HOUR 2 – Can Derrick Henry repeat his greatness against the Steelers? Shedeur Sanders could get another year

Hour two on a Monday, we’re live and humming. Last night was NFL theater at its best, and I’m diving into what I nailed and where I blew it: Sam Darnold’s in rare company and proving your first stop isn’t your final story, Brock Purdy’s leveled up into Kyle Shanahan’s best quarterback play since Matt Ryan’s MVP run, a quick turnaround I forecasted hit fast, and I keep banging the drum that some defensive coaches look like coordinators in a headset—results are showing it. The Lakers note I worried about landed too: LeBron’s return has scrambled their offensive flow, and JJ Redick said the quiet part out loud.

Alright, Matt, I’ve come around on Purdy. I used to nitpick the traits. Now he’s healthy, aggressive, and unfazed by mistakes. Was I late, or did he actually level up?

You’re seeing what the building sees. He doesn’t dazzle with measurables, but the intangibles are elite, the rhythm is clean, and he works in and out of structure. Starting forty-plus games matters, he’s more agile than he looks, and Shanahan’s done a great job helping shorter quarterbacks see it by moving the pocket.

On Chicago, I thought the defense was reactive, but Caleb stacked another strong outing. No sacks, no picks, you lose a track meet to the hottest offense and live with it. Fair?

Totally. Three straight encouraging games from Caleb, and that was a blast of an offensive duel. In matchups like that, it often swings on three to five snaps; one guy made the last play this time, the other didn’t.

I backed Buffalo going for two. You’ve got Josh Allen at home—roll with it. You good with that?

Absolutely. You decide that call days prior, love the play, and live with it. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred Josh hits that throw; he’s banged up and the weather was gross, but I’d call it again.

Explain Philly’s offense. One week it hums, the next they go quiet for a whole half.

They leaned into complementary ball. Up two scores, don’t hand it away—punt, play defense, execute on specials. It’s not pretty, but it’s sensible with that lead.

Pittsburgh’s beat up and thin on weapons; I lean Baltimore even if it’s Huntley. Where are you?

With Huntley they play to a tougher identity—more Derrick Henry, even Zay Flowers in the run game, less cute. Pittsburgh needs to stop forcing it; let the veteran quarterback use cadence, checks, and the run game to elevate everyone instead of emptying out and chucking to comfort targets.

I watched Malik Willis in Green Bay and thought, this is why people fell in love with him. Is he a franchise bet or just thriving in a great setup?

Environment’s huge. Green Bay over-invests in QB development, and that Shanahan–McVay tree makes the system do the heavy lifting if you’re coachable. In that style of offense, I’d take a swing on him.

Seattle–San Francisco is coming, and I think the Seahawks can speed up Purdy and make him uncomfortable. Seattle might be the side. What’s your read?

Seattle’s defense is the best it’s been in years and the offense can score. They need to get back to their identity after an odd first meeting. They can heat up Purdy, but he’s slippery, so it’s a team-effort rush to the whistle. Number one seed stakes, prime time—it’s a toss-up thriller.

Quick hits: Derrick Henry just logged thirty-six carries for two hundred sixteen and four scores; Lamar’s status is under fifty percent; T.J. Watt’s a long shot; DK Metcalf suspended; and Rodgers targeted MVS late against a top corner. The Raiders–Giants mess jumbled draft boards, and Tampa’s cratering while Baker looks hurt. Where do you land?

Henry’s a fifth-inning pitcher—stronger as it goes—he’ll answer the bell. I trust Huntley to play clean, and Pittsburgh’s path is winning ugly with a defensive swing. I’m not pinning everything on Rodgers; once DK’s out, there’s not much there. As for the draft, don’t force a quarterback if your board hates the class; build the line and receivers, then strike when a real class arrives. And big picture, you’re seeing why offensive head coaches sustain—when you hit on an OC as a defensive coach, he’s gone next job cycle.

There isn’t one path at quarterback. Stafford was a top pick, Purdy was the last pick, Darnold’s a reclamation with back-to-back thirteen-win seasons. I’d give Shadour a real off-season as the guy, pour picks into tackle and wideout, and avoid reaching in a thin quarterback year. Next cycle could be loaded, and you’ll be positioned. San Francisco at Seattle Saturday is fantastic—I’m leaning Hawks.