NFL Week 7 Recap: Packers in Trouble, J.J. McCarthy Breaks Out & Bengals Rally

Kevin Clark reacts to a wild week in the NFL, from the Packers' costly mistakes and growing problems in the NFC North to J.J. McCarthy's eye-opening performance against the Texans. Kevin explains why McCarthy looked like a legitimate NFL starter, why the Bears could take control of the division, and why Green Bay has plenty of work to do. Plus, the Bengals erase a 13-point halftime deficit to beat the Ravens, the Falcons take down the 49ers, and the Buccaneers emerge as a team to watch in the NFC South. Kevin also discusses controversial roughing-the-passer calls, the value of field position, and why he still believes in Dan Campbell's aggressive approach on fourth down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark welcomes three outstanding guests to This Is Football: former NFL center Mitch Morse, Lions legend Calvin Johnson, and Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie. Mitch Morse discusses the transition from playing in the NFL to covering it, the challenge of honestly evaluating former teammates, and the league’s biggest storylines. He and Kevin break down Josh Allen, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, the 49ers, the Packers-Lions matchup, Kenneth Walker’s impact on the Chiefs, and the Cowboys’ defensive struggles. Calvin Johnson joins the show to talk about Jared Goff’s accuracy, the Lions’ defensive concerns, how the wide receiver position has evolved, and what it was like facing elite NFL cornerbacks. He also reflects on changes in the game, player safety, and the teammates who made an impact during his career. Trent McDuffie shares his perspective on playing cornerback, learning from coaches like Sean McVay and Andy Reid, practicing against Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes, and the work ethic Aaron Donald brought to the Rams. He also discusses the Rams’ season and what fans often misunderstand about playing defensive back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Siciliano joins Kevin Clark on This Is Football for a wide-ranging conversation about the NFL’s biggest storylines. They break down the Cleveland Browns’ unexpected 4-2 start and why the team is finding ways to win despite its struggles, with Siciliano comparing the current run to Cleveland’s famous Cardiac Kids of 1980. They also discuss Todd Monken’s impact, the Browns’ young talent and why fans should enjoy the ride rather than worry about whether the success will last. Plus, Kevin and Andrew examine the Colts’ decision to fire Chris Ballard after years of disappointing results, the failed Anthony Richardson experiment and what Indianapolis needs from its next general manager. They also dive into Jalen Hurts’ health, the Eagles’ complicated salary-cap situation and the difficult decisions Philadelphia could face with its roster moving forward. Along the way, Siciliano shares stories about NFL Films’ legendary archive, the untold moments captured on players’ microphones and their shared connections to the Arena Football League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rams are struggling, the Eagles are facing an uncertain future, and the NFL landscape continues to change after Week 6. Kevin Clark breaks down the biggest winners, losers, and questions facing teams across the league on This Is Football. Kevin explains why the Rams' problems go beyond their kicking game, examining Matthew Stafford's declining downfield production, the offense's changing identity, and a schedule that could make climbing out of a 2–4 hole even harder. He also takes a closer look at the Eagles, who face difficult decisions about their roster, salary cap, coaching staff, and long-term future amid a wave of injuries. Plus, Kevin discusses whether J.J. McCarthy could give the Giants a better chance to compete, why the Colts may need organizational changes, and what C.J. Stroud's big performance means for Houston. He also looks at Caleb Williams' impressive return, the Bills' ability to overcome defensive struggles, and the surprising Cleveland Browns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manti Te’o joins Kevin Clark for an NFL Week 6 preview, discussing the Seahawks, Broncos, Cowboys, Bills, and 49ers. The former NFL linebacker breaks down Dallas’ defensive problems, what Buffalo needs to do to make a Super Bowl run, and why Fred Warner stands above the rest at his position. Plus, Manti shares a memorable Philip Rivers story, explains why the 49ers are such a tough team to beat, and weighs in on the Notre Dame-Miami rivalry ahead of their upcoming college football showdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NFL insider Ian Rapoport joins This Is Football to discuss the biggest stories shaping the league, including the Marvin Harrison Jr. trade to the Houston Texans, the 49ers' rise into Super Bowl contention and the teams flying under the radar. Rapoport explains what Houston is getting in Harrison Jr., examines Arizona's quarterback questions, and shares his perspective on Cam Ward, Justin Herbert and the future of Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. He also looks back on his time covering Nick Saban, sharing the coaching legend's lessons on preparation, humility and taking pride in your work. Plus, Rapoport tells the story of breaking the news of Pat McAfee's retirement and explains what makes McAfee such a uniquely enthusiastic sports personality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark recaps Week 5 of the NFL season, breaking down the teams and players changing his outlook on the year. Kevin admits he underestimated the San Francisco 49ers, explaining how Brock Purdy, Mike Evans and the running game have helped San Francisco emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender despite significant injuries. He also makes the case for the Minnesota Vikings as a championship-caliber team. Plus, Kevin examines Dan Quinn's disastrous game management in the Washington Commanders' overtime loss, the Packers' much-needed victory behind Jordan Love, and the mounting concerns surrounding Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. He also discusses the Cardinals' use of Jeremiyah Love, why game management is becoming increasingly important in the NFL, and what teams can learn from the league's narrow margins. To close the show, Kevin shares a personal story about Mike Ditka and reflects on the legacy of one of football's most memorable figures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Devin McCourty joins Kevin Clark for a Week 5 preview of the NFL season, discussing the biggest matchups, storylines and questions heading into the weekend. McCourty breaks down the Chargers' struggles, Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel's offense, the Eagles' matchup with Jacksonville, and the Seahawks-49ers battle in the NFC West. He also explains what makes Kyle Shanahan's offense so difficult to defend and why Brock Purdy has taken such a big step forward. Plus, McCourty shares an incredible Tom Brady preparation story and gives his prediction on whether the Rams or Bills will ultimately be the better team this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter King joins Kevin Clark for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career covering the NFL and the stories featured in his new book, The Game. King takes listeners behind the scenes of some of the most memorable moments and personalities he has encountered throughout his career. He explains when he first realized Tom Brady had the mentality and work ethic to become an all-time great, shares an incredible story about Brady staying late at the Patriots facility to work on his game, and explains why he sees Patrick Mahomes as the heir to Brady. King also breaks down the story behind Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ legendary “Wasp” play in Super Bowl LIV, including his conversations with Andy Reid about how the play was developed. He discusses what makes Reid such a fascinating coach and why asking smart, genuine questions can open doors with even the most guarded football figures. The conversation also covers King’s early days as a reporter, how he built a relationship with Bill Parcells, the importance of getting reps as a young journalist, and the advice he would give to anyone trying to make it in sports media today. He also shares some of the wildest stories from his career, including encounters with Michael Irvin and James Harrison. Finally, King weighs in on the NFL’s defensive pass interference rule, the possibility of an 18-game season, player safety and what he would change about the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark recaps Week 4 of the NFL season and breaks down the biggest concerns facing some of the league's most disappointing teams. The Buccaneers, Texans and Chargers are all 0-4 despite entering the season with legitimate playoff or Super Bowl expectations, and Kevin examines how each team got here and whether any of them can turn things around. Kevin also dives into Justin Herbert's struggles, the Chargers' offensive identity crisis, the Texans' defensive regression, and why he believes Tampa Bay may need a new coaching staff. Plus, he explains why he's still high on the Raiders despite their loss to Kansas City, why the 49ers have to be considered in the Super Bowl conversation, and what went wrong for the Eagles against the Rams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices