The Mike Francesa Podcast, part of the BET Rivers network, discusses the latest happenings in the National Football League in the lead-up to the Thanksgiving weekend. The podcast covers various topics, including team performance, coaching changes, and player evaluations.
The podcast kicks off with a review of Thursday night’s game, where the Cleveland Browns faced off against their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in snowy conditions. The Browns managed to secure a win, providing a small slice of salvation for a season that has been tough for them. Francesa emphasizes the competitive nature of divisional games, stating that even teams struggling throughout the season often put up strong fights within their own division due to familiarity and rivalry.
Moving on, Francesa notes that the New York Jets are on a bye week. With significant changes looming in the organization — including the departure of their general manager — there’s ongoing debate about the future of the team, especially concerning quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Francesa insists that dismissing Rodgers would be a mistake, arguing that he's still a viable option for the Jets moving forward.
He points out that while Rodgers has not performed at his historic best, he’s been impacted by a poorly organized offensive line and may be playing through injuries. Francesa believes that retaining Rodgers would allow the Jets the opportunity to develop another quarterback while leveraging Rodgers' experience, as opposed to outright replacing him.
Francesa also delves into the New York Giants' current standing, where quarterback Daniel Jones appears to be out for the foreseeable future due to financial decisions rather than injury alone. He states that even though backup quarterback Tommy DeVito brings some excitement to fans, the focus should be on the reality that the Giants will likely need to draft a new quarterback in the upcoming draft. Francesa mentions that the team's coaching staff will also be scrutinized, as current struggles are reflected in their performances on the field.
As the discussion shifts to the rest of the league, Francesa highlights key matchups for the upcoming weekend. He emphasizes how tight the playoff race is becoming in both the NFC and AFC, with teams like the Lions and Chiefs maintaining strong records. He underscores the significance of Thanksgiving games as a turning point in the season, often signaling the start of playoff contention discussions.
Francesa analyzes upcoming games, focusing on matchups like the Vikings vs. Bears and the Colts vs. Lions, while stressing that each game carries weight as teams vie for playoff positions.
Towards the latter part of the podcast, Francesa touches upon college football, particularly the historic matchup between Army and Notre Dame. He expresses surprise at Indiana’s current positioning, highlighting their performance and impending matchup against Ohio State. While Francesa doesn't expect Indiana to win, he acknowledges their impressive season thus far.
Listener Emails and Additional Thoughts
Addressing listener emails, Francesa discusses various topics, including potential coaching changes within the NFL, specifically mentioning the likelihood of Deion Sanders coaching in Dallas. He also reflects on franchise decisions and the importance of hiring the right general manager to foster long-term success.
Francesa wraps up the podcast encouraging listeners to stay tuned for the weekend's NFL action and to enjoy the holiday festivities. He reiterates the unpredictable nature of the league, acknowledging that teams looking to solidify their playoff positions must play consistently well over the coming weeks.
As the NFL season progresses, the insights shared by Francesa provide a detailed examination of teams and players, ensuring fans are well-informed ahead of each pivotal week.
Part 1/7:
Mike Francesa Podcast Recap: Week 12 NFL Insights
The Mike Francesa Podcast, part of the BET Rivers network, discusses the latest happenings in the National Football League in the lead-up to the Thanksgiving weekend. The podcast covers various topics, including team performance, coaching changes, and player evaluations.
Thanksgiving Football
Part 2/7:
The podcast kicks off with a review of Thursday night’s game, where the Cleveland Browns faced off against their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in snowy conditions. The Browns managed to secure a win, providing a small slice of salvation for a season that has been tough for them. Francesa emphasizes the competitive nature of divisional games, stating that even teams struggling throughout the season often put up strong fights within their own division due to familiarity and rivalry.
The Jets' Future and Aaron Rodgers
Part 3/7:
Moving on, Francesa notes that the New York Jets are on a bye week. With significant changes looming in the organization — including the departure of their general manager — there’s ongoing debate about the future of the team, especially concerning quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Francesa insists that dismissing Rodgers would be a mistake, arguing that he's still a viable option for the Jets moving forward.
He points out that while Rodgers has not performed at his historic best, he’s been impacted by a poorly organized offensive line and may be playing through injuries. Francesa believes that retaining Rodgers would allow the Jets the opportunity to develop another quarterback while leveraging Rodgers' experience, as opposed to outright replacing him.
Part 4/7:
The Giants and Their Quarterback Situation
Francesa also delves into the New York Giants' current standing, where quarterback Daniel Jones appears to be out for the foreseeable future due to financial decisions rather than injury alone. He states that even though backup quarterback Tommy DeVito brings some excitement to fans, the focus should be on the reality that the Giants will likely need to draft a new quarterback in the upcoming draft. Francesa mentions that the team's coaching staff will also be scrutinized, as current struggles are reflected in their performances on the field.
Divisional Standings and Playoff Implications
Part 5/7:
As the discussion shifts to the rest of the league, Francesa highlights key matchups for the upcoming weekend. He emphasizes how tight the playoff race is becoming in both the NFC and AFC, with teams like the Lions and Chiefs maintaining strong records. He underscores the significance of Thanksgiving games as a turning point in the season, often signaling the start of playoff contention discussions.
Francesa analyzes upcoming games, focusing on matchups like the Vikings vs. Bears and the Colts vs. Lions, while stressing that each game carries weight as teams vie for playoff positions.
College Football Briefing
Part 6/7:
Towards the latter part of the podcast, Francesa touches upon college football, particularly the historic matchup between Army and Notre Dame. He expresses surprise at Indiana’s current positioning, highlighting their performance and impending matchup against Ohio State. While Francesa doesn't expect Indiana to win, he acknowledges their impressive season thus far.
Listener Emails and Additional Thoughts
Addressing listener emails, Francesa discusses various topics, including potential coaching changes within the NFL, specifically mentioning the likelihood of Deion Sanders coaching in Dallas. He also reflects on franchise decisions and the importance of hiring the right general manager to foster long-term success.
Conclusion
Part 7/7:
Francesa wraps up the podcast encouraging listeners to stay tuned for the weekend's NFL action and to enjoy the holiday festivities. He reiterates the unpredictable nature of the league, acknowledging that teams looking to solidify their playoff positions must play consistently well over the coming weeks.
As the NFL season progresses, the insights shared by Francesa provide a detailed examination of teams and players, ensuring fans are well-informed ahead of each pivotal week.