It's a Football Podcast!

Preseason is underway. But is it too long?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson played his first game in a year, and the early results weren't great. But the biggest question remains, will he see the regular-season field this season? Trey Lance took another step toward becoming the San Francisco 49ers' QB1. Are the Niners finally moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo? The Dallas Cowboys started the season the way they ended last year, with penalties.

All of that was just Week 1 of the preseason. Is it already time to look to 2023?

Elsewhere, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was diagnosed with a meniscus tear and a bone bruise. For the Tennessee Titans, Malik Willis put in a strong performance, adding pressure to last year's starter Ryan Tannehill. The quarterback battle continued for the Pittsburgh Steelers, while wide receiver George Pickens made quite the opening statement.

And the NFL Insiders ponder the latest in NFL innovation, which is basically "JUGS machine on steroids."

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will miss the start of preseason for "personal reasons," according to coach Todd Bowles. In New England, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn't name an offensive or defensive coordinator and the early assessments are not ideal for Pats fans. For Panthers faithful, quarterback Baker Mayfield is making a positive impression in Carolina. Elsewhere, linebacker Roquan Smith requested a trade from the Chicago Bears. 

As for things in Cleveland, team news isn't much clearer for the Browns as they kick off preseason in Jacksonville. Akron Beacon Journal's Chris Easterling discusses the latest for the AFC North team. 

Finally, the NFL Insiders determine if Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson or Tyler Dragon has better dance moves. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended six games Monday by an independent disciplinary officer after he was sued by 24 women who accused him of sexual misconduct in massage sessions. On Wednesday, a day before its deadline to appeal, the NFL did just that. Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine who hears the appeal. 

The Miami Dolphins also received punishment this week. A league investigation determined the Dolphins used “unprecedented” tampering in their failed pursuits of quarterback Tom Brady and former head coach Sean Payton. The NFL stripped the team of draft picks and fined owner Stephen Ross.

Amid the big news of the week, Deebo Samuel agreed to a new deal with the San Francisco 49ers, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton bought stake in the Denver Broncos and Brady celebrated his 45th birthday.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Training camps across the league are underway. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James and Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf attended camp but did not train. Which player will be the first to get a new contract?

Offseason workouts aren't just for players. USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis released his famous (or infamous) NFL record projections for all 32 teams. He joined Tyler and Safid to break them down. 

Joe Burrow underwent an appendectomy. Jerry Jones has options, but "chose" Mike McCarthy to lead his team. And the NFL insiders predict who will have a breakout season this year.  

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The NFL and Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson are in a holding pattern while Sue L. Robinson — the independent disciplinary officer hired by the league and NFL Players Association — continues to review the evidence of Watson's cases. Would both sides benefit from a settlement rather than waiting for a decision?

Also, pack your bags. It's time for NFL training camps. While rookies and the Las Vegas Raiders are underway, teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers continue discussions with some of their key players. Will Jessie Bates and the Bengals squash their beef? Will Deebo Samuel stay put while Jimmy Garoppolo looks beyond San Fran? And are new deals in the works for Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf and Chargers safety Derwin James?

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

The AFC West has seen turnover and an influx of talent. Will USA TODAY Sports NFL Insider Tyler Dragon pick the Kansas City Chiefs to win the division...again? Is Justin Herbert a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback? Do the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson have better postseason odds than last year's runners up, the Cincinnati Bengals? Will Matt Ryan lead the Indianapolis Colts to the top of the AFC South? Is this the Buffalo Bills' year with the addition of Von Miller?

And the NFL Insiders predict which team will make it to the Super Bowl from the conference.

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Baker Mayfield is officially headed to the Carolina Panthers. What does that mean for current quarterback Sam Darnold?

Before the news of Mayfield broke, the NFL Insiders shared a comprehensive preview of the NFC. Will the Los Angeles Rams repeat as Super Bowl champions with Aaron Donald back? Can Tom Brady capitalize on his 23rd season to secure an eighth title without Rob Gronkowski? 

Safid Deen says Aaron Rodgers is a great regular season quarterback, but can he find a second ring after an eleven-year drought? And as for the NFC East....

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

Every Fourth of July, contestants compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs in 10 minutes. Some find their names immortalized in the tradition, others find love.

The Hungry Couple, Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry, are two professional with a hunger for competition. The competitive eaters join Analis Bailey and Josh Peter to share their story of finding love during competition, talk about reigning men's champion Joey Chestnut and give a behind the scenes look at America's famous eating contest.

Legendary event MC and Major League Eating founder, George Shea, also stops by to tell the history of the tournament and give his predictions for this year's showdown. 

Photo: Paul Martinka, Major League Eating

While the NFL reportedly recommended Deshaun Watson serve an indefinite suspension of at least a year, the Cleveland Browns must now search for a quarterback to lead them on the path forward. Baker Mayfield has made it clear he's not that guy and is "ready to move on."

The Washington Commanders may have unsettled business off the field in Congress, but the team took care of a major need on the field by reportedly signing standout wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension. Where does that leave players like Deebo Samuel in San Francisco and DK Metcalf in Seattle? The NFL Insiders answer this and give their thoughts on some of the more unique food inside NFL stadiums across the country. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"

Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder remained out of the country this week, but, in a Capitol Hill hearing room via video conference, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell faced the House Oversight Committee to answer questions about the Commanders' workplace culture. Also under scrutiny, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reached a confidential settlement with all but four of the women who accused him of sexual misconduct. The NFL has yet to make an announcement about Watson's status in the league next season.

Elsewhere, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski retired, again. Former NFL journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick agreed to join the broadcast booth. And the NFL Insiders have a little fun during NBA Draft week with an NFL crossover. 

Welcome to It's a Football Podcast! with USA TODAY Sports+ Insiders Safid Deen and Tyler Dragon. Each week the insiders take you to the field and behind the scenes covering every X and O because they know football.

But, what's it called?

"It's a Football Podcast!"