down the stretch in leading the Nets into the playoffs last season.
Brook Lopez
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Boomer & Carton’s “True Blue” celebrity softball game was a great experience for all involved, and raised a ton of money for the families of fallen NYPD officers.
On the radio, listeners were in for a bonus. Three of the biggest names in New York football — all participants in Wednesday night’s event — joined WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts live from Yankee Stadium.
Listen below to Jets head coach Todd Bowles, general manager Mike Maccagnan and Giants head coach Tom Coughlin address the latest headlines regarding their clubs:
Todd Bowles
— On his loaded defensive line: “They’ll play together, they’ll play apart. They’re gonna play a lot.”
— On Antonio Cromartie’s return: “I don’t know if he ever wanted to leave in the first place. He kept his home here. … We hit it off well in Arizona. I thought he had a very good year, and our relationship was very strong. So I’m just happy he came back.”
— Says the starting QB role is Geno Smith’s to lose: “He’s a third-year player. I mean, any rookie is going to have a learning curve. There’s very few that can (succeed right away). (Andrew) Luck is one of the few that can do that. Aaron Rodgers sat on the bench for a while. I’m not saying he is or isn’t those guys, but he’s got tools to be a very good player and now he’s learning a new system, so the process in which he can learn and diminish mistakes and take command of the offense is going to be important this offseason.”
True Blue: Jets Coach Todd Bowles
True Blue: Jets GM Mike Maccagnan
True Blue: Giants Coach Tom Coughlin
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Chris Simms had quite the Tuesday on WFAN.
During the same interview in which he ripped Tom Brady for his role in the “deflategate” scandal, the former NFL quarterback said his brother, Matt Simms, the third quarterback on the Jets’ depth chart, is not getting a legitimate chance to play due to the family’s name.
That may sound odd, but Chris Simms says it’s a legitimate beef.
“(Matt) hasn’t proven himself to be an NFL starter or anything like that, but every opportunity he’s gotten, whether it’s the preseason or even coming up in mop-up duty in the regular season he’s done very well and taken advantage of those chances,” Chris Simms said. “Some of the preseason performances he had … I truly believe if his last name was not Simms, teams would be wanting him to be their backup quarterback.”
Chris Simms
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Former NFL quarterback and New Jersey nativeChris Simms used to have all the respect in the world for Tom Brady.
Not anymore.
Not after the Patriots’ star quarterback was implicated in the Wells Report for his role in “Deflategate” and subsequently suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season.
Chris Simms
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Curtis Granderson hasn’t been shy about giving his two cents on the local fan bases.
Now that he’s played both sides of the Subway Series rivalry, the Mets center fielder says he sees a difference between fans of the Amazin’s and those who back his former team, the Yankees.
“Throughout the city of New York, the Yankee logo is an accessory,” Granderson told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Monday. “It’s something that everybody wants to have. Even a media person came up to me and said they have some friends in New Zealand that said, ‘Look at my New York hat.’ … People associate that just with the city of New York. So you have some people here that just enjoy the logo but don’t necessarily follow the team.”
Of course, every team has its share of fair-weather fans. And while the debate will rage forever about whether New York is an American League or National League town, it’s impossible to deny the Yankees’ history — all the retired numbers, the 27 World Series titles.
“When you do get the people that do follow either one of the teams, both of (the fan bases) are very passionate, very loyal,” Granderson said. “I think the Yankees fans, because the team has been around for so much longer, has generation after generation of people telling them, hey, you know, we grew up Yankees fans, we’ve seen this player and that player play. Obviously the Mets fans don’t have that history, because the team hasn’t been around as long.”
Granderson, who famously said “true New Yorkers are Mets fans” during his introductory press conference in 2013, is seeing more of the Flushing faithful coming out of the woodwork.
“The blue and orange is starting to pop its head out a little more throughout the city,” Granderson said.
“I do feel like I see the Mets fans a little more decked out,” he added. “If they have a hat on, they also have a jacket on to match it.”
The Mets are in first place in the NL East thanks to last month’s franchise record-tying 11-game winning streak, which ended, of course, at the hands of the Yankees. They’ve lost seven of 10 going into a two-game set with Baltimore starting Tuesday.
Listen below to the entire interview for Granderson’s thoughts on the Mets’ batting slump, his decrease in power numbers, hitting leadoff and more.
Curtis Granderson
NEW YORK (WFAN) — As improbable as it might seem, the Nets are headed to the playoffs.
By beating the Magic on Wednesday night — and getting help from the Grizzlies, who took out the Pacers — Brooklyn secured its third consecutive playoff berth.
The eighth-seeded Nets (38-44) will take on the top-seeded Hawks (60-22) in the first round.
Lionel Hollins
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Who’s managing things around here?
Some believe the curious lineup used by the Mets on opening day came from the front office, not skipper Terry Collins, though it could have had his blessing.
WFAN beat reporter Ed Coleman said Tuesday on the “Benigno & Roberts” show that, in his opinion, it wasn’t Collins’ idea to have Curtis Granderson and David Wright at the top of the order with the speedy Juan Lagares batting sixth.
“I thought that was taken out of Terry’s hands, to be very honest,” Coleman told Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts. “That’s my feeling. And I don’t think Terry would admit that.”
Ed Coleman On Mets
NEW YORK (WFAN) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was a guest with WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday afternoon, and he addressed plenty of hot-button issues.
Joe & Evan, both being diehard Mets fans, asked the commissioner what his thoughts are on the club’s financial situation. Over the last few years, the Amazin’s have been heavily criticized for not spending like a big-market franchise.
Manfred made clear his opinion that anger toward Mets ownership is not “fair.”
Rob Manfred
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Six passionate sports fans are hoping to land a show on WFAN radio, but the luck of the Irish will only come through for one.
The finalists for Fantasy Phenom 5 were in the house Tuesday for Boomer & Carton’s St. Patrick’s Day bash at Connolly’s in Manhattan, ready to give their 60-second monologues and find out which WFAN host will be mentoring them leading up to the ultimate showdown in two weeks.
Here is what the phenom contestants are looking at as they give their 60 seconds. @BoomerandCarton @WFAN660 pic.twitter.com/FcZwtEmppY
— Jerry Recco (@JerryRecco) March 17, 2015
Brandon Contes, Marcia Herold, Neil Dwyer, Patrick McGlynn, Samuel Eliacin and Sam Mines each got a chance to chat with Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton before delivering a minute-long rant, which made for some awkward moments as Boomer & Carton demanded to know each person’s favorite show on The FAN:
Fantasy Phenom Finalist Monologues
Fantasy Phenom Finalist Mentors
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Antrel Rolle was a weekly guest with WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts during his time with the Giants — and his spots were must-listen radio.
The safety was always entertaining, insightful, passionate and funny with Joe & Evan. This week, the three-time Pro Bowler signed with the Chicago Bears. On Friday afternoon, he hopped on the midday show to say goodbye to the radio duo and Giants fans, and reflect on his time in New York.
As expected, he didn’t disappoint.
Antrel Rolle
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Michael Irvin says he has “a problem” with anybody who assumes he used Stickum during his playing days.
Last week, legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice admitted to using the adhesive prohibited by league rules. In the ensuing uproar, Rice tweeted: “I apologize ppl after doing my research about stickum! The NFL banned this in 1981. All players did it! #equalplayingfield.”
Ever since, Irvin has been swamped by tweets like these:
@michaelirvin88 hey mr. Irvin. Jerry rice said that all wrs cheated and use stickum, is that true? Did you cheat too? Or was it just jerry?
— Bull Torch (@bulltorch) February 7, 2015
@michaelirvin88 did u ever use stickum spray on your gloves?
— Larry (@Jo8Larry) February 10, 2015
@michaelirvin88 please tell me you're not apart of this stickum stuff also? I doubt it but please clear the air!
— blake (@Waken_Blake_) February 10, 2015
He ended the debate Thursday on WFAN radio, vehemently denying ever using Stickum.
Now stop asking.
“I love Jerry Rice, but that’s what everybody says. ‘Oh, everybody did it.’ That’s the oldest defense in the world,” Irvin told WFAN’s Evan Roberts. “I didn’t use Stickum. I never used Stickum, didn’t need Stickum, didn’t believe in Stickum. I wouldn’t do it. Troy (Aikman) would go off on me if I put Stickum on his footballs. You see what I’m saying? Stop asking me this junk. I didn’t feel like I should answer it. I have not answered one (tweet) on it.”
The Hall of Fame receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion said he’d never even seen it in the Dallas Cowboys locker room.
He drew an extreme analogy to the murder charges facing former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, who has pleaded not guilty and is currently on trial in Massachusetts.
“It’s almost like — and I hate to get this harsh — if Aaron Hernandez starts saying ‘Well, Michael murdered some people,’ don’t start asking me did I murder somebody,” Irvin said. “You know darn well I didn’t murder anybody. Just because somebody threw it out there — leave me alone with that mess. Get off my Twitter with that.”
Michael Irvin: I Never Used Stickum!
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It’s been a painfully quiet offseason for general manager Sandy Alderson and the Mets.
The GM struck quickly in free agency, signing outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal on November 10.
But since then, the Mets have only signed one player — reserve outfielder/first baseman John Mayberry Jr. — to a major league contract.
Alderson On Ripken/Flores Comparison
PHOENIX (CBSNewYork/AP) — Richard Sherman has contingency plans in place should his girlfriend give birth to their first child — a son — before Sunday’s Super Bowl against New England.
Sherman doesn’t seem worried about the potential arrival of his son interfering with his chances at winning — or perhaps playing — a second straight Super Bowl. He’s expecting his son to be cooperative from birth.
“He’s not supposed to come on Sunday. Obviously that would change some things. But I think he’s going to be a disciplined young man and stay in there until after the game. He’s going to do his father his first favor and stay in there for another week or two,” Sherman said on Thursday.
Beverly Sherman
PHOENIX (WFAN) — Beverly Sherman says she wouldn’t advise her son, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, to exit Super Bowl XLIX “right away” should his girlfriend go into labor during the big game.
Because, as anyone who has gone through the experience would say, it could take a while.
The Campbell’s Chunky Soup pitchwoman affectionately known as “Mama” Sherman spoke with WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Friday about the dilemma facing her son with Super Sunday just two days away.
“Labor is funny. It’s not like, oh my goodness, the first few pains she has she’s just gonna spit the baby out,” she said. “It’s a long process. You know, very rarely does that happen where a mother starts having pains or goes into labor and bam, the baby’s here. It’s a long, long process. So I wouldn’t advise him to come off the field right away.”
Beverly Sherman
PHOENIX (WFAN) — New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker thinks it’s “a cop-out” that Richard Sherman won’t commit to a plan of action should his girlfriend give birth to their first child on Super Sunday.
So what would Decker do? He told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Friday that it’s a no-brainer. He’d miss the Super Bowl.
“Well, it’s different when it’s a girlfriend and a wife. So I think if it was my wife giving birth, you know, ultimately I believe my purpose is to be a father and a husband,” Decker said. “It’s easier said now because I’m not preparing for the game and I’m not in that situation. But with a clear mind, I guess, thinking about that situation he’s in — I mean, you never want to be in it. You’ve gotta time your conception a little better, I would say. But I would be there for my wife and my newborn child.”
Sherman is hoping his soon-to-be son will hold out until after Seattle’s game against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. The Seahawks cornerback said Thursday that there are contingencies in place if the baby arrives on Sunday, and he’ll just cross that bridge when — or if — it comes.
“I couldn’t miss that,” said Decker, who welcomed a daughter with country star Jessie James Decker last year. “That’s the Super Bowl of my life.”
Take Our Poll DECKER QUICK HITS:
— On former Broncos teammate Demaryius Thomas, who is expected to avoid free agency via a new contract with Denver or the franchise tag: “I’ve been recruiting all year. Don’t worry about that.”
— On banners flying over the Jets’ practice facility calling for the firing of former GM John Idzik: “It’s just disheartening sometimes. … Maybe those dollars (could have gone) to a kid that’s struggling with cancer or a family that’s having a hard time. That’s how I kind of look at it. … It’s part of the gig. You’ve just gotta, I guess, live with it.”
Listen to the full interview for Decker’s thoughts on Jets quarterback Geno Smith, the departure of Rex Ryan and more:
Eric Decker
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin can’t get enough of Odell Beckham Jr.
He thinks the Giants’ wide receiver is going to be a big-time player — the 22-year-old has already proven what he can do — and this past Sunday at the Pro Bowl, Irvin reminded members of the Cowboys’ coaching staff what they might have to deal with for the next decade.
“One thing we talked a lot about was, ‘Man, you guys are going to have to deal with Odell Beckham Jr. for the next 10, 15 years,'” Irvin said on Tuesday during Super Bowl XLIX Media Day. “They were like, ‘Yeah, we’ve got some real problems.’ He’s just a great player.”
Michael Irvin
NEW YORK (WFAN) — John Tavares has a message for the fans invading arenas all over the East Coast to support the Islanders: We hear you loud and clear.
Speaking to WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Friday prior to his All-Star game media commitments, Tavares said his first-place club has fed off seeing friendly faces in opposing buildings — especially at Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center, where the Islanders are a combined 3-0 this season.
“They have been coming out in droves and we’ve certainly enjoyed that,” Tavares said.
The Islanders’ captain and franchise center reflected on an utterly amazing first half of the season in which his team surprised many by establishing itself as a force in the Eastern Conference.
Sitting at 31-14-1, three points clear of second-place Pittsburgh in the Metropolitan Division and just one shy of Tampa Bay for the conference lead, the Islanders are enjoying the type of renaissance season befitting a franchise that once ruled the hockey world.
The nostalgia of the final season at Nassau Coliseum has helped fuel a fervor among a fan base that has known nothing but misery for two decades. The Islanders are on a collision course with just their sixth postseason appearance in the last 19 seasons and seem determined to at least record their first playoff series victory since 1992-93.
“There are still some things we want to get to and obviously we want to win the Stanley Cup,” Tavares said.
Though viewed by many as the franchise’s savior, the club’s leader in points (45) and goals (21), said the only thing the Islanders’ amazing first half did was to set the stage for meaningful hockey in late winter and early spring. Tavares said the Islanders are literally about cliches, like taking each game one at a time.
“I think if you look at it I’ve made the playoffs once in five years. This is my sixth year so I don’t think there’s a whole lot that I have accomplished and I think the team has accomplished, but there’s still a long way to go,” Tavares said.
Once the regular season resumes next week the Islanders will have 36 games remaining, including 21 at the Coliseum, where they are 16-4 this season. They have only 10 games left against teams currently occupying a playoff position in the East, and will see the rival Rangers three more times, all on Long Island.
Tavares said there’s no question the fans have made the Coliseum a very difficult play to play for opponents.
“As a player, it’s really been tremendous to be a part of and I think for our group it has really given us a lot of success,” Tavares said of Coliseum, which has been sold out better than half the games this season. “It has really turned our record around from last year at home to this year to just see the support and the enthusiasm and passion that they bring.”
Tavares spoke about several other topics, including the atmosphere that has come with the renewed rivalry with the Rangers. To hear his complete interview, please click the audio link below.
John Tavares
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Todd Bowles says you can’t fool New York Jets fans into thinking their team is good when, put simply, they’re not.
Gang Green’s new head coach is taking a dramatically different approach than his predecessor Rex Ryan, who was known for talking up his roster even when it was obvious they were overmatched. Fired general manager John Idzik was also guilty of it, insisting the team wasn’t short on talent during an infamous press conference last season when the Jets were 1-7.
The Jets finished 4-12 and both men were fired on Dec. 29. Bowles was hired from Arizona to replace Ryan last week, shortly after Mike Maccagnan took over as the club’s new general manager.
“You don’t have to walk me through it. I know it’s a very passionate fan base, and they want to win and they’re frustrated,” Bowles said Friday on WFAN’s “Boomer & Carton” show. “They’re very smart, they’re very intelligent football fans, probably the best in the league. So they know bad football when they see it and they know when somebody’s trying to pull wool over their eyes.”
Todd Bowles
Todd Bowles
NEW YORK (WFAN) — He’s been the voice of the Islanders for two decades and he’s the first to admit he’s never seen anything like what the team is doing this season.
Howie Rose told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Wednesday the franchise that for a long time had a hard time getting out of its own way, is quickly becoming a standard-bearer in the NHL, adding Tuesday night’s decisive 3-0 win over the formerly red-hot Rangers at Madison Square Garden should have sent a message to everyone.
“(The Islanders) are good and they have been good really since the beginning of the season, so I think they are way past the point of being surprising,” said Rose, who calls games for MSG Network. “I think they are genuinely deep. They have got more national league depth than they have had before.
“It’s just such a different team than it has been, even two years ago when they were in the playoffs. This is a way better team,” Rose added. “It is clearly the best team I have broadcast in my 20 years with the Islanders, if you can believe that. This is by far the best team they have had in decades.”
The Islanders (29-13-1) entered play Wednesday with 59 points, the most in the Eastern Conference and are looking very much like a team that should do a lot more than simply make the postseason this spring.
“Step one, get to the playoffs. I think they are going to do that. Are they equipped to go for a little ride? I think if (goaltender Jaroslav) Halak stays healthy and if they get enough out of Chad Johnson in the second half so that they can give Halak rest at strategic intervals, I think that is important, too,” Rose said.
The Islanders have already played 25 road games, meaning the season’s second half will feature a ton of games at Nassau Coliseum, where they are 14-4. Rose said the combination of the Isles’ prowess on the ice and the fact that this is their final season in Nassau County before the move to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center this summer has compelled fans to take decibel levels inside the “old barn” to new heights.
“I need you to trust me on this because we all get caught up in hyperbole, but I firmly believe that the Coliseum this year has been as loud, if not louder, than I have ever heard it,” Rose said.
Rose spoke about several other topics, including how the Isles have been able to meld their youth with their veterans to form incredible resiliency this season, and the impending move to Brooklyn. To hear his complete interview, please click on the audio link below.
Howie Rose
NEW YORK (WFAN) — There are several candidates, but Dan Quinn appears to be the front-runner to replace Rex Ryan as head coach of the Jets.
The Seahawks’ defensive coordinator has interviewed with the organization, though he’s a tad busy at the moment. Seattle is preparing to take on the Panthers in the NFL divisional playoffs on Saturday, and it would surprise no one if the team returns to the Super Bowl.
CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora was a guest with WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Friday afternoon, and the NFL insider sounded confident that Quinn will get the head coaching job in New Jersey.
Jason La Canfora
NEW YORK (WFAN) —None other than legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was a guest of WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Thursday afternoon.
The future Hall of Famer, as is his custom, was very conservative in his responses as he prepares his team to take on the Ravens in the NFL divisional playoffs on Saturday.
When asked if he’s happy that former Jets head coach Rex Ryan is no longer in the AFC East, the three-time Super Bowl champion said exactly what you’d expect him to say.
Bill Belichick
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — This foregone conclusion that Muhammad Wilkerson will be a Jet for a long time looks like it needs to be re-examined.
Speaking to WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Wednesday evening, the Jets’ best defensive player spoke about his contract status and didn’t sound overly thrilled about where things stand.
Wilkerson, the club’s first pick in the 2011 draft, is coming off two excellent seasons and popular belief during the season was that it was just a matter time before the Jets would sign the big defensive end to a long-term contract.
But as the Jets continued to sit $20 million-plus under the salary cap this season, not much progress was made on the Wilkerson extension front by then-general manager John Idzik. Now, with Idzik having been fired along with head coach Rex Ryan on Monday, Wilkerson said he has no idea where he stands with the organization.
“All I will say is I’m under contract for another year as a Jet,” Wilkerson said, adding “Nothing has been said” to him about a contract extension.
And who knows when the issue will finally be addressed either way, considering the Jets are currently going through the arduous process of trying to find their next GM and head coach.
So, could this turn into another Darrelle Revis-type situation down the road?
Stay tuned.
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — For a team that wasn’t in the playoff hunt for most of the season and has missed the postseason the past three years, the New York Giants are heading into the offseason with a lot of optimism.
It didn’t make a difference that they posted a 6-10 record, had a seven-game losing streak that made the final month meaningless and had one of the NFL’s worst defenses.
The great equalizer is Odell Beckham Jr. The rookie wide receiver embarrassed opposing defenses, created an Internet frenzy with a one-handed catch, re-wrote some franchise records and tied Hall of Famer Michael Irvin’s NFL record with nine consecutive games of 90 yards receiving.
Even more impressive: Beckham did it after missing most of training camp and the first four games of the regular season with a hamstring injury.
“He is the best rookie I have ever seen, hands down,” 35-year-old placekicker Josh Brown said Monday as the Giants cleaned out their lockers. “I have never seen somebody as athletic, who does it with such ease.”
During an interview with WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Monday, quarterback Eli Manning raved about the rookie and what the future may hold for the Big Blue offense.
Eli Manning
NEW YORK (WFAN) — The Giants have won three in a row, and have looked good doing so.
In what has been a very disappointing season for Big Blue, we’re starting to see an inkling of what next year’s team could look like. Young players are starting to make their mark, key pieces will return from injury and the new offense will no longer be in transition mode.
Defensive captain Antrel Rolle wants to be a part of it and get his team back to the playoffs, but the soon-to-be free agent admits that he hasn’t talked to the Giants about a new contract.
Antrel Rolle
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — So you’re saying there’s a chance?!
The Mets and Rockies “have been quietly discussing” a trade that would send All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to New York, according to WFAN and CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman. Colorado would receive top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard as part of a package in the potential blockbuster.
Though the talks have been ongoing, the sides aren’t close to completing a deal, Heyman reported.
“New York and Colorado have been surreptitiously talking names for weeks, and while there’s said to be some progress, it still feels like they are almost in the early stages with several hurdles to go,” Heyman reported on CBSSports.com, “including ultimately whether the Rockies owning Monfort brothers would sign off on such a deal for their beloved superstar shortstop.”
On WFAN radio Friday, Heyman said he believes it’s not out of the question that an agreement could be reached.
“Yes. I think so,” Heyman told Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts. “There are a lot of hurdles. Obviously, the first is he’s got $118 million to go, and they’ll have to work out some kind of compensation package there. Another hurdle is (Tulowitzki) probably has to approve the trade, or at least nod, even though he doesn’t have a no-trade (clause). Another one is his health. The Mets will have to take a close look at that if they can agree on the prospects and the money. And the last one is Rockies ownership. They’ve told some other teams Tulo is not available. … It’s possible that they like the Mets’ package better than some other teams’, and they’d rather deal with the Mets.”
Heyman On Mets-Tulowitzki
NEW YORK (WFAN) — The Giants won their second consecutive game on Sunday, beating the Redskins with relative ease.
Big Blue is now 5-9 and will miss the playoffs for the third straight season.
Some would say that there’s not much to play for in the final weeks of the season. But don’t tell that to Antrel Rolle, who joined WFAN co-host Evan Roberts in his weekly spot on Tuesday. The Giants’ defensive leader made it clear that these final two games are important, regardless of the standings.
Antrel Rolle
NEW YORK (WFAN) — The Giants finally broke their nightmarish seven-game losing streak on Sunday, defeating the Titans handily for their first win since October 5.
To say that safety Antrel Rolle is relieved would be an understatement.
“It was a huge weight lifted off our shoulders,” the defensive captain told WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts during his weekly spot on Tuesday. “It finally felt like we accomplished something that we worked for throughout the entire week. Like l said, all season long, we’ve been working extremely hard throughout the week.
Antrel Rolle
NEW YORK (WFAN) — He’s playing on the top line for the surprise team of the NHL. But Kyle Okposo says neither he nor his teammates are letting the Islanders’ stunning early season success go to their heads.
Speaking to WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday, Okposo said his team is confident thanks to a 17-7-0 start that has put the entire league on notice, adding the job general manager Garth Snow did during the offseason acquiring pieces cannot be stated enough.
“It actually doesn’t surprise me, with the way that our team has been put together,” Okposo said. “I’ve said it since Day 1 of the season, we’re a different group. We got a different team. We had some pretty good acquisitions over the summer and the beginning part of training camp with Jaroslav Halak coming in and Chad Johnson backstopping us. We signed a couple of guys like (Mikhail) Grabovski and (Nikolay) Kulemin that really legitimizes our team, and then (Garth Snow) did a shrewd job of getting Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy in here. Those two guys have been so key to our success. We have a pretty good group of guys and we’re going to keep going with it.”
The Islanders have won 11 of their last 14, including a 3-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. The Isles were outshot 16-2 in the third period, yet found a way to win. Last season, which ended with the Isles well out of the playoff race, they likely would have found a way to lose that type of game. But now, with veterans littering the roster and Halak providing stability in net, no scenario is out of their control.
“To have that stability back there, to somebody who is a true No. 1 goalie in this league makes a huge difference,” Okposo said.
Okposo, who has five goals and 21 points this season, said the Islanders would like to do more than simply make the playoffs during the franchise’s final season at Nassau Coliseum.
“First we have to get there. We have to keep playing well the rest of the regular season, but we want to make some noise,” Okposo said. “We feel like we have the team to do it and a great group of guys. We’re excited for the challenges that lay ahead.”
The Islanders host Ottawa on Tuesday night.
Okposo spoke about several other topics, including the noise inside the Coliseum, playing alongside John Tavares and the prospects of challenging for a division title. To hear his complete interview, please click on the audio link below.
Kyle Okposo
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Giants safety Antrel Rolle was in an especially fiery mood on Tuesday afternoon during his weekly spot with WFAN co-hosts Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts.
The three-time Pro Bowler took issue with unnamed reporters who allegedly accused him of being opposed to defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s play calling toward the end of Sunday’s loss to the lowly Jaguars.
“I just want to definitely set the record straight and say that that’s absolutely false information,” Rolle told Joe & Evan. “Those reporters, I know exactly who they are — I’m not gonna say their names, but I do know them and I know them by face — so they’re gonna have to answer to me in person for taking what I said out of context.”
Antrel Rolle
NEW YORK (WFAN) — In a season of serious lows for the Jets, rock-bottom might have been the Bills marching into MetLife Stadium a few weeks back and laughing their way to a rout.
The Jets looked like a semi-pro team that day, turning the ball over six times in a 43-23 defeat that marked the end of Geno Smith’s days as starting quarterback. The second-year signal-caller threw three first quarter interceptions before being replaced by Michael Vick, who was equally brutal, tossing a pick and fumbling twice.
In his weekly spot on WFAN with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday, defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson said the Jets left the field after the Oct. 26 loss to the Bills a humiliated bunch.
“Those guys came in our house and put a whoopin’ on us. And we know that. Everybody knows that. Of course, we got that on our minds. So we’d like to go up there and return the favor,” Wilkerson said. “That was not our style of football. Too many turnovers, a whole bunch of other things that caused us to lose the game.”
The Jets (2-8) have played a bit better since, highlighted by 20-13 upset of Pittsburgh on Nov. 9, leading into their bye last week. Next up is the rematch with the Bills (5-5) on Sunday in Buffalo.
In the teams’ first meeting the Jets outgained the Bills, 312 yards to 280, had 22 first downs to Buffalo’s 12 and had a near five-minute edge in time of possession, yet still lost by 20. And that was with the Bills not having their two best running backs, C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, due to injuries. Spiller is likely out for the season with a broken collarbone, while Jackson’s ailing knee appears to be healed enough to allow him to play on Sunday.
The Jets limited journeyman quarterback Kyle Orton to just 10 completions, but four went for touchdowns, including one to rookie Sammy Watkins, who finished with 157 yards receiving.
“Those guys got some explosive receivers. Around that time we played them (Watkins) was really coming into his own and he’s showing it, so we have our hands full with him,” Wilkerson said. “We just have to make sure we’re dialed in and execute our game plan.”
The Bills have not won since beating the Jets. They lost at home to Kansas City, 17-13 on Nov. 9, and at Miami, 22-9 last Thursday.
To hear Wilkerson’s complete interview, please click on the audio link below.
Muhammad Wilkerson
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Terry Bradshaw has no problem speaking his mind.
The legendary quarterback took it to a new level Tuesday morning on WFAN radio, putting NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on blast after the league announced Minnesota star Adrian Peterson would be suspended for at least the remainder of the season for striking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
And he didn’t stop there.
“I have a hard time with this,” Bradshaw told Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts. “They want remorse. I mean, they want him to I guess break down and cry and wail at the commissioner’s feet. You know, this commissioner’s got way too much power, Jack. If I were (Peterson), I’d take ’em to court and force their hand.”
Peterson was indicted in September and received probation while pleading no contest to a misdemeanor reckless assault charge on Nov. 4. Bradshaw said the court system got it right, but the NFL got it wrong: Peterson should have been reinstated.
“I’m not big on one dude having the say-so,” Bradshaw said. “That’s a dictatorship. There’s no way I agree with all of that. It doesn’t work for me. And all the hugging and loving on all these players, the integrity of the game — I’m a little skeptical of him now.”
In Bradshaw’s view, Goodell and the league’s power structure are just making up the rules as they go along.
“Adrian Peterson is saying forgive me. He’s just not saying it wailing at the wall, you know?” he told Benigno and Roberts. “I think this guy (Goodell) and the owners, with all the money that they’re making — the Jerry Joneses of the world — I just turn my back on them all.”
Terry Bradshaw Puts Goodell, Players On Blast
Full Bradshaw Interview
NEW YORK (WFAN) — Antrel Rolle believes the New York Giants played with passion — something that he said had been lacking — and purpose in Seattle on Sunday.
But the results still weren’t there.
It all fell apart for the Giants in the second half, as the Seahawks overcame a 17-14 halftime deficit to score 24 unanswered points en route to a 38-17 win. Seattle had a franchise-record 350 rushing yards, which Rolle attributed to “a lot of confusion on the defensive side of the ball.”
“It’s up (to) the players. If you don’t understand something, you make sure you get with the coaches so you can understand,” Rolle told WFAN’s Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts on Tuesday. “And if the coaches, you know, if you don’t see a player doing something the right way, it’s up to the coaches to make sure that the player understands his assignments so he can get it done right.”