NFL Playoffs Go Flag-Free and the Giannis “Failure” Debate Hits New York
NFL Playoffs Go Flag-Free and the Giannis “Failure” Debate Hits New York  
Podcast: Evan & Tiki
Published On: Thu Jan 29 2026
Description: Evan and Tiki kick off with the numbers behind what it feels like everyone has noticed: the NFL playoffs have been called looser, with penalties way down and offensive holding dropping dramatically. They debate whether it’s simply better, cleaner teams or a deliberate “let them play” postseason emphasis, plus the rare moments when the whistle suddenly tightens and drives everyone crazy. Then it shifts back to New York sports expectations. A Yankees caller argues that being better on Opening Day actually matters and that Cashman can always patch holes at the deadline. That leads to a bigger discussion about how low the bar has gotten for Yankees fans, what upgrade they actually wanted, and why the bullpen still feels like the shakiest part of the 2026 picture. Finally, the Knicks conversation turns into a full-on Giannis reality check. The guys replay his famous “is this season a failure?” press conference exchange and ask the only question that matters if he lands in New York: can that mindset survive the Knicks’ championship-or-bust pressure, the media, and the fan base after a playoff loss.