3 & Out - NFL Kicking off on a Wednesday, Latest with Puka Nacua, Final Four Picks

Busy show today—Australia game on the mind, a fresh take on college sports in the NIL era, Puka’s crossroads, the Ty Simpson debate, a Mahomes update, a quick change‑of‑scenery riff, and some mailbag heat; I’m fired up, so let’s roll.

What’s the real issue with 49ers–Rams in Australia? The time zone turns a marquee divisional game into a Friday morning kickoff there and an awkward body‑clock start here, which undercuts the local fan experience and forces Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay to rewire camp rhythms for a non‑prime window.

The U.K. and Germany work because you can stage prime time locally and give us an early Sunday here; Australia’s 17‑hour gap blows that up, so I’d expect the coaches to make noise even if nothing changes.

How has college sports actually changed? It’s simple now—who pays the most wins; history, facilities, and old‑school mystique don’t move recruits like a real NIL budget does.

Look at Indiana’s sudden pull with cash for players and assistants, or Ohio State paying top‑tier coordinators; Kansas and Duke are landing elite talent because they’re willing to spend, and jobs are ranked by NIL muscle, not trophies in a dusty case.

Where does Puka Nacua stand? On talent, he’s a blast; off the field, the recent run of headlines says he’s at a fork in the road, and the Rams’ actions on an extension will tell you if they trust him—this is the moment to tighten the circle and model guys like Stafford.

Mahomes update: I’ve seen the throwing clips and heard good things; I’d expect him ready for Week One, eased in through the offseason, and the Chiefs to reload in the draft with a real edge and a chip.

Ty Simpson in the first round? I don’t see it; there’s industry buzz and media ties that amplify his case, but big‑game tape and how you answer adversity matter more to me, and I’d lean other QBs over him.

Change of scenery note: I wanted Joe Flacco to complete the AFC North bingo card with the Steelers, but he’s back with the Bengals; love the chip, but at forty‑one he’s more deep shots and checkdowns than starter.

Final Four picks with a little Hard Rock Bet swagger: St. John’s riding Pitino’s surge, Arkansas built for NIL ball, Nebraska with that team‑of‑destiny feel, and Michigan because they just keep showing up in this spot.

Non‑sports pod I’d do? Food—high to low, fancy to hole‑in‑the‑wall—because I love to eat; politics just burns people out and travel doesn’t fill my cup like it does for others.

Is Packers youth an edge? With the right vets and coaching, yes; youth gets up to speed fast on good teams, and you gain year‑two jumps instead of age‑curve dips.

Could John Schneider get equity in a Seahawks sale? I doubt it; owners aren’t handing out slices of a multi‑billion dollar asset, and league rules likely complicate that anyway.

When do bad teams mail it in? In the NFL, you don’t; every Monday is a grade, jobs are on the line weekly, and changes happen mid‑stream regardless of record.

Ravens draft approach: I’d prefer edge or defensive line over reaching for interior O‑line; pass rush depth is thin, vets are aging, and Baltimore can usually find guards later.

Adios—see you tomorrow. Peace.