The Lead

The Milwaukee Brewers are absolutely running away with the NL Central this season, and that’s thanks largely to their incredible pitching staff. So what exactly is going on in Milwaukee? The Athletic's Eno Sarris recently crunched the numbers and spoke with MLB insiders, and he joins us today to talk about what sets the Brewers' pitchers apart, and how a forward-thinking front office has led to explosive results on the mound. Then, we turn from brewers to breweries and look at why the national craft beer boom has not translated to better beer selections at many ballparks. 

Eno's story about the Brewers:

https://theathletic.com/2816670/2021/09/10/sarris-theres-some-nasty-stuff-and-stuff-brewing-in-milwaukee/

Eno's story about the brews:

https://theathletic.com/2800477/2021/09/14/as-craft-beer-booms-around-the-country-why-isnt-it-thriving-at-the-ballpark/

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Back in January, after a third straight losing season, the Detroit Lions hired a new head coach — former NFL tight end Dan Campbell — who wasted no time in making an unforgettable impression at his introductory press conference. With the Lions set to face the Packers on Monday Night Football, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Chris Burke and Nick Baumgardner, who spoke to former friends and teammates to learn more about the cowboy who now coaches in Detroit.

Read Chris Burke and Nick Baumgardner’s story about Dan Campbell: https://theathletic.com/2812356/2021/09/08/dan-campbells-cowboy-chronicles-partying-til-dawn-metallica-living-in-a-camper-and-now-lions-head-coach/?source=theleadpodcast

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One of the key pieces to last year's Super Bowl run by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- and an important part of their title hopes once again this season -- is wide receiver Mike Evans. But as important as Evans has been on the field for the Bucs, he has become even more beloved off it -- both in Tampa and in his hometown of Galveston, Texas. Today, Greg Auman, who covers the Bucs for The Athletic, explains how Evans has overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to win the hearts of fans across the country.

Read Greg Auman's full story about Mike Evans:

https://theathletic.com/2807881/2021/09/15/a-beacon-of-hope-in-bucs-mike-evans-galveston-cherishes-its-favorite-son/

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When Jon Gruden returned to the Raiders, big promises were made about the team's return to its historic winning ways. But so far, wins and postseason berths are in short supply in Las Vegas. Despite numerous changes to the roster, the coaching staff, and the front office, the Raiders are still in the doldrums of NFL mediocrity. Today the Athletic's Vic Tafur takes us through all the ups and downs of Gruden's second go round with the Raiders and tells us if he thinks this is the season when the Super Bowl winner finally finds the perfect recipe to get Vegas back to the mountain top.

Read Vic Tafur's Story About Jon Gruden: https://theathletic.com/2819294/2021/09/13/now-or-never-jon-gruden-isnt-on-the-hot-seat-yet-but-its-time-for-the-raiders-to-win/

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Lately, one of the hottest teams in baseball has been one with a flair for the dramatic: the Toronto Blue Jays, led by Cy Young contender Robbie Ray and MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath to look at everything this team has been through in 2021 — including not having access to their home field — and why they are, all of a sudden, so dangerous.

Read Kaitlyn McGrath’s story about the Blue Jays’ improbable comeback victories: https://theathletic.com/2820852/2021/09/12/blue-jays-continue-to-embody-no-quit-attitude-in-pair-of-high-scoring-comeback-wins-over-orioles/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Las Vegas Aces' offense has been virtually unstoppable for most of the season. And while the team (and, in particular, reigning league MVP A'ja Wilson) have been lighting it up on the court, they’ve also been having a ton of fun off it. Today, The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings joins us to discuss the Aces' unique blend of offensive firepower, team chemistry, and TikTok dance parties -- and to break down what else is happening in the WNBA as the regular season wraps up and the playoff picture starts to emerge.

Read Chantel Jennings' full story about the Las Vegas Aces:

https://theathletic.com/2786507/2021/08/24/tik-toks-twerking-and-triumph-how-the-aces-lead-the-league-in-fun-and-winning/

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Aaron Rodgers and the Packers flopped...badly. Joe Burrow led the the Cincinnati Bengals to an overtime victory. Kyler Murray stole the show. And Trevor Lawrence actually lost a regular season football game. The Athletic's Arif Hasan joins us to break down some of the most surprising moments of the NFL's opening weekend, along with some of the things we've come to expect (like Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs to a dramatic, high-scoring comeback).

More from Arif Hasan:

https://theathletic.com/author/arif-hasan/

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Two weeks ago, Saints head coach Sean Payton was at a press conference, answering questions about preseason, when a reporter asked him if the team had a contingency plan for the storm that was forming off the Gulf Coast. Payton said it was the first he had heard about it. Twenty-four hours later, he and others were scrambling to evacuate players, staff, and family members from the city. The Athletic's Katherine Terrell joins us from the team's new (temporary) home in Texas to explain how things unfolded from there, and to discuss how players are doing on and off the field.

Read Katherine Terrell's full story about the Saints' haphazard move:

https://theathletic.com/2798305/2021/09/02/inside-the-saints-chaotic-move-to-dallas-as-hurricane-ida-rapidly-approached-new-orleans/

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Seven months after Tom Brady and the Bucs beat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, the 2021 NFL season gets underway tonight, with the defending champions taking on Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. Today, The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia gives us seven (mostly) bold predictions for the upcoming season, including his picks to reach the Super Bowl, and some high-profile teams that could be disappointments. 

Read Sheil Kapadia’s 32 predictions for the 2021 NFL season: https://theathletic.com/2798591/2021/09/01/32-bold-and-not-so-bold-nfl-predictions-for-2021-patriots-and-the-playoffs-eagles-and-that-pass-rush-and-more/?source=theleadpodcast

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One of the greatest soccer players in history is, in his words, coming home. Two weekends ago, Cristiano Ronaldo re-signed with Manchester United, the club where he first became world famous almost two decades ago. And now, on the heels of becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in international men's soccer, Ronaldo is expected to make his second debut with Man United this weekend. Today, The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell takes us inside the Red Devils' successful quest to lure the Portuguese star away from their cross-town rivals Manchester City, and to discuss what his role in the team will be -- and if his presence tips the Premier League title race in their direction.

More from Laurie Whitwell:

https://theathletic.com/author/laurie-whitwell/

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