On this episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast, Patrick Moran interviews Sports Illustrated and MMQB National Football Writer Jonathan Jones.

A native of North Carolina, Jones talks about growing up in the Tar Heel State and attending the University of North Carolina. Jones eventually became the sports editor of his college newspaper and managed a staff of 25. He talks about how the gig helped prepare him for his professional career.

From there Jones (@jjjones9) went on to cover the Carolina Panthers for the Charlotte Observer.  Jones talks about his time covering the team, ranging from being intimidated early on in as a 23-year old reporter in the locker room to covering the Panthers when they went to the Super Bowl in 2015.  He also talks about his relationship with Cam Newton and how things changed during the process.

Jones also discusses how his opportunity at Sports Illustrated came out, why he took the job, his teammate at SI and previous Moran-Alytics Podcast guest Jenny Vrentas, and life at SI without Peter King.

At some point the two actually getting around to talking some current football.  Jones gives his thoughts on if Tyrod Taylor is really locked in to begin 2018 as the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback and defends his reasoning for picking the Buffalo Bills to finish dead-last in the NFL standings this year.

Immediately after that Moran is joined by Tone Pucks (@tonepucks) for their “Pat with Pucks” segment. The two talk about the Buffalo Sabres roster after trading away Ryan O’Reilly, trading for Connor Sheary and signing goaltender Carter Hutton as their significant moves over the past week. How much improvement, if any should fans expect this season after finishing dead-last in the NHL standings three of the past five years?

The two also talk NBA free agency including Lebron James taking his talents to Los Angeles and Paul George staying in Oklahoma City, reveal unpopular opinions and give special shout outs.

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Follow Patrick Moran on Twitter @patmorantweets and “like” the Moran-Alytics Facebook page.

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