The Lead

After yer another loss, the New England Patriots are now 2-5 and all but out of the playoffs. And that means the question that people love to ask is being asked yet again, and with even more fervor -- is the Patriots dynasty officially over? The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, who has covered the Pats for more than a decade, joins us to discuss what has gone wrong in New England, if there’s any chance the Pats can get things back on track this season, and why we shouldn't be so quick to declare dynasty done.

More from Jeff Howe:

https://theathletic.com/author/jeff-howe/?source=theleadpodcast

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On Sunday, Tua Tagovailoa got his first start for the Dolphins and picked up a win over the Rams, almost one year after the hip injury that ended his career at Alabama. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Josh Tolentino to discuss why Miami turned to Tagovailoa now, how he played in his debut, and the bond that has formed between the rookie and the player he replaced — veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Follow Josh Tolentino’s coverage of the Dolphins: https://theathletic.com/author/josh-tolentino/?source=theleadpodcast

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Legendary hockey broadcaster Mike 'Doc' Emrick announced his retirement last week. Known for his meticulous preparation, his incredible voice, and his unparalleled vocabulary, Doc has called many of the biggest moments in NHL history. The Athletic's Craig Custance, who has known Doc for many years and recently interviewed him about his retirement, joins us to talk about what the iconic play-by-play man meant to American hockey fans and how he’ll be remembered.

More from Craig Custance:

https://theathletic.com/author/craig-custance/?source=theleadpodcast

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It’s been a 32-year wait for the Dodgers and their fans, but L.A. can finally celebrate a World Series victory once again. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Pedro Moura to look at the strange night in Texas when the Dodgers won the title, with the stunning decision to remove Blake Snell early, some late fireworks from Mookie Betts, and the surreal scene that unfolded after Justin Turner’s positive Covid test.

Follow Pedro Moura’s coverage of the Dodgers: https://theathletic.com/author/pedro-moura/?source=theleadpodcast

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Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson picked up yet another injury on Sunday in his team's overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The fourth-year player has had to overcome an incredible number of injuries in his relatively short NFL career, but that has allowed him to move closer toward a goal that he has been pursuing for many years. The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar has the story of the promise Carson made to his mother after a family tragedy years ago, and why he is determined to keep it.

Read Michael-Shawn Dugar's profile on Chris Carson:

https://theathletic.com/2141924/2020/10/23/seahawks-chris-carson-contract-year-free-agency/?source=theleadpodcast

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It’s been a rough start to the season for the Philadelphia Eagles, but they’re still in first place in the NFC East, thanks in part to some impressive play from their new left tackle, Jordan Mailata. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Bo Wulf to discuss Mailata’s amazing journey from rugby player in Australia to starting NFL offensive lineman, and all the challenges he has faced — including multiple heart surgeries — along the way.

Read Bo Wulf’s story about Jordan Mailata: https://theathletic.com/2151369/2020/10/22/jordan-mailata-rugby-eagles/

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has developed into one of best -- if not the best -- tight ends in the NFL. Coming into Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, which the 49ers won easily, he was second in the league among tight ends in receiving yards despite missing two games. The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman has been following Kittle since his days at the University of Iowa, and he joins us to explain how the former Hawkeye went from a skinny, unheralded recruit to one of the best players in the game, the keys to his transformation, and why the gregarious star is still so beloved back home.

Read Scott Dochterman's profile of George Kittle:

https://theathletic.com/2144144/2020/10/18/george-kittle-49ers-tight-end-iowa-football-transformation-receiver-nfl/?source=theleadpodcast

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Doris Burke has been there for many of the biggest moments in NBA history, whether it's on the court after a championship game, asking questions to superstars like LeBron James or Steph Curry, or calling games from beside the court. During her pioneering career, she has earned the respect of players, coaches, and fans, and has become a role model for many women in sports broadcasting. The Athletic's Dana O'Neil -- a friend and former colleague of Burke -- recently wrote a profile about the iconic broadcaster, and she joins us to explain how Burke has broken barrier after barrier without that ever being her goal.

Read Dana O'Neil's profile of Doris Burke:

https://theathletic.com/2087918/2020/09/29/this-should-be-normal-doris-burke-making-history-as-she-always-has/?source=theleadpodcast

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The Carolina Panthers made a lot of changes this past offseason. They brought in a new head coach (Matt Rhule), a new quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater), and a new offensive coordinator (Joe Brady). They also added a speedy wideout who has taken his game to new heights: Robby Anderson. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Joe Person to look at the factors that have contributed to Anderson’s big breakout, and how his friendship with former Jets teammate Brandon Marshall continues to guide his career. 

Read Joe Person’s story about Robby Anderson: https://theathletic.com/2135921/2020/10/14/this-dudes-a-baller-robby-andersons-rise-from-speed-freak-to-complete-wr/?source=theleadpodcast 

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Twenty years ago, Neil Parry and the San Jose State football team were in the midst of the program's most successful season in years. But then, Parry's football career and his life were upended by a gruesome injury in a game against conference rival University of Texas El Paso, which resulted in him losing the lower portion of his right leg. The Athletic's Jimmy Durkin tells the story of Parry's unthinkable quest to play football again, and how his story is inspiring young football players today.

Read Jimmy Durkin's story about Neil Parry:

https://theathletic.com/2107484/2020/10/14/san-jose-states-neil-parry-the-amputee-football-player-who-would-never-give-up//?source=theleadpodcast

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