Inside The Pylon Quick Kicks Podcast: Recent Episodes
Inside The Pylon
Inside the Pylon: The Podcast is an extension of the premium football analysis we provide on our related website (insidethepylon.com). Our podcast introduces listeners to our authors and guests who we want to highlight each week as they discuss what is going on in the world of college and professional football. We discuss everything, from advanced scouting, to film analysis, to even how punters are people, too. So sit back, grab beverage, and enter our world of advanced football analysis.
Quick Kicks November 11, 2016 - The Top Punters of the First Half of 2016 by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks November 4, 2016 - RJ Ochoa Interview, The Dallas Cowboys at the Halfway Point by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks November 1, 2016 - Jamie Collins Traded to the Cleveland Browns by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 31, 2016 - Recapping Bills-Patriots and the Road Forward for Buffalo by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 26, 2016 - Lessons Gleaned from The Eagles Win Over Minnesota by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 24, 2016 - The Green Bay Packers Evolving Offense by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 21, 2016 - Examining Stephen Gostkowski's Struggles by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 19, 2016 - The Impact of Perception of Coaches' Tenure by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 18, 2016 - Analyzing The Return of Colin Kaepernick by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 17, 2016 - Breaking Down Maryland vs Minnesota CFB Action by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 14, 2016 - Diagnosing the Baltimore Ravens Special Teams Woes by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 5, 2016 - Michael Nuttle Explores the Cleveland Browns by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks October 3, 2016 - Ryan Allen's Outstanding Weeks 3 and 4 by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 30, 2016 - The Special Teams of Week 3 Bills-Cardinals by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 28, 2016 - Chris Trapasso on Buffalo Bills Start to 2016 by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 27, 2016 - Recapping the NFC East Through Week 3 by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 22, 2016 - Arif Hasan on Minnesota Vikings First Two Weeks by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 20, 2016 - Justin Twell on Early Season NFC North Storylines by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 16, 2016 - Notable Specialist Performances from Week 1 NFL Action by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 15, 2016 - DeShone Kizer's Mechanics and Throwing the Football by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 14, 2016 - Alex Kozora on Pittsburgh Steelers Week 1 by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 12, 2016 - Breaking Down Green Bay at Jacksonville by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 9, 2016 - Exploring Roster Cutdowns for Specialists with Dave Archibald by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 8, 2016 - Shane Alexander on Week 1 CFB Standouts, Week 2 Preview by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 7, 2016 - Discussing 53-Man Roster Cuts with Dave Archibald by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 6, 2016 - Trevor Sikkema on Week 1 College Football by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks September 2, 2016 - The Growth of Steelers Kicker Chris Boswell by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 31, 2016 - RJ Ochoa on Dallas Cowboys After Tony Romo's Injury by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 30, 2016 - Analyzing the Future of Dorial Green-Beckham in Philadelphia by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 26, 2016 - Breaking Down Roberto Aguayo's Preseason Struggles by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 25, 2016 - Kyle Crabbs on NDT Scouting Preseason Senior Outlook by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 24, 2016 - Analyzing the Florida Gators Offensive Attack by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 23, 2016 - Jeff Feyerer on Pylon U Top 25 Rankings by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 22, 2016 - Joe Marino on NDT Scouting Preseason Senior Outlook by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 19, 2016 - Dan Bailey's Outstanding Technique as Cowboys Kicker by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 18, 2016 - Introducing the Pylon U Podcast w/ Shane Alexander and Jeff Feyerer by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 16, 2016 - Doug Farrar on 2016 Key NFL Storylines by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 15, 2016 - Dave Archibald on NFL Special Teams Investment by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 12, 2016 - The Extra Point Struggles of Dan Carpenter by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 10, 2016 - Brandon Thorn on Chiefs Center Mitch Morse by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 9, 2016 - Jeff Risdon Examines the Lions 2016 Outlook by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks August 4, 2016 - Chad Kelly and the Myth of the Gunslinger by Inside The Pylon
Training camp is in full swing, with the Pittsburgh Steelers now 14 practices deep as they look to put together a playoff run in the upcoming season. The August 3 Quick Kicks Podcast examines the key stories of Steelers camp to this point, with Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot to discuss some of the major happenings thus far. While Pittsburgh was able to reach the Divisional Round of the playoffs last year, suspensions and injuries could put a strain on their roster this year, though the depth of talent may be able to overcome those issue. Topics this episode include:
-The overall tone and tenor of Steelers camp to this point, and some of the key themes emphasized by the coaching staff (2:04) -Injuries to the Pittsburgh secondary and who may end up playing a bigger role in 2016 due to those injuries (3:42) -Undrafted free agents that have stood out to this point, both from this year's undrafted class, as well as the 2015 class that may have spent time on the practice squad over the past year (4:52) -The battle at punter between incumbent Jordan Berry and undrafted rookie Will Monday, and who appears to have the early edge (7:52) -The development of Landry Jones as a viable backup to Ben Roethlisberger, given Roethlisberger's injury history, and how the staff feels about the depth at the position heading into the year (9:10) -The running back situation due to the suspension of Le'Veon Bell to start the season, and who projects to pick up the slack in his absence (11:32) -Pittsburgh's tight ends and the projected rotation with the retirement of Heath Miller in the offseason (13:32) -Other key stories to watch throughout the next four weeks of training camp (16:34)
Training camp is officially underway across the NFL, and in the first full week of camp, we take you across the league to look at the landscape as it takes shape. The August 2 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda along with Joe Marino of Draft Breakdown and NDT Scouting, as they examine the Buffalo Bills and key early battles. Beyond the Bills, Joe also gives an initial look at some of the top storylines from the 2017 NFL Draft class, focusing on the senior class and several key trends to watch for these players looking to make their mark for NFL scouts. Topics this show include:
-Who are the rookies in camp that have either underperformed or overperformed so far in camp? (1:46) -The early scouting reports on quarterback Cardale Jones and whether the early struggles are cause for concern or simply reflective of a small sample to date (3:03) -What are the major changes on the defensive side of the ball to help improve an inconsistent Buffalo defense last season? (4:27) -Whether the veteran secondary or young defensive front will be the strength of the Bills defense this season (6:03) -Sammy Watkins and the expecations for the rest of the Bills receiving corps, including who will replace Chris Hogan as the third wide receiver this year (7:37) -The running back situation in Buffalo and how the depth they have accumulated this year will pay dividends over the course of a 16-game season (10:23) -The 2017 NFL Draft senior class, and who stands out among the 88 prospects Joe has examined (13:12) -The senior running backs and how their skillset may be a good fit in the modern NFL that utilized running backs significantly more in the passing game (15:41) -Other position groups that are particularly strong in this year's senior class (18:15)
Quick Kicks August 1, 2016 - R.J. Ochoa on Dallas Cowboys Training Camp by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks July 29, 2016 - Greg Zuerlein And The Chance of A Bounceback 2016 Season by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks July 28, 2016 - Breaking Down the LSU Play-Action Attack by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks July 27, 2016 - Matt Brown on Seattle Double Stacks, Kansas Jayhawks Anthony Smithson by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks July 26, 2016 - Jeff Feyerer on AFC East Player Evaluation by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks July 25, 2016 - Doug Moore on Fantasy Football Camp Battles by Inside The Pylon
As we do every Friday, our thoughts turn to our fine specialist brethren, as Kicker Friday is here once again. In December of 2013, facing the Detroit Lions in a critical game with playoff implications on the line, Justin Tucker, kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, went 6-for-6 on field goals en route to scoring all 18 of Baltimore's points in an 18-16 victory. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield host the July 22 Quick Kicks Podcast, this time examining the greatest regular season kicking performance in NFL history. Topics this show include:
-The overall flawless performance from Tucker and how he turned what initially appeared to be a regular night into a special performance with three short field goals in the first half (3:35) -The final kick of the first half as time expires, and the opening kick from Tucker in the second half, a 49-yard attempt that starts to ramp up the level of difficulty (5:59) -Tucker's fifth kick of the night, a 53-yarder from the right hash, with the placement being critical as right-hash kicks tend to be more difficult for kickers due to their rotating motion (8:18) -The do's and don'ts of kicker celebrations as it relates to mechanics and safety (10:45) -Tucker's final kick, a 61-yard masterpiece from the right hash with 38 seconds remaining in the game (13:20) -How Tucker's mechanics from 61 yards can be a textbook example for kickers from any distance in terms of efficiency and follow-through (16:01)
We dial it up to 88 in our DeLorean to take you back to 1980 and the SEC clash between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs. The second installment of ITP Rewind examines "Run, Lindsay, run," and its place in the lore of these two football powerhouses. Hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are back together for this trip through football history, and they leave no stone unturned as they look at the key schemes, players, and storylines that made this one of the biggest games in this rivalry. Topics in this episode include:
-Setting the stage for the 1980 matchup, with a history of these two programs through the 1960s and 1970s leading up to this battle (1:33) -The types of offenses utilized by these teams and how they represented a change from the conservative play-calling that was typically present in college football at the time (5:25) -The three critical fourth quarter plays from Florida that changed the tenor of the game up to that point, dramatically shifting momentum (8:50) -Georgia's tepid initial response on the following drive, going three-and-out before getting the ball back after Florida works a significant amount of time off the clock (10:41) -"Run, Lindsay, run!" (11:40) -The future of these programs in the aftermath of this game and how it led to Georgia's first championship at the conclusion of the 1980 season (16:15)
There are a number of important traits for defensive linemen. Strength, quickness, technique, and intelligence are some of the key areas of focus for scouts. Digging deeper, we find that within those broad categories, there are a several critical concepts that go into the larger trait. The July 20 Quick Kicks Podcast features host Mark Schofield joined by ITP writer Sal Conti, as they examine the concept of "upfield burst" as it relates to defensive linemen. Topics this episode include:
-The definition of upfield burst and why it is important for defensive linemen as it relates to their impact on opposing offensive linemen (2:17) -Myles Garrett and and how the combination of his intelligence and athleticism allows him to demonstrate outstanding upfield burst (4:42) -How the context of what is happening in a play sequence and a player's reaction time gives insight into a player's mental processing as it relates to the consistency of his burst (6:26) -The keys that defensive linemen focus on as they are trying to read offensive linemen and process the situation correctly (8:32) -Understanding the roles of defensive players in different situations and being able to interpret their responsibilities so as to evaluate properly (10:51) -The importance of examining different games and environments to gain and understanding of where a player's advantages and disadvantages come from (14:26) -Standout features of high-level and low-level upfield burst and areas of focus for scouts (17:15)
The tight end class for the 2016 NFL Draft lacked star power, with no standout prospects that appear to be game-changers at the next level. Fortunately for NFL teams, the upcoming class looks to be much stronger, with a number of players who project to have strong traits for the NFL game. The July 19 Quick Kicks Podcast delves into the 2017 tight end class, with host Chuck Zodda joined by fellow ITP writer Jon Ledyard to break down some of the key names to watch in the upcoming season from his 30-player watchlist. Topics this show include:
-The relative weakness of recent draft classes as far as tight end prospects, and the reasons for the lack of top-end talent at the position in the past several years (3:11) -The types of tight ends present in this year's class, and whether this is a class that is heavier in pass-catching prospects, traditional in-line blockers, or hybrid H-back players (5:49) -The varied roles for tight ends in the modern NFL passing game, and which prospects are best suited for the different types of passing attacks (8:48) -Players outside of Power 5 conferences that Jon is keeping an eye on during the fall season and have the potential to rise up draft boards (11:47) -Clemson TE Jordan Leggett and what he has to do to make his case as the top tight end in this year's class (14:28) -Other key prospects to watch in the fall who may be under the radar, but capable of making a move due to their natural abilities (16:58)
Watching film can be a difficult endeavor, even for experienced scouts. Offenses and defenses in the modern game are experts in the art of disguise, making it challenging to identify coverages and schemes. The July 18 Quick Kicks Podcast has hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by fellow Pyloneer Dave Archibald, as they look to identify keys to reading defenses for both fans and players. Dave's recent article on the topic was the genesis of this episode, and features and in-depth look at several critical focus areas. Topics this show include:
-The number of deep safeties and their alignment, and how this provides a clue towards the type of coverage employed (2:03) -Disguised coverages and the mechanics of how teams look to show one look and roll into another post-snap (3:11) -Use of motion by an offense to get a defense to tip its hand as to whether it is aligned in man or zone coverage (4:34) -Outside cornerbacks and the two types of turns utilized by them in coverage, and how these turns reveal information about the defensive scheme (5:55) -The decline of the Tampa 2 system and other similar schemes, and the key reasons for this drop-off (8:19) -Understanding zone positioning and how identifying the proper location of a zone helps to clarify the scheme in use (11:10) -The challenge presented to quarterbacks to identify all of this information in real-time and still make the correct read (13:04) -How combining a number of different keys helps to give clarity to the scheme being used, as certain concepts on their own can exist in multiple coverages (14:29)
Football continues to grow its global platform, with an increased number of games played at international sites, and the NFL partnering with new media outlets to provide streaming options for fans located in distant locations. The July 14 Quick Kicks Podcast has hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda joined by Justin Twell, one of ITP's newest writers, and one of our two international writers. Growing up in England and now living in Australia, Justin has a unique perspective on the game that he brings to his writing, primarily focusing on the NFC North. Topics this show include:
-Justin's introduction to NFL football as a child, and how he became interested in a sport that had a minimal following in his community (1:55) -The experience of watching NFL games at Wembley Stadium and trying to build a group of fans in an international market (4:44) -The resources available to international NFL fans in the 1980s and 1990s for learning about football prior to the advent of the internet (6:50) -The Chicago Bears and the draft fits of their 2016 class, and who may be able to make an impact early in the 2016 season (9:27) -The NFC North and whether the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions have any chance to break through into the upper half of the division this year (11:56) -Key positional battles for the Lions and who may unexpectedly end up playing a big role during the upcoming season (14:29)
Media week is here for the SEC, and that means that football is just around the corner. The June 13 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by fellow ITP writer Shane Alexander, as the three examine key storylines in the SEC heading into the 2016 season. With some significant turnover and a number of programs being watched closely, it is likely to be an exciting year for the best conference in college football, and this episode will help get you up to speed on all of the stories you should be following in the upcoming season. Topics this show include:
-Shane's top stories to watch during training camp and at the start of the season (2:18) -The outlook for Alabama coming off another National Championship for Nick Saban, and whether the Crimson Tide are poised for another title run (3:50) -Competiton for Alabama in the SEC West and who poses the greatest threat to them (5:58) -Whether any teams that have struggled in recent years are set to make a jump to the next level (7:39) -Can Tennessee break through in the SEC East (9:15) -The Georgia Bulldogs and how a strong defense should be able to make them competitive in the fall, and whether Nick Chubb will be back to his old self (10:13) -The strength of the conference and how close the SEC is to seeing balance between two divisions that have seen the balance of power heavily tilted towards the West in recent years (12:21) -Shane's top quarterbacks in the SEC for 2016 (13:59)
Bo Jackson is arguably one of the greatest pure athletes of all-time. The speed, power, and agility he displayed are legendary. The July 12 Quick Kicks Podcast examines one of Bo's earliest feats, focusing on the 1982 Iron Bowl, as Jackson led Auburn to a shocking victory over a heavily-favored Alabama squad. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda examine Jackson's performance, including the game-winning play, "Bo Over the Tp", as well as some of the other storylines present in this game, such as Bear Bryant's last Iron Bowl and the growth of the Auburn program. Topics this show include:
-The storylines that drew Mark to this game, 34 years after it happened, and why he wanted to break down this meeting instead of other classic clashes (2:12) -Whether Jackson stood out on tape even without trying to focus on him, and if the talent was that readily apparent (4:36) -The difference in style compared to today's college game, and the difference in watching two wishbone-based offenses compared to the spread attacks utilized currently (8:15) -How coaches in the wishbone offense looked to get critical skill position players touches and in unique match-ups to take advantage of their skills (10:14) -The springboard this game and play provided both for Jackson and the Auburn program (14:48)
After a week off to celebrate U.S. Independence Day and recharge our batteries, we are back. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda return on the July 11 Quick Kicks Podcast, joined by senior editor Philip Kibbey to discuss the redesign of Inside the Pylon and some of the upcoming projects for the second half of the year. We are re-launching with an entirely new look that is designed to provide a tremendous amount of functionality to our readers and listeners, and this episode helps fill you in on some of the key changes. Topics this show include:
-The development process for the new site and some of the key concepts behind the redesign (2:24) -Core ideas for readers to keep in mind as they browse the new site, and how the redesigned hub pages for the NFL and college football help make navigation easier (3:28) -The redesigned ITP Glossary and the increased accessibility for people new to the game of football (5:30) -The improved mobile experience, given that nearly 60% of ITP traffic comes from mobile sources (8:01) -New content to come over the next two months, focusing on the ability of our new design to display content in ways previously unavailable to us (11:58) -The content plan for the next two months leading up to the start of the 2016 season, and the formats we are looking to explore over that time to provide multiple entry points for new readers, listeners, and viewers (16:11)
Quick Kicks June 30, 2016 - Miguel Benzan on the New England Patriots Salary Cap Wizardry by Inside The Pylon
One of the keys to running a successful team at any level is having an effective strategy for evaluating a team's players and identifying areas of strength and weakness. The June 29 Quick Kicks Podcast examines Inside the Pylon's own Jeff Feyerer's method for roster evaluation, looking to combine productivity and age into an easy-to-understand metric to hone in on trends within a team. Chuck Zodda hosts this episode as we look to find a better way of evaluating both present and future talent on a team. Topics this show include:
-The idea behind the method Jeff created and the problems it sought to solve with player and team evaluation (1:36) -The framework constructed for this model, and the major concepts it addresses, as well as some of the limitations of the model at the moment (3:15) -How Jeff's model takes into account both the quality of the player, as well as the age of a player and his experience as being qualities important to overall evaluation (5:34) -Beyond player rating, how the model looks to factor in roster stability compared to volatility as it looks to identify trends across the league in terms of what strategies are employed by successful teams (8:58) -Some of the positional trends throughout the NFL in terms of where teams typically utilize different styles of players (12:24) -The future for Jeff's model and improvements he is looking to build in over the next several seasons (14:52)
With only three weeks until the start of training camp, it is time to take another look at the fantasy football landscape, as many drafts occur during this period. Chuck Zodda hosts the June 28 Quick Kicks Podcast, as fellow ITP writer Doug Moore joins him to discuss some of the key ideas to focus on during this year's fantasy drafts. There are a number of question marks entering the 2016 season, and Doug helps to separate fact from fiction when it comes to fantasy football. Topics this show include:
-The top rookies available in this year's class and who has the potential to be an immediate contributor on day one (1:57) -The gap between the top rookie running back and the rest of the pack, and whether this is a close race, or one with a significant amount of distance between these groups (5:19) -The top wide receiver in this year's rookie class for fantasy football (7:07) -Why the gap is smaller between the top rookie receiver and those following him, and where many of these players can be expected to go in drafts (8:38) -The lack of quality tight ends in this year's rookie class and whether any of them have the ability to be productive in fantasy this year (10:50) -Andrew Luck and his potential to provide value for owners after a disappointing 2015 season (13:16) -The potential for a bounce-back 2016 campaign for Torrey Smith due to some changes in personnel and system from last year (15:26) -Tight ends who may be able to outperform their 2015 numbers, and how their offenses will look to utilize them in the upcoming season (17:57)
Quick Kicks June 24, 2016 - Kicker Friday, Adjusting for Weather Conditions as A Kicker by Inside The Pylon
Inside the Pylon often receives a number of questions and comments from our Twitter followers, making it one of our favorite ways to communicate with our readers and listeners. Today, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda dedicate an entire show to answering the questions our our fans, as we dig into some of the issues on your mind. The June 23 Quick Kicks Podcast features answers to a number of pressing questions from our listeners prior to the 2016 season. Topics this show include:
-Of the quarterbacks not drafted in the first round in the most recent draft, who will start the most games this season? (3:44) -Why do NFL teams carry a kicker and punter instead of one player who can perform both duties? Is it because of injury concerns or something else? (8:45) -Who are your early Super Bowl picks for the upcoming season? (12:41) -Which ITP writer or editor is most similar to "Rockhound" from Armageddon? (12:35)
We have Kyle Crabbs of NDT Scouting back in studio for a second day as the June 22 Quick Kicks Podcast looks at his upcoming project scouting nearly 100 draft-eligible seniors. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda hos this episode as Kyle explains his process for scouting, and discusses some of the top players on his list for the 2017 NFL Draft. NDT Scouting's Pre-Season Senior Outlook is available on August 22, and Kyle breaks down the massive amount of work that he and his staff are doing on the project. Topics this show include:
-The concept behind the Pre-Season Senior Outlook and how it differs from the Draft Prospectus that Kyle and his staff have put together previously (1:09) -The type of information included in the publication and the level of detail people can expect on each player covered (3:15) -How the process for this type of scouting publication differs from those Kyle has employed on the Draft Prospectus, and how the information provided here is reflective of that (5:44) -The value of in-person scouting and how the ability to travel to various games provides insights that cannot be gleaned by simply watching tape (6:47) -The NDT Scouting internship program and the types of skills it looks to teach people who are interested in gaining a foothold in the scouting industry (8:36) -Key concepts that Kyle has learned throughout his evolution as a scout, and what he hopes to pass on to the next wave of hopefuls as they look to make their mark in the industry (11:04) -Where to get the Pre-Season Senior Outlook and its availability for purchase (12:05)
As we turn towards the 2016 season, it is always wise to take a look back to wrap up any lingering questions from the most recent draft before we dive into a new group of prospects. The June 21 Quick Kicks Podcast has hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by Kyle Crabbs of NDT Scouting, as he discusses some of the trends and key ideas gleaned from this year's draft, and how they can be applied in future years. Topics this episode include:
-The major themes from this year's draft, and which teams were able to capitalize on the 2016 offseason and put themselves in a strong position to be successful in the fall (2:47) -The Oakland Raiders and how their recent additions give them a chance to be a force in the AFC West over the next several years with a strong core of young, developing players (4:14) -The wide receivers drafted this year, and surprises both in terms of who went early, as well as later picks that may be able to outperform their draft position and provide strong value for their team (6:58) -Trevone Boykin's slide through the draft, and whether his landing spot in Seattle gives him a chance to develop and acclimate to the NFL game in a good situation (9:04) -Attempting to answer the question of whether running backs have become so devalued that they are now undervalued (10:27) -Whether teams are getting better at identifying talent and properly valuing talent in the draft, and which teams are consistently able to come out of the draft with the most available talent (13:06)
Quick Kicks June 17, 2016 - Kicker Friday with Brandon Kornblue on Kicker Development by Inside The Pylon
College football training camps open just a month from now, and it is time to start getting up to speed on some of the key players and storylines we will be watching this fall. The June 16 Quick Kicks Podcast features Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda breaking down the University of Montana Grizzlies, specifically focusing on the offense employed by head coach Bob Stitt and run by quarterback Brady Gustafson. Gustafson rose to prominence last year during his battles with North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz, and he will be eager to show that he has what it takes to be drafted next spring. Topics this episode include:
-Stitt and how he utilizes the single-back offense, along with the key areas of the field and weaknesses this offense tries to exploit (1:24) -The key passing concepts the Grizzlies run, focusing on the fly sweep and the variations Stitt features in order to show different wrinkles depending on what opposing defenses employ to stop it (3:17) -The toughest thing for a quarterback to pick up in Stitt's system and how Gustafson's strengths are able to be featured in this offense (8:14) -The future development of the Montana offense as Stitt continues to add pieces that are better suited to what he wants to run, rather than relying on players he inherited that may not have the specific skills and traits he desires (9:44) -Whether running this type of offense is going to affect the NFL's perception of what Gustafson is able to do at the next level (12:33) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "Which second-round wide receiver has the potential to out-perform those selected in the first round?" (14:24)
The Minnesota Vikings saw a devastating end to their season on Blair Walsh's missed field goal in the playoffs. As eyes turn to training camp, the Vikings look to rebound and build off a successful year, as it represented their first playoff appearance since 2012. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Arif Hasan of Cold Omaha on the June 15 Quick Kicks Podcast, as Arif helps explain the key issues facing Minnesota this offseason, and how the team has looked to move past the disappointment of a tough playoff loss. Topics this episode include:
-Recapping the Vikings' playoff defeat and the experience Vikings fans shared as they looked to put it behind them and transition to a new year (0:58) -First-round pick LaQuan Treadwell, arguably the top wide receiver in this year's draft, and how he can provide a valuable weapon for an offense that was inconsistent over the course of the 2015 season (5:28) -Willie Beavers, fourth-round pick out of Western Michigan, and where he fits on this team this season, and whether Arif thinks he can turn into a valuable contributor down the road (8:09) -Moritz Boeringher and his developmental path and timetable for becoming a contributor at the NFL level, and where he may finally find his niche as a player (11:02) -Safety Harrison Smith and the traits that allow him to excel in certain areas of the game, as well as any weaknesses he has that he needs to continue improving on (14:41) -Key battles to watch throughout training camp, and the positions that are still open competitions heading into the summer (18:10)
The second part of our interview with former Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask is here, as Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda host the June 14 Quick Kicks Podcast. In Part 1 of our interview, Amy detailed her 26 years with the Raiders and the intricacies of working in an NFL front office. This episode looks at her ideas about the future of the NFL as well as the state of the game today. Topics this show include:
-The key areas of focus for the NFL over the next decade, both in terms of on-field product, as well as how the NFL must continue to grow as a business (1:01) -Amy's upcoming book, You Negotiate Like A Girl, coming out in September 2016, and the key message emphasized by this publication (4:12) -Amy's experiences at owner's meetings, the types of issues discussed at those meetings, and the processes employed at those meetings that keep the NFL running (6:04) -The transition from the front office to the broadcast booth, and how Amy's time with the Raiders helped to inform her approach as a broadcaster, as well as the hurdles to overcome in making this transition (7:29) -The Tuck Rule game and recounting Amy's reaction as the latter part of that battle unfolded (13:31) -The most rewarding memory from Amy's career with the Raiders (15:12) -The blur of Super Bowl week and the rapid-fire pace of Amy's experience during one of the two years in which the Super Bowl did not have a bye week prior to the game (17:20)
At the start of a new week, we take a trip to Raider Nation, as former Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask joins Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda on the June 13 Quick Kicks Podcast. Amy had a 26-year career with the Raiders, working alongside owner Al Davis to build some of the NFL's toughest and most exciting teams to watch. Whether negotiating player contracts or speaking on behalf of Oakland at owners meetings, Amy was one of the most influential people in the game, as she led the Raiders to six playoff appearances, five division titles, and one Super Bowl appearance. Topics this episode include:
-Amy's decision to attend law school and the process behind that decision, and how she eventually found herself working for the Raiders, first as an intern during law school, and then in a full-time capacity after (2:16) -Whether Amy deciding to leave law and work for Oakland saw her receive any criticism from people who felt that a traditional law career would be the better path to success (5:12) -The culture Al Davis built for the Raiders, and how different teams utilize different strategies based on what they believe to be the best way to build a winning organization (5:58) -The importance of different opinions within an organization, and how Al Davis sought to create a team that relied on constructive disagreement to produce the optimal result (8:10) -Organization structure in NFL front offices, and the advantages employed by the model Oakland featured (10:22) -The type of diversity sought by Al Davis, and how building a culture that was inclusive based on qualification and production, rather than diversity for sake of appearances (12:31) -The importance of a team's finances in terms of cash flow, rather than simply salary cap accounting, and how the need to run a team as a business can impact decisions as far as personnel and contracts (17:39) -Amy's loyalty to the Raiders and how spending her whole career with one organization was the right move for her, while other people may be better suited for changing teams multiple times throughout their careers (20:01)
It's Friday on the ITP Quick Kicks Podcast and that means one thing - Kicker Friday. We dedicate every Friday to our slightly-smaller, slightly-weirder, slightly-overcompensating kicking brethren who help to make every game a little more exciting. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield host the June 10 Quick Kicks Podcast and look at some specialist battles to watch over the course of the summer, as well as the proper statistics for measuring punter performance. Topics this episode include:
-Jordan Berry's 2015 performance as punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the strengths and weaknesses of his game (2:25) -Key data that is pull from punt charting that does not show up in traditional punting statistics, and how this data helps to improve the picture of how valuable a punter is to his team (5:18) -How a team's needs based on the struggles or successes of their offenses affects the type of punter that is the best fit for them based on the most common field position for punting and expectations for offensive and defensive units (8:00) -Will Monday, the undrafted free agent out of Duke, who is expected to compete with Berry, and the key focus areas for him as he looks to win the job this summer (10:37) -Leg strength of specialists and the development curve throughout their 20s as they refine their craft and pick up the tools needed to replicate their technique more consistently (13:20) -The likely outcome from the battle of punters in Steelers camp this year (15:33)
One of the toughest things to do in any sport is properly evaluate talent and the potential for that talent to develop. The June 9 Quick Kicks Podcast focuses on the scouting process, looking at the ways scouts can identify issues within their own methods of evaluation, and improve the accuracy of their analysis. Host Mark Schofield is joined by Sean Cottrell of Inside the Pylon as the two dig into some of the strengths and weaknesses of the scouting process, and what can be done to improve it. Topics this show include:
-Sean's own path to learning more about scouting and how that path helped to inform his ideas on the process (1:14) -The genesis of Sean's recent piece on the responsibilities of scouts as well as the importance of understanding the limitations of the scouting process based on the resources available (4:52) -The skill of making decisions without knowledge of all of the information on a subject, and how to work to fill in gaps where they exist (8:51) -Understanding biases and how they creep into the scouting process, and how to identify and eliminate those to gain a more accurate view on a prospect (11:54) -The importance of looking outside your own base of knowledge to continue to grow as a scout as you look to incorporate new ideas (13:50) -The gravity of publicly displaying scouting reports, and the importance behind the accuracy and acknowledgement of the limitations of those reports due to the effects they can have on players' careers (16:30)
Quick Kicks June 8, 2016 - Ethan Young on Slaytics, Player Valuations, Kickers & Punters by Inside The Pylon
The Indianapolis Colts suffered through a disappointing 2015 campaign, marred by injuries and and inconsistent offense that seldom lived up to expectations. The June 7 Quick Kicks Podcast looks at the upcoming season for the Colts, with hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by new ITP writer Matt Danely as they look to figure out what went wrong and whether or not the issues have been addressed heading into the fall. Topics this show include:
-The issues Indianapolis has seen in trying to limit the production of opposing tight ends over the past several seasons, and how they looked to address this problem through the draft and free agency (1:11) -The use of three draft picks on offensive linemen as the Colts look to build a better unit in front of Andrew Luck to allow the young signal-caller to utilize his talent (5:44) -The two late-round defensive players selected and whether they have the ability to step in this year as role players and carve out a niche for playing time (8:50) -Eastern Washington's Jordan West and the traits he brings to the table that could make him a popular name for 2017 NFL Draft discussion (10:47) -FBS quarterbacks outside of the top 3-5 names who have the potential to rise on draft boards over the course of the season (14:28)
If you feel like your football flotilla is firmly planted in the middle of the June doldrums, you are not alone. Fortunately, despite the lack of any major action at the pro or college level right now, we still have plenty to talk about. The June 6 Quick Kicks Podcast lays the groundwork for discussing a potential top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are joined by new ITP addition Jon Ledyard as he sheds some light on Auburn DE Carl Lawson, who despite missing significant time due to injury, has the traits to warrant top-10 consideration. Topics this show include:
-The key traits Lawson possesses that allow him to be in consideration for a top pick despite having just one sack over the past two seasons (2:16) -Lawson's versatility as a pass-rusher and the techniques he employs, and whether he has enough versatility to compete at the NFL level (4:03) -The level of competition seen on Lawson's tape and how viewing a prospect playing against inferior competition can help illuminate intangibles in terms of compete level and motor (6:53) -Lawson's lack of play-recognition skills, the reasons for this issue, and how he can look to grow in this area heading into the fall (14:43) -Injury history and the concern related to a player who has missed nearly half of his college career due to two major injuries (16:46)
It is Friday and that means only one thing - Kicker Friday is here once again. The June 3 Quick Kicks Podcast takes you inside the third phase of the game as hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield break down some key terms and concepts from the punting game. While gross yardage is often quoted by many people as a measure of a punter's success, there are in fact a number of other statistics and methods that measure a punter's effectiveness more accurately. Topics in this episode include:
-The difference between open-field and pin-deep punting, looking at how field position can shape punting strategy (1:28) -The three different strategies on pin-deep punts, detailing the coffin corner punt, nose-down punting, and pooch punting, and the various situations in which each are utilized (4:27) -The strongest punters in 2015 for distance-control, focusing on target distance punted (TDP) for open-field punting, and touchback percentage on pin-deep punting (7:43) -Brett Kern's 2015 season and why he was so strong as far as distance-control (11:18) -The different ways punters can manipulate the ball using various drops and approaches (12:31) -Identifying the primary goal of any punt, and how a punter and special teams coach will go about choosing the right punt for the job (15:24) -The search for the perfect punt (17:21)
June is typically a lull for NFL and college teams as they look to gather themselves before heading into the new season. We took one day of rest and are back at it. The June 2 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda discussing terms from the ITP Glossary related to the passing game so you can be more knowledgeable heading into the fall. While there are a number of different offenses in the pro and college game today, the focus today is on concepts from the "Air Raid" offense. Topics discussed in this episode include:
-The "Mesh Concept", detailing the route combination used as well as the general principles behind utilizing this concept (2:18) -The versatility of the mesh concept and the types of defenses it can succeed in attacking (5:14) -Variations on this route combination and how teams can create subtle wrinkles to change the type of pressure it puts on opposing defenses (7:11) -The "Y-Cross" and how it sets up a multi-level attack in the passing game that also spreads a defense horizontally (10:08) -The adjustments that offenses make in order to use the Y-Cross versus different defenses (13:31)
ITP Quick Kicks May 31, 2016 - Matt Waldman on 2016 Draft Quarterbacks by Inside The Pylon
Quick Kicks May 27, 2016 - Matt Harmon of NFL.com Wraps Up Fantasy Week by Inside The Pylon
We move into our fourth day of Fantasy Week as we enter the home stretch. The May 26 Quick Kicks Podcast features host Mark Schofield and guest Sigmund "Human Fantasy Football Encyclopedia" Bloom discussing nearly every player in football and their fantasy projections for the upcoming season. Whether quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, or even IDP selections, Sigmund has intriguing thoughts on nearly every aspect of the game. Topics this show include:
-Ezekiel Elliott and why he is likely to be incredibly valuable as a rookie due to a combination of his skills and the system he landed in, including his ability to pass-protect on third down (2:15) -The 2016 wide receiver class, and who has the ability to have an early impact, versus the player who may have the highest upside for dynasty formats (7:16) -Rookie running backs aside from Elliott who may have value in single-season fantasy drafts, focusing on DeAndre Washington of the Oakland Raiders (10:28) -Myles Jack and Darron Lee and the IDP outlook for these two linebackers, focusing on scheme-fit and production within their respective systems (13:20) -The Raiders and why the NFL seems to be a more exciting league when Oakland is firing on all cylinders (17:13) -The potential for top QBs to be draft busts in fantasy football and alternative strategies for picking quarterbacks (20:44) -How looking at a player's contract and subsequent negotiations with a team can give insight into their long-term plans for him for dynasty leagues (23:56) -The tight end position and how to deal with the black hole of information regarding week to week production for such an unpredictable position (28:45)
The ITP Fantasy Express rolls on through Wednesday as we continue to dig into the intricacies of fantasy football to get you ready for the upcoming season. Doug Moore joins hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda on the May 25 Quick Kicks Podcast as we dig into several concepts regarding re-draft leagues. Doug helps to explain several trends that have appeared in recent years and separate out the useful ideas from those that are best left undrafted. Topics this show include:
-Doug's first article for Inside the Pylon, discussing the reasons for taking a wide receiver in the first round in re-draft leagues (1:30) -Whether the transition away from the classic feature back by many NFL teams gives running backs that still get 20-25 carries per game additional value in fantasy (4:19) -Which running backs are still worthy of a first-round pick given the shift away from the running game over the last decade (6:05) -The tight end position and whether any TEs aside from Rob Gronkowski are worthy of an early-round pick in this year's drafts (9:00) -The New England Patriots and drafting skill position players from an offense that does not have a dedicated top option from week to week (10:41) -The rookie class of skill position players and whether anyone stands out as deserving and early-round selection (16:17) -Rookie quarterbacks and their projections in 2016 for single-season leagues (21:21)
Our first-ever Fantasy Week rolls on as we continue to dig into the different fantasy formats and the tips and trends our experts are seeing heading into the 2016 season. The May 24 Quick Kicks Podcast has hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda talking with Matt Williamson of Dynasty Blueprint on the shifts he is making for the upcoming year. Dynasty leagues have grown tremendously in popularity over the last decade, and are one of the fastest-growing segments of the fantasy market. Topics this show include:
-The biggest adjustments in strategy Matt had to make coming over from re-draft leagues to dynasty football in the last five years and how he looked to rapidly improve in the format (2:08) -Wide receivers coming out of college, and how to sort out which players are likely to be able to succeed at an early stage of their career, versus those who are going to take longer to develop to their peak production (5:41) -Handcuffing in dynasty leagues and whether it makes as much sense as in re-draft leagues, as well as the types of situations where it makes sense (9:33) -Derrick Henry and whether the scheme fit in Tennessee is a good fit for him due to the potential for a high number of goal-line runs leading to touchdowns (10:42) -The young quarterbacks from the 2016 class and whether any of them warrant early-round consideration for drafts this year (13:47) -Which QB from this year's class is likely to have the most success this year, and which is likely to have the strongest career when they have all played their last snap (16:30)
The first-ever Fantasy Week is here, with an entire week of shows devoted to fantasy football. Dynasty drafts are already in full-swing, and it is never too early to start planning for your single-season league as well, mostly because otherwise you are doomed to mediocrity. The May 23 Quick Kicks Podcast features host Chuck Zodda with Joe Redemann from NumberFire discussing individual defensive player (IDP) leagues and some of the processes he uses to improve his performance in this format. Topics this show include:
-Joe's history in fantasy football and how his development as a player in the last five years helped formulate the processes behind his research (1:54) -Key mistakes for players to avoid in the IDP format and the worst mistakes Joe made starting out (4:19) -How Joe's early failures led to an improvement in his research and analysis as he looked to avoid making similar mistakes in the future (6:36) -The reasons behind Joe including detailed play-by-play notes on all of the players covered in his 2016 IDP Draft Guide (10:16) -Joe's most recent projects, including his analysis of defensive backs and thoughts on where that position is going in IDP leagues in the future (15:01) -Changes and tweaks to league that can help make the game a closer simulation of a player's importance in reality (16:48)
The state of Tennessee has seen a tough run for both of its major teams, the Tennessee Titans and Tennessee Volunteers. We dig into the turnaround stories with both squads, as the May 20 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by Sharona of SportsBySharona.com. Sharona headed up the Titans in our Mock War Room project, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table on both teams discussed here. Topics this show include:
-The Titans first-round pick, Jack Conklin, and how he projects to fit during his first season in Tennessee and how providing another building block for Marcus Mariota will help his development this season (1:33) -The pieces the Titans have given themselves for next years draft with additional picks in the first and third rounds, and how this will allow them to add additional young talent (6:12) -Sharona's favorite picks from the third day of the draft and who has the potential to contribute early on (8:01) -The selection of Derrick Henry and whether or not he was a good use of a second-round pick in a position that has been devalued by the league in recent years (9:00) -The development of Mariota and what is expected from him in his sophomore campaign (11:52) -The Tennessee Volunteers and their 2016 outlook after several years below the level to which fans have been accustomed (13:12) -The Volunteers path through the SEC in 2016 and the likelihood of the team making it to the SEC title game (15:06)
May is the January of draft season, with the analysis on the 2016 NFL Draft still in full swing, though eyes have started to turn to the opening of camps in July for 2017 prospects as well. The May 19 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda alongside Joe Marino of Draft Breakdown and NDT Scouting as they get a look at both drafts in this episode. Topics this show include:
-Joe's biggest stories from the 2016 draft, including the large number of quarterbacks drafted this year, and the continued trend towards the drafting of more defensive backs with different skills than several years ago (1:51) -The injury to Shaq Lawson and how it impacts the Buffalo Bills heading into training camp and the 2016 season (3:56) -Sammy Watkins and whether he can bounce back from his latest injury, as well as if he will be able to shed the injury-prone label he has picked up over his first several years in the NFL (5:12) -Joe's favorite pick on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, and his analysis on which of these mid-round picks have the chance to make the greatest impact in the upcoming season (8:40) -Whether Dan Carpenter represents the future at kicker for the Bills after struggling on extra points during the 2015 season (10:21) -The 2016 Pre-Season Senior Outlook from NDT Scouting, focusing on 80+ seniors who have a chance to be drafted next spring (14:05)
Quick Kicks May 18, 2016 - Alex Kozora on Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 Draft Picks by Inside The Pylon
We kick off the week with good friend Matt Waldman, creator of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio, as he discusses the 2016 NFL Draft and his thoughts on various position groupings from this year's selections. Host Mark Schofield helps dig into the details as Matt gives a comprehensive look at his process and a number of players from the draft. Topics this show include:
-What is the post-draft RSP and what is the value that it brings to people who purchased the pre-draft RSP (1:01) -The selection of Kenyan Drake and Matt's thoughts on why his skillset, though impressive at times in college, has a difficult time translating to the NFL game (3:58) -The issues with conducting analyses based on single drills and the importance of context when trying to examine specific traits at any position (9:51) -How something as simple as the point in the season in which a prospect's tape comes from can play into the overall impression and must be included in the evaluation of the player (15:31) -Ezekiel Elliott and the scheme-fit with him and the Dallas Cowboys, and what the expectations for Elliott should be heading into his rookie campaign in Dallas (24:24)
We wrap up the week with our second day with RJ Ochoa from Inside the Star and the RJ Ochoa Show as he joins hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield on the May 13 Quick Kicks Podcast. RJ dives into more questions facing the Dallas Cowboys during the 2016 season, as they look to rebound from an injury-plagued 2015 campaign. Topics on this show include:
-Where this team fits in an NFC East that saw Washington unexpectedly win the division and whether the Cowboys have a chance at winning the division (0:58) -The fit between Dallas and RB Ezekiel Elliott from a scheme perspective and whether his skills are a good match with what the Cowboys like to do (4:27) -TE Jason Witten and his place in the offense at age 34, and how he has been able to avoid falling off at an age when many players are no longer able to contribute at a high level (7:33) -Jerry Jones and his place in football history, looking at the ways he transformed the game over the course of his ownership of the Cowboys (9:08)
The Dallas Cowboys had a tough 2016 season after injuries to QB Tony Romo and WR Dez Bryant. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda take a look at the Cowboys in the May 12 Quick Kicks Podcast, with guest R.J. Ochoa from Inside the Star and the RJ Ochoa Show. Dallas is looking to bounce back in a wide-open NFC East, and with several draft picks looking to make an early impact, the Cowboys may have a chance to do some damage in 2016. Topics this episode include:
-The importance of RB Ezekiel Elliott joining the team this year and what it does to expectations for the offense, as well as his ability to help reduce the load on Tony Romo and the passing game (1:54) -The star power of Elliott and the fit in Dallas as far as being able to market his talents on the widest possible stage (4:07) -Second round selection Jaylon Smith and how his selection shows a balance between immediate needs with Elliott and planning for the future with Smith (5:48) -The depth chart at quarterback this year and whether or not RJ is comfortable with the strategy the Cowboys have taken, using Kellen Moore and Dak Prescott as Romo's backup despite the issues with the position last year (8:18) -Defensive end Charles Tapper, taken in this year's draft, and what the Cowboys can expect from him this year as they look to bolster a pass rush that is missing a number of players projected to be contributors this year (10:18)
We continue our two-part interview with Dan Hatman, former NFL scout and current director of The Scouting Academy. The May 11 Quick Kicks Podcast features Dan speaking with hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield on a number of issues related to roster construction and front office moves that typically occur during the summer months. This episode gives great insight into the inner workings of and NFL team, with topics including:
-How players at the back end of a 90-man roster still end up making an impact on teams through practice squads due to injuries and roster turnover throughout the year (1:01) -Whether teams fill their practice squads or shadow rosters with players who may help simulate divisional opponents that a team faces twice a year (4:57) -Some of the key battles Dan is looking forward to over the next eight weeks and into training camp as well (6:28) -The three first-round quarterbacks, including who has the chance to make the biggest impact in the upcoming season, as well as who may have the greatest impact towards the end of their rookie contract (8:40) -Quarterbacks taken outside the first round who Dan believes landed in a good situation, as well as the quarterback who seems to have ended up in a difficult situation from a developmental perspective (10:09) -Would Dan ever take a kicker in the second round? (12:04)
With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, you may think that teams are on cruise control for the next 10 weeks until training camp. In fact, the reality is that this is one of the busiest times of the year for franchises. The May 10 Quick Kicks Podcast takes you inside the post-draft free agent period, looking at movement for players, coaches, and scouts that tends to happen during this time. Hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are joined by Dan Hatman, director of The Scouting Academy, who helps break down what happens during this time of year. Topics include:
-The biggest items on the docket for NFL teams during this time of year and the types of transactions they will engage in heading into mid-June (0:58) -The hiring of coaching and scouting staffs that occurs over the early summer months and the roles and duration of those hires (3:06) -The amount of true roster construction that occurs during this time of year, and whether players from the back end of the roster are really able to compete for spots on the final 53-man roster (6:30) -Players who survived and thrived in the NFL despite coming off the lower part of a 90-man roster and were not expected to see time in an NFL game (7:48) -How teams begin to prepare for the following year's draft, including how the BLESTO scouting service operates and the information shared between various NFL franchises (10:52)
The NFL Draft is over. The NFL Draft has just begun. After taking last week to examine the results from the 2016 draft, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield dig into Mark's initial thoughts on the 2017 quarterbacks on the May 9 Quick Kicks Podcast. While there is obviously a full season still to play, there is ample tape on a number of quarterbacks, and Mark has put together a list of 30 players he will be watching over the course of the season. Topics this episode include:
-Mark's thoughts on who heads up his 2017 class at this early point in the evaluation process (1:19) -Players standing out for their accuracy in this year's class and the things they need to work on to continue to hone their craft (3:46) -Quarterbacks with the strongest arms in the 2017 class and how their system fits help them utilize this skill (6:47) -How this year's class is structured in terms of drop-back passers versus athletic, out-of-structure quarterbacks that have continued to grow in numbers in recent years (8:34) -How 2017 stacks up compared to 2016 in terms of top-end talent as well as depth of potential draft picks (12:25) -Underclassmen who are not eligible for the 2017 draft but still have shown quality traits during early film study for future classes (14:03)
We have reached that magical point in the week where all thoughts turn to kickers - Kicker Friday. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda host the May 6 Quick Kicks Podcast as we wrap up our week of post-draft coverage, this time examining the specialists that were selected during and signed after the 2016 NFL Draft. While Florida State's Roberto Aguayo drew much of the attention with his second round selection, there are a plethora of kickers that signed free agent deals once the draft wrapped up. Topics on this show include:
-The Aguayo pick, and whether or not it makes sense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as the outlook for Aguayo given the circumstances in which he was acquired (1:26) -The reasons for Aguayo being the only kicker selected, with other talented specialists such as Duke's Ross Martin and Maryland's Brad Craddock not hearing their names called (4:54) -The Cleveland Browns and their signings of two kickers in the free agent process and how their competition is likely to shake out in training camp (8:21) -Anthony Pistelli of Samford University and his signing with the New Orleans Saints, as well as the longer path he likely has to picking up a starting spot in the NFL (10:29) -The 2016 punting class and how soon punters such as Drew Kaser, Lachlan Edwards, and Riley Dixon will be able to make an impact at the NFL level (14:56) -The process of drafting long-snappers and why it generally is avoided due to minimal to zero upside in most situations (19:06)
Though the NFL Draft began one week ago, the May 5 Quick Kicks Podcast continues to examine the selections made over the course of last week. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Dave Archibald to break down the defensive backs selected over the course of this year's draft. With the increased emphasis on the passing game over the last decade, defensive back is arguably one of the three most important positions on the field today, and Dave helps bring knowledge to what can be a difficult position to understand. Topics in this episode include:
-The selection of Jalen Ramsey by the Jacksonville Jaguars and how he fits in their defensive scheme (1:01) -The Pittsburgh Steelers' unexpected selection of Artie Burns in the first round, and why Pittsburgh broke with their long-standing tradition of not taking cornerbacks high in the draft (3:04) -The two first-round safeties selected this year in Karl Joseph and Keanu Neal and what they bring to the table for their respective teams (8:11) -Whether the cornerback position is seeing a transition to taller, rangier athletes in order to counter the different approaches offenses have taken in recent years to attacking defenses at the pro level (9:53) -The slide of Jayron Kearse to the seventh round and why he ended up falling this far in the draft (11:46) -Jeremy Cash falling completely out of the draft and signing a free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers, the reasons for the drop, and whether he can be an effective player at the NFL level (13:37) -The New England Patriots selection of Cyrus Jones in the second round and how his skill-set on special teams and in run support makes him a strong candidate to see action early in his career for New England (15:49)
There were 15 quarterbacks taken during the 2016 NFL Draft, and the May 4 Quick Kicks Podcast is ready to take you through the players as we recap this year's class. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda dig into the picks to examine which selections represented great value for teams and which leave some questions to still be answered. Topics this show include:
-The top two picks of the draft in Jared Goff and Carson Wentz and the situations these two young signal-callers find themselves in heading into minicamp (1:44) -The situation in Philadelphia and how the Eagles can manage the quarterbacks currently on the roster and what it means for Wentz and his timetable (3:42) -The Denver Broncos trading up to grab Paxton Lynch with the 26th pick and his developmental track to being a starter in the NFL (5:38) -The surprise second-round selection of Christian Hackenberg by the New York Jets and where he fits into the team's long-term plans (8:12) -The fall of Connor Cook to the Oakland Raiders with the 100th pick and whether the fall was warranted (10:40) -Which Day 3 quarterbacks landed in the best situations for them to develop over the course of their rookie contracts (13:32) -The New England Patriots and the selection of Jacoby Brissett and what it says about the long-term future at the position for the team (15:44) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "Will Lynch be the MVP of the league in Denver one day?" (19:13)
The NFL Draft is finally in the books and we are now full speed ahead for the 2016 season. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by ITP draft expert Shane Alexander for the May 3 Quick Kicks Podcast as they look to make sense of how the landscape changed over the 253 picks of this year's draft. Topics on this week's show include:
-Shane's biggest surprises in the first round of the NFL Draft and which teams saw the biggest benefit due to unforeseen events on Day 1 (1:36) -The Cleveland Browns and the trades they executed leading up to and during the draft, and whether or not they were able to capitalize on the number of picks they accumulated due to their actions (3:55) -Day 2 picks that have the greatest upside, as well as picks during these rounds that were baffling due to their apparent talent or scheme-fit issues (5:29) -Washington's draft and how they helped themselves to improve coming off a surprising 2015 campaign (8:07) -The New York Jets confusing decisions on the quarterback and punter positions, and whether or not the picks they made were the best use of resources (10:14) -ITP favorite Dan Vitale and his selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and where he fits during the early part of his NFL career (14:31) -The two undrafted quarterbacks signed by the Seattle Seahawks and what it means for their NFL careers (16:50)
We have finally arrived at the last pick of the ITP Mock War Room Draft. The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl, which would typically leave a team in a position with few holes and expectations of repeating. With the departure of QB Peyton Manning, even with him diminished skillset, there are more questions facing the Broncos than the typical champion. Brandon Thorn of The Football Educator takes the helm of the Denver war room to help guide them as they head into the 2016 season. Tune in to see who they pick.
The ITP Mock War Room Draft nears its conclusion as the Carolina Panthers make pick thirty, leaving just one pick left in the first round. After a close loss in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos, the Panthers may look to add weapons to an offense that relied heavily on Cam Newton to carry the load throughout much of the 2015 season. The departure of CB Josh Norman may weigh on the Panthers during the draft, shifting their strategy as well. Joe Marino of DraftBreakdown and NDT Scouting heads up the war room for the Panthers as they look to make it back to the Super Bowl in 2016. Listen in to see who they pick.
The Arizona Cardinals nearly made the Super Bowl in 2015, losing to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship. The ITP Mock War Room Draft is in its penultimate day as the Cardinals make pick twenty nine, looking to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl in 2016. With a deep offense and a defense skilled at all three levels, this is a team with very few needs heading into the next season. Will the Cardinals use the pick to fill a position of need, or will they build depth for the future? Listen in to find out.
With just two days until the 2016 NFL Draft, we have a bonus podcast for anyone who can't get enough draft. The April 26 Quick Kicks Podcast features an interview with Northwestern University "Superback" Dan Vitale as he heads into the draft this weekend. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield discuss a number of topics with Dan, including:
-How he decided to go to Northwestern despite traditionally not being a football powerhouse (1:03) -What the "Superback" position entails and how it prepared Dan for an NFL career (2:25) -The biggest adjustments Dan had to make to produce at the college level and how those changes will help him on his way to the NFL (5:41) -The draft process and how having a strong team of agents helping him through the last several months has allowed Dan to prepare at a high level (8:06) -The man-bun and the NFL Draft (10:44) -Dan's NFL Draft prospects and the types of team that will value a player with his skillset (12:04)
With only three days to go until the NFL Draft, the ITP Mock War Room Draft has a double feature for you, finishing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City finished at 11-5 on the season before losing to New England in a Divisional Round game. The Chiefs gave up the third-fewest points in the league, but still may look to bolster a defense that could use depth in the secondary and on the defensive line. They also could look to build the interior offensive line, as a number of strong prospects are still available. Tune in as the Chiefs make pick twenty seven to see who they take.
It is a 2-for-1 special on the ITP Mock War Room Draft today, as the Green Bay Packers kick things off with only two days until the NFL Draft. Green Bay saw its typically-strong offense sputter due to injuries to Aaron Rodgers over the course of the season, though the Packers typically build skill position depth in later rounds. They may look to bolster a defensive line that has eroded in recent years as they look to improve on a defense that was inconsistent in 2015. Tune in to see what happens as the Packers make pick twenty seven today.
The NFL Draft is just days away, and the ITP Mock War Room Draft rounds into its final week as the Seattle Seahawks make pick twenty six to kick off the home stretch. While the retirement of RB Marshawn Lynch made waves earlier this offseason, Seattle looks to fill several other needs as well, including bolstering an offensive line that struggled at times last season. Danny Kelly of Field Gulls heads up the Seahawks as they look to make another run to the Super Bowl in 2016. Tune in to see who they select.
The fourth week of the ITP Mock War Room Draft draws to a close as the New York Jets are on the clock with the 20th pick in the first round. GM Jeff Lloyd leads the war room as the Jets look to build on a strong 10-6 campaign that saw New York narrowly miss the playoffs. The retirement of OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is an issue that must be addressed, but the Jets might also look to build depth amongst the skill positions on offense. Tune in to see who goes off the board as the Jets make pick twenty today.
With the ITP Mock War Room Draft still ongoing, Mark Schofield of the ITP Quick Kicks Podcast sits down with Matt Waldman, creator of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio. Mark and Matt touch on a number of topics, both on and off the field, as Matt details his work on the 2016 draft class and the preparation that goes into putting together the RSP. Topics this show include:
-What is Matt's process for putting together the RSP, from the film study to the process of evaluating the players? How has his process evolved over the 11 years the RSP has been in publication? (4:06) -What are Matt's thought on the WR class, and how does he evaluate the position? Who are some players he thinks are underrated, as well as some who are perhaps overrated? (17:01) -What are Matt's thoughts on the QB class? Is this a good class, a deep class? Or perhaps both? We then dive into his top guys, as well as one name he and I are not as high on (21:53) -A few thoughts on Darkness to Light, a group helping sexual abuse survivors that Matt helps with a portion of proceeds from RSP sales (1:03:00)
The Buffalo Bills are on the clock as we head to the 19th pick in the ITP Mock War Room Draft. With QB Tyrod Taylor showing growth in his first year as a starter, the addition of RB LeSean McCoy, and the development of WR Sammy Watkins, the Bills constructed a capable offense that is able to compete in the AFC East. Buffalo's defense ranked in the middle of the pack in a number of categories, and with a deep defensive draft class, that could be the direction the Bills go in. GM Chris Trapasso of NFL.com heads up the Buffalo front office as the Bills make pick nineteen. Listen in for the selection.
We head out to Indianapolis as the Colts make pick eighteen in the Inside the Pylon Mock War Room Draft. Indianapolis was in the bottom third of the league in both points scored and points allowed, with holes to fill on both sides of the ball. There are significant needs on the offensive line, with the pass rush needing a boost as well. GM Lance Poirrier leads the Colts war room through the pick, so listen in to find out what direction he and his staff go in for Indianapolis.
The ITP Mock War Room Draft moves into the second half of the first round as the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. Despite spending a large amount of draft capital in recent years on offensive acquisitions, the Falcons offense sputtered at times in 2015. With several high-profile wide receivers on the board, this could be an area targeted by GM Matt Caraccio of Inside the Pylon and the Saturday 2 Sunday Football Podcast. But with a number of strong defensive talents still available, Atlanta may look to bolster a defense that took a step forward last season. Tune in to see what happens when the Falcons make pick seventeen.
We enter the fourth week of the ITP Mock War Room Draft as the Detroit Lions make pick sixteen. The Lions saw the surprise retirement of WR Calvin Johnson earlier this offseason, but also have holes to address on the defensive line. Tackle and cornerback are also possibilities at this pick, though the talent available might not be the best value at this point in the draft. What will GM Jeff Risdon of RealGM, SideLionReport, and Draft Breakdown do? Listen in and find out.
The Rams have moved back to Los Angeles and now get to make their first selection in their new old home. After seeing quarterback issues throughout the 2015 season, there are still several signal-callers on the board who may interest the Rams as a long-term solution. Wide receiver is also a position of need that could be filled on offense, and the defense could also use an infusion of talent in the secondary. Where will GM Kyle Crabbs of NDT Scouting go with this pick? Tune in to find out.
The Oakland Raiders are on the clock in the ITP Mock War Room Draft as they prepare to make the fourteenth pick. With a year of growth from QB Derek Carr and the emergence of Khalil Mack as a force on defense, Oakland has stars on both sides of the ball to build around. The addition of Amari Cooper last season gives Carr a weapon to pair up with for the next decade, but Oakland may look to add additional firepower on offense. They could also seek to boost what is quickly become a stout defense with one of the many strong front seven prospects as Justis Mosqueda of Playmaker Mentality heads up their draft room as the Raiders make pick #14. Tune in to find out who heads out to Oakland for the 2016 season.
Hump Day is here but so is the ITP Mock War Room Draft to get you through it. We are now on to the thirteenth pick in the draft, with the Miami Dolphins on the clock. After a pre-draft trade with the Philadelphia Eagles netted them cornerback Byron Maxwell and dropped them five spots in the first round, the Dolphins still find themselves needing a cornerback opposite Maxwell. There are also needs in the front seven of the defense, as well as at running back, as Mark Schofield of Inside the Pylon heads up the war room in this episode as the Dolphins make pick thirteen. Listen in to find out what direction they go.
The 12th pick in the ITP Mock War Room Draft is here as the New Orleans Saints are on the clock. Long plagued by salary cap issues, the Saints now look to rebuild through the draft as they attempt to gear up for another set of runs with Drew Brees at quarterback. With a defense that gave up the most points in the league in 2015, there are a number of holes on that side of the ball that New Orleans can address. In a year with a deep defensive class, Dave Archibald of Inside the Pylon heads up the war room as the New Orleans Saints make pick number twelve. Listen in to find out who is taken.
It is the third week of the ITP Mock War Room Draft, as the Chicago Bears make pick eleven with only three and a half weeks until draft day. The Bears struggled to put points on the board, in part due to struggles on the offensive line to provide a consistent pocket for quarterback Jay Cutler, who was sacked 29 times on the year. But Chicago could also look to bolster the weapons around Cutler after the departures of tight end Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte. Bryan Perez of Draft Breakdown and The Bears Wire heads up a knowledgeable front office as the Bears look to retool heading into 2016. Tune in to see who they take with the eleventh pick in the draft.
The second week of the ITP Mock War Room Draft draws to a close as the New York Giants make pick #10. While the Giants scored the sixth-highest point total in the 2015 season, they also gave up the third-most points, and as a result, were the only team in the top seven in points-scored to miss the playoffs. Ronny Carlton of IBN heads up the New York front office as they decide whether to address the dreadful defense or instead look to bolster an already-strong offense.
The ITP Mock War Room Draft saw quarterbacks taken with the last two picks, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make pick number nine in the first round. After taking QB Jameis Winston with the first overall pick last year, the Buccaneers appear to be set at quarterback, making it unlikely that we will see three signal-callers in a row. Luke Easterling of Bleacher Report heads up the war room for Tampa Bay as they look to continue their climb heading into the 2016 season.
The Philadelphia Eagles make pick number eight in the ITP Mock War Room Draft as they look to turn things around following the departure of Chip Kelly. With a number of holes on both sides of the ball, we brought in former NFL player Ross Tucker of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast to help guide the Eagles in a new direction. With a number of holes on both sides of the ball, Ross and his team have their hands full to square away the situation in Philadelphia. Tune in to see what they do with the pick.
The ITP Mock War Room Draft winds its way over to San Francisco, where the San Francisco 49ers make pick seven as we continue our way through the first round. The 49ers have brought in a new coaching staff as they look to rebound from the rapid decline of what was once thought to be a team built for the long-haul. Heading up San Francisco's front office for this podcast is Dan Hatman, director of The Scouting Academy and contributor to Inside the Pylon, as he looks to turn around the fate of the franchise. Does San Francisco look to rebuild a formidable defense that has fallen apart, or do they try to find a new answer at quarterback? Listen in to find out.
The second week of the ITP Mock War Room Draft kicks off as the Baltimore Ravens make pick number six. The Ravens are coming off a disappointing campaign in which their typically-vaunted defense struggled and gave up just over 25 points per game. Will the Ravens, led by Dan Hatman, director of The Scouting Academy and contributor to Inside the Pylon, look to address some of the holes on defense, or will they look to give quarterback Joe Flacco additional weapons on offense as he works his way back from a torn ACL? Listen in to find out.
The ITP Mock War Room Draft charges on as the Jacksonville Jaguars make pick number five as we wrap up our first week of actions. Jacksonville has a number of issues on both sides of the ball, but in particular, the Jaguars defense struggled over the course of the 2015 season, giving up the second-highest point total in the NFL. Will the Jacksonville staff led by Mike Backherms address the myriad issues on defense, or will they look to bolster an up-and-coming offense? Tune in to find out.
With three picks down, the Inside the Pylon Mock War Room Draft has its sights set on Dallas as Jonah Tuls of The Draft Wire takes over leadership and the Dallas Cowboys make pick four. Tuls and his team are looking to retool a squad that was predicted by many to be at or near the top of the NFC East, but struggled due to critical injuries on offense. What road will Jonah and his advisors head down on this pick? In fifteen minutes, you'll have all the answers.
The ITP Mock War Room Draft is now in full swing, and we head out to the west coast as the San Diego Chargers make pick number three. The Chargers had a number of holes on defense but also have an aging quarterback in Philip Rivers who saw a weak offensive line exposed throughout the 2015 season. Heading up the San Diego front office are ITP's own Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield as they look to rebuild this franchise. Will the Chargers address the critical holes on defense or look to bolster an offense as they gear up for another season? Listen in to find out.
With tackle Laremy Tunsil now off the board, the Cleveland Browns are on the clock in the Inside the Pylon Mock War Room Draft. There are new faces in the Cleveland war room, with ITP's own Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda heading up the team making this pick. What will the Browns do to get back to relevance? Tune in to see if they fall victim to a reach at a position of need, or if they go with the best player available.
The Inside the Pylon Mock War Room Draft kicks off with the Tennessee Titans making the first overall selection. The Titans have a number of needs to address and multiple directions they could go with the first overall pick. Headed up by Sharona of SportsBySharona.com, they have fifteen minutes to make a pick that will shape the franchise for years to come. Who will they take? Listen in and find out.
The NCAA basketball tournament is in full swing and we are just three short weeks away from "One Shining Moment" playing as a champion is awarded. We are also now six weeks removed from the end of the NFL season. As such, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda sit down for the March 18 Quick Kicks Podcast to discuss some of the brightest moments from the 2015 NFL season. Topics this show include:
-Khalil Mack's 5-sack game against the Denver Broncos, cementing his status as an elite pass rusher in the NFL en route to being named First Team All-Pro in 2015 (2:14) -The opening week debut of Marcus Mariota and the hope he gave the Tennessee Titans and their fanbase at the outset of the 2015 season (4:05) -Jarvis Landry's 50-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans that showcased his open field ability as he grew during his sophomore campaign for the Miami Dolphins (5:14) -Dion Lewis' spin move facing the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football and his importance to the New England offense prior to his season-ending injury (8:24) -The Indianapolis Colts and their fake punt versus the Patriots that set new records for ineptitude in trickery (10:33) -Cam Newton's fumble in the Super Bowl and his subsequent lack of effort in recovering the football, compared to his performance against the New York Giants at the end of the game in a critical situation (14:09) -Peyton Manning's post-Super Bowl Budweiser and exactly how much Budweiser he drank after the game while he was drinking Budweiser and wondering how much Budweiser he should drink (17:35) -The introduction of the Inside The Pylon Mock War Room Draft, starting on Monday, in which 32 NFL Draft experts assemble their front offices and have 15 minutes to make their selection, with a new pick unveiled every weekday leading up to the NFL Draft (19:48)
The New England Patriots have been busy over the last two days, first trading away DE Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for OG Jonathan Cooper and a 2nd round pick, then sending a 4th round pick to the Chicago Bears for TE Marcellus Bennett and a 6th round pick. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda sit down on the March 17 Quick Kicks Podcast to discuss the moves and how they impact next year's season and beyond for the Patriots. Topics this show include:
-The Bill Belichick philosophy of moving on from players a year earlier than necessary rather than a year later and how this is evident in the Jones trade (1:11) -How Jones and his relatively one-dimensional play allowed Belichick to move on while still keeping the young core of the New England defense together with LB Jamie Collins, LB Dont'a Hightower, and CB Malcolm Butler all up for extensions this offseason (3:59) -How this season's draft class and the depth through the second round makes the pick the Patriots acquired more valuable than in other years, now having picks 60 and 61 in the 2nd round (6:30) -The move for Bennett and how this appears to bolster the New England offense by adding a capable weapon opposite TE Rob Gronkowski to build a loaded 12 personnel grouping (8:59) -Realistic expectations for Bennett and where he fits into the Patriots offense in both the running game and passing game (12:35) -The film on Bennett, looking at the types of routes he runs and how New England will look to utilize these skills in 2016 (16:06)
As the buzz from yesterday's free agent frenzy begins to fade and thoughts start to wander back to the NFL Draft, sometimes it is actually better to take the road less traveled. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield has the March 10 Quick Kicks Podcast, and rather than diving straight back into draft season, they take that magical detour. Where to? Rule changes the competition committee should consider heading into the 2016 season to make the game more exciting and put a better product on the field. Topics this show include:
-An addition coming from rugby, where in addition to the longer extra point introduced during the 2015 season, teams kicking an extra point must kick from where they score on the field horizontally. This adds another wrinkle to the decision-making process as to whether or not to go for two in the event of a score to the corner of the end zone (1:57) -The ability to put a man in motion heading towards the line of scrimmage as opposed to just moving horizontally or away from the line of scrimmage. Also discussed is whether or not an additional man should be allowed in motion (4:28) -Changing the rules on ineligible men downfield on punts and other scrimmage kicks to allow for a greater number of formations similar to what is present in the college game today with the shield punt formation (7:22) -Attempting to clarify the rule regarding catches to make the rule more understandable and easier for referees to interpret (10:06) -Better ways to measure for first downs as opposed to the current system where different sets of chains are employed on multiple sides of the field with different roles in order to figure out where a ball actually is on the field (13:50) -With the NFL continuing to legislate kickoffs out of the game, forcing kickers to kick from their own goal line and having the receiving team start wherever the ball first touches the ground, similar to throwing events in track and field (17:21) -Mark announces his candidacy for president of the quarterbacks union in 2016 (20:53)
The NFL Draft is only seven weeks away and it's time to get to know your potential first-round quarterbacks better. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are joined on the March 9 Quick Kicks Podcast by Brent Sobleski from Bleacher Report to discuss his interviews with the offensive coordinators from the University of California and North Dakota State University who coached Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, respectively. Topics on this episode include:
-Whether the coordinators not only seemed to be defending their player but also defending the schemes in which they utilized in the college game (3:08) -The revelation that Goff had the ability to change plays and protection schemes at the line, and if that gives him a leg up in the evolution process and changes the calculus for teams near the top of the draft (6:36) -The answer to the question of how Wentz was sitting behind formed NDSU starter Brock Jensen, and why this should not be a knock against Wentz (10:33) -The quality of the talent surrounding Wentz and how it can make things look easier for him due to his first read being open in many situations, and how this does not mean he lacks the ability to go through multiple progressions (14:39) -How both of these quarterbacks demonstrate the refrain that you cannot knock a player because of things he was not asked to do in his college scheme, but rather must rely on scouting the traits that are shown (16:34) -The concerns about Goff's frame and build and what his offensive coordinator had to say with regards to the validity of these questions (19:04) -How the NFL Draft and a player's draft position represents just one data point, and how the background stories and thoughts from former coaches can help to inform the total picture on NFL prospects (24:12)
Monday saw one of the best quarterbacks of all-time retire, as two-time Super Bowl winner Peyton Manning called it a career after 18 seasons in the NFL. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are here for the March 8 Quick Kicks Podcast, taking a look at the highs and lows of Manning's career as well as his place in NFL history. Topics this show include:
-The comparison between Peyton Manning and Derek Jeter in terms of players who continued to find ways to contribute to their team in any situation (1:04) -A trait-based breakdown of Manning's game and what the keys to his game were and how those traits compare to other NFL quarterbacks from this era (3:12) -Manning's career and how his early years were marred by defenses that could not provide any cover for the high-powered Indianapolis offense, and the redemption in Manning's second Super Bowl victory in that he was carried by the Denver defense instead (5:59) -Manning's early struggles as a rookie and how instructive this is about how prospects must be given time to fail at the NFL level before a certain level of success can be seen (9:25) -How to go about comparing quarterbacks across multiple eras due to the drastic changes in the rules of the game that have encouraged high-powered passing offensives in the last 15 years (12:50) -Whether ranking quarterbacks compared to their peers and the relative level of dominance over their peers is actually the most efficient way to rank quarterbacks (16:04) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "What is your favorite Peyton Manning game of his career?" (20:17)
As NFL free agency kicks off, a lot of focus is on where big names will end up and which team will win the 2016 offseason. Here at Inside the Pylon, we remain committed to fulfilling our core mission - providing football education at the highest possible level. As such, the March 7 Quick Kicks Podcast has Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield joined by current free agent tackle Mitchell Schwartz, and rather than talking about free agency, we talked about offensive line play. Topics this show include:
-How much the average fan misses when watching a game, both on a detailed level as well as general concepts that influence the outcome of a game (1:27) -The difficulty in trying to identify roles and responsibilities through game film due to the impossibility of knowing exact assignments and whether a player is deviating from them on any given play (2:36) -The amount of communication on every play and the number of different reads that must be made by different players in order to have a scheme working effectively (5:51) -The difficulty of an offensive line in identifying rushers in varied alignments and the types of protections that are used to counter different looks from defenses (8:22) -The type of film study done by an offensive line and the key things that they look for when viewing an opposing defense (10:21) -The types of clues given by an opposing defense into what they may be doing, ranging from how a linebacker changes his stance to body lean from a defensive lineman (12:49) -The top things the average fan can begin to look at in order to understand offensive line play at a greater level than they did previously (15:01) -The chop block and cut block and the changes happening to these plays as the NFL continues to alter the types of plays allowed by linemen and other blockers (19:15)
We continue on our trek through NFL free agency as we turn our sights to the New England Patriots and the potential moves coming out of Foxboro, Massachusetts over the next two months. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are joined by Miguel Benzan of Pats Cap, who lends his expertise to our hosts on the March 4 Quick Kicks Podcast. Topics this show include:
-Miguel's background and how he became interested in putting together information on the New England salary cap, which he has been doing since 2001 (1:52) -The Tom Brady contract and what the potential variations look like from a cap perspective and in terms of the money heading Brady's way over the next four years (3:01) -The recent releases of Brandon LaFell and Scott Chandler and how much cap space these moves produced as well as the likelihood of replacing these players through free agency (4:15) -The relatively thin interior of the Patriots defensive line and whether this is an area that is best addressed through free agency or in a deep draft class at this position instead (6:52) -Whether or not there is enough room under the cap for New England to bring in an additional offensive lineman to stabilize a weak unit from the previous year, and what position would be the most likely target (8:27) -Miguel's assessment of how the Patriots have handled the salary cap over the past fifteen years, recapping some of the best and worst deals signed over that time (10:44) -The constant criticism of how New England manages the cap by often pushing players out who still appear to be in their prime, and whether this criticism is warranted (13:32) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "Is Vernon Adams the ultimate sleeper of this year's QB class?" (18:10)
Despite our focus on the NFL Draft, the more immediate priority for NFL teams is free agency, which kicks off next week. Host Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Jason Fitzgerald from Over The Cap to help make sense of the free agency puzzle, as teams try to figure out how to best allocate financial resources to fill holes on their team prior to the draft. Topics this show include:
-Jason's background and how he found his way into studying the NFL salary cap and his path to building Over The Cap to what it is today (1:35) -The concept of backloading free agent contracts and how it may often put off the inevitable for franchises, but eventually catches up to them as the dead money eventually becomes too much for a team to deal with in a given year (3:16) -With all of the issues associated with backloaded deals, the reasons why many teams are unable or unwilling to offer front-loaded deals (6:37) -Whether any of the recent moves by teams with the franchise tag were surprising this year (8:14) -Muhammad Wilkerson and whether or not there is a long-term deal out there for the lineman or if both the team and player seem content to take the process year-by-year (12:35) -Teams that are either up against the cap this offseason or ones that have a significant amount of room to spend heading into the 2016 season (13:37) -How much of the average NFL contact is actually earned out by players due to the non-guaranteed nature of NFL contracts (17:01) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "What are some passing concepts that teams will lean on to make a rookie quarterback comfortable?" (21:02)
As our countdown to the NFL Draft continues, we dig into one of the often-overlooked areas of projecting prospects - strength and conditioning and how to project injuries. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined on the March 2 Quick Kicks Podcast by Brandon Thorn of The Football Educator to discuss what scouts can learn about a prospect based on how he walks and his actions during drills. Topics this show include:
-Brandon's introduction to physiology and how he initially became interested, and his path towards learning more about the subject over the past several years (2:04) -What types of physical traits can be red flags of things that may lead to injury down the road, and how posture gives us a wealth of information about stress areas in the body and the potential for future breakdowns (3:35) -Structural aspects such as pelvic tilt and lack of ankle dorsiflexion and what they indicate about a prospect's overall athleticism and balance (8:27) -Common areas of strength and conditioning that are lacking in many prospects, as well as areas that tend to be overdeveloped by prospects during their draft preparation (10:45) -What drills that are currently done at the NFL Scouting Combine give reliable information about a player's overall athleticism (12:56) -The lack of knowledge we gain from watching prospects do the bench press, and what drills would be better suited for gleaning this data (15:28) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "Could Greg Hardy potentially be a fit in a 3-4 defensive scheme?" (22:32)
As we enter into March, we continue to close in on the NFL Draft, with the first pick now just nine weeks away. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda dig into two safeties from this year's draft class with the help of ITP writer Dave Archibald, who lends his expertise to an examination of Duke safety Jeremy Cash and William & Mary safety DeAndre Houston-Carson. Breaking down the differences between the two players, this week's show includes:
-The run-stuffing and blitzing skill-set that Cash possesses and what his greatest strengths are on the football field (1:49) -Times that Cash was asked to drop into coverage, either in zone or man coverage, and whether or not he was able to be successful in the limited sample size we saw in those roles (4:29) -Where Cash would be a good value in this year's draft, and the types of pieces he needs around him to be successful early on in his NFL career (7:13) -Houston-Carson and the different traits he possesses and why he is a completely different player than Cash despite nominally playing the same position (8:38) -The ability for Houston-Carson to impact a team on special teams early on in his career, with nine blocks on punts and kicks during his college career, as well as his contributions as a gunner in punt coverage (11:14) -Places of improvement for Houston-Carson to work on heading into his pro day in order to leave the best possible last impression for scouts prior to the draft (14:01) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "What scheme-fit do you see being best for Oregon QB Vernon Adams in the NFL?" (16:57)
With awards season in full swing for film, Inside the Pylon consulted the best film connoisseurs of the Twitterverse for our First Annual Football Oscars. Hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda take you through nine categories that mark excellence in football cinema, from classics such as North Dallas Forty to recent productions such as Friday Night Lights. This year, we awarded nine trophies for the best performances in various categories. Topics this show include:
-The competition for "Best Non-Football Character", eventually won by Mama Boucher from The Waterboy in somewhat of a runaway performance (2:12) -"Best Backup", featuring a tight race between Willie Beamon from Any Given Sunday and Bobby Boucher from The Waterboy (5:21) -The comeback victory in "Best Specialist" for Nigel Gruff from The Replacements, despite Gruff trailing Vince Papale from Invincible who lost his early lead (6:54) -The stacked category of "Best Defender" and how Julius Campbell of Remember the Titans pulled out a win over Alvin Mack of The Program (9:14) -The incredibly-lopsided victory by Herman Boone of Remember the Titans for "Best Coach" (11:18) -The somewhat-unexpected victory by Shane Falco of The Replacements, and the disappointing performance by Jon Moxon of Varsity Blues, finishing in third behind Ronnie "Sunshine" Bass of Remember the Titans (13:45) -"Best Supporting Actor" going to Tim McGraw from Friday Night Lights, taking down Jon Favreau from Rudy (14:58) -The shocking victory of Matthew McConaughey from We Are Marshall as "Best Actor", with Cuba Gooding Jr. being left stunned in second place (15:51) -"Best Football Picture" going to Friday Night Lights with 51% of the vote in a shockingly one-sided victory over a stacked lineup (17:28)
The NFL Scouting Combine is upon us and although we are not in Indianapolis watching the Underwear Olympics, we have out eyes trained on the midwest as the event unfolds. The February 26 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda attempting to turn the Combine from the butt of many Twitter jokes to an event that can actually provide meaningful data for NFL teams. To do this, they recommend several changes to the current format. Topics this show include:
-Replacing the bench press with the hang clean or power clean as a better measure of overall functional strength (3:49) -Utilizing the squat in addition to a clean test as a way to gauge a prospect's lower-body strength in a functional movement (5:54) -Requiring events aside from lifting to be done in full pads in order to better simulate game conditions (6:45) -The inclusion of pass skeleton as a way to see more from quarterbacks than simply throwing individual routes (8:27) -Additional timed position-specific drills for linebackers and defensive backs to better measure the type of agility displayed in games (10:17) -Virtual reality testing as a way to see how different prospects respond to a standardized set of stimuli (12:31) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "How fast does Mark run the forty?" (16:27)
Having cleared Hump Day, we now turn our eyes to the weekend as we head into the Thursday edition of our podcast. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot as they examine the positives and negatives for the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers team, and discuss potential plans for the offseason of one of the NFL's most storied franchises. Topics this show include:
-Recapping the 2015 season from the Steelers and areas where they were able to exceed expectations, as well as the places where there were continued struggles and needs to address heading into 2016 (1:39) -Looking at some of the potential safeties that Pittsburgh could look to invest in during the draft as they look to shore up a potential lack of depth heading into next season (4:39) -The retirement of Heath Miller and whether Pittsburgh will attempt to address this hole in-house, through free agency, or through the draft (7:39) -Where Pittsburgh needs to bolster their defensive line, and whether they are looking for a year-one starter of simply attempting to add depth to supplement their current starters (9:37) -Any potential areas on special teams that could be addressed through the draft or free agency, and whether core special-teamers are likely to be a target in the offseason (12:29) -Whether or not an additional cornerback is needed, as well as how the Steelers draft philosophy has treated the cornerback position historically (14:15) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "How fast does Mark run the forty?" (17:15)
Every week, we get one week closer to the NFL Draft. It might be hard to believe, but that is one of the indisputable laws of nature. Also indisputable is the fact that Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan provides some of the best analysis of the game at the college and pro levels. We're happy to have Emory join us for ITP The Podcast Volume 1.24, as he sits down with Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda to discuss his thoughts on the upcoming draft. Topics this show include:
-Emory's top-rated quarterback, Cardale Jones and the skills he possesses that project well to the NFL level, as well as how his leadership skills will immediately translate to the pro game (2:22) -Dartmouth QB Dalyn Williams and why he jumps above some of the more hyped names out there, as well as the traits that show up on tape for the young signal-caller (4:39) -Trevone Boykin and why he should be left at quarterback to continue to develop the skills he has shown over the last two seasons (7:41) -The reasons for Emory's lower ranking of Carson Wentz given the buzz that has been building recently about the NDSU quarterback (10:04) -Emory's running back rankings including looks at Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry (16:05) -Samford University K Anthony Pistelli and where he may fit as an undrafted free agent, and whether or not he has the ability to compete at the NFL level despite no significant attention during his college career (21:58) -The ITP Glossary term "Swing Route" and its role in NFL and college offenses (29:11) -James Madison University QB Vad Lee, and how he projects as an NFL quarterback and whether or not he could be a valuable late-round pick for the right NFL team (32:18)
Inside the Pylon is proud to celebrate our 50th podcast episode as we introduce you to our sister site covering baseball, Sons of Sam Horn. The February 23 Quick Kicks Podcast features Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield hosting Justin Gorman of SoSH discussing the site's plans for the upcoming baseball season. Topics this show include:
-Key content areas that are going to be a focus over the next few weeks as spring training picks up (2:58) -Whether the baseball community sees quite the same type of fever for prospects as football does, including recent trends that have led to increased interest in prospects in recent years (4:11) -Key storylines the staff is focusing on early on in spring training and other big topics that are likely to come up over the course of the season (6:48) -The crowded Red Sox outfield and whether the level of play seen over the second half of the season reflects the true talent of that group, and whether it will be able to realize the potential seen throughout the unit (9:13) -The unique graphics work put together by Sons of Sam Horn and how it is able to provide both a basic level of understanding of key baseball terms as well as in-depth breakdown of key game sequences (10:49) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "How fast can Mark run the 40-yard dash?" (15:12)
Welcome in to another new week, as the February 22 Quick Kicks Podcast is here to make Monday pass a little faster than it would otherwise. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are joined by Josh Wye from the Woot and Wye Podcast, as the three of them chat on what it's like being an NFL fan in Australia and several subjects relating to this year's draft class. Topics this show include:
-The current state of NFL football in Australia, as well as the rapid growth in interest in recent years, partly due to players such as Jarryd Hayne and a number of Australian punters and kickers (1:39) -The accessibility of NFL content in Australia, both in terms of watching live games as well as how sites such as DraftBreakdown.com have allowed viewers to have access they previously wouldn't have (3:38) -This year's Australian specialists who have a chance to be drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft, including Utah P Tom Hackett, Sam Houston State P Lachlan Edwards, LSU P Jamie Keehn, and Maryland K Brad Craddock (6:59) -The reasons for the seemingly-rapid rise of the Australian specialist and how Australian rules football and rugby have given rise to this recent generation of players (8:35) -The upcoming schedule for the Woot and Wye, including interviews over the next several weeks as well as profiles on Australian prospects heading into the NFL Draft (11:33) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "Which player is this year's Tyler Lockett?" (14:49)
Our final podcast of the week has hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield digging into the story of a top specialist prospect who saw himself out of the league within four years. The February 19 Quick Kicks Podcast takes a look at kicker Alex Henery, who starred at Nebraska, but found himself out of the NFL after a disastrous stint with the Detroit Lions in 2014. Topics this show include:
-Mark's history with Nebraska football and how he found himself at the game in which Henery made a 58-yard field goal against the University of Colorado (1:46) -Henery's college technique and how he wound up having the NCAA record for field goal accuracy upon his graduation from Nebraska (3:08) -The struggles of the Detroit kickers in the first half of the 2014 season and whether or not the rest of the battery was an issue as well (5:17) -The 52-yard field goal against the New York Jets in the 2014 and the key issue that caused the miss, as well as how there might have been some red flags on earlier misses from Henery (6:40) -The importance of scouting the mental side of the game in specialists, as Henery showed some of the best mechanics of any kicker in the last 20 years, but was unable to produce an extended career at the NFL level due to his inability to master the mental aspects (8:50) -Whether or not an NFL GM should take a chance on Henery as a kicker to bring into training camp as competition, and the types of things that need to be examined during that stint to see if he is capable of being an NFL-caliber kicker at this point in his career (12:18) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "If you were conducting interviews for a team at the combine, what question would you ask to see if a prospect is ready for the next level?" (15:11)
The NFL Draft continues to inch closer, and we start to dig into some greater depth on potential picks as we head towards draft day. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda take an extended look at Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg in the February 18 Quick Kicks Podcast, giving listeners a chance to see the evolution of the young signal-caller over the course of his career in Happy Valley. Topics this show include:
-The major reasons for the shift in Hackenberg's production over the course of his career and the key areas in which he regressed (1:15) -The areas in which Hackenberg appears least comfortable and the types of issues that have cropped up in the last two years (3:03) -Whether or not there are any current or recent NFL quarterbacks who saw a similar regression at the college ranks and still were able to become productive quarterbacks at the pro level (5:22) -The inevitable rumors tying Hackenberg to Bill O'Brien in Houston and whether or not there is any merit to the stories that continue to pop up (8:05) -Where Hackenberg is likely to go in the NFL Draft as well as where his talent dictates he should go, and whether the rule changes in the NFL game have led to the extremely steep valuation at the quarterback position (10:48) -The Twitter Question of the Day, "What is the most underrated component of a quarterback's game when evaluating them?" (12:41)
The 23rd installment of our flagship 40-minute podcast is here, with host Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield continuing our offseason analysis. ITP The Podcast Volume 1.23 features our two regular hosts, along with Jon Ledyard of The Draft Wire at USAToday as they take you through this week's big events that are shaping the NFL Draft. Topics this show include:
-The ITP Glossary term "Hitch Step" as a timing mechanism and means for a quarterback to begin his throw after taking his drop (2:07) -Jon's current projects and where he stands in his draft preparation as he looks to build out scouting reports with just nine weeks until the NFL Draft (7:14) -Players Jon is interested in seeing at the NFL Combine in two weeks and the events in which he is most focused on (8:17) -Jon's rankings along the defensive line, which is widely acknowledge to be one of the strongest areas of this year's draft (11:44) -Where teams can find help at offensive tackle once the top two OT prospects are off the board and whether there is any depth to this year's class (14:26) -The "TeamBuilder Mock Draft" and how you can follow Jon's progress on Twitter (19:19) -Chuck and Mark's picks for the NFL player most likely to be mentioned in a Grammy-winning song next (25:40) -A bonus ITP Glossary term, discussing "Directional Punting" and its use in the modern NFL game (29:48)
The February 16 Quick Kicks Podcast continues to delve into offseason issues as teams plan for several big dates that are drawing closer on the calendar. One of those dates is March 9, which is the official opening of free agency. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield dig into some of the questions surrounding this time of year, looking at some of the prospective players that are likely to be available as roster construction begins. Topics this episode include:
-Dwight Freeney and the role of the situational pass-rusher and how this can be a difference-making position for a team that needs a small boost at a low cost (2:24) -Travis Benjamin and how he may be an upgrade after a quiet start to his career but a big 2015 despite instability at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns (3:33) -Darrius Hayward-Bay and his ability to fill a role as a third receiver on a contending team despite his inability to be a star on his own (6:27) -James Starks and whether Green Bay ends up locking him up as their feature back or whether he will end up going on the market as a viable lower-cost option (8:52) -The Twitter Question of the Day, "How much do you knock a guy for trying to pull off a man-bun? Do you lower him a round or two or completely take him off your board?" (13:07)
With the Super Bowl now firmly planted in the past, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda take the February 15 Quick Kicks Podcast into draft mode as our 2016 NFL Draft coverage continues. NFL teams continue to gather more information on prospects for this year's draft, and Mark and Chuck are here to bring you up to speed on the latest happenings for this year's prospects. Topics this show include:
-The top snubs for this year's NFL Scouting Combine, including Alabama QB Jake Coker, Baylor WR Jay Lee, Middle Tennessee State S Kevin Byard, and Duke K Ross Martin (1:50) -The purpose of the regional scouting combines that occur prior to the main event in Indianapolis at the end of the month, including what we saw from Akron LB Jatavis Brown earlier this week at one of those regional events (4:54) -Chuck and Mark make their nominations to fill the now-vacant seat on the Supreme Court, each submitting two picks from people currently associated with the NFL in some fashion (9:25) -The Twitter Question of the Day, "Who are the most underrated prospects heading into this year's NFL Draft?" (15:14)
With the Super Bowl now fading into our rearview mirror, the February 12 Quick Kicks Podcast begins to tackle the offseason with a look at some of the key issues that are in play for teams as we had towards free agency. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield delve into the sudden retirements of Calvin Johnson and Marshawn Lynch and how these moves may send ripples throughout the NFL in the offseason. Topics include:
-Whether potential early retirements have to be something for NFL teams to prepare for after the moves from these two superstars and other players in recent years such as the San Francisco 49ers' Chris Borland last offseason (2:48) -Other early retirements in the history of the NFL including Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and Ricky Williams, and whether NFL teams need to do additional due diligence in figuring out the place football has in a player's life (5:22) -Which of these two teams will have the bigger challenge replacing Lynch and Johnson, and whether the roles in which these players were currently used will make it easier for their teams to find capable replacements (10:50) -Our Twitter Question of the Day, "Who are the candidates to run the fastest at the combine this year?" (14:20)
With the Super Bowl over, the thoughts of football fans once again turn to the NFL Draft. With draft day only ten weeks away, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda sit down for the February 11 Quick Kicks Podcast with guest Bryan Perez, co-owner of DraftBreakdown.com to get his thoughts on this year's draft class as we start to learn more about the prospects. Topics this show include:
-The noHuddle Remote from DraftBreakdown and how it interacts with the videos on the site to provide a cleaner viewing experience for game film connoisseurs (1:11) -Players who stood out to Bryan down in Mobile and the players who saw the biggest jump in their draft stock due to their performance over the course of the week (4:36) -Skill position talent at the Senior Bowl and who was able to distinguish themselves in a relatively thin group this year, as well as looking at Braxton Miller and his development path as a former quarterback converting to wide receiver (7:35) -San Jose State RB Tyler Ervin and his place in the NFL despite lacking size that many NFL teams typically desire from the running back position (9:57) -The tremendous depth of defensive linemen present in this year's draft class, but also examining whether any linebackers or defensive backs stood out amongst the crowd in Mobile (11:54) -The upcoming NFL Scouting Combine and the storylines Bryan is watching most closely heading into this key event at the end of the month (15:48)
Our 40-miunte Wednesday podcast is back as ITP The Podcast Volume 1.22 helps to get you through your post-Super Bowl lull. Now firmly planted in three weeks of Sports Hell, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield dig into some final thoughts on Super Bowl 50, along with some help from Brandon Thorn of The Football Educator. Topics this episode include:
-Britton Colquitt and the case for him to be the first punter to win Super Bowl MVP, and whether this is a reflection of the weakness of other candidates or the strength of Colquitt's game in a critical phase of the game (2:05) -An early discussion of the Schofield Big Board of Draft Quarterbacks, as well as a breakdown of the relative value of picking quarterbacks in various rounds, and whether second tier quarterbacks are worth it on the risk/reward scale as far as salary and production are concerned (9:29) -Brandon breaking down the keys to the Denver Broncos' victory and how they were able to employ various pressure schemes to both contain Cam Newton and prevent him from getting in rhythm throughout the game (15:03) -The physiology of NFL prospects and how it can be used as a puzzle piece to help project future development or injury risks (23:39) -The ITP Glossary term "Kill Call" and how offenses use it to change a play at the line of scrimmage in a simple and efficient manner, as well as how it compares to other type of audibles used by NFL teams (30:46)
The Denver Broncos are world champions, defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda have recovered from their post-Super Bowl hangover and are here to give you the ins and outs of how the Broncos took down the favored Panthers. Topics this show include:
-The struggles of Cam Newton and how the relentless and well-executed Denver pass rush was able to disrupt the rhythm of Newton even when not sacking the talented quarterback (2:02) -Newton's inability to minimize mistakes in the passing game and how the turnovers this game turned out to be one of the key points deciding the eventual outcome (3:49) -Special teams miscues from the Panthers in both the punt game and on field goals and how these critical errors became massive in a closely-contested game (6:46) -Newton's performance and how he has become a mirror for modern sports fans to see whatever they choose to see, when in reality, the picture is much more complex than simply being good or bad (10:55) -Peyton Manning and the redemption of finally not having to carry a team to a title after seeing so many teams fail due to defensive shortcomings that had nothing to do with his performance (17:03)
With two days until the Super Bowl, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda wrap up their week of coverage with a look at the matchup on special teams in the February 5 Quick Kicks Podcast. With a number of contests this postseason having come down to critical special teams plays, there is an increased scrutiny on kicks, punters, and returners as we inch closer to Sunday. Topics this show include:
-Chuck and Mark singing Aerosmith's "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" in honor of the late Harry Stamper (0:00) -The battle on kickoffs between Carolina and Denver, two teams that have struggled to put together consistent returns during the year and likely are not major threats (3:36) -Brad Nortman and the massive distance he can produce, as well as in the inconsistency that shows up on his kicks from his own zone occasionally (4:24) -Whether or not there is any common factor in Nortman's weaker kicks that Denver may be able to exploit (6:30) -Britton Colquitt's recent hot streak and how his outstanding directional ability may a key to Denver in a tight game that is decided by field position (8:45) -The long snappers for both teams and whether this is an area of any weakness (11:51) -Who holds the record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history and whether or not Nortman has a chance to break it, as well as a discussion on the physics of ball flight (14:53) -Super Bowl predictions and bets (17:28)
The second part of our Super Bowl preview continues with a look at the Carolina Panthers offense and the Denver Broncos defense on the February 4 Quick Kicks Podcast. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by fellow writer Ted Nguyen, who has produced a series of articles previewing the big game. Topics from this show include:
-Carolina's run-pass option and how they utilize it in unique ways that could pose a challenge to a normally-stout Denver defense (1:59) -Whether the Broncos will need to drop extra defenders into coverage in order to deal with the Carolina passing game or if they can continue to stack seven men in the box throughout the game (4:56) -Ted's ideal gameplay for Carolina and how he would utilize the weapons available on the Panthers offense (7:11) -The use of play-action by Carolina and the types of route combinations they use off this action (9:33) -The types of things the Panthers need to show early in the game in order to demonstrate they can move the ball consistently against Denver (11:55)
Every Wednesday, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda strap it up for an extended 45-minute podcast to discuss some of the key stories happening in the NFL and college football. This week they are joined by Jeff Risdon of RealGM.com and DraftBreakdown.com to help make sense of the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Topics this show include:
-Cardale Jones and the dangers of boxscore scouting, as something that appears as simple as an interception can actually be due to a number of factors, and a quarterback throwing a pick may have actually done a number of things right on the play that don't show up on paper (2:04) -Whether Carolina Panthers punter Brad Nortman can overcome some late season inconsistency and unleash the big leg he is known for, or whether his sporadic struggles could be an issue in the field position game during the Super Bowl (8:15) -Jeff discussing a number of the big prospects who made waves in Mobile, Alabama during the Senior Bowl, including Carson Wentz, Austin Johnson, Vernon Butler, Dan Vitale, Jihad Ward, and a several others that caught Jeff's eye (14:24) -The ITP Glossary term "silent count" and how it relates to the recent issues the New England Patriots faced on the offensive line in their AFC Championship Game loss to the Denver Broncos (26:54) -Stories from previous Super Bowls with Chuck and Mark, including Chuck trekking through the streets of New York City in a Randy Moss jersey and Mark nearly ordering the wrong team's swag for the big game (31:25)
With only five days to go until the Super Bowl, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda take to the tape to look at the Denver Broncos offense in the February 2 Quick Kicks Podcast. While this unit has had its ups and downs this year, there are still several opportunities for them to find space against a tough Carolina Panthers defense. Topics include:
-Peyton Manning and expectations in the Super Bowl after an extra week of rest, and whether or not the lack of velocity on his throws will be an issue against the speed of the Panthers (1:47) -How Carolina will match up with the Denver receivers and tight ends in the passing game and why the Broncos will be unlikely to find a lot of space against various defensive personnel (5:29) -The Denver running game and how they can find room against a Carolina front that has been stout against the run, including looking at previous similar zone blocking schemes that the Panthers have faced in 2015 (10:04) -Pre-snap motion in the Broncos offense and the use of rub routes to try to find open space (13:23) -Mark's X-factor for the Denver offense in the Super Bowl (16:34)
It's Super Bowl week, and while the big game is just six days away now, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield take one last look at the Senior Bowl on the February 1 Quick Kicks Podcast. With nearly eighty players competing this year, it offered a tremendous glimpse into some of the best players in the country looking to move up draft boards, and Chuck and Mark were down in Mobile to document everything. Topics from this show include:
-Kevin Byard and how he was able to improve his draft stock over the course of the week (2:37) -The lack of any true impact tight ends in Mobile and how the college game has evolved away from the position in recent years (3:47) -How Ed Eagan of Northwestern State showed the ability to compete at the NFL level despite his small stature, as well as why any Julian Edelman comparisons are for too early at this point (7:12) -Eric Striker and whether or not he will be able to overcome his lack of prototypical size to find a niche in the NFL (10:46) -The impressive directional punting game of Wake Forest punter Alex Kinal and how this fits into what many teams do on their punt units in today's game (14:19)
With one one day to go until the Senior Bowl on Saturday, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda discuss some of the top athletes during Senior Bowl practices on the January 29 Quick Kicks Podcast. Mark digs into the play of quarterbacks over the lasttwo days, while Chuck examines Northwestern fullback Dan Vitale and his recent performance. Chuck and Mark also look at wide receivers who have had a positive impact this week, and Chuck breaks down the two kickers present in Mobile and how their draft stock has shifted.
With the Senior Bowl in full swing, Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda have headed down to Mobile, Alabama to check out some of the top prospects in the country. They are joined on this episode by Shane Alexander, who breaks down his first mock draft for Inside the Pylon. Among the topics covered in this episode are the critical positions on each side of the ball, difficult-to-project picks such as RB Ezekiel Elliott and LB Myles Jack, and how to balance the talent levels of players with team needs.
While two teams punched their tickets for San Francisco with wins in last weekend's conference championship games, ITP The Podcast Volume 1.20 starts to roll towards draft season as the calendar closes in on February. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda start laying the groundwork for May's NFL Draft, as well as touching on the release of Mark's first book, 17 Drives: College Football's 2015 Season, One Game At A Time. Topics include:
-Mark and Chuck's top prospects to watch in Mobile, AL at the Senior Bowl, including Mark's thoughts on what Carson Wentz needs to do over the course of the week and Chuck's top kicking prospects (3:08) -The ITP Glossary term "Target Distance Punted (TDP)", a better metric for measuring the leg strength and distance control of punters (11:38) -Mark's recently-released book, 17 Drives, and the story the book tells as it takes readers through the 2015 season (16:02) -The kicker evaluation process, including the key segments of a kicker's mechanics to watch during study and how these pieces can give clues as to a kicker's projected success at the NFL level (28:06) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the TD from Carolina Panther QB Cam Newton to WR Corey Brown (37:59)
Yesterday, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield broke down the AFC Championship with fellow Inside the Pylon writer Dave Archibald. Today, Chuck and Mark dig into the NFC battle on the January 26 Quick Kicks Podcast and show you how the Carolina Panthers knocked off the Arizona Cardinals. This show's topics include:
-How Carolina took control of the game at the end of the first quarter and never looked back (1:04) -Carson Palmer's inability to establish a rhythm in the passing game and whether this was due to the pressure schemes of the Panthers defense (4:08) -Whether the Carolina offense will be able to move the ball effectively in their power running game against the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl (8:58) -How Denver will have to adapt their pass rush against Cam Newton due to his running ability (10:32) -The potential return of Thomas Davis for the Super Bowl after breaking his arm in the second quarter of this game, and the key role that he plays for the Panthers (11:49) -An early look at the Super Bowl and how the matchup between these two teams is more defensively-oriented than recent years (13:24)
The AFC Championship Game is over and the Denver Broncos are heading on to the 2016 Super Bowl. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield bring in fellow ITP author Dave Archibald to break down the key plays from the NFL semifinal, looking at the reasons for the Broncos' victory over the New England Patriots. Topics include:
-How this game played out as defensive battle with neither offense able to establish a rhythm thought the game (1:12) -Whether the Denver success was due more to a schematic victory by defensive coordinator Wade Phillips or individual successes by Broncos players (3:25) -The shift by Denver from a man-to-man scheme to a predominantly zone scheme and how it disrupted the New England offense in the first half (6:51) -The lack of a running game from the Patriots and the ability of the Denver defensive ends to get upfield without having to worry about containing the run (9:09) -The missed extra point from Stephen Gostkowski and how it affected strategy and the eventual outcome of the game in the second half (10:29) -What Denver has to do in order to be successful in the Super Bowl and how they can get their offense on track to generate consistent yardage (15:40)
The January 22 Quick Kicks Podcast wraps up the week as Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda dig into the matchup between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. They are joined on this episode by Daniel Syed of Syed Schemes and Inside the Pylon, who offers his views on the key concepts that will shape this game. Subjects include:
-How the Chris Harris injury for Denver will affect how the Broncos look to shut down the quick New England receivers (1:15) -Whether or not Julian Edelman's timing will be closer to normal after an additional week of practice with the Patriots (3:23) -The Denver usage of trap coverage, and how it has broken down for them in recent weeks and allowed several big plays for opposing offenses (6:40) -How the Broncos rely on their ground game to move their offense at this point, and how New England can adjust their scheme to counter the Denver zone blocking scheme (9:20) -How special teams will play a role in this game, including which team has the edge if this turns into a defensive struggle with a high number of punts (12:31)
With the NFL Draft now only four months away, teams are starting to take stock of prospects as the post-season evaluation process begins. While four teams are still battling it out for the Super Bowl, scouts eyes are focused on Tampa this week for the Shrine Game. The January 21 Quick Kicks Podcast features hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield with Jeff Risdon of RealGM, DraftBreakdown, and SideLionReport coming to you live from the site of the Shrine Game for a first-hand look at the big events of the week. Topics include:
-The increased presence of NFL scout at the Shrine Game and the reasons for that in recent years (1:10) -Key prospects who have helped or hurt themselves on the offensive and defensive lines (2:25) -FCS players who may be getting extra attention during the week and could find themselves getting selected with a late-round pick or as undrafted free-agents (5:23) -Players who may be able to carve out a role as core special teams players during their first few years in the NFL as they build out their skillset (6:43) -Punters and kickers who stood out during the special teams segments of practice (10:54) -Who stood out amongst wide receivers, as well as who hurt their chances over the course of the week (12:06) -Quarterback prospects at the Shrine Bowl, and who amongst the group stood out as being head and shoulders above the rest of the group (14:41)
Four teams remain as the NFL season heads into its penultimate weekend where two winners will head to the Super Bowl. ITP The Podcast Volume 1.19 is here to give you the rundown of what to expect this weekend, and also to begin discussing everyone's favorite topic for the offseason - the NFL Draft. Hosts Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda are joined by Dan Hatman from The Scouting Academy and Brandon Thorn from The Football Educator as they give their thoughts on some key events from around the NFL. Topics include:
-Key prospects to watch at next week's Senior Bowl practices as draft season heats up, with Mark and Chuck listing some of their top targets (1:48) -Dan breaking down the latest round of coaching and front office hires from around the league, touching on new head coaches in Tennessee and San Francisco, as well as the unique front office structure recently created in Cleveland (12:28) -Brandon discussing the struggles of the Denver Broncos offense against the Pittsburgh Steelers, how the New England Patriots can attack the feared Denver defense, and whether the previous matchup between these two teams is any guide for how this weekend's game will play out (23:24) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the key connection between Tom Brady and Julian Edelman in the Patriots win over the Kansas City Chiefs (31:57) -The ITP Glossary term "Kickoff Safeties", discussing typical personnel, the varied kickoff strategies from team to team and how that affects positioning, and the key role that safeties play on kickoff coverage units (37:14)
With the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals heading to the NFC Championship Game, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are here for the January 19 Quick Kicks Podcast Part 2 to dig into the tape and see how they got past the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. From the nearly-classic comeback in Carolina to the incredible finish in Phoenix, this 15-minute look gets you all the info you need on the Divisional Round games. Subjects include:
-Aaron Rodgers ability to bring the Packers back on a nearly-impossible last drive with two incredible throws on the final Green Bay drive (1:59) -The final Arizona drive and Larry Fitzgerald continuing his outstanding play this year as he solidifies his case for the Hall of Fame (5:01) -How the Packers schemed to make the Cardinals work for their yardage, with much of their success being on second and third reads throughout much of the game (6:39) -The phenomenal athleticism of the Carolina defense and how they were able to completely shut down the Seahawks in the first half (8:43) -The Panthers challenging Seattle with the running game at the outset and how directly attacking the Seahawks' strength enabled them to put Seattle on its heels (10:49) -The amazing quality of the battles over the Divisional Round and the potential for more great clashes with the four teams remaining in the Championship Round (13:45)
The AFC Divisional Round games are in the book and the January 19 Quick Kicks Podcast Part 1 is a 15-minute trip through the events that unfolded in the AFC over the weekend. Mark Schofield and Chuck Zodda break down the key concepts from the battles between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs as well as the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers. Topics include:
-Recapping last week's predictions for this game and how closely it followed them (1:35) -The importance to the New England offense of having Julian Edelman back in the fold after the wide receiver missed the se and half of the season with a foot injury (2:38) -Whether the inability to defend the run against the Chiefs will be something that continues to be an issue against Denver, or if it was scheme-related (5:27) -The ability of Bill Belichick, Matt Patricia, and the New England defense to take away Travis Kielce as a threat over the course of the game (7:29) -The inability of Denver to move the ball consistently until their final drive of the game and the continued issues in the passing game (8:54) -Whether Pittsburgh's lack of personnel in the box contributed to the Broncos ability to run the ball throughout the game (12:23) -How the New England offensive line will stand up against Denver's front seven, and the importance to the Patriots of having Edelman as a safety valve in the passing game (13:52) -The lack of consistency from New England running the ball and if it will be a concern next weekend (14:44)
With the weekend closing in, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield take aim at the first game of the Divisional Round in the January 15 Quick Kicks Podcast. Rich Hill from Pats Pulpit joins Chuck and Mark as they discuss the upcoming clash between these teams. Topics include:
-Examining the injury situation of the Patriots, including the offensive line and expectations after struggles in the second half of the season, as well as skill position players who can pick up the slack after a lackluster finish (1:31) -The inability of New England to generate any type of sustained running attack after the losses of Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount to injury (4:26) -Whether Kansas City has the offensive capability to exploit the Patriots' weaknesses on defense (6:38) -How the 2014 blowout win by the Chiefs factors in to this weekend's game (10:07) -The critical role of special teams in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring due to both weather and depleted offenses (11:57) -Predictions from Rich, Mark, and Chuck for Saturday's game (14:54)
The second-ever CFB National Championship has come and gone, and the January 14 Quick Kicks Podcast has Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield ready to break down the action. Topics from this show include:
-The evenly-matched first half, with both Clemson and Alabama trading blows en route to a 14-14 tie at halftime (2:22) -The unexpected Crimson Tide onside kick in the second half with the game tied, including the mechanics of an onside kick, and the scouting involved in pulling off a surprise onside kick (3:58 -The Alabama drive after the onside kick and how they were able to capitalize on a momentum-changing play (9:18) -Jake Coker's performance at quarterback and whether or not his showing changed any evaluations heading into the Senior Bowl (12:21) -The expectations for Clemson heading into the 2016 season and whether they can build on a powerful 2015 campaign or will regress in trying to maintain this level of play (15:48)
The first weekend of playoff football is in the books and ITP The Podcast Volume 1.18 is here to recap the Wild Card Weekend action and preview the four games of the Divisional Round. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield take a look at all of the critical matches with help from guests Luke Easterling of Bleacher Report and Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. Topics this week include:
-Previewing matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, looking at whether or not anything can be gleaned from the 2014 matchup, how New England can attack the Kansas City defense, and whether the Chiefs offense is capable of generating enough offense to win (1:19) -Whether a beat-up Pittsburgh Steelers team can go on the road and compete against the Denver Broncos, as well as what to look for from Peyton Manning in his first start back after missing much of the second half of the season (6:37) -Luke discussing the situation in Tampa Bay, touching on the coaching change as the team moves on from Lovie Smith, what is expected from Jameis Winston heading into the 2016 season, and also looking at Luke's quarterbacks of interest at the Senior Bowl (9:43) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Davonte Adams facing Washington in the Wild Card round (20:07) -The ITP Glossary term "Cadence" and its application by various offenses (24:45) -Alex discussing the Steelers injury situation, how the Pittsburgh running game can compete against a strong Denver run defense, and how the use of run-pass option plays may be a key to the outcome of this game for the Steelers (27:36) -How the Green Bay Packers can compete against the Arizona Cardinals, and whether the Cardinals offense will be too much for Green Bay to overcome (35:34) -The clash between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks and how previous meetings will inform what happens in this game, how the Carolina linebackers will help to defeat the Seattle play-action game, and whether Kam Chancellor can take Greg Olsen out of the game (39:35)
Mark and Chuck are back for the January 12, 2015 Quick Kicks Podcast, this time looking at the craziness of the NFC Wild Card Weekend matchups. This 15-minute look at the big stories of this round of the playoffs covers the following topics:
-The errors by each member of the Minnesota Vikings battery, detailing the issues with the snap, hold, and kick (1:33) -An in-depth look at the mechanics of long-snapping and how the snapper factors in to building a proper hold (4:20) -Why the kick Blair Walsh faced differs from the average fan being able to make a 27-yard kick, including a discussion of Chuck's first-ever field goal attempt (7:11) -Mark's experience as a holder and how he handled the interaction as the focal point between the long snapper and kicker (9:29) -What the tape of the Green Bay Packers' offense showed and how it may have differed from what the box score looked like (15:12) -Where does Kirk Cousins fit into Washington's plans heading into 2016 (16:56) -The key improvement that Cousins must make in the offseason as he seeks to build on this season (19:49)
In the first installment of our daily 15-minute podcast, ITP The Podcast: Quick Kicks features hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield breaking down the action from the two AFC Wild Card games. In this fast-paced show designed to quickly get you up to speed on the big stories of the day, Chuck and Mark discuss:
-The opening kickoff return by Knile Davis and its impact on the flow of the game from the outset (1:24) -Whether the shutout of the Houston Texans was due to the Kansas City Chiefs' defense, Texans' offense, or a combination of both(4:38) -Kansas City's offense and the continued growth of tight end Travis Kelce as a versatile weapon in the passing game (6:42) -The physicality of the battle between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers and its impact on the eventual outcome of the game (9:40) -The final drive of the Bengals/Steelers game and how penalties helped Pittsburgh overcome a potentially devastating injury to Ben Roethlisberger (11:17) -Whether the Steelers can compete in Denver with a depleted offense due to the uncertain status of Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown (13:51)
The final week of the NFL season is in the books and the playoff picture is set in both conferences. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are back for their final podcast of the regular season as they look to get you ready for the NFL Playoffs and CFB Championship. Chuck and Mark are joined by Danny Kelly of FieldGulls.com and Trevor Sikkema of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who are on hand to give you insight into this week's biggest matches. Topics this show include:
-The Week 17 NFC North battle between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers and whether or not the Vikings are a legitimate contender this year, and how the Packers offense can get back on track in the playoffs(1:07 -Danny discussing the Seattle Seahawks and the keys to their second-half resurgence, as well as the outstanding play of Russell Wilson and how he has flown under the radar with a tremendous 2015 season (5:55) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring A.J. McCarron's hookup on a seam route to Tyler Eifert and Mark's analysis of the growth of McCarron in his fill-in duty for Andy Dalton (14:45) -Trevor analyzing the CFB Championship matchup between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide, digging into the key battles that will shape the outcome of this game (19:27) -The ITP Glossary term "Split Zone" and its application in modern offenses, as well as why teams will utilize this strategy as opposed to traditional zone blocking on running plays (28:43) -The critical positional battles for the upcoming Wild Card Weekend, looking at the Vikings linebackers versus the Seattle play-action game, Kirk Cousins in his playoff debut, whether the Pittsburgh Steelers and their offense can counter the strong defense of the Cincinnati Bengals, and how the punt units of Green Bay and Seattle look to counter potentially strong return units (33:47)
Week 16 saw the last of the undefeated teams fall as the Carolina Panthers lost to the Atlanta Falcons. ITP The Podcast Volume 1.16 takes a look at this matchup, as well as several other top stories from this week in the NFL. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Doug Farrar of Sports Illustrated and Dr. Andy Guyader of TheQ5.com to give listeners insight into where things are going as the playoffs draw closer. Topics this week include:
-How the Atlanta Falcons were able to defeat the Carolina Panthers, and whether or not what the Falcons showed on Sunday is a blueprint for the rest of the league to attack Carolina in the playoffs (1:56) -The battle between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos for the remaining bye week in the AFC, focusing on the missed field goal from Broncos kicker Brandon McManus at the end of regulation and his ability to bounce back in overtime for the game-winner (6:08) -Doug discussing his recent time spent watching film with Seattle Seahawks defensive linemen Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, as well as touching on what to expect from the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots as they near the playoffs (9:57) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the hookup from Alex Smith to Travis Kelce, and how Kelce's route-running allowed this play to open up just as designed (20:25) -Andy discussing the accuracy of some of his pre-season predictions from his game maps, as well as several unexpected trends he has noticed this season. Andy also discusses his earlier involvement in the Army-Navy game and why it continues to be a special matchup every fall, regardless of the records of the two teams (25:20) -Discussion of the ITP Glossary term "Pivot Route" and how it is utilized in modern offenses, as well as a breakdown of the best ball placement for this specific route (36:25)
While it is a short holiday week for most people, there is nothing short about ITP The Podcast Volume 15. Chuck Zodda & Mark Schofield are back to examine the key storylines from Week 15 in the NFL, and this time are joined by a trio of guests to make sure they leave no stone unturned. Jeff Lloyd, Kyle Crabbs from NDTScouting.com, and Shane Alexander from A1GFootball.com stop by, lending their excellent analysis to this week's show. Topics this week include:
-The Pittsburgh Steelers taking down the Denver Broncos, focusing on how the potent Pittsburgh attack was able to overcome a usually-strong Denver secondary, as well as how the rest of this season is likely to play out at quarterback for the Broncos (2:39) -Jeff discussing the emergency of the New York Jets in the AFC East, the game-long melee between Odell Beckham, Jr. and Josh Norman, as well as his top draft prospects at wide receiver and cornerback (8:34) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring a 27-yard touchdown connection between Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett, focusing on the development of Lockett as a receiver over the course of the 2015 season (23:13) -Kyle explaining where he currently is in his yearly scouting process, as well as detailing a number of prospects he is focusing on during bowl season, in particular, the upcoming College Football Playoff semi-finals (27:38) -The ITP Glossary term of the week, breaking down the "Fire Call" on field goals and extra points and how teams react when disaster strikes on a normally-routine play (36:39) -Shane breaking down the key matchups during the upcoming slate of bowl games and who he is focused on over the next several weeks of action (39:02)
Several weeks ago, Bleacher Report's lead draft analyst Matt Miller tweeted a list of his '10 Scouting Rules' he utilizes in building his profiles of draft prospects. Shortly after this, former NFL scout Dan Hatman began a series for Inside the Pylon detailing examples of each of these rules and why they are so important to the scouting process. Now, Matt and Dan join regular hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield for a bonus roundtable discussion on Matt's scouting rules and the process behind the rankings that fans want to see. Topics in this episode include:
-How does Matt's own self-evaluation of his process and methods lead to improvement in his scouting in future years, including how long it took Matt to feel comfortable with his scouting reports (1:14) -Dan on any additional rules he would add to Matt's '10 Scouting Rules' and how he uses them in his evaluations (5:22) -The importance of talking to team scouts and personnel to bolster your own knowledge as a scout as you look to become a better scout (9:34) -The grading process and whether it simply focuses on a player in comparison to his draft year or how his value projects in the context of other drafts (13:07) -The importance of context when scouting a player, not only looking at statistics and production, but the reasons why those may be either inflated or less than what a player can do at the next level (14:39) -Which one of Matt's 10 rules he has the most difficulty in following, and why it can be difficult for many scouts to remain disciplined in their reports (17:14) -Issues with group-think in both the amateur scouting ranks as well as within professional organizations (18:48) -The importance of studying film or watching workouts, and why game tape tends to be a more accurate resource than the non-game environment of many workouts (25:53) -The prospects for Alabama running back Derrick Henry and why players who win numerous college awards do not always have the skills to succeed in the NFL (29:58)
With Week 14 in the books and some upheaval at the top of the AFC, ITP The Podcast Volume 1.14 is here to guide you through all of the top stories of the last week. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are back in the latest installment of our podcast, this time featuring Alex Kirby of ProFootballStrategy.com to discuss his new book on The Greatest Show on Turf, as well as current trends in NFL offenses. This week's topics include:
-The clinching of the AFC East by the New England Patriots and the unbelievable run they have had at the top of that division over the last 15 seasons (1:36) -The Oakland Raiders surprise victory over the Denver Broncos, and whether this signals the Raiders can be a force in the AFC West heading into 2016 (3:39) -The clash between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, including Dwight Freeney's last-minute strip-sack of Teddy Bridgewater and the value of situational pass-rushers in today's NFL (9:37) - The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring Ryan Fitzpatrick's touchdown to Eric Decker, and how Decker has flown under the radar in New York this season (16:07) -The ITP Glossary term "Tunnel Screen", looking at the evolution of the play and its usage within modern offenses (22:06) -Alex discussing his new book, The Greatest Show on Turf: Breaking Down One of Pro Football's Most Exciting Passing Attacks, as well as how NFL offenses have evolved in the years since the dominant Rams offenses of the early 2000s (26:51) -A look at some of the key matchups in Week 15, including the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts battling for supremacy in the AFC South, and whether the Carolina Panthers can stay undefeated at the New York Giants (37:12)
The Carolina Panthers continued their undefeated run, while the New England Patriots ran into an unexpected loss in Week 13. ITP The Podcast Volume 1.13 takes you inside the key plays from the last week, with hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield breaking down the film on all of the top happenings. This week, Chuck and Mark are joined by Aaron Nagler of Sports Illustrated, FanDuel, and Cheesehead.tv, as well as Dayne Burns of On The Fifty Yard Line. Segments include:
-The growth of Cam Newton and his ability to manage a game despite lacking depth in the weapons around him, including the growth Newton has made in protecting the ball and reading defenses in 2015 (1:16) -The somewhat-shocking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles by the Patriots, focusing on the key plays on special teams that led to New England picking up its second loss of the year (7:14) -Aaron discusses the struggles the Green Bay Packers have had on offense and how their defense has bailed them out in recent games, as well as key ideas that shaped his approach to film study (10:44) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring Marcus Mariota's hookup with Dorial Green-Beckham for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars (23:11) -Dayne discussing the development of young quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, as well as the resurgence of the Houston Texans on the back of their defense after a tough start to the season (29:25) -The ITP Glossary term "packaged play", including definition of the term, how it fits in the modern NFL, and whether its spread in college offenses has impacted the quality of players going into the NFL
This episode of Inside the Pylon: The Podcast features Mark Schofield joined by Jeff Risdon of RealGM.com and DraftBreakdown.com in a bonus podcast discussing the 2015 Detroit Lions as well as early thoughts on the 2016 NFL Draft. Topics from this episode include:
-How the Lions have adjusted on defense to overcome the loss of Ndamukong Suh and whether or not those changes will pay dividends down the road (3:20) -The up-and-down season of Matthew Stafford and whether he still factors in to the long-term plans for Detroit as a new GM comes in (5:18) -The matchup between the Lions and Packers on Thursday Night Football and whether Aaron Rodgers' recent struggles are a sign of issues in his execution or with the Packers' scheme (9:16) -A look at some of the key players from conference championship games in the upcoming weekend, focusing on the SEC Championship, as well as under-the-radar players coming out of the MAC (12:56) -Alabama running back Derrick Henry and how he projects as a back in the NFL (17:39) -Breaking down Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan as draft prospects coming out of the Pac-12 Championship Game (21:49) -Prospects that Jeff will be watching at the upcoming Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl games (24:22) -Who is at the top of Jeff's board heading into the 2016 NFL Draft (26:35)
It was arguably the most entertaining week of the 2015 season, with a number of close games and frantic finishes. Inside the Pylon: The Podcast takes a look at the critical battles of Week 12, as hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Dan Hatman of The Scouting Academy, Brandon Thorn of The Football Educator, and Trevor Sikkema of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Topics from this week's show include:
-The mind-blowing finish to the Monday Night Football battle between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, looking at the Browns last drive as well as mistakes on the field goal that led to the winning Baltimore score (1:37) -Dan discusses the changes happening with the Miami Dolphins in their coaching staff and ramifications for the players, as well as the general manager search happening in Detroit and the process behind those searches (8:46) -Brandon delves into the schemes that were successful for the Denver Broncos in their win over the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, focusing on how the running game found room in the second half and the strengths and weaknesses of Brock Osweiler (19:34) -Trevor breaks down the upcoming SEC Championship matchup between Alabama and Florida, including how the Gators could potentially pull off an upset and the stability of the Alabama kicking situation (30:01) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the hookup between Kirk Cousins and DeSean Jackson, as well as Mark's thoughts on the development of Cousins over the last two seasons (37:29)
Inside the Pylon: The Podcast is back with a quick trip around Week 11 in the NFL. This past weekend saw several critical matches for division leaders that will have playoff implications in January. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Dave Archibald from Inside the Pylon and Dan Syed of SyedSchemes.com to examine all of the key storylines from this week in the NFL. This week's features include:
-Breaking down the key NFC North battle between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings and what Green Bay win means for the state of this division in 2015 and beyond (2:22) -How the Arizona Cardinals were able to notch a win against the Cincinnati Bengals in a high-scoring affair that still showed Cincinnati's ability to bounce back after a tough game in Week 10 against the Houston Texans (7:19) -Dave discussing the latest in his series on draft capital and salary cap investment by NFL teams, this time focusing on the tight end position and recent trends across the league (10:33) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring Carson Palmer's hookup with J.J. Nelson for a key score against the Bengals in Arizona's win (18:01) -Dan breaking down the matchup between New England and Buffalo, focusing on how the Patriots front seven was able to generate pressure through a variety of looks, as well as why the New England offensive line struggled at times against the Bills game plan (22:32) -The ITP Glossary term "Working Progressions" and how its usage can differ from team to team depending on the offense (29:12) -Chuck and Mark's Thanksgiving tips, including the best way to attack a meal, preferred dinner times, and helpful relatives to have around at the holidays (34:58) -Previewing important Week 12 matchup, including the Carolina Panthers at the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots at the Denver Broncos (40:44)
Week 10 was one of the more unpredictable weeks of the 2015 season to this point, and Inside the Pylon: The Podcast is here to get you filled in on all of the top stories. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by a number of top experts, including Dr. Christopher Geary of Tufts Medical Center, Nath Pizzolatto of ZoneReads.com, and Emory Hunt of FootballGameplan.com. Topics include:
-Chris on the two major Week 10 injuries from NFL action - the plantar fascia injury to Peyton Manning and the Jones fracture for Julian Edelman, including discussion of prospects for return and career impact (1:19) -How the Detroit Lions were able to shut down the Green Bay Packers and their high-powered offense, and whether this is a blueprint for teams to use against Green Bay, or if the Packers hurt themselves with costly mistakes (9:42) -Analysis of the key NFC West showdown between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks and whether or not the balance of power has shifted in the division, as well as playoff implications for the Cardinals (15:03) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring Danny Amendola's fourth quarter reception to set up Stephen Gostkowski's game-winning field goal (19:48) -Nath detailing the growth of the New Orleans Saints' rookie class and expecations for them the rest of the season, as well as whether or not the firing of Rob Ryan will help to smooth out issues on defense for the Saints (23:29) -The ITP Glossary term "punt gunner", including discussion of what makes a top-flight gunner, as well as their overall role on special teams (29:43) -Emory discussing what he focuses on in scouting players making the jump to the pro level, how to scout small-school prospects, and Trevone Boykin's future as a quarterback (36:27)
Week 9 saw the Denver Broncos fall from the ranks of the undefeated, losing to the Colts, in a game that was representative of the unpredictable nature of the weekend. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield take Inside the Pylon: The Podcast through the events of last weekend and get you up to speed on all of the major events. They are joined by Danny Kelly from FieldGulls.com, Andy Guyader from TheQ5.com, and William Carroll of FanSpeak.com and NutsAndBoltsSports.com. This week's topics include:
- A look at the Indianapolis Colts and their upset win over the previously-undefeated Denver Broncos, focusing on how the Colts exploited several matchups to their advantage(2:38) -Danny Kelly breaking down the resurgence of the Seattle Seahawks after a tough start to the season, and looking ahead to a key matchup with the Arizona Cardinals (6:50) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the 39-yard TD hookup between Cam Newton and Corey Brown of the Carolina Panthers (16:28) -A look at the ITP Glossary term "Option Route" and what it means in the modern NFL offense (22:10) -Andy Guyader details how his visual game maps can help to break down the ebbs and flows of an NFL game and give fans and analysts a different perspective on how the end result is achieved (26:07) -William Carroll discussing how the scouting system and projecting college talent into the NFL fails fans, coaches, and management, and remains a wildly unpredictable part of football(38:13)
Week 8 in the NFL is in the history books, and Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are in studio to look at the highs, lows, and everything in between. They are joined this week by Mike Backherms and Dr. Christopher Geary to help break down last weekend's action and get you up to speed for Week 9. Topics this week include:
-Breaking down the Denver/Green Bay tilt from Sunday night, looking at the ways Denver was able to neutralize the potent Packers attack, as well as whether this game indicates Peyton Manning is back to regular form (1:54) -A look at New England's offensive attack on the first drive against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football (8:48) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the touchdown pass between Brian Hoyer and Nate Washington (11:42) -Mike Backherms helps to explain the concept of Offensive Success Rate (OSR) and Defensive Success Rate (DSR) data and what its uses are in terms of explaining where a team is successful or struggles on both sides of the ball (17:09) -A look at the "Mesh Point" entry from the ITP Glossary, focusing on how the technique works with regards to option offenses (23:56) -The upcoming matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys in the disappointing NFC East, touching on the struggles of the Philadelphia offense and whether Dallas can weather the storm until Tony Romo and Dez Bryant return (28:21) -The battle for supremacy in the NFC, looking at the growth of Cam Newton on the Panthers and how the matchup with the Packers will help to shape the playoff picture in the conference this year (33:31) -A prank call to Dr. Christopher Geary (39:38) -Dr. Geary joins the show to discuss Week 8 injuries, as well as how the latest rehabilitation techniques have helped to improve recovery times for athletes facing common injuries (42:20)
The ITP crew sits down for their weekly look at last weekend's action as well as a preview of the upcoming slate of games. This week, Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Alex Kirby of AlexKirbyFootball.com and Dave Archibald of Inside the Pylon in a 40-minute trip around the NFL. This week, the group tackles the following topics:
-Breaking down the Vikings/Lions matchup and what it means for the balance of power in the NFC North, focusing on Minnesota's chances to compete with Green Bay this season (2:03) -Miami's blowout win against Houston and whether the Dolphins have righted the ship, or whether inferior competition in recent weeks is distorting results (6:53) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, featuring the jacknsonville Jaguars touchdown from Blake Bortles to Allen Hurns(9:26) -Alex Kirby discussing the Colts woes on the field and in the front office and whether anything can be done to fix the myriad issues on the team (13:50) -Discussion of the term "scramble drill" from the ITP Glossary and its application on offense (22:26) -An examination of trends in offensive line investment from Dave Archibald, the latest in a series of articles breaking down the draft and spending habits of NFL teams (25:44) -The Week 8 key matchups, including a battle of top teams in Denver and Green Bay, as well as a divisional meeting between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh (35:03)
It was a topsy-turvy week in the NFL, with several favorites taking losses or needing overtime to push past underdogs. Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are in-studio once again to look at all of the week's action. Joining them on the phone lines are Rich Hill of PatsPulpit.com and Jeff Risdon of RealGM.com, SideLionReport.com, and DraftBreakdown.com. Topics from this week's show include:
-Rich discussed the highly-anticipated clash between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, looking at areas where this was a closer matchup than many anticipated, as well as looking ahead to the Patriots' next matchup again the New York Jets (1:17) -The Harry Stamper All-Go Offensive Play of the Week, focusing on the TD hookup between Colin Kaepernick and Torrey Smith of the San Francisco 49ers (10:42) -Matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers and how the Steelers were able to effectively exploit the Arizona defense (15:18) -Andy Dalton's growth as leader of the Cincinnati Bengals and whether or not they are a true contender in the AFC (17:31) -Quarterbacks battling weakened arm strength in recent weeks with a focus on Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning (18:18) -ITP Glossary Term of the Week, focusing on "Hold-Up Technique" and its application on punt returns (22:12) -Jeff looks at the Lions/Bears tilt and how the Detroit was able to get on track and notch their first win, as well as discussing Michigan St. QB Connor Cook's pro potential(25:19) -The disappointing slate of game in the upcoming weekend in the NFL, with the only matchup between two teams with a winning record being the Patriots/Jets tilt on Sunday (35:57)
Week 5 of the NFL season featured several tests of hot teams looking to continue their winning ways. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield are joined by Andy Guyader of TheQ5.com and Daniel Syed of SyedSchemes.com to help break down all of the action from this week in the NFL. Topics include:
-Chuck and Mark break down the Bengals/Seahawks and Rams/Packers tilts and what they indicate about the balance of power in the NFL (0:36) -Mark details the Harry Stamper All-Go Play of the Week - the touchdown from Jay Cutler to Matt Forte to seal a Chicago Bears win (5:51) -Andy Guyader discusses the concept of game maps and what they can show fans an analysts about the flow of a game (10:24, NOTE: Technical difficulties on our end did cut this interview short. We will have Andy on again in the future.) -Mark details the concept of "bird dogging", why quarterbacks should avoid it, and how they can train themselves to prevent it (16:52) -Dan Syed discusses the effective coaching from the Bengals coaching staff that has put Andy Dalton and his crew in a position to be successful this season (23:51) -Chuck and Mark examine the upcoming slate of game, with an emphasis on Patriots/Colts, Panthers/Seahawks, and Bengals/Bills (32:07)
In this bonus edition of Inside The Pylon: The Podcast, Chuck Zodda & Mark Schofield are joined by Matt Waldman of MattWaldmanRSP.com to discuss the art of scouting and how to project players coming out of college. Topics include:
-Matt on how he started the Rookie Scouting Portfolio and his methods of research (1:22) -Projecting a rookie's fit in the NFL based on the team and scheme they land on (3:57) -Marcus Mariota and the early results from the first quarter of the 2015 season on the Tennessee Titans (6:58) -The advantages of a process-oriented grading scouting system versus purely focusing on results (10:56) -The concept of player comparisons when scouting, including the reasons fans enjoy them, as well as the flaws in using this model in evaluating players (14:33) -Early thoughts on the 2016 NFL Draft class and who has caught Matt's eye so far this season in college football (20:46) -Mark and Matt discuss Tre McBride and his early struggles in acclimating to the NFL game (27:57)
Whether looking at the real data behind NFL kickers or examining the best and worst-coached teams of 2015, ITP: The Podcast rolls on with our weekly look at NFL action. Chuck Zodda & Mark Schofield take you around the league in this 35-minute look at the big stories of the week. Topics this week include:
-The Harry Stamper All-Go Play of the Week, featuring Josh McCown hooking up with Duke Johnson for a TD (1:59) -Daniel Syed of SyedSchemes.com joins us to look at coaching trends in 2015 and the New England offensive line rotation (9:06) -Chuck separates fact from fiction with regards to NFL kickers and their supposed struggles so far this season (16:51) -Dan Hatman of The Scouting Academy tackles kicking issues, as well as how the idea of player comparisons is one of the most useless aspects of the NFL Draft (21:26) -Chuck & Mark look forward to Week 5 and the key games to watch in the upcoming weekend (29:34)
Week 3 of the NFL season saw a number of lopsided games and several high-scoring shootouts. Chuck Zodda & Mark Schofield walk through the weekend's matchups, including discussion on the following topics:
-The second-ever Harry Stamper All-Go Play of the Week Award for A.J. Green's 80-yard TD reception from Andy Dalton (2:37) -Dave Archibald of Inside the Pylon breaking down Week 3's matchup between Carolina and New Orleans, as well as looking forward to Week 4's battle between Atlanta and Houston (7:06) -Chuck and Mark looking at the question marks surrounding Michael Vick in Pittsburgh, as well as the early-season struggles of Andrew Luck (12:52) -Brandon Thorn from TheFootballEducator.com discussing changes the Broncos have made in their offensive gameplan to improve on early issues (20:48) -Mark breaking down the rise of the Arizona Cardinals and what to expect from Carson Palmer (29:43)
Week 2 in the NFL was filled with unexpected results. This week’s Inside the Pylon: The Podcast has hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield taking you into the depths of the chaos. They are joined this week by Charles McDonald from The Falcoholic, as well as Nath Pizzolatto from ZoneReads.com. This week’s segments include:
The inaugural Harry Stamper All-Go Play of the Week Award for Amari Cooper’s 68-yard touchdown (1:14) Charles McDonald of The Falcoholic looks at the keys to the Atlanta Falcons early success, with a focus on Matt Ryan and Julio Jones (6:03) What can Browns fans take from Johnny Manziel’s performance in the first two weeks and what does it mean for his career going forward? (13:46) Is Blake Bortles’ stronger showing in Week 2 a sign he is turning the corner, or simply sound and fury signifying nothing? (17:24) Nath Pizzolatto examines the circumstances that have led to the downfall of the New Orleans Saints and how they can rebuild (19:48) Where do the Dallas Cowboys turn following the injury to Tony Romo? (28:09) Big takeaways from the AFC East battle between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots (30:29)
The first-ever Inside the Pylon Podcast features hosts Chuck Zodda and Mark Schofield discussing Week 1 action from the NFL. Segments include:
-Can the Indianapolis Colts bounce back from their Week 1 loss to Buffalo? -What should Tampa Bay and Tennessee fans think of the initial performances by Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota? -Former NFL scout Dan Hatman on his latest venture, The Scouting Academy, teaching the nuances of scouting in the NFL -Dave Archibald on the New England Patriots 4-TE sets -What to expect from two teams with question marks coming out of Week 1 in Baltimore and Denver
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