The Shutdown Corner Podcast

How important are coaches in the NFL? That's our topic du jour, as we consider guys like Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin and New York's Tom Coughlin, cats who are leading 0-4 teams but still have a Super Bowl in the not-too-distant past. How much time does a Lombardi Trophy buy a coach? Beyond that, we're also talking Andy Reid, Tom Brady, Richard Sherman, and so much more. Enjoy.

The NFL is making the first of its two jaunts across the pond, and we discuss the viability (or lack thereof) of a franchise in London. How would it work? Who would play there? How could the team afford to lure any free agents? What would scheduling be like? And for heaven's sake, what would happen when the British tabloids started digging into the lives of NFL players? Beyond that, there's some bitching about the Thursday night games, and a head-scratcher of a game based on a weird Groupon offer Busbee got. Have a listen, won't you?

Drew Brees, everybody! The Super Bowl-winning Saints quarterback joins the Shutdown Corner podcast to talk New Orleans football, the game that changed his life, and the best restaurants in the Crescent City. Drew's segment starts at about the 21-minute mark; before that, it's the usual tomfoolery and foofaraw as we put a bow on Week 3, talk Adrian Peterson's chances to reach 2,500 yards, question whether Eli Manning is still a top-shelf QB, and more, more, more.

There are great trades, and there are horrible trades. We saw both this week, depending on whether you're a Colts or a Browns fan. In this ep of the SDCP, we talk the Trent Richardson trade, Andy Reid's triumphant return to Philadelphia, Maurice Clarett, and terrible refs. We also add the entire city of Miami to the growing list of People We've Pissed Off, and Kevin and Frank nearly come to cyber-blows over the Packers. It's a good one. Enjoy!

With two weeks done, it's right about the time that jittery fanbases start freaking out at their team's poor start, and the torches are already firing up in Washington, Minnesota, and Tampa. (In New York, the torches are always pre-lit for  Jets fans.) It seems absurd to talk about quarterback controversies two weeks in, but it's happening. We kick around that topic, along with some love for the Seahawks, Mrs. Flacco, "Breaking Bad," and even Andy Reid. Enjoy

The New England Patriots barely squeaked out another win, and you know what that means: they're doomed! They'll miss the playoffs! Disband the team! The Pats are our lead topic this week, and despite two unspectacular performances, we think the Patriots are going to be just fine. You know what else is fine? Sunday's San Francisco-Seattle matchup, best game of the year so far by far. We kick around that, our lock and upset picks of the week, and the worst helmets in NFL history. Listen up, friends.

Week 1 is in the books, and we're taking a look back at the best and worst of the season's debut week. We start with a discussion of whether the NFC East is overexposed, and from there lay out highlights and lowlights. Fans of the 49ers, Raiders and Seahawks are going to want to hear this one. Jaguars fans, if there are any ... maybe not so much.

Week 1 is underway with what might end up being one of the best games of the year. In the wake of the Baltimore-Denver tipoff, we discuss Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Danny Trevathan ... oh, and some guy named Peyton. Plus, a look forward to Sunday's games, and a lightning round peppering Frank with questions. Football's back! Celebrate!

It's the debut of the Shutdown Corner Podcast for 2013! Kevin Kaduk, Jay Busbee and Frank Schwab are here to bring you all the goodness of the 2013 NFL season. We begin the year with picks, predictions, hopes and disappointments. Enjoy!