The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Is the era of quarterback-driven success in the NFL over?

<p>Name your favorite unicorn quarterback. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, you name it. They're all done. Done! The era of a mystical quarterback leading your NFL team to a Super Bowl is over...maybe. The era of Seahawks-adjacent defensive domination is here...maybe. Robert Mays, Dave Helman, and Derrik Klassen are diving into why the NFL has felt so different lately, what the defining factors of this new (kind of) era are, and how long it will last.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:58 Are we in a new era?</p><p>6:30 Well, what was the last era?</p><p>17:28 And why has the NFL felt so different recently?</p><p>28:24 What exactly has changed since the previous era?</p><p>41:12 And what do these changes mean for the future?</p><p>48:51 Okay, what are the answers?</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Eleven lessons we learned from last seasons best offenses

<p>Sure, you learn something new every day. But today? Today you're learning ELEVEN new things...straight from the NFL's best offenses from the 2025-26 season. What do we know now about tight end usage? What role does play action serve in an efficient offense? And what should you actually do on first downs? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and old friend Nate Tice dig into all of the best lessons from last season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>4:18 Twin tight ends</p><p>8:40 Adding layers to your offense</p><p>15:44 Creativity in motion players</p><p>23:34 “You can’t take penalties!”</p><p>28:18 Holding the quarterback’s hand</p><p>36:29 Play action is f***ing back, baby</p><p>38:39 Giving defense information pre-snap</p><p>47:00 Utilizing first downs</p><p>57:01 “Get back on track” situations</p><p>1:00:59 Respecting the deep throw</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The best short-term heaters in NFL history

<p>Thank you, TAFS fans, for once again bringing the goods for another mailbag episode. You all are truly on an all-time run. And speaking of that, what are the best Linsanity-style runs in NFL history? What sorts of trades from yesteryear—think Champ Bailey and a second-round pick for Clinton Portis—would you never see in today's NFL? Where do offensive line coaches develop? Robert Mays and Dave Helman answer those questions, and more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why the Houston Texans are a legitimate Super Bowl threat

<p>The FTN Football Almanac is as close as we have to religious text in the NFL analytics world. The 2026 version is set to drop shortly, so Robert Mays welcomed the founder of the Almanac, FTN's director of analytics Aaron Schatz, to this episode of The Athletic Football Show to highlight the most surprising nuggets from this year's edition.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:01 Texans Super Bowl threat</p><p>12:30 2026 Super Bowl was almost impossible</p><p>18:50 Gap between Bears offense and defense</p><p>25:38 Patriots ease of schedule</p><p>32:10 Bengals, Cowboys playoff chances</p><p>38:34 Rams 13 personnel</p><p>41:36 Best/worst overside coverage corners</p><p>46:20 Jets defensive improvement</p><p>49:35 Steelers offense oddity</p><p>54:03 Jordan Love with vs without pressure</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are the Chiefs and Lions still who we think they are?

<p>Nine questions answered, six more to go. On this edition of our Lingering Questions series, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dig into the following: The Lions are the betting favorite to win the NFC North...should they be? Can the Colts' second-half woes be explained away by Daniel Jones' injuries? Do the Chiefs really<em> </em>still deserve the benefit of the doubt?</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:01 Lions release Terrion Arnold</p><p>3:55 Are the Lions deserving of the optimism they're getting?</p><p>26:46 Can the Colts' woes be blamed on Daniel Jones' injury?</p><p>44:05 Do the Chiefs deserve the benefit of the doubt?</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Canton Court: Are any of these six players Hall worthy?

<p>For the first time in three years, Canton Court is back in session. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman each picked two players and made Hall of Fame cases on their behalves. Who, if any, of them made it in? Find out on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:00 Reggie Wayne</p><p>12:07 Steve Smith Sr</p><p>24:26 Darren Woodson</p><p>34:29 Eric Berry</p><p>42:55 Marshal Yanda</p><p>51:33 Fred Taylor</p><p>1:01:19 Russell Wilson</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What makes a good special teams coordinator?

<p>You read that right, TAFS listener, we’re talking special teams on today’s episode. Also, running back age vs wear and tear, what we would do as NFL Commissioner for a day, our favorite teams with losing records, the “Kyle Orton” tier of quarterbacks, and much more. Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen dive into the mailbag again on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What does an NFL GM actually do?

<p>In the immortal words of John C. McGinley, “What would you say you do here?” We judge general managers and executives on free agency signings, contract negotiations, and draft classes…but what are they actually doing behind the scenes? Former Philadelphia Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg sits down with Robert Mays to discuss what a GM candidate should look like, the role of analytics in front offices, and what some NFL organizations are doing wrong with their executive structures.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>1:46 Jake Rosenberg joins</p><p>4:30 What GM candidates should look like</p><p>8:48 Role of ownership</p><p>13:41 What does a GM do?</p><p>18:32 Ideal NFL team structure&nbsp;</p><p>24:19 GM/owner involvement in game plans</p><p>26:11 Where should you find new GMs/execs?</p><p>30:13 How to figure out a candidate’s experience</p><p>34:50 What do you ask candidates?</p><p>40:50 Most important hires for a GM</p><p>46:50 Process of hiring coaches</p><p>50:54 Analytics vs scouting background</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What happened to C.J. Stroud last season? 2026 Lingering Questions, episode 3

<p>The Giants have spent a ton of resources along the defensive line in recent years, and made a splash this offseason by bringing in head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. So, what exactly is this defense? The Texans had a Super Bowl caliber defense last season, but were ultimately let down by their previously up-and-coming quarterback. So, what happened to C.J. Stroud in 2025? The Jaguars had one of the best offenses in the NFL in the second half of last season. Was that real? Can they carry that over to 2026? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep on those three questions on this Lingering Questions episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>7:09 What is the New York Giants defense?</p><p>25:32 Wtf happened to CJ Stroud?</p><p>54:19 Was the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive ascension for real?</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Hall of Very Good, Class of 2026

<p>We're firmly in the Remember Some Guys period of the NFL calendar, and what better way to do so than with the Hall of Very Good? You kinda-sorta know a Hall of Very Good player when you see one, but we followed two loose rules when putting this episode together. First, if a player ever advanced to the semifinalist stage in Hall of Fame voting, he was too good to be in the Hall of Very Good. Second, he had to immediately conjure memories of legitimate peaks. Check both those boxes, and you're a Hall of Very Good candidate. So who made the 2026 class? Allow Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman to walk you down memory lane on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>6:29 Ryan Kerrigan</p><p>11:39 Tamba Hali</p><p>16:02 Matt Forte</p><p>19:19 Warrick Dunn</p><p>24:43 Thomas Davis</p><p>29:38 Michael Bennett</p><p>35:16 Stephen Davis</p><p>40:28 Mike Iupati</p><p>43:27 Snacks Harrison</p><p>48:03 D'Brickashaw Ferguson</p><p>51:12 Sean Lee</p><p>57:35 Jordy Nelson</p><p>1:03:07 Reggie Nelson</p><p>1:04:49 Rapid fire additions</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which NFL Team Has the Best WEAK LINK?

<p>Some topics are evergreen in the NFL. And some are so perfect for mid-June that it would be a crime not to discuss them. That’s where this week’s Mailbag Monday episode takes us…what are the best 3-year player peaks you’ve ever seen? What are the best single-season teams to never win a Super Bowl? What aspects of player performance still can’t be measured by stats? Robert Mays and Dave Helman discuss that and much more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:56 Teams with the best weak link</p><p>7:58 Value of mythically elite kicker/punter</p><p>13:29 Defensive players that scheme relies on</p><p>19:45 Best 3-year player peaks</p><p>31:29 Best teams not to win a Super Bowl</p><p>36:42 Value of veteran qb vs churn of new ones</p><p>44:12 Myles Garrett vs Jared Verse</p><p>49:32 Statistics we still need</p><p>54:46 Choosing OC over head coach</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Everything you need to know about Brendan Sorsby & the NFL Supplemental Draft

<p>The various sagas roiling college football typically fall outside our purview here on The Athletic Football Show, but nothing about the Brendan Sorsby saga is typical. Sorsby was one of the biggest prizes in the transfer portal this offseason. Instead of potentially leading Texas Tech back to the playoff this year, he'll make the NFL Supplemental Draft an actual event for the first time in seemingly forever. Robert Mays, Dave Helman and Dane Brugler detail what type of prospect Sorsby is, the value he'll have in the supplemental draft, and which teams might be interested in him on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Dave Helman and Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @DPBrugler</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Walking in the shoes of a non-playcalling offensive coordinator with Bengals OC Dan Pitcher

<p>The success of coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay has created a group of coaches that, at one time in the recent past, were quite rare...non-playcalling offensive coordinators. Fully half the league will have offensive coordinators who don't call plays on gameday this season. So, what exactly do they do? Bengals OC Dan Pitcher, who works under head coach and playcaller Zac Taylor, takes us through it all on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:10 Background reporting on OCs</p><p>29:22 Dan Pitcher joins</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The under-26 non-QB player draft

<p>The NFL, as always, is in good hands going forward with all the young talent across the league. Just how good? Well, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman help lay that out by selecting the 24 best players that are 25 years old or younger, not including QBs, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown: 0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>1:35 We’re so back</p><p>5:50 Stacking the under-25 QBs</p><p>6:05 Jayden Daniels vs Caleb Williams</p><p>9:03 Will Anderson Jr</p><p>10:27 Anderson a top-5 NFL player?</p><p>11:13 Puka Nacua</p><p>16:00 Byron Murphy II</p><p>20:03 Jaxon Smith-Njigba</p><p>22:27 Kyle Hamilton</p><p>25:26 Jared Verse</p><p>29:40 Joe Alt</p><p>31:27 Derek Stingley Jr</p><p>34:06 Darnell Wright</p><p>37:23 Abdul Carter</p><p>40:20 Brock Bowers</p><p>43:57 Drake London</p><p>46:44 Bijan Robinson</p><p>48:00 Robert has mind control powers</p><p>49:28 Jahmyr Gibbs</p><p>52:36 Jalen Carter</p><p>56:45 Quinyon Mitchell</p><p>58:27 Tyler Smith</p><p>1:00:30 Christian Gonzalez</p><p>1:00:45 “Why do you hate Christian Gonzalez?”</p><p>1:02:07 Malik Nabers</p><p>1:04:44 Carson Schwesinger</p><p>1:07:25 Devon Witherspoon</p><p>1:08:31 Colston Loveland (who is surprised?)</p><p>1:10:51 Armand Membou</p><p>1:12:55 Jeremiyah Love</p><p>1:14:15 George Pickens</p><p>1:16:38 Travis Hunter</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Can you actually find success chasing a trend in today’s NFL?

<p>This week’s mailbag yielded one of the best hypotheticals we have ever received…and a bunch of other very good questions too. Who are the NFL’s best pass blocking RBs? What are some current NFL trends that may seem archaic in the near future? And are defense-first Super Bowl champions here to stay? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen answer that and more.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>1:51 Finishing piece to a Super Bowl-losing team</p><p>5:19 Best pass blocking RBs</p><p>10:57 NFL trends that will seem archaic soon</p><p>19:17 Creating vs chasing a trend</p><p>27:59 Position groups with most potential lost to injury</p><p>30:15 Drafting QBs if all other picks were voided</p><p>42:32 Are defenses getting smaller?</p><p>45:34 Historical trend of defense-first champions</p><p>49:42 Bryce Young’s contract extension</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Nine players who quietly defined the 2025 season

<p>For every Will Anderson Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, there's a Robert Spillane and Parker Washington. In other words, for every superstar who clearly left his mark on a given season, there's a role player who also helped define what the league was, and were it could be going. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen highlight the players who quietly defined the 2025 season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:14 Parker Washington</p><p>11:36 Byron Murphy II</p><p>19:00 AJ Barner</p><p>20:20 Colby Parkinson</p><p>28:15 Reed Blankenship &amp; Evan Williams</p><p>34:49 Devon Witherspoon</p><p>41:45 Robert Spillane</p><p>46:30 Kamari Lassiter</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Was Jayden Daniels' injury really behind the Commanders 2025 collapse? That, and more lingering questions

<p>In the first installment of Lingering Questions this offseason, we cheated by asking the same question about four then-rookie quarterbacks. Now, we're kicking this thing off for real. We still have questions about the Cowboys, Commanders, and 49ers. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen ask - and try to answer - those lingering questions in today's episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:08 Cowboys offense</p><p>23:46 Jayden Daniels &amp; Commanders collapse</p><p>39:42 49ers young defenders</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which NFC team has the best supporting cast around its quarterback?

<p>In the second and final edition of our annual Supporting Casts miniseries, we flip our attention over to the NFC where, frankly, things are a whole lot more loaded. Is it as obvious as it might seem at the top? Who was the breakthrough team from last season? How many different times will Derrik Klassen shock Robert Mays? The guys rank the 16 NFC supporting casts on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:17 Commanders</p><p>5:08 Giants</p><p>9:10 Panthers</p><p>12:27 Saints</p><p>18:27 Cardinals</p><p>23:09 Falcons</p><p>29:24 Buccaneers</p><p>34:17 Packers</p><p>42:37 Seahawks</p><p>51:06 Lions</p><p>57:00 Eagles</p><p>1:01:16 Vikings</p><p>1:05:50 Cowboys</p><p>1:09:10 49ers</p><p>1:15:57 Bears</p><p>1:19:34 Rams</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How "all in" is too far all in?

<p>They say if you give an NFL team an inch (drafting Ty Simpson), they'll take a mile (trading the farm for Myles Garrett)...isn't that what they say? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen get to the bottom of just how aggressive is TOO aggressive in today's NFL on this mailbag episode of The Athletic Football Show. They also discuss the most toxic potential pairings for this upcoming season, how to build an ideal edge room, and much more.</p><br><p>Rundown:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>0:47 Going “all in”</p><p>11:47 Trading stars for premium picks</p><p>19:01 Switch order of NFL Draft and free agency?</p><p>28:15 Toxic NFL pairings (via Malort infusions)</p><p>37:03 Best talent-per-dollar positions</p><p>49:44 Building an edge room</p><p>55:49 Tone around Declan Doyle vs Mike LaFleur</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inside the TE revolution — from someone living it

<p>Tight end Charlie Kolar caught 10 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns last season. In the offseason, he signed a three-year deal with the Chargers that guaranteed him $17 million and put him inside the top-20 earners at the position based on annual average value. How does a guy who puts up in a season what Brock Bowers does in a good week end up as one of the most important players at the position? Allow him to bring you inside the tight end revolution on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>4:55 Why are TEs booming?</p><p>14:40 Rams impact</p><p>16:39 Seahawks impact</p><p>17:28 Bears next evolution?</p><p>23:03 Value of early downs</p><p>31:44 Importance of unpredictability</p><p>39:51 Charlie Kolar interview</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which second-year QB showed the most promise entering 2026?

<p>Our Lingering Questions series is back, and we kick it off this year with a doozy. Four rookie quarterbacks had at least 250 dropbacks last season, and at least three of them will start in 2026. So, what really were the rookie seasons for Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Shedeur Sanders? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all four on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:42 Cam Ward</p><p>21:19 Jaxson Dart</p><p>37:18 Tyler Shough</p><p>52:50 Shedeur Sanders</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which AFC team has the best supporting cast around its quarterback?

<p>Last season's Seahawks became the latest team to prove that you don't need an elite quarterback to win the Super Bowl. An elite supporting cast can do just as much heavy lifting as a quarterback who appears headed for a gold jacket. So, which teams have the best supporting casts in the league? Which teams have the worst? We'll explore those questions over two episodes, divided between AFC and NFC. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen rank the AFC supporting casts from worst to first.</p><br><p>Timestamps are approximate</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">0:00</a> Welcome to the show</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=29s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">0:29</a> Ranking the AFC supporting casts</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=196s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3:16</a> Miami Dolphins</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=348s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5:48</a> Optimism around Bobby Slowik?</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=505s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8:25</a> Tennessee Titans</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=622s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10:22</a> Brian Daboll's offense</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=782s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13:02</a> Las Vegas Raiders</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=858s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">14:18</a> Raiders wide receiver group</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=1156s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">19:16</a> New York Jets</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=1440s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">24:00</a> Cleveland Browns</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=1744s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">29:04</a> Harold Fannin Jr. and rookie tight ends</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=2090s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">34:50</a> Kansas City Chiefs</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=2122s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">35:22</a> Andy Reid no longer elite?</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=2465s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">41:05</a> Houston Texans</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=2754s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">45:54</a> Baltimore Ravens</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=2875s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">47:55</a> Derrick Henry</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3026s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">50:26</a> Pittsburgh Steelers</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3175s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">52:55</a> Steelers pass catchers</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3281s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">54:41</a> New England Patriots</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3530s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">58:50</a> What version of AJ Brown will Patriots get?</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3656s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:00:56</a> Cincinnati Bengals</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3731s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:02:11</a> Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=3970s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:06:10</a> Robert wants to change his rankings</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4005s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:06:45</a> Jacksonville Jaguars</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4102s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:08:22</a> Confidence in Liam Coen</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4279s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:11:19</a> Los Angeles Chargers</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4330s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:12:10</a> Mike McDaniel changes Chargers</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4403s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:13:23</a> Monstrous season for Ladd McConkey?</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4559s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:15:59</a> Indianapolis Colts</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4858s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:20:58</a> Buffalo Bills</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=4999s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:23:19</a> Robert and Derrik both have Denver Broncos at No. 1</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEraPJe4wcM&amp;t=5204s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1:26:44</a> Recapping AFC supporting cast rankings</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

BREAKING NEWS: Myles Garrett traded to Rams

<p>The NFL certainly has a way of grabbing the spotlight, doesn't it? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break down the stunning trade of Myles Garrett to the Rams on this special live edition of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Who is the best true utility player in the NFL?

<p>You ever think about where an elite middle linebacker of yesteryear might play in today's NFL? You ever find yourself pondering who the best true utility player in the league might be? You ever wish that smart football folks had a bit more skepticism around coaching hires that look great on paper? Then this edition of The Athletic Football Show's mailbag is for you! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all of those ideas, and a whole lot more.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Offseason beliefs we won't live to regret (unless we do)

<p>As we get closer to June 1 and the true beginning of the summer, the earliest thought embers of what we think about the 2026 season are beginning to glow. However, as those beliefs take shape, we fully understand that optimism doesn't automatically translate into results. Derrik Klassen welcomes Dan Pizzuta of FTN onto this episode of The Athletic Football Show to share with one another the beliefs they hold with eyes wide open on how they could take a turn for the worse.</p><br><p>Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dan Pizzuta</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dart throws from the 2026 NFL Draft that will actually make a difference

<p>Let's be honest, a lot of sixth and seventh round NFL Draft picks never come back into our consciousness after draft night...but a few are primed to actually make a difference for their teams in the 2027 season. Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen discuss the picks that could see the field and make an impact on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Timestamps are approximate:</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:11 Bryce Boettcher</p><p>8:35 George Gumbs Jr</p><p>9:18 Caden Curry</p><p>11:21 Deion Burks</p><p>13:33 Demond Claiborne</p><p>17:00 Merch design contest</p><p>18:24 Kaleb Elarms-Orr</p><p>21:43 Aiden Fisher</p><p>25:45 Kamari Ramsey</p><p>31:57 Malik Benson</p><p>36:28 Joshua Josephs</p><p>40:10 Taylen Green</p><p>45:47 Kage Casey</p><p>50:37 Justin Joly &amp; Dallen Bentley</p><p>54:51 Tanner Koziol</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which current NFL quarterbacks are worth acquiring for the #1 pick?

<p>Cognitive dissonance in the way we talk about Mike Tomlin and Nick Sirianni? Top-five football heartbreaks? The worst QB the Raiders would've been willing to acquire in exchange for this year's number one pick? Yup, it's another edition of The Athletic Football Show's mailbag. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen tackle those questions, and more, on this episode.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Buy or Sell Their Offseasons: The Contenders

<p>Our Buy or Sell Their Offseasons series wraps up, as it always does, with The Contenders. You could fairly quibble with one or two of the teams we have among this octet, but you cannot argue with the idea that each of these eight teams clearly has what it takes to make a deep playoff run. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen make buy-or-sell calls on the offseasons of the 49ers, Chiefs, Chargers, Patriots, Bills, Ravens, Seahawks and Rams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Our surprisingly intrusive NFL thoughts

<p>From genuine interest in the Steelers offense to enduring power of the league's evolutionary instincts, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen find themselves thinking certain things in mid-May that they didn't necessarily anticipate. They dig into all those things on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Are coaches more valuable than non-QB players in today's NFL?

<p>Opening up the mailbag this week felt like opening up Pandora's Box. But, you know, the NFL version of Pandora's Box. In this case, it was filled with questions about Baker Mayfield, fullbacks vs tight ends in 13 personnel, Dave Canales and Brad Idzik, and a theoretical draft including NFL head coaches. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman follow in Pandora's footsteps on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>