The FAN Checkdown

The FAN Checkdown

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The FAN Checkdown episodes

  • Bring on Super Wild Card Weekend

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett begin the show by talking about Jerod Mayo's hiring as the new head coach of the New England Patriots. They argue whether the Patriots made the right decision or acted too hastily. The boys then preview the Super Wild Card Weekend games, including whether the Miami Dolphins can overcome the Kansas City Chiefs. Following that, the guys talk about the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers. They examine if both teams can handle the upcoming inclement weather, if James Cook can break out of his recent slump, and whether the Bills' defence can lead the club to victory. Finally, the guys conclude their preview with the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams vs. the Detroit Lions (36:09)

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

    50 min
  • End of an Era for the Patriots & Seahawks

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett kick off the show with their thoughts on Bill Belichick departing from the New England Patriots after 24 seasons. They also address Pete Carroll's departure from the Seattle Seahawks after 14 seasons with the franchise. The guys analyze what both coaches meant to their squad and what teams are looking to acquire them. Next up, former New York Giants running back, Tiki Barber joins the show to discuss if both coaches can stay up to date with today’s pace of football and whether age is catching up to them. They also examine which running backs to keep an eye on and wrap up with their Super Wild Card Weekend preview (35:07).

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

    50 min
  • Rebuilding the Titans

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett open the show with Adam Rank of the NFL Network reacting to the firing of Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. They debate if this was a smart decision by the team, where he stands on the list of head coach firings and discuss Justin Fields' future with the Chicago Bears. Later, Senior writer/columnist for The Athletic, Joe Rexrode, joins the show (31:07) to share his thoughts on Mike Vrabel's departure from the team, potential destinations for him, as well as the impacts on the Titans' roster. Finally, the guys wrap up the show reacting to the NFLPA Players All-Pro team.

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • What’s Next for Jim Harbaugh?

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett kick off the show by discussing Michigan's win in the College Football Playoff National Championship game and which prospects look primed for the NFL. Next, they talk about Jim Harbaugh’s future and recap the Buffalo Bills win over the Miami Dolphins for the AFC East title. Finally, the guys talk about the Eagle's struggles ahead of their trip to Tampa and Matt Stafford's Detroit homecoming.  

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • A String of Head Coach Firings

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett kick off the show by previewing Super Wild Card Weekend. The guys talk about the games they're most looking forward to, the recent string of head coach firings and the conflict between head coaches Arthur Smith and Dennis Allen. Next, the guys discuss the possibility of Bill Belichick going to the Atlanta Falcons and whether this will benefit both sides. Finally, the guys wrap up the show by talking about the futures of current and rookie quarterbacks and their potential.

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • Wrapping Up the Regular Season

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett begin the show by discussing the Baltimore Ravens' signing of Dalvin Cook from the New York Jets. They debate whether this was a successful decision by the Ravens and whether he can stay up with the squad. The guys then analyze the Pittsburgh Steelers and whether they can make the playoffs with Mason Rudolph. The guys then look at this year's top draft prospects, which teams are in need of a quarterback and their predictions for coach of the year. Finally, the guys discuss the final week of the NFL regular season and how each team's chances of winning may differ (32:56).

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • Head Coaching Dilemmas

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett kick off the show with former Toronto Argonauts head coach Marc Trestman, who discusses the contentious game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. He talks about the officiating and if Dan Campbell's play-calling was a good decision. The guys then examine Baker Mayfield and if he is ready to be the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Next up, Amy Trask, former Raiders CEO, joins the show (32:20) to discuss the idea of Antonio Pierce becoming the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and Bill Belichick's possible final chapter in New England. The guys wrap up the show by discussing potential head coaching positions for other teams.

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • Flacco to the Rescue

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett open the show with Adam Rank of The NFL Network covering Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper being fined by the NFL. The guys discuss what went wrong with the Panthers' season and what comes next. The guys then discuss Joe Flacco's huge game against the New York Jets and the prospect of the Cleveland Browns doing better with their new quarterback. Finally, the three talk on the Chicago Bears' future. Next up, the guys are joined by former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker, Shawne Merriman (32:40) to reflect on his time with the Chargers, Brandon Staley’s firing as well as a few of his favourite players to watch. The guys wrap up the show discussing Justin Fields' future with the Bears.

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • Ravens Take the North

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett begin the first show of 2024 by discussing this year's playoff picture,  the Baltimore Ravens clinching the No.1 seed in the AFC, the possibility of Lamar Jackson continuing his dominance in the postseason, the Philadelphia Eagles' recent struggles, and the contentious game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. Finally, the guys discuss the Buffalo Bills' game against the Miami Dolphins, as well as the Bills' ability to control their destiny (32:57).

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min
  • Mike Tomlin’s Future as a Steeler + Week 16 Preview

    Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett kick off the final show of 2023 with the Los Angeles Rams defeating the New Orleans Saints, the Rams in postseason contention, and the Saints' hopes decreasing, and can Puka Nacua win Rookie of the Year with CJ Stroud out with an injury? Next, the guys discuss Week 16 and the top games to watch, the Buffalo Bills needing a big win and if the Pittsburgh Steelers' season is over? Finally, the guys resume their Week 16 preview with the biggest game of the holiday break, the Baltimore Ravens vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

    50 min

About The FAN Checkdown

From the publisher's feed

Sho Alli and Donnovan Bennett discuss the latest NFL news and analyze the biggest games throughout the season on the road to the Super Bowl. Don’t miss The FAN Checkdown, Monday to Friday on the…