Is Football Undergoing a Paradigm Shift?
Fred and Art are concerned that some of the NFL teams who have been so dominant in recent seasons appear to be making rookie moves on the field, with seasoned professionals like Sean McVay and Aaron Rodgers using unconventional play strategies. Has football dramatically changed? Which NBA team has named Jacque Vaughn as their new head coach? And with the Dodgers reshuffling the team roster, will Trea Turner stay in LA next season?
Coaches and Commissioners
Fred and Art raise questions about some of Rams’ coach Sean McVay’s decisions, such as when he sent QB Cooper Kupp in with less than a minute to go to try to save the Rams from a loss to the 49ers. Was that wise? They also wonder about the state of some suspensions in the NBA and how Commissioner Adam Silver is dealing with discipline within the organization. Will he make Kyrie Irving sit out for his anti-semitic tweets?
The World Series Begins in Houston
Fred and Art race against technical difficulties to discuss their predictions for the World Series, beginning with Game 1 in Houston on Friday. Will this finally be Dusty Baker’s year to win a long-awaited championship with the Astros, or do Aaron Nola and the Phillies have plans to ensure that doesn’t happen? Where is Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the field of top NCAA QBs? And are Tom Brady and the Bucs ready for the Ravens in Tampa Bay?
When Bats Go Cold
Fred and Art wonder how the Dodgers went from winning 111 games in the regular season to losing three games in the playoff series with the Padres. Was it down to decisions made by manager Dave Roberts, or was he acting on behalf of franchise president Andrew Friedman? Why was Bob Costas pulled from calling the Yankees vs. Astros game? And will Zach Charbonnet help the Bruins continue their winning streak up in Oregon?
Things That Make You Go Hmm…
Fred and Art are scratching their heads over some things that have them puzzled, from the noticeably low fan attendance at the Rose Bowl for UCLA football, the questionable calls made by Chargers’ coach Brandon Staley, and some controversial remarks made by Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville, a former college football coach. Are the Dodgers being over-managed in the postseason? And on a more positive note, what does the future hold for USC QB Caleb Williams?
Nobody Expects the Unexpected in Sports
Fred and Art try to figure out what went wrong with the Rams in their loss to the 49ers on Monday Night Football, topped off with the added spectacle of Bobby Wagner making a rather unusual tackle. What caused Draymond Green to punch a teammate? Will Shohei Otani or Aaron Judge be awarded the American League MVP trophy? And who will be heading to the playoffs after the MLB Wild Card Series this weekend?
Changes, They are A-Comin’
Fred and Art run down the transformations ahead for some long-standing sports traditions. Is the Pro Bowl an irrelevant relic? Has golf been torn in two between the PGA and the LIV, and is the LIV eyeing Fox? What does Rob Manfred have in mind for baseball that Maury Wills would have appreciated? How is Jimmy Garoppolo looking for the 49ers vs. Rams game? And will Craig Kimbrel remain the Dodgers’ go-to closer?
A Billionaire Owner Ousted and the Passing of a Baseball Legend
Fred and Art comment on the behavior of billionaire team owners resulting in disciplinary action and expulsion from their leagues, with Robert Sarver of the Phoenix Mercury and Suns teams the latest asked to leave. Are class-act owners like Peter O’Malley all too rare these days? What happened with Al Michaels during his broadcast last week? And will the passing of baseball great Maury Wills finally be the impetus to induct him into the Hall of Fame?
Questionable Decisions and High Ratings in the NFL
Fred and Art shake their heads over the chancy move made by Denver Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett on Monday against Seattle. Why did he opt to go with a field goal attempt instead of relying on his QB Russell Wilson to try and win the game? Is Aaron Rodgers off to a rocky start this season? Why is the NBA suspending Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver? And will Yankee Aaron Judge be this year’s American League MVP?
Sports From a Woman’s Point of View
Fred is joined this week by his cousin, Aliza Sodos, to discuss the women’s sports movement and shares a unique perspective as a parent of four daughters, some of whom are athletes. Will retiring basketball star Sue Bird remain in the world of sports and be an advocate? Who is the GOAT in women’s tennis, Serena Williams or Margaret Court? And how will the Seattle Seahawks fare now that Russell Wilson has moved to Denver?
