The Daily Play With Joy Taylor

Joy Taylor discusses the Raiders naming veteran Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, arguing the team’s instability and poor roster make easing Mendoza in the responsible move; Cousins is 38 on a one-year deal and becomes the Raiders’ ninth QB starter since Derek Carr, with new coach Clint Kubiak marking a fourth QB/HC combo in four years. She then criticizes the Texans for not extending C.J. Stroud despite picking up his fifth-year option through 2027, saying Houston’s reported $50M-per-year offer was rejected and delaying will only raise the price. Finally, she covers the NBA’s severe penalties against Steve Ballmer and the Clippers for alleged Kawhi Leonard-related cap circumvention, including five future first-round picks forfeited, a $30M fine, Ballmer’s one-year suspension, other executive suspensions, a $700K fine for Leonard, and additional compliance measures. 

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Joy Taylor covers three top stories: LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s push to roster and play players cut from NFL teams who still have a fifth year of college eligibility, and the SEC’s attempt to sanction teams for adding athletes after signing with pro teams, with a Baton Rouge judge set to decide whether to uphold or reverse a temporary restraining order blocking SEC punishment; she notes player impact, Steve Sarkisian’s moral opposition, and broader murkiness in college sports rules since NIL. She then discusses Bengals QB Joe Burrow openly stating his goal to win the Super Bowl and why he believes teams should say it publicly, outlining why expectations are high for Cincinnati. Finally, she reacts to Stan Kroenke agreeing to buy controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels at a $4B valuation and what his championship track record could mean for the franchise. 

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Joy Taylor breaks down the Steelers’ unusual decision to carry four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster—Aaron Rodgers plus backups Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Aller—questioning the plan for a 42-year-old Rodgers and doubting Pittsburgh’s playoff outlook in a tough division, while noting Mike McCarthy’s view that a larger QB room enhances the season. She also reviews USC’s season-opening 42-28 win over San Jose State, where a sparse Coliseum crowd (officially 51,000) drew online criticism amid 90-degree heat and a likely blowout; USC responded with plans for cooling stations and more water allowances. Taylor rejects the idea that Los Angeles is a bad sports city, citing entertainment options and strong attendance for teams like the Dodgers. 

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Joy Taylor recaps three major football storylines: Aaron Donald’s return to the Rams after retiring in March 2024, sparked by the team’s June 1 trade for Myles Garrett and a strict training regimen, giving Los Angeles a defensive line with two Defensive Players of the Year plus added secondary help from Jalen Watson and Chet McDuffie and an offense led by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay. She also notes Odell Beckham Jr.’s comeback in New York as he makes the Giants’ 53-man roster, calling it a feel-good, low-pressure fit where he can add experience and leadership. Finally, Taylor highlights the start of college football with Bill Belichick’s 15–10 win over TCU in Dublin as North Carolina opens year two of his tenure, with upcoming games against East Tennessee State and Notre Dame. 

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Joy Taylor discusses Jonathan Kuminga reportedly signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a two-year, $12.4 million deal with a player option, choosing Minnesota over the Lakers, Bulls, and Blazers, and potentially filling the vacant starting power forward spot alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert. She reviews Kuminga’s recent path from the Warriors’ long negotiations and prior contracts to a stint with the Hawks, his playoff production, and his upside on a Western Conference contender. Taylor then covers the Falcons’ unresolved quarterback situation entering the final preseason week, with Tua set to start the last preseason game, Cooper Rush and Jack Strand backing up, and Michael Penix just cleared for 11-on-11 after a torn ACL, with coach Kevin Stefanski unsure when a Week 1 starter will be named. She closes by congratulating Blake Griffin on his weekly late-night talk show, The Stepback with Blake Griffin, debuting October 20 and airing Tuesdays. 

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Joy Taylor previews key NFL storylines on The Daily Play: Patrick Mahomes says he’s on track to be 100% for Week 1 after last season ended with an ACL tear, and Taylor expects Kansas City to return to the playoffs while discussing fans’ mixed feelings about dynasties. She also looks at the Jets under defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn, highlighting offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s old-school approach and receiver Garrett Wilson’s enthusiasm, along with positive practice vibes reported by Keyshawn and Jordan Schultz. Finally, Taylor reacts to the NFL eliminating the Pro Bowl game immediately; instead, 88 players will be named in December and celebrated in Los Angeles during the traditional Pro Bowl weekend, a move she praises as a smarter way to honor players and improve the product. 

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Joy Taylor previews the NFL regular season starting in two weeks, noting a Super Bowl rematch on Wednesday, Sept. 9 because Rams–49ers will play the first NFL game in Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10. Citing ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, she discusses playoff teams most likely to decline in 2026 (Bears, Panthers, Broncos, Jaguars, Patriots), saying she trusts Denver and New England to remain playoff-relevant, expects Chicago to make the postseason again, and is skeptical about Carolina and especially Jacksonville sustaining last year’s success; she also predicts the Dolphins and 49ers will struggle and projects last year’s playoff teams she thinks will miss (AFC: Steelers, Jaguars, Chargers; NFC: Panthers, Packers, 49ers), noting typical postseason turnover. She then covers an NCAA eligibility controversy as the SEC and Big Ten move to bar athletes who declared for pro drafts or signed with pro teams from returning to college rosters, referencing LSU-related cases and anticipating lawsuits and enforcement confusion amid NIL.

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Joy Taylor discusses Browns coach Todd Monken naming Deshaun Watson the Week 1 starter despite Watson’s backlash over criticizing fans for booing and his limited on-field results since 2022; Watson later says emotions got the best of him, while Taylor argues Cleveland is driven by money and politics, notes Watson’s preseason stat line (11-of-15, 126 yards, lost fumble), 9–10 record, injury history, and says Shedeur Sanders hasn’t had a real competition and should get a better opportunity. Taylor then condemns Enes Kanter and Royce White’s WNBA-related activism, recounting Kanter being removed from a Chicago Sky game after a Natasha Cloud confrontation and praises Cloud’s pro-trans message, calling the issue a manufactured distraction. Finally, she covers reports that 49ers owner/CEO Jed York was arrested in a prostitution sting, pled no contest to misdemeanors, the team’s no-comment stance, and the NFL’s review. 

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Joy Taylor breaks down a bizarre Browns development as Cleveland waives tight end Daquan Wright so he can return to college and play for LSU after a temporary restraining order allowed certain athletes another season; Wright, previously an undrafted free agent signed by the Eagles and claimed by the Browns, is believed to be the first to return to college after signing with an NFL team. She also reacts to Deshaun Watson addressing boos from Browns fans after a 31–7 loss to the Bills, arguing players shouldn’t be booed for injury but noting fan frustration tied to his contract, limited games played, and broader context, while predicting a toxic season and suggesting Cleveland may force him to start. Finally, she discusses the Miami Heat reportedly adding Klay Thompson after a Mavericks buyout and why his shooting and championship experience can help Miami. 

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Joy Taylor covers James Harden’s new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cavaliers, which helped Cleveland get under the aprons and facilitated a five-team deal bringing Peyton Watson to the Cavs while moving Max Strus to the Clippers and sending future picks (including a 2031 first and a 2032 second via the Kings) to the Nuggets; she notes Harden’s recruiting role, his career earnings approaching $500 million, his postseason reputation, and a projected Cavs starting five with Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. She then discusses the value and risks of NFL joint practices, contrasting Saquon Barkley’s dislike of them with Eagles DC Vic Fangio’s support. Finally, she updates WNBA storylines: Olivia Miles’ milestone game and ankle injury, No. 1 pick AZ Fudd missing the rest of the season for a right knee procedure, and Sophie Cunningham’s comments about potential change at commissioner amid ongoing criticism of Cathy Engelbert. 

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