Rookie check-in: Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Brock Bowers, Malik Nabers & more | Football 301

In today’s Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz, Charles Robinson, and Frank Schwab dive into a wild NFL week filled with coaching rumors, locker room tension and playoff implications. They kick things off with a trending former head coach, Bill Belichick, and whether he’s on the verge of a surprising jump to college football with the University of North Carolina. Is Belichick ready to trade in the NFL grind for a new challenge, and what does the rumored succession plan involving son Steve Belichick really mean for his future?The discussion heats up as Charles and Frank debate the potential of Mike Vrabel as the next head coach for the Chicago Bears. Charles offers insight into how the Bears might be targeting a strong leader to pair with an upstart offensive mind, but Frank raises concerns about the impact on quarterback Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, the trio tackles the growing tension in the Philadelphia Eagles’ locker room, sparked by AJ Brown’s comments about the offense. Despite the team’s impressive 11-2 record, there’s talk of internal unrest, with some questioning quarterback Jalen Hurts. The crew breaks down how and why Hurts’ leadership continues to be scrutinized.Finally, the guys wrap up with a look at the Kansas City Chiefs, who are somehow managing to be the worst 12-1 team in NFL history due to a number of lucky breaks. Can Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid keep their Super Bowl hopes alive with such a precarious record? Plus, the trio previews Thursday Night Football, where Frank and Charles favor the San Francisco 49ers to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, but Fitz throws in a bold pick for the Rams.(4:10) - Is Bill Belichick to UNC real?(22:50) - Could Bears pursue Mike Vrabel as their next HC?(35:15) - Eagles locker room problems & Jalen Hurts(48:10) - Frank's power rankings corner(56:15) - Rams @ 49ers picksSubscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT ❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways: • Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez • Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699 • Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon take a deep dive into the 2024 NFL rookie class, breaking down the highs, lows, and everything in between. From quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, whose start with the Chicago Bears has been filled with ups and downs, to offensive lineman like Joe Alt, the guys evaluate how these rookies are performing and what we can expect moving forward.Nate and Matt analyze Caleb Williams’ struggles with pressure and sacks in Chicago, acknowledging that the Bears’ disastrous season makes it hard to fully evaluate him. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels has been a revelation for the Washington Commanders, impressing with his football IQ and his blossoming connection with Terry McLaurin. Nate and Matt also dive into the impressive start from Drake Maye, despite a lack of talent around him, and Bo Nix, who’s been aggressive with the deep ball but still has room to improve his pocket presence.The guys also look at the receiver class, noting that while Ladd McConkey has been the most consistent performer, it’s still early for many of the top draft picks. Despite some growing pains, they remain cautiously optimistic about the potential of late-round guys like Xavier Worthy and some slot receivers who haven’t quite hit their stride yet.Additionally, the guys highlight standout rookies at tight end, including Brock Bowers, who’s already making waves in the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense, and the impressive rookie offensive linemen, including JC Latham and Zach Frazier, who are living up to their first-round billing. The duo finish up with some rapid fire shoutouts on the defensive side of the ball.(3:50) - Caleb Williams(15:40) - Jayden Daniels(26:20) - Drake Maye(36:15) - Bo Nix(48:45) - Wide receivers(1:03:35) - Tight ends(1:08:20) - Running backs(1:13:00) - Offensive line(1:22:50) - DefenseSubscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD

Nate Tice & Charles McDonald fire up the Football 301 fifth quarter with a look at four excellent games from Week 14's Sunday slate and one game that will have Chicago Bears fans wearing a bag over their heads.The guys kick things off with the epic 44-42 carnival show in Los Angeles where the Buffalo Bills fell narrowly to the L.A. Rams in the inter-conference tilt. Both Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen looked excellent, and while only one team got the win, the guys explain that the Bills don't have too much to worry about, aside from seeding in the AFC playoffs.Nate and Charles also discuss the Seattle Seahawks extending their NFC West lead with a win over the Arizona Cardinals, Sam Darnold throwing for 5 touchdowns in a 42-21 Minnesota Vikings win over the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers staying frisky in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.Closing out the show, the duo share a mind-bogglingly terrible stat from the Chicago Bears loss and give out their game balls for Week 14.(2:25) - Rams knock down Bills in 44-42 thriller(12:20) - Seahawks extend NFC West lead over Cardinals(20:45) - Falcons fall to Vikings in huge Darnold game(29:30) - Eagles survive frisky Panthers team(39:00) - Bad Bears stat & Week 14 game balls🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

In this week's Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab react to every game from the Week 14 NFL Sunday slate. Fitz and Frank start with some of the more interesting outcomes, including the Kansas City Chiefs escaping with a close win on Sunday night and the Buffalo Bills' stunning loss to the Los Angeles Rams, as Josh Allen’s historic fantasy performance wasn’t enough to save them. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons, as Sam Darnold continues to shine while Kirk Cousins struggles, leading Frank to wonder about Minnesota’s offseason plans. Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks asserted themselves as the best team in the NFC West, dominating the Arizona Cardinals, with Frank predicting they’ll win the division.Later, Fitz & Frank dive into the rest of the Sunday slate. In Tennessee, the Jaguars handed the Titans another blowout loss, leaving Frank wondering if it’s time for a major rebuild. The Las Vegas Raiders’ nightmare season continued with a cheap shot injury to Aidan O’Connell, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seized control of the NFC South. Are the San Francisco 49ers still alive in the NFC playoff race? Fitz and Frank break down all the key takeaways, with a special focus on how the Bills, Vikings, and Seahawks stack up for the playoff push.(1:45) - Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs(7:30) - Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams(13:30) - Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings(24:15) - Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals(29:00) - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans(33:00) - New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins(36:00) - New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants(38:50) - Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles(46:25) - Las Vegas Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(54:10) - Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers(56:50) - Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers(1:00:15) - Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys previewSubscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT ❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways: • Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez • Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699 • Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

Dan Campbell’s bold play calling earns the Detroit Lions a win against the Green Bay Packers in a Thursday Night Football thriller. Jason Fitz & Charles Robinson break down the game and explain just how demoralizing it is for opposing defenses when teams like the Lions continuously go for it on 4th down.C Rob ranks both the current and likely head coach openings in the NFL based solely on the team’s QB situation. While it’s not surprising that a team like the New York Jets with an aging Aaron Rodgers is ranked worst, C Rob’s evaluation of the Dallas Cowboys with Dak Prescott might surprise you. Plus, are the Las Vegas Raiders actually a decent landing spot for a new head coach despite Gardner Minshew’s poor play? (0:35) Packers @ Lions recap(12:38) Lions or Eagles to Super Bowl?(23:58) Ranking HC openings by QB situation(24:43) New York Jets & Rodgers(27:56) New Orleans Saints & Carr(30:30) New York Giants & Jones dead cap(37:42) Dallas Cowboys & Prescott(48:21) Jacksonville Jaguars & Lawrence(52:02) Las Vegas Raiders & Minshew(58:50) Chicago Bears & Williams Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenowUnder “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald dive into their Week 14 preview, highlighting one thing to watch in every game. With playoff hopes on the line for many teams, the guys break down what to expect from a slate of games featuring struggling offenses and elite defenses.They kick things off with the Cleveland Browns visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Charles thinks 6.5 points is too low for the Steelers given the Browns' ongoing offensive struggles. Nate also highlights Russell Wilson’s aging but effective play as a key factor in Pittsburgh's recent success. From there, the discussion shifts to an AFC East matchup between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, with the Jets’ defense starting to unravel after Robert Saleh’s firing and Miami trying to find momentum to bring into the offseason.The “Hoss Fight of the Week” features the Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals. Nate highlights the improving Seahawks defense, led by Ernest Jones, while Charles wonders if Seattle’s pass-heavy offense is sustainable long-term. Over in Carolina, Bryce Young faces his toughest test yet against the Philadelphia Eagles, with both guys wondering if the Carolina Panthers can keep up against the Eagles’ elite defense.Later, the guys look at the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, where Nate points to the potential impact of DJ Humphries' start at left tackle for Kansas City and predicts a big game for Chargers' receiver Ladd McConkey, before diving into a Slop Watch as the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Tennessee Titans and hitting the mailbag question of the week.(2:20) - Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers(8:30) - Las Vegas Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(13:50) - New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins(19:20) - Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals(26:25) - Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings(32:40) - Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams(36:50) - New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants(39:45) - Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers(42:35) - Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles(47:45) - Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs(51:40) - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans(56:05) - Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys(59:40) - Are nickel corners corners?Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this week's Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz, Jori Epstein, and Frank Schwab dive into the latest headlines, from Dak Prescott's comments on Mike McCarthy to the evolving coaching carousel in Chicago.First up, Jori Epstein reacts to her viral interview with Dak Prescott about his thoughts on McCarthy's future in Dallas. The crew debates whether the Dallas Cowboys should bring Mike McCarthy back or move in a new direction, weighing the pros and cons of potential head coaching candidates like Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson and whether the grass really is greener on the other side.The conversation shifts to the Chicago Bears, whose continued coaching missteps have left the franchise in turmoil. The crew discusses what the Bears should be looking for in their new leader and whether they can ever find stability after years of turnover.The trio also dive into the historic 2024 rookie QB class, with Frank calling it one of the best we've seen since the legendary 1983 draft. As we approach Week 14, these young quarterbacks are showing they’re more than ready for the NFL, with some already playing at a high level. Jori also brings up Sean Payton as a Coach of the Year candidate, whose bold moves in Denver are starting to pay off.Finally, the crew debates NFL power rankings, with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles both making strong cases for the top spot, and previews this week's Thursday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.(1:05) - Cowboys coaching dilemma(20:00) - Bears begin head coach search(37:50) - Is this rookie QB class going to be among the all-time greats?(46:50) - Frank's power rankings corner(50:50) - Packers @ Lions preview & picksSubscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT ❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways: • Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez • Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699 • Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon read the obituaries for the most disappointing NFL teams of the 2024 season, declaring each team's hopes and dreams for the 2024 season, where they fell short and what to do about it this offseason. The Cleveland Browns' playoff hopes are shot, with Deshaun Watson’s struggles leaving the team at a crossroads—will they cut bait or roll the dice with Jameis Winston? The Cincinnati Bengals’ high-powered offense has been undermined by a porous defense, raising questions about how they rebuild in the offseason.The San Francisco 49ers, plagued by injuries and a Super Bowl hangover, face an uncertain future—are they done, or can they regroup next year? The Chicago Bears, full of young talent, are caught in a cycle of dysfunction. A coaching change could be the key to a turnaround, but that hasn't worked out for them in the past. The New York Jets are stuck in limbo with Aaron Rodgers’ return not going as planned, leaving them to figure out where to go from here.The Miami Dolphins’ fragile roster has them teetering on the edge of playoff elimination, and Nate and Matt question if they have enough to make another run next year. Finally, the Dallas Cowboys have fallen short of expectations, and with major roster questions, the guys wonder if it’s time for a shake-up or just more of the same.(2:10) Cleveland Browns(15:00) Cincinnati Bengals(28:10) San Francisco 49ers(42:50) Chicago Bears(49:35) New York Jets(59:10) Miami Dolphins(1:05:30) Dallas CowboysSubscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab break down the biggest matchups from Week 13 of NFL action, as they give their thoughts on the three biggest games from Sunday, parse through the leftovers from the Thanksgiving games and give instant takeaways for every game from the Week 13 Sunday slate.The Philadelphia Eagles solidified their Super Bowl contender status with a dominant second-half performance against the Baltimore Ravens. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are now 8-0 since their bye, and Frank and Fitz both agree that Philly has a case to be considered the NFC favorite. Despite a strong effort from Lamar Jackson, the Ravens continue to struggle, particularly with kicker Justin Tucker’s recent struggles, which could haunt them come playoff time.The Pittsburgh Steelers impress with their versatility, winning both low-scoring slugfests and high-scoring shootouts. Fitz and Frank praise Mike Tomlin’s coaching job, though they note some concerns, particularly with George Pickens' recent struggles. The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, continue to disappoint, with Frank calling their defense a major liability despite Joe Burrow’s MVP-level play.In the "Leftovers" segment, the guys discuss the Thanksgiving games, including the struggles of the Chicago Bears, an unremarkable Dallas Cowboys win and the Green Bay Packers turning in their best performance of the season. The Kansas City Chiefs continue to win ugly, but Fitz remains skeptical about their long-term prospects.Fitz & Frank move on to the rest of the Sunday slate, including Bryce Young’s development, one of the dirtiest hits of the last few years, Drake Maye vs. Anthony Richardson and much more. The duo finish up with their predictions for Monday night's matchup between the Cleveland Browns & Denver Broncos.(1:55) - San Francisco 49ers @ Buffalo Bills(7:15) - Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens(18:15) - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals(29:00) - Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions(32:00) - New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys(32:20) - Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers(34:00) - Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs(40:45) Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers(44:45) - Los Angeles Chargers @ Atlanta Falcons(47:35) - Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars(51:30) - Tennessee Titans @ Washington Commanders(52:00) - Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans Saints(52:45) - Seattle Seahawks @ New York Jets(55:30) - Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots(57:30) - Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings(1:01:30) - Monday Night Football previewSubscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT ❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways: • Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez • Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699 • Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

Week 13 in the 2024 NFL season, perhaps like your Thanksgiving meal, was not without its mess. The ugly finishes and strange special teams results from the Thursday and Friday matchups bled into Sunday as weird kicking, turnovers and baffling play continued through the weekend.Nate Tice & Charles McDonald discuss their 5 most important games from Sunday's action, starting with the Atlanta Falcons falling to the Los Angeles Chargers, thanks to Kirk Cousins' 4 interceptions. Charles laments his hometown Falcons and how this was actually a very winnable game for the Dirty Birds, if it weren't for Cousins' penchant for giving up the ball.Next up, a tight matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens that might have finished differently if it weren't for a trio of missed kicks by legend Justin Tucker. The guys wrap up the show discussing the Minnesota Vikings coming back late against the Arizona Cardinals, Anthony Richardson's final drive heroics in a win over the New England Patriots & the New York Jets doing New York Jets thing in a home loss to the Seattle Seahawks.(2:10) - Falcons fall to Chargers(10:35) - Eagles defense holds back Ravens(18:15) - Vikings come back late against Cardinals(24:55) - Richardson's Colts win in final moments against Patriots(32:15) - Jets continue lackluster offense against Seahawks🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts