NFL Game Previews

Mike Garafolo makes his hosting debut alongside Michael Robinson to begin a new season of NFL Total Access: The Locker Room. First, Garafolo talks about his playing days and a time where he learned information he wasn't supposed to know about while reporting. Then, the duo discuss Cam Newton including why they think he and the New England Patriots parted ways and what's next for the former NFL MVP. Next, they chat about some of the League's rookie quarterbacks and map out routes for Justin Fields and Trey Lance to earn starting jobs for the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers respectively.

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Hall of Fame Defensive Back Rod Woodson joins Michael Robinson & Brian Baldinger. Up first, Rod talks about the time a coach chewed him out and how it changed his mindset from being an athlete to thinking more cerebral (2:30). Baldy gets insight into what it was like playing for Steelers legendary coach Chuck Noll (5:50), the current state of the team with Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger (10:50), and where they stack up in a loaded AFC North (13:45). Rod reveals the secrets behind making 71 career interceptions (15:25) and the basketball-like technique he used so successfully (17:45). Mike Rob asks the difference in today’s NFL for Defensive Backs (22:25). Rod talks about being a returner in the NFL and the fun of having the ball in your hands (26:00) and when he knew the 2001 Ravens was special enough to win the Super Bowl (27:50). Finally, Rod talks the difference in culture and tradition of the teams he played for (32:50). NFL Total Access: The Locker Room is part of the NFL Podcast Network.

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Three-time Pro Bowl Linebacker & Walter Payton Man of the Year Award Winner Thomas Davis joins Michael Robinson & Brian Baldinger. Up first, Thomas talks about the one time a player almost came to blows with former head coach Ron Rivera in Carolina (2:05). Next, he opens up about one of the hardest hits he ever took in the NFL and getting a little revenge on the next play (4:30). Baldy gets insight from Thomas on making the transition from Safety to Linebacker early in his career (6:02). The guys explore the evolution of the LB position and how Tight End’s have forced the changes (8:20). Mike Rob gets Thomas to break down his competitive relationship with former teammate Luke Kuechly, (11:05) the philosophy of former Head Coach Ron Rivera (13.58), and going against Cam Newton in practice during the 2015 season (16:35). Hear why Thomas believes in Cam (17:45) and the outfit Cam probably wishes he never put on (19:40). Finally, what’s next for Thomas as he embraces the next chapter of his post-football life (21:30).

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San Francisco 49ers General Manager and 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee John Lynch returns for the second half of his conversation with Michael Robinson and Bucky Brooks. First up, Lynch talks about the advice he got John Elway on how to behave on camera as a GM (2:00). Who first put the idea of Canton in Lynch’s head (4:05), and what was it like to have David Baker knock on his door? (6:20) Bucky asks about the Niners aggressive philosophy towards player acquisition… including that draft week call to inquire about Aaron Rodgers’ availability (7:40). MRob wonders how Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers have handled the offseason as the team actively look for the guy who could possibly replace him at QB (10:15). Former pro scout Bucky digs in on Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s evaluation of the 3rd overall pick, Trey Lance (13:40). Lynch says all that secrecy around the draft is important both outside and inside the organization… plus it’s just fun (15:50). So when will Trey Lance play? Lynch’s answer: when he’s ready (19:20). MRob asks about the other Trey the Niners drafted, running back Trey Sermon (20:05) which leads Bucky to ask about the importance of player versatility on the Niners offensive side of the ball (21:55).

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San Francisco 49ers General Manager and 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee John Lynch joins Michael Robinson and Bucky Brooks to talk about the bond between himself, Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks… oh and the time Lynch and Brooks went to Buccaneers Head Coach Tony Dungy to get Sapp benched (2:05). Spoiler alert, Dungy didn’t go for it. MRob asks Lynch about transitioning from player to GM (7:12) and we learn how John Elway prepared Lynch for the 49ers job alongside Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. Bucky wonders how Lynch’s former role as a player informs his current role as a talent evaluator (15:07). And we learn that sometimes Lynch’s ability to relate to players takes on even more importance when someone is struggling (18:00). Finally, Bucky asks Lynch about the present day influence of his old Tampa 2 defense… it all starts up front (19:55).

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Broncos 2-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon returns joining Michael Robinson and Brian Baldinger to talk about his stacked high school football team that was too talented for its own good (2:05). MRob fast forwards to Melvin’s first season in Denver, asking him if it was difficult to enter a situation where the other running back, Phillip Lindsay, was the city’s favorite son entering a contract year (3:45). Melvin understands the hate coming his way, but looks forward to winning over the fans in 2021 (5:20). Baldy asks Gordon his thoughts about the Broncos drafting an RB in the 2nd round (7:10), it’s just part of the game. MRob asks Flash why he said he felt “overlooked” (8:34), and then asks him if he would have handled his holdout with the Chargers differently today (10:27). Baldy gets passionate about respecting the RB position and the need to get good ones in the first round (12:15). What are Flash’s plans for incoming rookie RB Javonte Williams? He plans on following the path shown to him by his mentor, Danny Woodhead (13:57). It’s a contract year for Gordon, how will that affect his 2021 season (16:30)? Finally, Melvin opens up about the love he has for his old coach, Anthony Lynn (18:47).

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Broncos 2-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon joins Michael Robinson and Brian Baldinger to talk about the time he, Melvin Ingram and Antonio Gates missed the team bus and had to cab it to the stadium (1:55). Baldy wonders if Ingram still believes he’s all-world at every position (3:50). MRob and Flash talk about what a capacity crowd at Mile High Stadium is going to be like (4:48). What did Gordon think when he heard the Aaron Rodgers to Denver rumors (6:50)? And did he actually predict that Teddy Bridgewater would be a Bronco (9:10)? What’s up with Drew Lock? MRob wants to know and Gordon says he told Drew to “fake it ‘til you make it” (9:48), and that competition with Teddy Bridgewater will be good for him. Baldy asks what lessons he learned from Philip Rivers (12:19), and then asks Gordon to talk about that stout Broncos defense and the return of Von Miller (13:30). MRob wants to know if Broncos Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur will be getting Gordon the ball through the air (16:20), and Baldy wants to know how well Gordon treats his blockers (18:26). Speaking of blockers, what does Gordon think of Broncos rookie center, and fellow Wisconsinite, Quinn Meinerz (20:40)?

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Arizona State Head Coach and former NFL Head Coach Herm Edwards stops by to tell Brian Billick about the stories that the camera didn’t catch with the ‘Miracle at the Meadowlands’ (1:15). Coach Herm then talks about what drew him into the college coaching world (5:35), and how he mentors and connects with young athletes. Herm reveals it all begins with a simple question (8:35). Then Coach Billick asks Herm about what spurred the infamous ‘You Play to Win the Game’ press conference (13:55), and Herm talks about the reaction his family and team had after the comments took off (16:15). The guys then discuss the difficulty coaching in the massive New York City market, and Herm reflects on a note that former New York Jets and New York Giants Head Coach Bill Parcells left for him when he took the job with the Jets (19:10). Then Coach Edwards talks about how he keeps his infectious energy going, and sustaining a 4am workout routine (21:15). The conversation transitions to how Herm was able to never miss a game or a practice during his long career playing in the NFL (24:25). Finally, with the NFL Schedule being released Herm breaks down how he would approach a 17-game schedule, and a modified preseason (26:25).

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Award-winning journalist and NFL Media colleague Mike Silver joins Michael Robinson on today’s episode to break down all things Packers and Aaron Rodgers. But first Silver shares how he scored locker room cred early in his career (1:44). Then MRob dives in asking Silver why Rodgers is so upset after going 26 – 6 with two trips to the NFC Championship Game over the last three seasons (3:45). Silver explains it’s partly due to the unique situation of Green Bay not having an owner. Silver breaks down how the Packers moves in the draft and free agency since 2019, combined with mismanagement, set the stage for the current rift (5:50). What could the Packers have done to prevent this? Silver has three suggestions (8:35). Where do the coaches stand? Surprise, they’d like Aaron to stay (9:30). Is this about money? Silver thinks it’s more about respect and giving him the offensive weapons he needs… but that it’s unlikely Aaron would take a team-friendly deal even if the Packers loaded the roster with talent (10:30). MRob wonders if this is Rodgers trying to change the way the Packers do business (12:22), Silver says maybe, but it’s unlikely they will…and that’s just more mismanagement (13:15). Does elite talent trump a team sticking to its principles? Silver says yes (14:54). Can fans relate? Silver says no (16:47). MRob makes a smooth transition to Silver’s current piece published on NFL.com about spending last Thursday night in the Broncos Draft Room (18:45), could Rodgers really end up in Denver? Finally, Mike Silver tells us about the “Pass it Down” podcast he hosts with his daughter (21:15).

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All-Time great, Hall of Famer Mike Singletary joins Michael Robinson and DeAngelo Hall to talk about the time Walter Payton snuck heat balm into his jockstrap (1:43). Singletary reveals the origin story of “Samurai Mike” (5:30), before explaining how a note slid underneath Buddy Ryan’s door lead to Bears greatness and to the rise of the 46 Defense (7:02). What else did Singletary learn from Buddy Ryan? Accountability and ownership (11:30). DHall asks about the larger-than-life personalities of the 1980s Chicago Bears starting with Mike Ditka… and Singletary tells the guys how Ditka started a culture of anger that was hungry to win (12:44). The toughest player Singletary ever faced? The Patriots guard John Hannah… and he was a handful even though he never once held (15:11). MRob asks his old coach if he could have played versus the dynamic offenses of today… short answer: yes and it would involve hitting (16:53). DHall asks Singletary whether the ’85 Bears knew how great they were at the time (19:40), and Singletary tells the guys that they could have been even better. What made Mike Singletary want to coach (21:55), and what lessons did he learn about himself along the way. Did he ever feel overwhelmed as a head coach (24:52)? DHall asks if coaching Ray Lewis was like looking in a mirror (27:23), and Singletary tells a story about just how hands-on he was as a linebackers coach. Finally, Mike Singletary tells us something surprising about the day after he sent Vernon Davis to the locker room (30:10).

NFL Total Access: The Locker Room is part of the NFL Podcasts Network.

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