Phil Simms joined the morning sports show to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the NFL, including the upcoming wildcard weekend, quarterback evaluations, and potential coaching changes for the New York Jets and Giants. The tone was light-hearted, with a mix of insightful commentary and humorous banter.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Event
Phil was enthusiastic about an event happening next week, expressing excitement about the intimate venue set up for the occasion. He jokingly requested a chair next to the host, Gio, while reminiscing about the wonderful atmosphere created at last year’s event. The camaraderie was evident as they discussed the fun to be had, including the abundance of food and drinks available.
The discussion shifted to sports news, particularly commenting on Jason Whitlock’s controversial remarks about his former colleagues and their racial implications. Phil reflected on Whitlock's style, noting that while his takes can be polarizing, they often provoke thought and conversation. They briefly touched on Whitlock’s credibility and the controversies he has sparked within the world of sports commentary.
The conversation veered towards the New York Giants as John Mara, the team’s owner, decided to retain Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Phil praised Mara for being straightforward about his frustrations with the team's performance and expressed hope in the retained coaching staff’s ability to improve. He suggested that maintaining continuity could enable the team to rebuild and find greater success next season.
Phil and the hosts delved deep into the quarterback landscape, discussing potential top picks for the upcoming NFL draft. Names like Shador Sanders and Jalen Milroe emerged from the conversation, though Phil was hesitant to support drafting any of them in the top five, suggesting it was too early to make such conclusions. He emphasized the unpredictability of how NFL prospects transition from college to the professional level.
Simms noted that the Giants would likely look to draft a young quarterback while also acquiring a backup. He discussed Drew Lock's potential fit within the team and shared concerns about starting a rookie quarterback in a challenging environment, especially if the team struggles early in the season.
The hosts asked about Kyle McCord, a local talent who played for Syracuse after transferring from Ohio State. Phil was cautiously optimistic about McCord's potential in the NFL, lauding his throwing ability but questioning his mobility as a potential limiting factor for his draft stock. Throughout the conversation, there was a clear focus on the need for the Giants to secure a capable quarterback moving forward.
The discussion then shifted to the New York Jets, speculating on whom they might hire as their next coach. The possibility of Rex Ryan returning to the Jets generated mixed feelings among the hosts. While some expressed hesitance, others recognized Ryan's potential to connect with the team given his extensive coaching history. Phil pointed out that Ryan's personality could complement a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, emphasizing the importance of finding a leader who can command respect.
Looking ahead to Wild Card Weekend, Phil provided predictions for several games. He projected the Chargers winning against the Texans and discussed the implications of the Bills' matchup with a potentially dangerous Denver team. He mentioned the Steelers' familiarity with the Ravens and noted that the Vikings could prevail against the Rams given their schedule advantages.
Final Thoughts
As their conversation drew to a close, Phil’s insights on team dynamics, quarterback evaluations, and coaching strategies left the hosts with plenty to think about. Their camaraderie shone through as they wrapped up the segment, with anticipation for future discussions on both the NFL playoffs and the trajectories of local teams.
Phil’s consistent presence every Wednesday at 8 a.m. has become a staple for listeners eager for informed commentary and light-hearted exchanges, bringing a blend of expertise and engaging personality to sports discussions.
Part 1/8:
Morning Conversations with Phil Simms
Phil Simms joined the morning sports show to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the NFL, including the upcoming wildcard weekend, quarterback evaluations, and potential coaching changes for the New York Jets and Giants. The tone was light-hearted, with a mix of insightful commentary and humorous banter.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Event
Phil was enthusiastic about an event happening next week, expressing excitement about the intimate venue set up for the occasion. He jokingly requested a chair next to the host, Gio, while reminiscing about the wonderful atmosphere created at last year’s event. The camaraderie was evident as they discussed the fun to be had, including the abundance of food and drinks available.
Part 2/8:
NFL News and Controversies
The discussion shifted to sports news, particularly commenting on Jason Whitlock’s controversial remarks about his former colleagues and their racial implications. Phil reflected on Whitlock's style, noting that while his takes can be polarizing, they often provoke thought and conversation. They briefly touched on Whitlock’s credibility and the controversies he has sparked within the world of sports commentary.
Giants' Coaching Decisions
Part 3/8:
The conversation veered towards the New York Giants as John Mara, the team’s owner, decided to retain Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Phil praised Mara for being straightforward about his frustrations with the team's performance and expressed hope in the retained coaching staff’s ability to improve. He suggested that maintaining continuity could enable the team to rebuild and find greater success next season.
Evaluating Potential Quarterbacks
Part 4/8:
Phil and the hosts delved deep into the quarterback landscape, discussing potential top picks for the upcoming NFL draft. Names like Shador Sanders and Jalen Milroe emerged from the conversation, though Phil was hesitant to support drafting any of them in the top five, suggesting it was too early to make such conclusions. He emphasized the unpredictability of how NFL prospects transition from college to the professional level.
Simms noted that the Giants would likely look to draft a young quarterback while also acquiring a backup. He discussed Drew Lock's potential fit within the team and shared concerns about starting a rookie quarterback in a challenging environment, especially if the team struggles early in the season.
Analyzing Local Talent
Part 5/8:
The hosts asked about Kyle McCord, a local talent who played for Syracuse after transferring from Ohio State. Phil was cautiously optimistic about McCord's potential in the NFL, lauding his throwing ability but questioning his mobility as a potential limiting factor for his draft stock. Throughout the conversation, there was a clear focus on the need for the Giants to secure a capable quarterback moving forward.
Jets' Future with Rex Ryan
Part 6/8:
The discussion then shifted to the New York Jets, speculating on whom they might hire as their next coach. The possibility of Rex Ryan returning to the Jets generated mixed feelings among the hosts. While some expressed hesitance, others recognized Ryan's potential to connect with the team given his extensive coaching history. Phil pointed out that Ryan's personality could complement a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, emphasizing the importance of finding a leader who can command respect.
Wild Card Weekend Predictions
Part 7/8:
Looking ahead to Wild Card Weekend, Phil provided predictions for several games. He projected the Chargers winning against the Texans and discussed the implications of the Bills' matchup with a potentially dangerous Denver team. He mentioned the Steelers' familiarity with the Ravens and noted that the Vikings could prevail against the Rams given their schedule advantages.
Final Thoughts
As their conversation drew to a close, Phil’s insights on team dynamics, quarterback evaluations, and coaching strategies left the hosts with plenty to think about. Their camaraderie shone through as they wrapped up the segment, with anticipation for future discussions on both the NFL playoffs and the trajectories of local teams.
Part 8/8:
Phil’s consistent presence every Wednesday at 8 a.m. has become a staple for listeners eager for informed commentary and light-hearted exchanges, bringing a blend of expertise and engaging personality to sports discussions.